The Only Exception

Chapter 3: Part 1

As soon as we saunter out the door, I spot Hilary waving both her hands around frantically, attempting to catch our attentions. Most newcomers eat in the cafeteria –not knowing any better—and anybody who is acquainted with Hilary is already used to her antics.  "Put those down, weirdo!" I tell her as I take a seat beside her on the bench. Mia sits on the ground in front of us, because her legs always dangle, and the school's benches are unusually elevated.

                Hilary and Mia talk about the cheerleading situation and I guess I just survey my surroundings. Ellen Aviemore blasting Iggy Azalea through her headphones and making questionable hand gestures to the beat, Bianca Pembrooke and Brendan Cunningham making out passionately against the deep rooted flag pole, and Bethany Clark continuously adding French dressing to her "healthy, organic salad." Nothing much has changed, from last year. And I guess that I am relieved but I am also scared and almost hope that something bad is going to happen very soon.

                "Spot any cute new guys?" Hilary snaps me out of my daze. Her eyes are filled with curiosity and I think mine are that with confusion.  "Huh?"

                "Guys? Best thing about sophomore year, is the cuties."

                "Uh, no. I have a boyfriend, remember?"

                Hilary rolls her eyes and I wonder what I had done wrong this time, "Okay. Well at least for my sake."

                "I thought you were into Brendan Cunningham," I say, nodding towards the flag pole where he and Bianca Pembrooke are deep throating each other with their tongues. Hilary cringes, "Nah. I mean obviously he's got Princess Pembrooke and her late night prayers to attend to and anyways I heard that the two are going steady, or some bullshit."

                I almost snort, but instead I kind of cough and Hilary pats me on the back lightly and laughs along. "Seriously? Brendan Cunningham of all people, being committed?" This is the most surprised I've been since—well yesterday. Except, I shouldn't really care, considering the fact the Brendan Cunningham has only ever spoken to me a few times; all regarding whether Andrew Baker and I have deflowered each other yet.

                "Yeah, well anyways, change is always good," Hilary goes on, "And who knows, maybe I'll find my own prince charming."

                "I'm fine with whatever change you're pursuing, as long as it doesn't reek of AXE Phoenix Body spray and hyperhidrosis like your former attraction." Mia replies. I actually snort this time, "I agree. And it would be nice if they have an IQ higher than 60." Hilary rolls her eyes, "Oh yeah. And I'm sure that Andrew smells of fresh flowers and possesses a full scholarship to Harvard."

                Mia looks down at her feet and mumbles, "Speak of the devil."