“Fuck no,” says Matt as he laughs.
“What’s funny?” I ask.
“We attend Louisville High School,” says Joe.
“Is that supposed to mean something to me?”
I swear Jamal and Kate are sweating bullets.
“We’re a part of the Jaguars football team,” says Jake.
I’m getting exasperated. “Again, is that supposed to mean something to me?”
“You really don’t know?” Jake asks.
I’m losing my patience. “Know what?” I snap.
“We’re Montgomery Academy rivals,” Joe says.
“Am I supposed to care?”
“You don’t have the school spirit?” asks Jake, chuckling.
“I’m here to get an education. I don’t want any part of any rival bullshit. By the end of the summer next year, I won’t even be here and none of this bullshit will matter.”
Jake looks intrigued.
“Is this your first year at Montgomery Academy?” asks Jake.
“Yep. Is Louisville High a private school?”
“No, we’re just regular common folk,” answers Joe, sarcastically.
“Trust me, I’m common, too.”
“Where are you from?” asks Jake.
“Los Angeles.”
“How do you like small-town life?” asks Matt.
“Not much, I’m used to a fast-paced lifestyle. Small-town life isn’t for me. Is the Spanish Inquisition over?”
“I like a feisty girl,” says Jake.
I roll my eyes at him.
“Well, we have to get going,” I tell him as I stand up to dispose of my garbage.
“Do you want my cell phone number?” asks Jake.
“Why would I want your cell phone number?”
“I can be a friend to you. I always have a few parties during the school year, and you strike me as an outgoing girl who likes to have fun,” answers Jake.
He’s right. I doubt any of my peers at Montgomery Academy will invite me to any of their parties. There’s nothing wrong with making a few more friends. I take out my cell phone.
“What’s your cell number?”
