the afterlife • luke patterson

we've got your back

i shifted uncomfortably in the plastic jacket that carrie had made me wear. i was fully dressed in a purple wig and outfit, feeling like my most unusual self.

"we really have to wear these all day?" i questioned in a huff to carrie, who was fixing her lip gloss.

"it's a status symbol, jo," she replied, shooting me a smile,"i saw nick's friends talking to you."

nick was carrie's boyfriend, also known as julie's long time crush. but that last part was unbeknownst to carrie, who could never know that julie liked him.

"they're lacrosse boys," i pointed out with the roll of my eyes,"if they're not completely stupid, they're probably shallow as hell."

she smiled, not seeing the problem with my words,"i know, isn't it great?"

i threw my hands up in exhaustion,"i just- whatever. i've got my speech competition tomorrow, so i've gotta get to debate to practice."

she nodded, going back to the mirror in her locker,"i'll see you at the pep rally."

i waved lightly and walked off, headed for the auditorium. everyone on the team would be there, working on their own stuff as well.

when i arrived in the room, some teasing cat calls sounded, causing me to roll my eyes.

"shut up." i called out to everyone, walking over to where garette and adam were working on their duo interpretation.

"hey," adam smiled, looking down at me in amusement,"this looks like a fetish someone has."

i scrunched my face in disgust, shaking my head at him,"i hate you, and your invitation to my car tomorrow has been redacted."

garette laughed, smirking playfully at me,"well, then that leaves just you and me. sure you'll be able to handle all the sexual tension in the air?"

i laughed, crossing my arms over my chest, "somehow i'll manage."

"well," i heard luke say from behind me,"they are very forward. is this how guys act nowadays?"

my eyes widened, as i turned to look at him. i wanted to ask what he was doing here, but i knew i couldn't ask in front of my friends.

i turned back to the boys, clasping my hands together,"i-i'm gonna...head to the bathroom. drank a lot of water today."

"good," adam answered, giving me grin,"you were distracting us anyways."

i chuckled, sending him a wink,"i have that effect on people."

luke scoffed, rolling his eyes,"wow, why don't you guys just kiss already?"

i rolled my eyes and walked past the boys, heading for the auditorium doors that led to the hallway.

once we were comfortably out of ear shot, i hit his shoulder harshly,"what are you doing at my school?"

"hey, you know what i think?" he asked, smirking as he looked down at me with his arms crossed over his chest.

i looked at him expectantly, figuring if he was going to ignore my question, he might as well say something interesting,"humor me."

"i think you've got a thing for blondes," he grinned, glancing at the auditorium doors, "yeah, both those guys are blondes and carrie's a blonde."

i was about to protest, when i realized he was probably right.

but i would never admit that to him, so i changed the subject,"can you just tell me what you're doing here?"