CHAPTER 5: THE NEW GIRL

It was 15 minutes to lunch and my mood was not getting any better. The night before still left me sour. Lue wanted to know why I had been grumpy all morning but, I couldn't tell her obviously. We'd grown quite close and I should be able to tell her stuff like this but, I just couldn't. So, I suffered in silence. I hadn't heard from Arthur in a while. He's always busy when I call. Martha says college is hard. I know but, he's my best friend. I stopped trying cause, I didn't want to come off as a bother. Parker Jones, our AP calculus teacher was in class and we were having a test. He had us call him by his name with no title. It's something about 'empowering young adults to see themselves as intellectual equals with teachers ', or whatever. Jones was hot and it made every minute worth it. He was the new friendly-hot-teacher and every girl wanted him. Even Finn tried hitting on him. It was certainly not rumored he was in a relationship. He got dumbed when his boyfriend found out, and let's just say Parker still has his job. Everyone started calling Finn the resident 'flirt boy' which was funny because every other guy at school was doing it. Parker had made it specific when last in class that, every Friday was Test day. I considered it a heads-up. I was trying to finish and hand in my sheet before the bell rang. Then I could leave first for the library and not sit with the gang for lunch but, a certain pair of eyes had been staring at me for a while. Which had me confused, frustrated, and turning my head frantically. What was his problem now? Lue warned me, and I didn't listen! Damien managed to make me feel like a fool. I turned to look at him and he was smirking like the creep he was. I mouthed to him "what?" but he did not answer. So I focused on my test, answering as best as I could. There were just five minutes more so I got up and handed my paper in. "I'll be leaving Parker." I said in a low voice as I held unto the strap of my bag. I was going to go to the library and get some research done. I took one step and heard him call. "Wait Asia." his voice was sweet and gentle. No!No! This was not happening! But I could already imagine the smile with which he was talking. I turned around and he still had the smile on. "I was hoping we could talk?" he asked quite nicely. But I knew it wasn't much of a question since he was my teacher and I couldn't say no. I stood before him sucking in my bottom lip. I ignored the grossness of what I was doing with my mouth, hoping it would give Parker a hint that I didn't want to talk to him. He must have sensed it, along with my reluctance then continued. "It's important." the earlier I can get on with it, the faster I can leave right? So I hesitantly agreed. "Uhm sure. What's up?" Parker started to talk and I regretted it almost immediately. "There is an opening for an extra curriculum, just thought you'd be interested?" He paused waiting for a reply but I stared blankly at him. I think he guessed none would come as he continued to speak after a few seconds, "You'd be my TA and help out with some basic stuff" he heaved a sigh and took off his glasses. He really is that cute huh? I thought to myself. He gently rubbed his left eye saying, "And it would be after school. Two hours at most." I should have been excited at this opportunity but two whole hours? That was something else. I still needed the credit though and Principal Reems already told me to get my grades up. "Uhm, I'm not sure Parker. I'm gonna have to think about it." I reluctantly said. I was unsure if I'd take it. I had UN and Lue said she'd help me get into cheerleading. He hummed and simply murmured, "Okay, sure. Just don't take long." The bell rang just after he finished the sentence and I was mad. How was I gonna run now? I know Parker meant well but I was going to face an awkward situation alone."kk" I gave the short reply and felt Lue hook her arm with mine. "Let's go." she whispered seeming overly excited. I was extra bummed out too. I looked back at the class and almost everyone was out. Damien wasn't there so I guess he was already headed for the cafeteria. I groaned inwardly dreading the awful lunch that awaited. But truly, I was just mad at myself.

The hallways were filled with students going in different directions but the majority were headed for the cafeteria. We entered and immediately Lue started waving her hands at vigne douce "Lue what are you doing" I asked her but she didn't answer and continued, "they're over there." she started dragging me along with her. Who was over where? "Sure let's go" I mumbled with clear sarcasm. Lue finally sensing my annoyance stopped to talk. "Hey try and cheer up." she begged as if it was that simple. "I don't wanna." my response got to her because she just sighed and continued walking. I followed behind, cause no I didn't have anywhere to go. I was a bit surprised there was still space at the table cause there was quite a number seated. Damien and Saint were there. Nova was too. Talking and flirting with her boyfriend. It was extreme PDA, but I guess no one seemed to care. The rest I just knew by face. I had seen them in the hallways and around campus. "I saved you a spot." A boy with neatly trimmed blonde hair said to Lue. His mouth thinned into a slick smile. Lue countered making the smile on the boy's face drop. "Yeah, Ivan. No. it's not happening." she held this disgusted face which made it all so funny. I just smiled at his failed attempt at flirting while the others laughed. Ivan looked a bit weary then blurted, "Bitch still savage with the fam?" I thought it was more of a rhetorical question. His choice of words though surprised me. But Lue replied to him in the same obscene manner cocking her left eye in annoyance. "Still tryna get dick sucked by fam?" immediately lue retorted, there was a loud "oh" sound. Ivan's mouth was left agape as he stood staring at Lue. The boy next to Ivan kept tapping him vigorously with his left hand while making loud noises. I knew then that I was going to like it. That little altercation did a lot by making me feel better leaving my sour mood. I hadn't yet grasped what was happening when lue declared, "This is Asia and she's sitting with us." no one disapproved or had 'whys?' to ask. They were all very pleasant except for a particular duo. Damien hadn't looked my way once and Saint was on his phone as always. Lue went ahead and took a seat between Nate and Ivan while I just sat beside Nova with Nate on my right. Nova gave me a quick smile and I smiled back in return. "Uhm sorry, but they don't talk much." Nova explained trying to justify why Damien and Saint hadn't said anything. I couldn't be bothered. Her small act of kindness had me thinking a lot. I just fantasized about her boyfriend last night. Ivan started giving a quick introduction which I thought was kind of him. "This is Saint, Damien," They didn't even look at me or acknowledge my presence. I was a bit crushed because I thought all was good between us. "Nova and shirika, and my man Lucas." Nova and shirika both said hi, while Lucas gave a big smile. "And you already know these two." Ivan gestured to Nate and lue and I turned a little to find him smiling. I guess he was also glad I was there "I'm Ivan and you're cute." I had wanted to tell him no need since all the fuss there had been about him. So duh, who wouldn't have guessed? But Nate beat me to it saying. "Also not interested." Ivan retorted "Yeah, I've seen how you've been swooning over her." to which Nate hissed and said, "And that's none of your business bruh." Nate's voice was a bit spiteful which was a bit of a shock but, Ivan also wouldn't back down. It was getting kinda awkward. Everyone was silent at the table. Shirika was looking anywhere but at us, and everyone else was just trying not to get caught up. I wanted to tell Nate to stop but I was in the middle enough wouldn't you say? "I know. I'm just trying to see if I've got a shot with the new hot girl." Ivan insisted with a mischievous smirk which made Nate angrily turn his head and tune out. Ivan just continued without care, "Tell me Asia, you wanna know the good things here in Ambrose?" It looked like the boy had no shame, but I quite liked how brazen he was. Even so, I was not going to be stupid and pretend he didn't just try to get with my friend just now. "Truly, I would Ivan" I sized him up and down, and he was cute but there was no way his arrogant look was going to go unchecked. So I put my bitchy face on and started, "I could learn a lot. See you're... cute and all, but I don't just want a hot face. And you look like you could actually learn more from...me. So no thank you." I felt really good afterward. "I'm gonna go" I mumbled and reached for my bag but Nate was quick to plead, "No Asia, please sit with us. Ivan is always...like this." Lue just stared with pleading eyes and I knew she was sorry. Lucas then yelled looking angry, "Why do you always act like a dick." Ivan was who he was and I wasn't really mad. "Please stay." I heard Nova whisper from my side and I turned to her. "Thanks, Nova." I said and turned to Nate who decided it was time to order. "You owe me today." I reminded him. "Yh. I'm gonna feed you too." his answer earned us death glares from Damien and everyone else seemed worried. Lue got serious all of a sudden. "We'll have it known, the cafeteria is a public place." I couldn't believe she just said that. Nate and I have acted as this love-sick couple around her multiple times and she knew he liked me. "Lue we're not doing anything." "As president, I have-" she stopped due to the dirty glares Nate was giving her. "I'm just teasing. Can't take a joke?" she quickly added trying to defend her actions.

"Guess I'm replaceable boo." it was a loud female voice that got the attention of everyone in the cafeteria. We all turned to the door and a tall girl with gorgeous blonde hair stood chewing away her gum. Her eyes were on our table. She munched so loud it made its rhythm. She started walking toward our table and everyone stared. There were a few murmurs from the tables around. I hadn't seen her on campus before. I got more curious about knowing who she was. She stopped behind Damien and Saint and took her sunglasses off then said, "Yeah you no good bitches missed me!" the excitement in her voice and the big smile showed she knew them. Everyone was in awe and no one said anything. Suddenly, the girl yelled at a boy who had been staring quite hard. It was Marcus, we had AP physics together. "Marcus, you're drooling again." Marcus started stuttering and tried to apologize, but she was having none of it. "What did I say about apologizing?!" there was a sinister look on her face as she asked. Though in my opinion, it wasn't much of a question since she didn't leave room for an answer. "Fucking leave my face." the boy got up and dashed out of the cafeteria. Everyone at the table was unbothered making me rethink a lot. Even lue. No one at the cafeteria tried to help. She picked on him which constituted bullying right? She sighed and continued, "And y'all back to whatever your lazy asses were doing! " people started taking their eyes off us after she said that. The girl was bossing everyone around. She looked intimidating. "Fucking dramatic entrance ruined." I had wanted to tell her not to worry, her statement was boldly made, but I didn't want to make an enemy of her. her expression changed quickly which left me wondering if she was alright. She seemed completely unfazed.

"Hii lovelies, or should I say, lovers. Avery is back. What did miss? " Her name sounded pretty. I quickly took my hands off Nate's shoulder. A bit intrigued and confused. But I sure wanted to see what she was going to do next. I wondered why Lue didn't tell me about her. Avery started talking in this sweet voice and threw her hands around Damien "I missed you Dami! " she squealed then kissed him on the cheek. He returned the kiss which had Nova looking sad. "And Saint, I missed you more." she went ahead and kissed Saint right after. It was a full mouth-tongue situation. What the what?! Avery took a seat in-between Damien and saint. "I see you're still here. What's shirika doing here though?" her question was directed at Nova. Who already looked flustered. Was she going to pick on someone again? "We're not even friends." Lue added and started laughing with Avery. I was loving the drama so I just stayed put in my seat. Took some time before nova said anything. Shiri on the other hand looked red as a tomato. I can't imagine how I'd feel if Lue's friends questioned me. "Uhm it's her birthday and..." Nova stopped mid-sentence. She looked a little shaken. Her jerk boyfriend didn't even try to help. Avery sure was something. "yakety yak! We don't like her! Shiri, please leave" Avery was another level of mean. Asking her to leave in the middle of lunch? Really? "But-but-"Shiri couldn't even form a proper sentence. "But-but-. up and leave." Avery demanded with a stern face and shiri did leave. "I'll see you later." Nova said in a little whisper to her friend. She was crushed for her. "You didn't have to be rude." Nova chided Avery. She looked a bit enraged. I thought it was going to be a blood scene, but someone else answered her. "And you shouldn't bring fucking bitches we can't fuck here." it was Lucas. He had been silent since Avery came. They really didn't like the girl. They all gave a short laugh. Which was creepy because they thought it was funny. "Tell her again." Ivan said in sarcasm. If Nova wasn't embarrassed before, she was then. "You're Asia. Right?" she knows my name? "It's nice to finally meet you. I'm Avery. And this is my family, minus the craziness. We're really well-behaved outside, or so I thought." Lucas and Ivan burst out laughing and Avery joined "I think I like you already. Also heard you're smart. I'll only believe that if you beat these two at Nesxa." Avery looked between Saint and Damien and I was a bit impressed they were top students. It also meant they were the competition. And I had to annihilate them. Exaggerating a little, but I was shocked. I was more than glad Avery liked me. Because I thought if she did, then we could be friends, and Lue wouldn't leave me for her then we could all hang or something. "What of me? President?" Lue started her petty whining which we all started laughing at. "You slipped lue, you came up 4th. Surprised you still are president." Avery pointed out. That made Lue pout a little. "Yeah, stupid Marcus."

"So you and Nate grinding it on?" Avery asked which had everyone look at us with wide eyes. Including Lue. She knew better. I thought Avery was unto me or something. "No! we're just friends." I quickly answered to clear up any confusion. "Yeah, just friends." Nate looked hurt at my answer, but it was true. I tried to say something, but he simply cut me off. "It's ok Asia. I get it." I knew he liked me, but he hadn't said anything. "Tell us about you Asia." Avery was putting me up, but I didn't mind. Nate though, not so much. "She has food in her mouth. she can't talk." He was probably having a bad day just as I was. "says the guy who'd love to take the food out with his tongue" Avery snapped back. "It's alright Nate. Moved from Dc." "Only child. I live in xenus with my dad. But currently, he's in Dc." "mom's dead." I dreaded telling anyone this, but they'd find out sooner or later. Avery was the first to speak. "I'm sorry." Lue looked shocked everyone else just murmured, I didn't hear most of them cause they were really quiet. "It's alright guys, that was a long time ago." I didn't want their pity. I looked up and Damien was looking at me but his eyes were soft and he looked Calm. And I knew that look all too well. I tore my eyes and brushed them off.

"Nova, I need you to let Asia try out for the team." my head turned so fast to Lue you'd think it snapped. I kept shifting in my seat and nova glaring at me was not helping. Lue didn't tell me she was going to do this. But I was keen there was something else to talk about even though it was still about me. "Reems said she only gets half the transfer grades so she has to fill them up on her own." Lue finished casually and continued with her salad. "I think she'd be perfect for the team." Avery pitched in, but I wasn't sure about cheerleading. "I don't think so" I told them. "But tryouts are over." Nova said groaning, and she was right but, Lue and Avery didn't seem to care. "And we're asking for our friend." Avery insisted stressing the last word. "Sure. Training is at 3.30 be there at 3.00." Nova agreed sounding so apathetic. "You're gonna do great." "so, the party." immediately Avery said it the guys looked at her oddly, and it wasn't in a good way. "What?! Lue told me." they turned their hash glares to lue who didn't seem to mind. She nodded and started going on about her plans. "We're going to Asia's to get ready. I planned a little girl hang at the mall. No boys. You're going right?" Lue looked my way and I Was a little hesitant before I replied. "Yeah. Wait I have to text Sam." The truth was my dad was coming this weekend. I stopped typing on my phone when I heard the familiar voice. "Who's Sam?!" it was Damien. He sounded cold and rude. Wasn't he giving me puppy sad eyes just now? What is wrong with him because I can't keep up. He had a stupid scowl on his face. "Uhm... He's my driver." I answered uncertain why I did and he just looked away. He said nothing more. No one said anything. They seemed awkward which made me want to ask why. Avery being talkative, quickly brought up something else to talk about. They were friendly with each other. With their vulgarity and plainness, they were still pretty cool. I was glad Avery was here. She was a whole vibe. She and lue certainly knew how to get a crowd on. They talked so much that I lost track. Still didn't get why Lue never mentioned her. They didn't leave me out. Avery had me pitch in now and then. Nate also Kept trying his silly pick-up lines on me. Lucas and Ivan would drop a joke now and then. We laughed so hard and no one seemed to care. Our table was loud and I could see the other students glance at us from time to time. Some had annoyed faces but I guess when you're on top of the pyramid you don't worry about the base. Damien was still staring. But I didn't mind anymore. I thought of myself as an art piece that had to be admired. Nova certainly noticed and kept nudging and clutching onto him. It was not my fault her man could not keep his eyes off me. She kept looking between us. I was still a little mad from yesterday. Which was stupid. So I tried focusing on Nate. I decided to give him a chance. If Damien was going to play dumb, then I was going to show him two could play his game.