5 5: My Imperfect Friend  

Bright and early, before everyone else who woke up right at the last minute came to school, I was already making my way uphill towards my educational institution. When I turned a corner to the street to my school, Thomas came in from the other direction and stared right at me in mild shock. He then switched to a regal face; half smiled and went on his way ahead of me. I followed after half a minute, allowing myself to review the talk we had recently. And no factual reason came to mind to support his actions towards me. Best to leave it at that, it might be something personal that I could only damage if I intervened.

"How's our VP doing," greeted Jayla, coming from behind.

"Fine. Thank you." I gave my morning fresh smile in unison to my reply.

"What's his problem? Did you two do it or something?" she asked, nudging a curious look to Thomas who had unexpectedly glanced back in my direction.

I shook my head, not completely understand her remark. "I think it���s something personal, getting in his way."

"Not according to my eyes. Looks like his world is about to fall apart and he's hoping you'd save it. Or he gets that you are way out of his league."

She's speculating on the troubled look on Thomas' face due to her own experiences with men again—how closed minded. "Does it seem that way?" I asked, neither confirming nor denying the premise.

"Most guys do that when they're like hoping for nothing or have been dumped. Big time. I should know." She tossed the volleyball in her hand from side to side.

So it was from experience indeed. How terribly predictable that she would measure a troubled boy's situation by her expertise in pleasing the race. "So how was the party?" I asked, changing the subject quickly, so as to save rumors from spreading and Thomas' face—if I am to get him on my good side again for next year's council.

Her round eyes lit up. "One word: awesome. Everyone from school who's into sports was there. Even seniors. I didn't realize Andrei was friends with them. Now, I've extended my social circle with all those gorgeous boys. And I added them on my facebook." She passed inside the school's gate entrance as I lagged a step behind.

"I thought Andrei was your only guy?" I didn't really care if he is or he isn't. But I asked anyway since, if they do hook up, I might be able to use Jayla as a distraction to pull Andrei's grades down.

"He is," Jayla confirmed with determination, "these other guys are just...substitutes until the real MVP asks me out and we go on in a date and be steady."

Were men really the only thing in your brain? "I don't get it. What if Andrei finds out you're dating other guys, won't he back off and turn away?" I stopped at my locker while she halted in hers which was a meter from mine.

"IF he finds out. Of course, I never plan on telling him."

I'd probably tell him just to tick you off. But I needed him distracted, so... "How about your boys?"

"They wouldn't," she assured me with pure egoistic confidence.

"How can you be so sure?" I opened my bag and grabbed the notes and books I needed for first period.

After she pushed her ball into her locker, she slammed it shut and strutted to my direction. "Not if they want their friends to know how disappointing the performance and size was," she whispered as she passed in my direction.

"That's not very nice Jayla," I called after. I didn't really care, but I got to play the part.

"Of course not. And neither is getting jealous like that. It's just a simple trade. They get this," she curved her hands at the side of her chest and ran it down to her hips, "in exchange for secrecy. For one night only."

"And how soundproof is this plan?"

"Works every time." She pursed her lips, twirled to the other direction and started off. "See you in class."

I closed my locker in a strong pat and sighed. If volleyball didn't work out for her, I swear she'd be on the pole or seeing an HIV specialist or both.