Chapter 3: Playing Your Cards Right

Cadence

Friday, November 16, 5:36 P.M

I get off the bus and see Trinity as I walk home. As I pass by, I suddenly trip. "Oh um...hello," I say as I look up to see Trinity. "You should be more careful. If I were you, you should also stay away from Preston. Lots of girls like him so it's a rough competition for a childish girl such as yourself," she threatens, looking me straight in the eye. "Did I do something wrong? Is Preston actually the only reason or are you just salty over a boy?", I stand up for myself, clenching my hand into fists. She slaps me so quickly I could've never seen it coming.

"I think that's enough for today," a low voice says. "What?", Trinity says in confusion. "I think I'd leave if I were you," he says as he stands in front of me. She takes a vigerous stare at me. "This isn't over," she says, practically stomping her way back to her house.

"You ok?", the guy asks. "Yea, thank you so much, is there anything I can do to repay the favor?" I ask. "How about a hanging out with me, blondie. Meet me at the art room at school tomorrow at 6. I know how to sneak in." He says with a smirk, crossing his arms and leaning against the stop sign. I owe him big time so this is fair. "Sure." I smile to be polite.

"Oh, by the way, I'm Cadence LeBlanc." I introduce before he leaves. "Hunter Smith." He says. "Bye," I say as I walk away and into my house.

Hunter

Friday, November 16, 12:36 P.M (earlier that day)

It's free period and I walk around the courtyard to kill time. As I stroll around, I notice some conflict between a couple behind the last row of lockers. Ah, some entertainment. I scurry behind a few lockers a few inches in front of me to watch their relationship fall faster than Dean's grades.

"Preston, why the fuck do you keep ignoring me? It's tiring how you know how much I really like you yet you still don't show same feelings back at me." Why am I not surprised that it's Trinity and Preston fighting? They've been dating for only a few weeks which is funny since this is the longest Preston could keep a girlfriend. As they continue to bicker in the background, I begin to ponder at an idea of increasing my chances of winning.

"Trinity, I like you but this isn't gonna work out if you'll act like a bitch everytime a girl crosses paths with me", Preston justifies as he begins to glare at her. "What can I say? I'm jealous and protective. I only do this because I...I love you," Trinity confesses. Oh yikes. Wrong move girlfriend. When it comes to Preston's book, he's not the type of person to handle the words 'I love you' well. As soon as I perceive Preston's frown, I knew this argument is gonna go down in flames.

He was silent for a second until he blurts, "If this is what you called 'love' then I don't want it." Trinity starts to furrow her eyebrows and have a pouting expression. "So this is it?? No...don't tell me you're dumping me for that hoe, Cadence". They both became silent. After a minute, Preston begins to scowl at her as he walks away. When he does so, I begin to hear Trinity's sobbing as she stands with her hands covering her face. Although I could care less of her boy problems, I see this as the perfect opportunity to get what we both want.

It's the next day and I dmed Trinity to meet me at the Starbucks a few blocks away from school. When I get up to grab my americano, I spot Trinity coming wearing her usual Nike shorts with an oversized tee.

"So, you wanted to meet me?", she says as I approach her. "Yes, I heard you broke up with Preston," I say. She rolls her eyes as she gives me an irritated look. "Yeah, so what? Did you just ask me to come all the way here just so you could make fun of me or sum?", she states. Ha, of course not. I need you for my plan. I begin to shake my head as I explain, "Although I would, that's not why I called you here. I know you hate Cadence so I came up of a way to get back at her." She looks up at me with one of her eyebrows raised. She stares at me with those intimidating brown eyes. Must be the reason why many girls are scared of getting on her bad side. "Okay, cut the crap. Why are you trying to help me? I know you want something in return," she questions. I answer, "Of course not, I want to help you because I'm not so fond of Preston myself. So, I devised a plan that'll benefit me and you." Trinity leans in with immense curiosity as her eyes widen. "I'm listening," she utters as I begin to list the details.

It's around 5:30 and I stand around the corner of the bus drop off. I gotta play my cards right and wait for the perfect moment to go over to Cadence to swoop in and "save" her. I'm not letting Preston win this bet so I'll do what it takes.