Chances for Charity

Foggy Days

The Placer County cold filled the air and the fog clouded the way forcing me to have to be more than awake on my drive to school. The clock read 7:20 AM, and I was forever grateful that my parents finally agreed to letting me drive to school, rather than taking the bus. It was senior year after all and after hours of convincing them that all my American friends get to drive to school alone, they finally agreed to it. I was just happy that I was able to convince my strict Middle Eastern parents of something, the driving was just a bonus perk. 

The closer I got to Randall High School the more congested traffic and parking became. The traffic at Randall was absolutely unbearable and the only thing that made me survive it was blasting Miguel through my car and letting his smooth vocal vibrations mask the noises of inexperienced teenage drivers. As I parked my car in the nearest, somewhat farthest, parking space I prepared myself for the most hellish days of High School -- auction day. Besides all the useless amount of busy work given on the average day, high school was sometimes enjoyable. Except today. Today always sucked. Every year on October 5th the Varsity football team put on their annual Charity Boy Auction in order to raise money for children in third world countries, and while I appreciate the cause, hearing a bunch of girls talk about all the things they want their date to do with them was not what I wished to hear during my passing period. Plus, the whole thing just made the evil circle of popularity function. 

"It's Friday. You CAN do this," I thought. As I quickly scanned to make sure my messy bun was the acceptable amount of messy, I got out of the car only to be met with a bigger crowd than expected in front of my usual parking spot. It made sense really, he was there. He just stood there surrounded by a bunch of girls like it was no big deal. Ugh. As I walked closer and closer to the spot in which his expensive Mercedes was parked, my palms began to sweat and I began to overthink the steps I took. My eyes were practically glued to the top of my white chucks, making sure that if I were too trip, it wouldn't be at this moment. I heard a familiar chuckle, and looked up to lock eyes with beautiful green eyes. Anthony Behl's beautiful green eyes. I just wanted to know what he was thinking, I just wanted to figure him out. 

"Maia!"

 I turned around to be met with one of my best friends, Courtney. Courtney always came to school well dressed, her long brown hair was always perfectly straightened, her winged eyeliner showed off her hazel eyes, and her fair complexion made her skin look amazing. She was kind and beautiful, and Maia was so thankful that they met freshman year.

"Your parents finally let you drive to school?" Courtney exclaimed.
"I know right. Miracles really do happen," I replied. "Even though I had to make a power-point presentation to convince them, it was totally worth it."
"Soooo, I saw you eyeing green-eyed boy over there," Courtney taunted in a flirty tone. "Are we putting bets on him tonight or what?

"First of all, I was not. And second of all, hell no." I retaliated.
"Ohhhh come on, it would be so fun. Just imagine it," Courtney replied as we walked through the gates of Randall. "You, him, the night sky."
"Please please please stop, I'm begging you. Just, ugh, I'll see you at lunch" I exclaimed and started walking to first period.
"You know you want it to happen," Courtney yelled as she walked into her classroom with a wink. 

I rolled my eyes. But maybe because I did want it to happen. 

_____________________________________________________________

As Lunch finally rolled around I met up at my usual spot with Courtney while we waited for Desiree to meet up with us. We sat outside, surrounded by trees and grass. The sounds of students laughing and chatting filled the hallways, my thoughts about Anthony forcing their way into my head.

"Hello. Maia. Earth to Maia," Courtney said as she bumped my elbow.
"Sorry" I replied hastily. "I was just thinking"
"Let me guess? About lover boy." Courtney teased. "About his gorgeous green eyes and beautiful brown skin and let's not even talk about his style."

"You and your nicknames for him," I said whilst shaking my head. 
"Nicknames for who? I think fuckboy would probably work for Anthony," said a sweet voice. It was Desiree. "I mean. That's at least what he is," she said as her black curls moved in the air, framing her defined cheekbones. 

"Hey, we don't know that he is one," I defended him.
"I think you need to open those pretty brown eyes of yours and realize that he is one," Desiree bluntly stated. "So what were you thinking about?," she said in a flirty tone while her brown eyes glistened. 

"Maybe I should bet on him tonight," I stated clearly cuasing Desiree to choke on her turkey sandwich. 
"What?!" Desiree exclaimed.
"Are you serious?" Courtney followed. "You're gonna bet on him?" 
"Yes." I replied.

Courtney and Desiree looked at me with horror. I know what they were thinking, it wasn't a good idea. But I wanted too. I wanted to give it a chance

"Look, I know it sounds completely crazy, but what do I have to lose?" I explained. "He already doesn't like me. Plus, think about how fun it would to go tonight" I said while raising my eyebrows. 
"Are you sure.." Courtney followed. 
"He doesn't deserve you," Desiree added. "Why would you waste all your money, that you worked so hard for, on him?"

"Cause it's my chance to figure him out." I explained. "Plus, it's for charity." I smiled. 
My two best friends eyed me knowingly. They understood, even if they didn't agree with me. They knew I liked to figure and understand people but he's been the one I couldn't crack since eighth grade. My brown eyes met their eyes, and it seemed that we had decided.

We were going.

I was going to bet on Anthony Behl.

I was gonna win a date night with him.