Captain

Jackson and Holly

Once my lunch period came around, my stomach was growling and I was uneasy to talk to Naomi and Micah and tell them about what Cole told me about Holly being at my house. I walked over to our meeting place outside of the cafeteria where she stood waiting for me.

"Hey, I'm craving a sub today. Does that sound good?" Naomi asked. I fixed my silver backpack over my right shoulder and nodded. Micah was on his phone practically ignoring us. "How was seeing Cole today? And don't forget to tell me everything that happened last night!"

I laughed, "It was fine seeing him. He kissed me in class today actually."

"You're kidding? You guys are official?" Naomi squealed. We continued walking until we got in the sandwich line to get subs.

"He hasn't asked me to be his girlfriend or anything," I said, which caused Naomi to roll her eyes and laugh.

"Guys don't ever ask officially anymore!" Micah chimed in, now paying attention. "You guys are so dating! Yay!"

I'm pretty sure that isn't true but I let it go. "You won't believe what Cole saw when he was leaving my house last night."

"What?" Naomi asked, as we moved a little closer to the counter.

"He saw Holly leaving my house," I said, and immediately Naomi's face looked horrified.

"So, you did hear her right this morning then," Naomi sighed.

"Wait what?" Micah nearly choked.

"This morning I heard Holly telling Vanessa that Jackson is the best in bed." I about puked in my mouth as the words came out. It was not an easy thing for me to wrap my mind around. Plus, Jackson knows how terrible Holly is to me, so why would he do this to me?

"You're kidding, right?" Micah asked, as we moved up to the counter. Naomi ordered us three Italian subs on wheat bread with a Diet Coke then handed the lady a twenty dollar bill.

"I wish I was," I sighed, quickly sending her money for lunch through the Venmo app.

We walked over with our trays to our usual spot but right as we are about to sit down I heard a deep voice with an echo calling my name.

"Maya! Over here!"

We looked to the center of the cafeteria and saw Cole waving us over to his table. He was sitting with all of the football players, some basketball, baseball and cheerleaders. I saw Holly sitting with Jackson and I felt myself almost losing my balance. I looked back at Cole who was waiting.

"Come here! He called again, causing his friends to looks at us. His deep voice sounded so sexy.

Naomi grabbed my arm and pulled me along to the table. I wanted to puke. I don't hang out with these people. I don't fit in.

Micah and Naomi looked absolutely pleased to finally move over to their table. They always wanted to, but sat in our booth with me because I never wanted to sit with everyone else. They are pretty great friends. Even though they are popular, they've always put our friendship before that.

"Hey guys," Cole greeted us then moved over to make room for us to sit in the empty two chairs next to him, then Micah sat on the other side of the table across from us next to Jordan. It was cramped because of how many populars there are over here.

"Hi," I said shyly. Cole stood up to kiss me, then we sat down. I could feel my face turning red as everyone watched.

"Oh, so you guys are dating now?" Jordan asked, who was sitting across from us. This caught attention by some others at the table.

Cole just laughed and turned back to me, ignoring Jordan and everyone else. Maybe Naomi was right. Did guys just not ask girls to be their girlfriends anymore? "How have your classes been today?"

I looked around and know every person here, but I can bet none of them know my name. "They have been fine! I'm ready to get out of here though." Yeah I was talking about school, but also this lunch table. 

"Is that Maya over there?"

I looked to my right and saw Holly staring at me.

"What are you doing over here?" She asked in a nice voice. But I could tell it wasn't meant to be.

"Hey sis!" Jackson called over the long table. He was sitting with Holly. He got up and walked over. I hadn't told him about Cole asking me to homecoming, and I don't think he would mind, but I guess we will find out. "What are you doing here?"

"I had her come over," Cole said, sounding proud. It gave me butterflies.

"They are going to homecoming!" Naomi shouted, probably a little louder than she had intended. "Jackson raised his eyebrows then looked at Cole,"Oh?" I couldn't read his expression. "That's awesome guys," he said approvingly.

I looked across the table and saw Jordan talking to one of the basketball players, but he kept looking back at me. It made me uncomfortable so I tried my best not to look at him at all. Naomi on the other hand began talking Jordan's ear off from across the table.

I looked at Cole who was still talking to Jackson. "Good luck at the game tonight, bro," Jackson said, then looked at me, "I'll see you at home after school!"

Cole and I both waved to him as he walked back over to Holly and some of his other friends.

"So, it looks like Jackson and Holly are together now," Cole said, gesturing for me to look at them. Jackson kissed her as he sat back down. I quickly turned away and back to Cole.

"That makes me want to puke," I groaned.

Cole laughed, "Why? Who cares as long as they're happy, right? There's someone for everyone." I liked his optimism, but them? No way. Not my brother. 

I shook my head, "No. Holly is the devil," I whispered. One time in third grade she even cut off one of my pigtails. Only one! My mom had to take me to get it evened out and it looked terrible for months. Holly definitely enjoyed that. Then there was that time in junior high she cornered me with her crew in the hallway and called me names.

"Why do you keep saying that? I really don't get it," Cole said. I could tell he looked annoyed by the look on his face.

"Forget it, it's okay," I said. Cole's mood changed quickly and I felt like I was upsetting him. "I'm sorry. She's- she's been bullying me since we were in first grade." I whispered, so no one else could hear.

"Really?" Cole asked. "I'm sorry to hear that, but we are in high school now. Time to let it go."

I sighed. I know he's probably right, but its easier said than done. I didn't want his pity, but I did want him to understand. The popular crew never did understand that. Some of them were great and nice, but a lot of them were not. I was definitely out of my element at this table. Maybe Cole didn't really understand me either. 

Cole leaned in and kissed my nose softly then gave me a sweet side hug from our seats. Suddenly I felt reassured. I believe Cole would protect me. At least I hope so. I've never had anyone show me off like he is, so I hope that's a good sign. 

He quickly turned back to Jordan and the other guys, joining in on their conversation about sports. I sat quietly listening and turned to Naomi, but she and Micah were joined into another conversation at the other side of the table. I may not fit in, but these people don't matter; only my friends and Cole.