The Five

2

Madison Thompson sat in the middle of the giant lunchroom in a large table filled with cheerleaders and athletes from the school's sports teams. They all packed the table much past it's capacity, but all somehow managed to fit comfortably. Her two best friends, Ally and Kate, sat directly next to her, and the captains of the football and soccer teams next to them.

She laughed at something the football captain said, ending in everyone else at the table laughing as well. According to Ally and Kate, the whole team, and school for that matter, looked up to her. Something about how being the prettiest girl in the school made her superior. It also helped that her boyfriend was the captain of the baseball team that held a national title and had won several years worth of state championships.

"Sticks tripped in the hallway earlier," one guy from the swim team mentioned, referencing the latest embarrassing thing Joshua Peterson did.

Madison rolled her eyes against the chuckles that followed. "Did he trip or did someone help?"

The guy only smirked. "Does it matter?"

She was about to reply when she felt hands around her waist. "Guess who?" Everyone else thought it was better to continue their conversation.

"Got to give me a hint," she hummed, knowing very well who it was.

His breath was hot against her ear. "Well, you find me very attractive. Like, super hot. You tell me everyday." She did not, not out loud at least. "Something about how my blue eyes twinkle in the sun."

Madison gasped dramatically. "But I've never told anyone about Tony Sanders from the film club!"

Her boyfriend pulled her off her seat and into his arms, ignoring her shrieks. "You're just a little devil, aren't you?"

She turned to look at his face. His blue eyes really did twinkle. "The one and only."

James bit her nose lightly. "Don't I know it." Through the coo's and awe's from the table he leaned in to whisper in her ear. "How about we go for a walk?"

She nodded in agreement before looking over his shoulder to Ally. Her friend spoke for her before she could ask the question. "Your bag will be safe with me in sixth when you're done."

"Thanks, Al," Madison chirped before James grabbed her hand and they left down the hallway.

"What are you doing after practice today?" He asked her. While James was captain of the baseball team, Madison was the cheerleading captain to match. It was cliche, but that's what made the story perfect.

She hummed. "Nothing except chem homework."

James grinned and leaned closer. "Ah. You see, today I've been in the perfect mood to help someone with their chem homework."

Madison laughed, and shoved him away. "You've never taken chemistry in your life."

"What do you mean?" He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and tucked her into his chest. "I've got mad chemistry with you."

"You're so cheesy."

"You love it."

"I do."

They both turned when they heard loud yelling from a classroom down the hall. Not even a full ten seconds later, Owen Hayes came bolting down the hallway his breaths shaky in between maniacal laughs. Behind him ran Mr Turns, covered head to toe in green goop.

"Hayes!" The old man yelled. "You're getting it this time!"

A guffaw was all he got in response as Owen turned a corner.