middle school all over again

"Where the hell have you been?" I heard Chloe's voice come from behind me in the cafeteria. I was in cold sweat immediately upon seeing her face.

"I've been busy with this thing." I scratched the back of my head.

"What thing?"

"An assignment." I blurted out. "I'll see you after school, I can't stay for lunch either." I saw her smile drop and I felt my heart sinking.

"Okay. Let me know if you need some help." She said. I nodded, sighing in relief as soon as she walked away.

When I got to the bleachers there was no one there, just me and my sad little sandwich. It felt like middle school all over again.

"I didn't say we were having lunch together." Garo sat next to me. I took a huge bite out of my sandwich, completely ignoring her remark. "There's this party tomorrow."

"Okay?" I raised an eyebrow. "So?"

"So, it is Levi's party and Chloe will probably be there."

"Chloe didn't mention a party?" I told her. Chloe usually informed me about events and even convinced me to go with her on multiple occasions.

"Maybe because it's Levi's party and she doesn't want you there?" I shook my head. I refused to believe it. It didn't make sense because it wasn't like we were in a relationship. She had nothing to hide, specifically regarding stupid parties of all things. "Are you coming or not?"

"I don't know. Not a big fan of parties." I wasn't sure if I'd be able to withstand a huge group of people passing a bong around and making out quite literally anywhere. I could smell it and the party had not even commenced yet.

"I don't think this arrangement is going to work then." She pursed her lips. "I want my diary back today." Her tone was stern. It scared me a bit.

"Okay, okay! I'll come." I put my hands up in defeat. I could've just agreed to return her stupid notebook but something in me couldn't. I needed Garo's help, I really did. "But if Chloe isn't there, I'm leaving." She didn't say anything and stood up, adjusting her skirt.

"Why do you like her so much?" She muttered under her breath but it was still audible.

"Why do you hate her so much?" I didn't know the actual reason behind Chloe and Garo's rivalry. It was kind of childish and unnecessary considering it was our last school year and nothing would've mattered once we graduated.

"I don't hate anyone." She cleared her throat, taking out what looked like a pocket mirror from her handbag and staring into it.

"You literally wrote you hate her and she was the bane of your existence."

"I was angry. I don't mean half the things I write in there." She looked at me pointedly. "Chloe and I, we have our differences. I wouldn't even care about her existence if she just stopped coming in my way all the time."

"Well, I like her because she's always there for me. I've known her for seven years now and just thinking about being with anyone else is kind of absurd at this point." I went on, answering her question about why I liked Chloe and ignoring her statement.

"Wait." She smirked, sitting back down. "Are you telling me you're still a virgin?" I squeezed my eyes shut for a moment and she started laughing maniacally. "I'm sorry." She covered her mouth with her hand as I sat still, not knowing what to say.

"I'm seventeen, it's not a big deal." I sulked in embarrassment. I had done it again. I talked too much and it backfired.

"Cute." She bit her lip, clearly trying to suppress her laughter. "I know it's not my place but you should live a little and I'm not saying that in the context of losing your virginity. I mean, in general. Keep your options open, you know how career counsellors ask us to have backup plans."

"Hmm." I could barely open my mouth to speak.

"It's not funny because you're a virgin, it's funny because I expected you to have this long list of...you know." I lifted my gaze, amused at her words.

"Me?" I laughed.

"Yeah. Don't let this get to your head but you're fairly good looking and your accent is hot. I'm surprised you haven't used that to your advantage yet." I was speechless again. The last thing I expected from Garo Lewis was a compliment. "You're blushing." She grinned, poking my cheek with her index finger.

"I'm not." I slid away from her.

"Anyway, I asked you to come here for that." She pointed at the field. I turned my head to look at our school's soccer team practicing.

"To watch soccer practice?" I began having war flashbacks. Turns out, trying for the team thrice and being told you're not good enough every single time wasn't good for my mental health after all.

"No," she rolled her eyes. "That one there, that's my guy." She pointed again and this time my eyes landed on a tall white guy. He was at a distance so I couldn't really make out his face. "Give me your number, I'll pick you up for the party tomorrow." She handed me her phone. As I typed out my number, she stood up and said, "Wear something party-like, Sair."

I nodded hesitantly before giving her phone back to her. She left and I was all alone on the bleachers with a half eaten sandwich, recalling middle school again.