“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, that’s a load of bull crap and you know it!”
I gasp with feigned shock. “Honestly, Kirra, such language, you're sounding like a… What was that thing you called me the other day, a heathen? That’s right! You’re sounding like a heathen!”
“First of all, I’m pretty sure God doesn’t care what words I use to describe poop. It’s taking his name in vain that he finds offensive. Second of all, cut the crap. Why were you late getting to class and what is going on with you and Fin? I waited for you outside class, and when I peeked back in to see what was taking you so long, I saw you two hugging. I know you have a history with Fin, but I thought you were all kinds of in love with Jackson?”
“Calm down and take a breath, Kirra. I’ll tell you what I can but to be honest I’m still a little confused by the last two hours.”
I free my Tupperware from my backpack and start in on my chicken salad wrap, while Kirra taps a limp French fry on the side of her tray eyeing me with impatience. I hold up one finger while I chew.
“I’m starving.”
“Well, talk with your mouth full if you have to!”
“Just give me two minutes.”
I manage three more bites before Kirra snatches the Tupperware from in front of me.
“Speak now, or this goes in the trash.”
“Geez you’re awfully feisty today.” I say after barely swallowing my last bite of food. I let out a sigh and look longingly at my now out of reach lunch. “It’s not like I’m not excited to tell you, I just wanted a little lunch before getting into full on discuss and analyze mode. First off, I was late to current events because Jackson asked me to come to his house tonight for dinner!”
“What!” Kirra, screeches loudly. Fortunately, the cafeteria is loud enough that only the people closest to us even notice. I widen my eyes and give her the (shut it) look anyway. She leans in and lowers her voice.
“What happened? What did he say? Oh. My. Gosh. Haven, this is so awesome! You have been crushing on him almost as long as I have known you.”
“I know, and in a way I’m super excited, but something kind of feels off about it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I don’t know what it’s all about. I’m pretty sure it’s not a real date. I got in trouble in Mr. Daxter’s class and afterwards, Jackson gave me a look. It was weird because it was like he was looking at me as though he had never seen me before. Then, he stops me in the hall and tells me I need to be careful, that I shouldn’t let people know I’m a believer.” I see Kirra’s face light up and already know what she’s thinking.
“So, has your spirit finally woken up?”
“No, it’s still got a hand on the snooze button. Jackson just got the wrong idea. I was arguing with Mr. Daxter, defending your believer rights on principle.”
“Well… I guess that’s a start, at least you have principles.”
“Gee thanks.” I deadpan “Anyway, I didn’t get a chance to set him straight because he invited me to his house for dinner. I almost said no because he was acting so strangely that I was starting to wonder if he was on drugs or high on Jesus or something.”
“I have heard that new stuff, “Sync” makes you do bizarre things.”
“I know, do you think I should have said no?” We both look over to the Athlete table and watch Jackson laughing with Fin and a couple other football players, Asher, and Damarcus. Of course, Violet and her sidekick, Carly, are there trying to assert their claim to the schools, hottest guys.
“He isn’t acting weird now.” Kirra says.
“No, I guess not. I’m going to have my dad bring me anyway, just to be on the safe side.”
“How does that make it safer, aside from the fact that you won’t be driving?”
I roll my eyes at her crack about my driving. One or two fender benders and suddenly you are the world’s worst driver. “Very funny, it’s safer because Jackson will know that my dad knows exactly where I am and who he left me with - should anything happen.”
“I suppose that makes sense.”
“Of course, it does. Now give me back my food.”
She passes back my lunch and glances back at Jackson’s table, but this time I know she’s looking at Fin.
“So, if you’re finally getting somewhere with Jackson what was the love fest, I just saw between you and Fin?”
“I really don’t know, that was kind of strange too. I mean he was my best friend for so long and then he just shoved me away. I was so crushed and mad at him, but now I think I should have tried harder. Maybe I let him down.”
“What did he say, exactly?”
“That he had a bad feeling about me going out with Jackson tonight. He was worried that something was going to happen to me?”
“Well, he is good friends with Jackson. Maybe he has a good reason to warn you. What if Jackson is on something?”
“No, I asked him specifically about Jackson and he said that Jackson was a good guy.”
“Maybe he just wants you for himself. It is awfully coincid-ental that he would want to patch things up immediately after Jackson asks you out.”
I have considered this myself, but even though she denies it, I am almost certain Kirra, has had a crush on Fin, since the end of junior year. Ever since, he defended her in front of the entire cafeteria.
