The X-Men meets Stranger Things in this coming-of-age tale.
I, Nadine Jackson, believe in science and opportunities, not stories out of a comic book.
So as part of a school project, my friends Imogen 'Aria' Zhang, Marco Martinez, James Ryder and I...
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Seconds after they began the challenge, Marco and James eagerly dipped their corn chips in chunky pepper salsa then started shoving the delicacies down their throats.
Fingers became sticky of red tomato juice, as the boys' pink tongues quickly grew numb of chili peppers. The more they continued the contest, the more salty fluids rushed down from the boys' eyes and noses.
In spite of our displeasure towards their game, Aria and I refilled their glasses with ice-cold water then placed them near the bowls.
Taking careful sips of water, James thanked us for the beverages, whilst Marco devoured the remaining chips in his bowl.
That is until the stopwatch timer ends.
Hearing a faint beeping noise, Marco and James both stopped what they were doing then glanced down at their empty bowls.
"So, who won?" I ask.
Scratching his head, James glanced at the crumbs then claimed that it's a tie.
"Yeah!" Marco grinned, giving James a high-five. "We rock at the Spicy Salsa Challenge!"
I laugh a little, while Aria rolls her eyes.
"Marco, it's just a contest, " she reminded, "not the Olympics."
"Who cares?" he says, wrapping his arm around James. "We both won fair and square. That's good enough for me."
After their tongues were cooled down, Marco and James used the downstairs guest bathrooms, while I flickered channels using a gray tv remote.
Meanwhile, Aria opened the fridge, collected a carton of chocolate cupcakes, glazed doughnuts, and a bottle of milk, shuts the door with her right foot, and sets the items on the wooden living room table.
Plopping herself on the hardwood floor next to me, Aria asked impatiently: "So, when are you going to tell James?"
Puzzled, I raise my eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Aria scoffs, "You know exactly what I mean, Nadine. Tell James how you feel on the inside."
I frown instantly. "I can't."
"Why not?" whined Aria. "You have been in love with him-"
"Since second grade, " I finished. "I know, but I don't know what to say to James."
"He's smart, cute, compassionate, hardworking, and selfless. He's like a living, breathing Disney character-well, without the music and the unnecessary choreography."
Aria beamed. "See? You should repeat this to James. Maybe he'll see what an amazing person you are."
"Yeah, in a Nicholas Sparks movies, " I scoff in a doubtful tone. "but not in real life. Besides, what if James has a girlfriend, or doesn't think of me that way?"
