(Book Three) Being in love is tough, being in highschool is hard, being in love, gay, and in highschool is harder. But my best friend, who happens to be my girlfriend, is worth fighting for.
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This is Book Three of the series.
See Nameless...
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They both do this hugging rocking motion thing while they squeal in excitement. I want to cover my ears. A few people in the hall stare at the commotion and do cover their ears.
"Rosa! Oh my god!" Ari shouts in excitement, "What are you doing here? When did you get back from Italy?"
They've finally stopped hugging, but they continue to hold each other's forearms and stare at each other with pure glee in their eyes.
"We got back last week. When my parents asked which school I wanted to go to I couldn't think of a better school than my bestie's. Are you surprised? Did I surprise you?"
"I'm thoroughly surprised," Ari says.
"I'm excited, this year is going to be amazing!" Rosa squeals, "You better not have your heart set on goalie this year. Or it's on."
"Are you kidding me! Thank god! I was rotating between striker and goalie all last season!"
They're feeding off each other and growing louder. I'm not sure how to insert myself into this but I should. I casually lean into Ari, to remind her I'm standing next to her. She looks at me. Her face is still alight with excitement. She lets go of the newcomer and then slides an arm around my shoulders.
"Rosa, this is my..." She pauses. "...friend, Belle."
Ouch.
We talked about this and I'd agreed to it. I knew it was coming. I push the hurt down and stick my hand out to shake.
"Nice to meet you."
She nods and briefly touches my hand before turning her attention back to Ari.
"They bonfire this year. Are you going?" She smiles at Ari. "I'm not on the team yet could you text me the local?"
"Yes, of course, Chica. Here I'll send you a text." She pulls her arm from around me and reaches into her bag for her phone.
Intentionally or unintentionally, Rosa squeezes in between us and shuffles me out of the way. She crowds close to Ari to stare at her phone
"Oh my god, girl. I've got an old iPhone you can have. It's got a cracked screen but it's better than that garbage."
I scrutinize the new girl. Fiery Latina comes to mind. She kind of dresses like Ari usually does, styles her hair similarly, they are even built kind of the same. I can see how they're friends.
I want to say, before you judge me, I'm having the worst day. She moved me out of the way and away from Ari. Several images of me tackling and strangling her with my bare hands flash through my head.
I walk away.
I badly need to remove myself from this situation. It's turning me into a crazy person. I don't know Rosa. She could have a heart of gold, she's Ari's friend, and she's probably straight. I need to chill.
