me, texas, and the popular boy

chapter 5

A week full of flirty texts from Matthew, while I tried to figue out the logistics of our English project and take out with my father, had passed, however, there was an upsetting lack of contact from Boston, including my mother. Matthew had decided for us that if I could "do the ez stuff like research or whatever we're supposed to do," he could "compile it into a blend perfect for an A- minimum." So I decided to do it his way. I mean, we wouldn't have to see each other as often, which I liked the idea of the longer I knew him.

I liked Molly and Perejil. And I had found out that Ms. Molly was an Irish twin. So while she was born in September, her brother -- Porter -- was born in January in the same year, so they were in the same grade. She also clarified that he was a Baseball star, who had been the starting varsity pitcher since his freshman year. She also had two younger brothers, Lukas and Georgie. Perejil said that she was an only child, but both her extended family on both sides was quite large. It was the first Friday of the school year, and Perejil and I were sitting on a bench outlooking picnic tables at lunchtime. I had packed a classic sandwich and chips lunch, but Perejil was "only consuming kombucha and weed" for the time being.

"Yeah I'm trying to score Drake tickets but I don't think I wanna pay a grand for shitty seats," Perejil fiddled with her septum piercing.

"I'm honestly so over concerts the amount of-" My response was interrupted.

"Stop what you're talking about, it's dumb," Molly had come and sat down in between Perejil and me, "I have life-shattering news."

"Literally why are you like this," Perejil leaned back as much as she could on the cement bench.

"Georgia Hayes and Matthew Fletcher. Instagram official." She opened her mouth and put her hands to her face to imitate surprise.

"Are you kidding me? That hasn't been news since the seventh grade! Is there literally no other drama in your life?"

"We were in love Pere!"

"The only time you speak is when you pick up each other's brothers!"

"Not true!"

I was less shocked than I was disappointed. I shouldn't have been, though. It was a crush, and that was it. He treated all girls the same way. I continued this train of thought until I was nudged in the arm.

"I said did you want to see the picture?" Molly looked straight at me while Perejil sat squinting at her phone.

"Yeah, sure," I smiled at her as she handed me the phone. And sure enough, Georgia stood with Matt's arms around her waist in formal attire. It was on Georgia's instagram with the caption, "I CAN NOT BELIEVE that it has been almost 2 YEARS since I last went to homecoming with my favorite boy. But I'm so happy I can spend my senior year devoted to him. <3 I love you @mattfletch54" the comments were mainly just people saying things like "cutest couple shoe-ins!" and "that dressss," but Matt's comment was just a simple heart.

~~~~~~

My father and I had eaten, so I was sitting at my desk doing general studying when I got a text from Matt.

Matthew: Margaret. Im bored talk to me.

This was the first message he had sent me that wasn't under the thinly veiled excuse of not knowing what to do for an English assignment. However, I was still slightly bitter about Georgia, so I ignored him.

Matthew: I saw that you read my message.

A minute passed

Matthew: Margaret. Baby.

Even though I had put up with him before, I was not going to allow him to do that anymore if he was dating Georgia.

Me: peachie okay with you calling me that?

He typed for a long time. The typing symbol would disappear for a few seconds then reappear.

Matthew: Gossip spreads fast, huh?

Me: it spreads fast when you post about it.

Matthew: It's not that serious. Gotta give the people what they want. I'm all about you babe.

Just the arrogance he needed to call me "Babe" while he was dating another girl was unbelievable. I wanted to leave him on read right there.

Me: k

Matthew: Don't be like that Margaret.

Me: k

Matthew: Seriously Margaret. My dad strongly suggested that I was dating the head cheerleader before the end of the season, so, I had to ask her out.

Me: why

Matthew: It's the way things are. but if other opportunities seem possible, I am not too committed.

I didn't want to reply to that. I thought real hard about the words he said but realized I needed other people to hear my thoughts. I then texted Molly, Perejil, and I's group chat.

Me: I have tea.

Mollyy: Saturday, 4:00. Perejil pick Skip up, she doesn't know where I live. Sleepover.