The F-boy Project

Chapter 21: Hurt n' Jealous

Hurt n' Jealous

"There's nothing wrong with someone wanting a little extra cash," I sighed, opening my locker to grab a textbook. I was trying so hard not to snap at my best friend, but she'd been pestering me with this theory about Oliver since last night. It was getting annoying.

"But something just doesn't feel right," Mercedes protested, staring at me with wide eyes. "Like you said, there was someone with Ms. Leroy in the room that one time and then he's staying with Antoni for a while and plus don't forget that time in the library."

I let out another sigh, my annoyance seeping through. "Do you hear yourself? Look, we don't even know who was in there. Why jump to conclusions? Plus where does extra cash fit into all of this? It makes zero sense."

"But-"

"Mercedes," I interrupted, shutting my locker and facing her. "Just stop. I forgot how you always have these stupid insane theories that are wrong almost 99.9% of the time."

"I'm serious though, even T- I mean," she corrected herself so fast I almost didn't even catch it. Why would she even think of telling this to Tyler? "I've heard that he's been at Antoni's since a few days before she was dismissed."

I rolled my eyes, getting more fed up by the minute. Of course the only times she'd willingly want to talk to me are when it's none of her business. I continued walking down the hall, Mercedes still on my tail. I just about turned around to hit her with my textbook, when two people caught my eye.

"Holy shit," Mercedes breathed out, stopping merely centimeters behind me. "Since when does Antoni go for freshmen?"

I stared at the scene, my mouth parted slightly in shock. Antoni was lip locked with a brunette up against the lockers, ignoring everybody around them.

It's just a kiss, Val. It's not like they're dating or anything, maybe it was for a dare or something. Try and french kiss a freshman in the middle of the hallway.

I closed my mouth, backing away little by little and almost stepping on Mercedes' feet in the process.

"Hey," she scowled, moving away quickly. "Watch it. What's the matter anyway, you look like you just saw a dog die right in front of you."

I didn't respond, the blood roaring in my ears as they finally broke away and took each other's hand as he walked her down the hallway.

Oh my god they're dating.

"Val? Earth to Val?" Mercedes waved her hand in front of my face.

I bit my lip, my eyes stinging as I willed myself not to cry. I shouldn't either, he wasn't even mine in the first place. God dammit Val, what's wrong with you?

"Val?" Mercedes repeated, nudging me this time.

"Huh?" I asked, my voice cracking.

"You okay?"

"Yeah... I'm fine."

She raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing my lie, but shrugged it off. "Well, bell's about to ring so, see ya."

I watched as she walked away, wishing I could tell her what I had been refusing to believe myself for months.

I really did like Antoni.

--

Lunch rolled around as fast as a sloth, yet as I headed towards the cafeteria, Mercedes surprisingly stayed with me.

"Did you know that cacophobia is the fear of ugliness?" she questioned, giving me a look.

I shrugged, not meeting her gaze. "Wow."