I Am You

Chapter Eight

'Come on, walk faster.' I said to Natalie, hurrying into the library as she tried to keep up with my pace.

'Slow down! We've still got two periods before the test. What has gotten into you?' she asked, still panting from all the running around.

'Sorry.' I muttered, a little embarrassed. 'It's just that I always get nervous before tests. I'm too competitive. That, along with all the pressure my parents put on me during my school life should explain it all.'

'Just take a breath. You're going to do great! Personally, I'm not extremely serious about tests. I mean, I try my best and I've never failed one but I'm not a straight-A student and I'm honestly fine with it. I've never been book-smart. Can't be good at everything.' she said, shrugging.

Oh god, the things I would do to be such a calm and rational person as her. She was right, though. She's kind of street-smart, you know? The kind of person who doesn't necessarily ace every school test, but is really smart, in general. She's more likely to have solutions to real-life problems rather than the ones on a test paper.

'We'll talk about my over-competitive nature later, Natalie. Okay? For now, let's be competitive.' I said as I rifled through my textbook to find the page I was looking for.

'Sure. Competition. Yay.' she said sarcastically. 'Also, just call me Nat. I'm not used to people calling me Natalie.'

We sat in the library for the next two periods. To give you a short summary of what happened, I studied seriously while Natalie, I mean Nat, tried to study seriously. "Tried" being the key word. For real, she took like thirty breaks in those ninety minutes. 

Later, we gave the test. It was easier than I thought it'd be. I think mine went pretty well. At least now I have something to throw at my mom's face when she calls me next. It's all she cares about. Just tell her you got a good grade and she'll keep the conversation short and sweet.

The rest of the day went well, I'd say. After giving the test, Nat and I grabbed some coffee in this cute little café near the college called 'The Ancient Sip'. It had a homely vibe. The coffee was great too. I have to say, Nat's coffee order was terrifying. An iced caramel latte with extra caramel and double whipped cream with caramel on the top again? Yes, that. Although, to be fair, the order screamed "Natalie".

Nothing of importance happened that day except for Nat admitting that she has a secret tattoo that says "Random" on the bottom of her right foot. How do people make such impulsive, stupid decisions? I'm too obsessed with control to get a tattoo without thinking twice.

Cut to a few days later, when the results of the test came out. I was quite satisfied with mine. I'd be able to zip my mom's lips, after all. Nat looked into my sheet.

'Holy shit! A solid ninety-seven? I wouldn't be able to score that high even in my dreams. I don't think anyone in the class has scored higher than that.' She was practically yelling.

Welcome to "How to hype up your friend 101". It felt good, though. Fred used to hype me up like this. After him, this was the first time someone was so happy for me. It somehow made me feel confident, if you know what I mean. But all that satisfaction and confidence was wiped straight off my face when I heard a voice from behind me.

'Ninety-eight.' he said.

I recognised that voice right away.

'Ethan? There's no fucking way that you...' I snatched the paper away from his hands. My jaw dropped. There it was. The number ninety-eight. I know this might not be a big deal to most people, but my over-competitive ass couldn't handle this defeat. I cannot explain it enough, how competitive I am. It felt like he crushed my ego with his bare hands. I wanted to wipe that smirk off his face.

'Sorry, sweetheart. You gotta do want you gotta do.' he said, cockiness radiating from him.

Out of all the people in the world, Ethan was the last person I expected to outsmart me on a test.

'Whatever. Also, stop calling me "sweetheart", I hate it.' I said after a good whole minute. 'I was off my game this time. I'll be waiting to see your face when I score better than you do on the next test.'

'You look cute when you're angry.' he said, mocking me. Was he? I couldn't tell.

'Shut up.' I rolled my eyes and walked away.

'Later, then.' he sang behind me.

I can't believe how annoying he is. The way he jumps around all day and always has a smile on his face makes me want to punch him. I have to admit, though, I didn't expect him to be a nerd. That's the only thing we have in common, I guess. No, let me correct myself, I hope.

'Why do you hate him so much? I think he's adorable.' Nat chirped.

'Oh, yeah? Then why don't you make him your friend and go play in the park together? Maybe go on a picnic, the two of you. Or even better, play hide and seek with him and just forget the fact that he's hiding. It'll be so much fun!' I said in a shrill voice while fake-laughing. Oh god, I bet I looked like a maniac.

'All I'm saying is that he doesn't seem so bad.' she said, shaking her head.

'Sure.' I said, rolling my eyes.

Ugh, I roll my eyes way too often, don't I?