The fast food joint we end up going to is a tan and blue Mexican food place called Oasis. My mouth waters as soon as we walk in and can smell the refried beans, cheese, and meat. I try not to eat out too often to save money and in an attempt to be healthy, but this place is always a treat.
We turn the corner to the service counter where a group of girls are ordering their food. More specifically, this group of girls are all from our high school, including my ex Brittney, Skip's new girlfriend Vanessa, and the girl Skip is convinced has a crush on me, Saffron.
Brittney is the last person I want to see. I think I'd be happy never seeing or hearing her fake ass voice ever again. But then it's her turn to order and her high pitched words ring in my ears. She asks for no meat, very specifically, several times telling me that she's going on round three of trying to be vegetarian. I focus intensely on the menu displayed above the counter, ensuring that if she looks my way, we won't make eye contact.
When they finish, they pull off to the side while they wait for their food. I let the boys go in front of me so I'm the last to order. Right as it's my turn, the last of the girls receive their food and they all walk together to a booth.
Skip is at the cash register to pay. His face looks troubled as he pushes his debit card in, but he bites his lip and follows through. He knows he shouldn't be spending money out like this, but he doesn't want to admit it. I don't know what his parents will think.
I get two burritos and some Mountain Dew for myself. I have the tendency to always get the same thing, but I can't help it, the beef here is so damn good. Once we've all ordered and got our food, we head into the seating section of the joint and slip into a booth.
"You know this isn't real Mexican Food," Malcolm comments once we're settled.
John sighs. "Thank you for reminding us. Every. Time."
"Just making sure you know," Malcolm says, playfully holding his hands up in surrender.
The girl's are all sitting a couple tables over, talking loudly, laughing, and snapping pictures to send to whoever couldn't join them. Besides them and us, there are two adult couples and one more group of high schoolers eating, but none of them have the same presence as the girls table. Skip continually glances that way and I have no doubt it's because of Vanessa. Then again, Malcolm and John keep glancing too, but for different reasons. I, myself, have no problem scarfing my food or making great eye contact with the guys as to pretend they don't exist.
John wipes his mouth with his napkin and nudges Skip. "So, how's things with your girl?"
"They're pretty good," Skip says without elaboration.
"Oh come on, get into the goods of it a little."
"I don't know what to say... She's obviously pretty, great personality."
"You moron," John says, smiling but also covering part of his face with his hand. "I'm talking about if you've done anything."
"Like sex? No." Skip pauses for a second. "No," he repeats. "God of course you would ask that you animal."
"Hey, I just wanna see how my player plays the game, don't get mad at me. Quite frankly, I don't know how you can wait."
Skip laughs. "For my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, of course."
If Skip and Vanessa just had their first kiss, there was no way in hell they'd have "done anything." But on the topic of the two, I couldn't help but be intrigued.
"So, have you two hung out recently?" I ask.
"Not since Saturday. We've been busy with lacrosse and all, but we want to this weekend."
YOU ARE READING
Sleep Tight
Mystery / ThrillerA boy draws parallels between the dreams he has each night and the deaths at his high school. Each night, he finds himself in a bizarre competition against his peers. When he awakes, he learns a new kid from school has died. His only hope of survi...
