"What's got you all hot an' bothered?" Jackie reaches for her coffee sitting in the cup holders between us. I imagine my face is still flaming. I tap my fingers on the wheel nervously.
"Nothing. I'm fine, it's fine. Nothing is bothering me. It's all good." I change the gear and pull out of Jackie's driveway.
"What, did Jack turn you straight with his lame pick-up lines?" I roll my eyes.
"As if. No." Jackie slurps her coffee and hums.
"Did.. you fail a test?"
"No way. I never fail tests." I turn on the blinker and turn right.
"Then why-" Jackie snaps her fingers and bounces in her seat. "Oh my god, you met a girl, didn't you?" I flush deeply. "Ohmygod, you did! What's her name? What does she look like? Everbrook? Greensdale? What grade?"
"I don't know her name. She has short brown hair and green eyes. Really, really pretty. I don't know her grade or school. I've never seen her before."
"Ooh, a mystery goddess." Jackie waggles her fingers at me and I groan.
"Don't, I don't stand a chance."
"Oh, sure you do. She's probably pining over you at this second, don't worry." I give a short laugh, like a bark.
"If only. She probably thinks I'm an idiot. Made a total fool of myself." I pull into the school's parking lot and park near the West Entrance. Jackie gives my hand a quick squeeze.
"Tell me at lunch." We hop out and head for the door.
Four class periods later, I'm picking at the salad I bought, waiting for Jackie at our usual table in the corner. She plops down into her seat and groans.
"I hate English. Why so many essays?" Her eyes light up. "Oh, tell me about your idiotic failure in front of your new crush." I quickly stuff a leafy bite into my mouth and use my fork to point at myself. Jackie gives me a disapproving look. "Come on, Mollers. You know I won't judge. I make myself look stupid all the time." I swallow and sigh.
"When she asked who the order was for, I said my friend and I." Jackie's eyes widen.
"Ohmygod, you fell for the barista! Molly!"
"Augh." I moan and bury my face in my hands.
"Why didn't you say that before? How don't you know her name? Don't they wear name tags?"
"She didn't have one on. Not that I saw." Jackie squeals.
"Let me pick up coffee tomorrow! I wanna see if I see her." I lift my face and glare at her.
"No way, Jacqueline. You are not going to embarrass me more." Jackie narrows her eyes when I say her full name.
"Yes, I am. I won't say anything, promise." I shake my head and stare out the window. "Oh, come on, Molly. Please? I just wanna meet her."
"I'm begging you, please don't." The red head sitting across from my pouts.
"Oh, fine. I promise." I take her hands.
"Thank you, Jackie. Really." She smiles and sips her water.
"Of course." She meets my eyes, then glances away; but not before I see her eyes shine with mischief.
~Hedgehog