I sigh, a contemptuous sigh, feeling actually nervous by his words. Do I wanna lie on him?
Yes…
It’s like a whispering, enticing voice is coming from my insides, urging me to just admit it.
“I don’t know about the rest of you, but that hair definitely looks comfortable.”
I blush a little at the comment. Don’t know why, just because I’m me. I remember yesterday when I ran my fingers through it, and it felt like I could do that every day. Wait…What…?
I force myself to break our staring contest and look at the ground. We are now next to the cars, and Jake breaks our hands and takes Paige to my aunt’s car. He grabs her carefully and then lays her on the back seat, leaving the rest to my aunt. Unexpectedly, a terrible need to pee comes to me, and I warn my dad that I’m going to the public restrooms. When I return, an aggravating familiar voice reaches my ears, and I follow it.Oh,Amanda is here. I hate to admit it, but she looks great. Her Indian ancestry, from her dad’s side, is really showing off. Her black straight hair is silky and shiny, not to mention that her darker skin is practically glowing. And her beautiful person is also talking to Jake. Her ex,myboyfriend. FAKE boyfriend,fakeboyfriend, Madelaine.Jesus…
I walk there, and when I reach them, Amanda’s head shoots in my direction, and only one word comes out of her mouth.
“Madelaine.”
I see. Today, we are going with no offensive comments. I can also play that game.
“Amanda.”
“We were just talking about our dates.” She informs.
Ah, yes, the annual public display of Amanda Devadhikar and Jake West virtually sucking each other’s faces whilst eating in a public space. I have, unfortunately, experienced a couple of those. One of the good things about this whole fake dating thing is that when she says things like that, I, being Jake’s girlfriend, should be jealous or angry, but I’mdefinitely not.
“So… Where did you two already go? Paul’s Diner? That pizza place near the ice cream shop? The ice cream shop?”
I was about to say no, that we hadn’t actually done any of that, when Jake spoke for me.
“We have been in various places. More discreet. In fact, today I’ll take Brown here out for a surprise date.”
I widen my eyes at the answer. Guess I’m going on a date. Asurpriseone. More surprises. Look where they already got me. Amanda’s eyes widen too, as I doubt he ever went on a surprise date with her, let alone discreetly. They always did the same thing, and Jake taking me, somewhere Amanda never went, must drive her crazy.
“Lucky you.” She finally says, through gritted teeth.
“Lucky me.” I trail off, placing an arm around his back.What?As much as they know, we are together, and he’s my man.
He just mentioned the date, and I’m already overthinking. Where is he going to take me? A restaurant? Movies? Library, to talk about our favorite books? Doubt he reads the same books as me though… And what if I don’t like it? What if Ihateit?Butwhat if I love it? I snap out of my little world and feel myself getting dragged somewhere.
“Brown, I must say it’s scary and impressive the way you can zone out.”
“Yeah…” I agree.
Sometimes it’s good, like when you want to ignore a person or retreat to your own little world because it feels good. But sometimes it’s not that good, because I’m thinking if an Englishdog can understand a French dog instead of answering the maths-related question, asked in a test that determines whether I’m not I’m failing maths.
“So, see you tomorrow?” I ask.
“What? What about our date?”
“I thought it wasn’t real. I thought you said that to bug Amanda.”
“That was a bonus.”
“Oh. So where are you going to take me?” I hate how a little bit of excitement came out.
“Can’t say. It’s confidential.”
“Oh come on!” He gives me his signature smirk and waves, going to his car.
I go into my car and think. I bet he likes to torture me like this. I wouldn’t put it past him to have a horrid list of things he can do to drive me crazy. Like his smile, but that’s just natural. Heknowsthat I hate surprises. Evil Spawn.But it’s your Evil Spawn.
