I scan the cafeteria for my friends. I lay eyes Aubri, who is laughing hysterically. When reach them, all the boys, specifically Anthony, are cracking jokes, causing our table to be the loudest in the cafeteria. I am greeted by everyone before I sit down. Did I say greeted? I meant ridiculed.
"Why are you so late?" Mark asks, already knowing the answer.
"Probably hanging out with Nathaniel." Madeline teases, twirling her red hair and batting her eyelashes.
I roll my eyes and blush. "Why do you guys always make fun of Nathan?" I say a bit defensively. "He's a really good guy."
The whole group just sighs. Some even laugh. "Your better than that Mackenzie." Mark says. "That snob just thinks he's better that anyone because he's smart."
Everyone looks at Mark. "What!" he yells. Aubri and Madeline just hide smiles. Alex and Anthony shake their heads.
I sit down between Aubri and Alex. The conversations start and we talk about all kinds of crazy stuff. We are an awkward bunch, but that's what makes everything fun, right?
"You know there's a new kid coming to Gilburd. I heard some teachers talking." Anthony says between sips of water. "I hope it's a hot girl." All the guys laugh and elbow each other, as they chew their mouthfuls of french fries.
We talk and laugh for the rest of the lunch period about our boring teenage lives. And everybody else's.
***
"Guess scored a perfect score on their Calculus II exam?" Nathaniel says pointing at himself. "This guy!"
I laugh. Him and I walk to our busses together. He runs his fingers through his blonde hair.
Everything is all about smarts with him. I'm not saying that education isn't important or anything, but geez, all he talks about is how smart he is and how smart I am.
"Smarts aren't everything, Nathan." I elbow him.
"I think so." We walk over to his car, and he kisses me goodbye. I then walk alone to mine.
***
I unlock the front door and walk in on my mother pulling cookies out of the oven. "Hey honey." She sits the hot pan on the stove top and closes the door. "I need you to take these cookies over to the new neighbors. They just moved in."
I sigh. "Cookies mom, really?"
"I did not ask for your opinion. I just ask that you deliver the cookies."
"Ok, I'll go."
"You didn't have an option."
***
My mom put the cookies in a RubberMaid container and shoves me out the door. I walk across the lawn to the shabby house next door. I ring the doorbell. And no one answers. Lucky me.
I start to walk back over to my house. I would love some cookies and ice cream. Then I hear the door behind me open. In the doorway stands, a gorgeous boy. He has on a black beenie, and a tank top. His jawline is sharp and his hair long, black, and messy. He looks perfect. Flawless even. It's all good until I realize, he has a cigarette hanging out the side of his mouth.
"Hey, sexy." he calls at me.
I glare at him and pretend that's not what he said. "Welcome to the neighborhood." I say bluntly as I hold out the plastic container of cookies. "Here." He ruined this whole thing with his dumb little cancer stick.
He takes the cookies from my hand. "Did you bake cookies for me?" he smirks. I roll my eyes.
"No, actually. In fact, I was forced to come over here." I say sassily. "If you excuse me I have homework to do."
"Wait. Do you go to Gilburd?" he asks pointing at me, a smile spreading across his face.
"Yeah, why does it matter?" I snap.
"That's where I'm being transferred to."
"Oh, goodie!" I say with a sarcastic smile and roll my eyes. Without another word I walk back home, leaving the dufus on his doorstep.
"The name is Ashton by the way." he calls after me. I don't look back I just walk inside my house.
I already know his game.