No Strings Attached

Chapter 3: James Ryder

"Gentleman," I replied, releasing Aria from my embrace.

Marco Martinez is a half-white, half-Hispanic aspiring game designer, who goes to my computer science class.

He comes up with many ideas for software, coding, animation, and addictive websites that rivals famous designers.

Marco has curly dark brown hair, light olive skin, black eyes, and a small nose.

Similar to most boys, he wears a white buttoned-up shirt, a dark blue tie, khaki pants, and black shoes.

A thick, dark green backpack hung over his tall shoulders; but covering his bare arms is a gray hoodie with the words "Heroes For Hire" written in bold ink-black letters.

Despite being the most experienced computer wizard in the school, Marco is funny, loyal, bright, sweet, and very responsible.

So responsible that Dad thinks Marco is a good match for me.

As much as I admit Marco is kinda cute, he has the qualities of a best friend-not a soulmate.

"Hi Mars, how are you today?" asked Aria.

Marco sighed.

"Pretty good, " he says. "apart from the fact that my parents think my bisexuality is a phase."

Aria and I both frown in pity.

Last year, while we were in the school library studying for our winter exams, Marco came out to us as bi.

At first, he expected us to treat him like crap or whatever, but when we happily accepted his sexuality, Marco has decided to start dating people in public.

Sometimes he dates boys, and on some occasions, Marco would often take girls for a romantic walk around the city.

And like many bisexuals, he would remain loyal to his boyfriend or girlfriend-that is, until they disrespect his preference for two genders.

Sighing, Aria says to Marco: "Don't give a fuck about what your parents think, Marco."

He shakes his head furiously.

"Easy for you to say, " he moaned. "When I told them I was bisexual, my religious parents took me to see Pastor Phillips twice a week."

"Why?"

"So, he can help 'pray the half gayness' inside of me," explained Marco, using air quotes.

"Wow, " Aria murmured. "Look, if you are feeling depressed, please let us know."

"Yeah, " I nodded. "We will be there for you no matter what."

Marco smiled a little, feeling the warmth lurking on his cheeks.

"Thanks, Nadine and Aria," he says cheerfully. "It's really nice to talk to you guys."

Giving him a warm smile, I wanted to say more encouraging words to Marco when I notice James Ryder approaching us.

God, puberty did him wonders.

He has brown hair, baby blue eyes, lovely milky white skin, and a cute baby face. James had on a deep blue hoodie, light brown pants, and sturdy dark gray tennis shoes.

While letting his black backpack hung over his left shoulder, James tightened his left hand around the strap whilst his right is buried deep inside his right pocket.

Watching him intently, I can easily imagine James strolling in a cool slo-mo manner.

As the wind tickle his wavy hair, the sun gently shines down on the beautiful boy as though he is an angel sent from Heaven.

"Wow, " I say dreamily, tilting my head to the side.

For an angel, James sure knows how to make an appearance.

I stare at him for a few seconds, when Aria pinches my left shoulder.

"Ow," I recoiled, turning away from my future husband. "What did you do that for?"

Crossing her arms, Aria groaned: "Were you just imagining James walking in slow motion again?"

I wrinkled my nose. "What? No."

Marco scoffed, "you have been staring at him for thirty minutes, Nadine."

"How do you know that?" I ask.

He rolls his eyes at me. "Because I know that my best friend has a massive crush on James Ryder since 2nd grade."

Sheepishly, I turn to see the boy coming closer, flashing us with one of his dimpled smiles.

"Shit, James Ryder is coming this way, " I whispered, averting his eyes.

"Are you going to tell how you feel?" asked Marco.

I widen my eyes in horror. "And be humiliated for the rest of my life? God no!"

But Marco nods in an understanding way.

"Okay, just take a deep breath, smile, and act natural," he advised. "It will be fine."

As soon as James arrived at the front entrance of the school, he warmly greeted us.

"Hey, " I respond coolly, nodding my head. "How's it going, bro?"

James laughed at my greeting while Aria and Marco both rolled their eyes.

"Nothing much, " he replied, smirking in my direction.

I grin wider, patting down my afro.

While Aria has musical talent and Marco is a computer whiz, James is an inventor who likes building things from scratch.

He goes to my Robotics class writing down formulas in his notebook, making robots, and participating in STEM competitions.

Other than his cute smile, James has a genius-level intellect, humble personality, and tactician which helped our class win against other rivaling schools.

"How long are we going to stand here?" Aria whined. "It's been five minutes."

James shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe the teachers aren't here yet."

"Or they're getting Dunkin Doughnuts coffee at the same time," Marco suggested.

We looked at him for a moment.

"What?" cried Marco. "It could happen."

Suddenly, I can hear the jingling sound of the doors unlock.

Two silver knobs twist in sync as the doors opened by themselves, allowing us to collect our belongings.

Retrieving her laptop and headphones, Aria proudly held her head up high.

With her lavender Hello Kitty pack swishing on her back, Aria followed Marco, James, the other kids, and me into the school, exchange goodbyes, then head off to our classes.