Another Serving of Attitude, Anyone?

Not again.

Arthur left me at the dessert table to catch up with his friends and I made small talk with a few other girls before adjourning to the garden chairs laid out in front of a small, make-shift stage.

The President of Elite Butterflies made her way on stage with The Tuxedo’s President in hand.

“Good evening all. Hope you guys are enjoying the delicious food sponsored by Justine’s mum. A big thank you to Mrs. Russo,” She paused for applause.

Talk about suck-ups.

“So, we’ve got a few items on our agenda this evening. Isn’t that right, Jay?” She looked over at the dashing President of the Tux whose curly hair had a certain effect on girls. A hormonal effect.

“That’s right, Emma. First up, we have a speed date session, so everyone’s properly acquainted.”

Well, I’m not sure how anything “speedy” allows for proper acquaintance at all but I don’t mind meeting just another thousand hot guys. I mean I might have better things to do but I’m willing to sacrifice my time.

“And then we have a quick introduction to the treasure hunt activity. But the items you’ll be hunting for aren’t your usual coin and leaf. This activity is your final test in your quest to be an Elite Butterfly or a member of The Tux. Fulfill all 15 items and an interview and you’re officially in! This is an extremely important thing to note so we expect you all to pay full attention and since you’re going to need help, we suggest you form alliances now. And yes girls, you’ll need some help from the boys. Make sure you make the most of the 2 minutes during your speed date.” Emma sounded way too excited for some lame treasure hunt.

I mean, what are we? Five?

And alliances? I’m hoping not everyone’s as snarky as Justine cause then I’m in trouble.

And where do I even begin with speed dating? I haven’t even been on a real date, (and I’m not counting my fake one with Bradley a date) yet alone an accelerated one!

What does one talk about for 120 seconds?

I find the big circle of tables that’s been set up and take a seat next to a girl who looks nice enough not to eat me.

She smiles at me, which is a good sign and I greet her with my pearly whites.

“This is pretty interesting, huh?” She asks, smirking.

“You can put it that way,” I snicker.

We might just get along.

Maybe I can forge an alliance here.

“I’m Anesha, by the way,” I say, sticking out my right hand.

“Crystal, nice to meet you,” she smiles as she takes my hand.

The guys start gathering around on the opposite sides of us and since there are at least 30 of us and 30 guys, that’s about an hour of speed dating.

Here’s to hoping I don’t make every guy think that he wasted 120 seconds of his life.

Guys are filing up around everywhere and no one has taken a seat opposite me yet.

Which makes me feel insecure. And nervous.

From the corner of my eye, I see Arthur seated across a blond bombshell and Tyler already talking away to Justine.

I didn’t expect Arthur to just instinctively come over to me but a part of me was hopeful.

But wishful thinking never got anyone anywhere.

I mean I know I’m not pretty and all but I’m sure I look like I don’t bite?

Or should I look like I want to bite?

Cause you know, guys and… stuff.

Then a guy with spiked hair takes a seat opposite Crystal and that’s when I begin to worry. Maybe there aren’t enough members of The Tux to go around? But I highly doubt it, cause you can literally smell the testosterone from miles away.

I look down at my lap, playing with my hands and letting my hair form a protective shield over my face.

This is embarrassing.

Maybe I should just leave.

Then just as I was about to start tearing, I hear a chair pull out across me and I look up, rather startled.

My suitor is busy adjusting his sling bag, which he frustratingly dumps on the ground with a disgruntled sigh and then looks up to smile at me.

But his smile somewhat vanishes a moment after.

“I should have known,” Bradley says and then proceeds to snicker.

I open my mouth to say something but my tongue doesn’t seem to want to move.

I may not be rooted in place, but my tongue sure is. And who but Bradley to be the instigator?