For Forever

4. Two-Player Game

The school day went by within a blink of an eye, and it was over before Jess knew it. Her first day at Emerald High went reasonably well, and although her expectations weren't that high, a part of her was already in love with her new school. But to Jess, the most important thing was that in one day she had managed to make a friend. An actual friend. And a great one, at that. Keeping that in mind, the black-haired girl left the school in search for her brother.

Outside, there were countless students chatting and standing in groups. Jess hastily passed her peers, and just as she began to wonder where Jesse was she spotted him talking to Lukas. As she approached the two boys, she overheard part of the conversation they were having.

"..is not half bad."

"Oh Notch, I know that look. Don't get any ideas with her."

"I was just kidding!"

Jess tapped her brother on the shoulder, making him spin around and smile at the sight of his little sister. "Oh, hey Jess," he greeted, holding up his left hand. Jess immediately understood what her Jesse wanted to do and gave him a high five. "Lukas and I are going to hang out today. Is that alright with you?" Jesse asked, although Jess knew that she wouldn't have a say in the matter. With a shrug, she looked at the guys and smiled. "Sure, I don't see why not."

"Sweet!" Jesse turned his head to the blonde boy next to him. "My friend, I have four words for you—Monster Kart 8 Deluxe."

"Technically, 8 isn't a word."

"Shut up."

Monster Kart 8 Deluxe was a two-player game, where players competed against each other in go-kart races on various courses. Up to twelve characters could compete in each race, which were all "monsters", as the franchise called it. (Coincidence? I think not.)

The three teens made their way to the sidewalk before the school. They patiently waited for the Farland's mother to pick them up, when suddenly..

"Hey nerds. And Jess," a girl's voice greeted from behind the trio. Jess turned around and smiled at her, happy to remember that she didn't make one, but two new friends today. Man, she was on fire today. Not in a literal sense of course, but you know.

When Jesse noticed Petra approach them, he stared at her, silent. Her slender limbs in that black-and-white uniform; her long, shining auburn hair; her sparkling cyan eyes—she was a beautiful, priceless jewel.

The instant Jesse realized what was happening, his mind fell into a deep panic. As Petra approached them, he felt his hands get sweaty and aggressively started to wipe them on his pants. Just as Jesse began to wonder if it was too late to run off unnoticed, he heard a voice next to him say, "Nerd? I thought I was more of a geek."

Petra ignored Lukas's statement and looked Jess in the eye. "Thanks for letting me borrow your pen earlier today. I forgot to give it back to you after class, so here." She held out the pen for Jess to take. Jess looked at the redheaded girl before her, then at the pen in her hands. She actually wasn't expecting to get the it back. When do people ever give back stuff they borrowed?

"Thanks, Petra" Jess hesitatingly mentioned before taking the pen. A small yet seemingly genuine smile crawled onto Petra's plump lips. She then turned her head at the guys, and then back at Jess. Her content expression shifting into a rather confused one, Petra pointed a thumb in Jesse's and Lukas's direction. "What are you doing hanging out with these guys?"

"Jesse is my older brother, and Lukas is a friend of his," Jess explained. Petra nodded her head and looked at the guys one final time. She noticed that Jesse was acting aloof and decided to ask, "You okay there?"