Andrei and I walked silently towards the cafeteria. Although we've been friends for weeks now, I'm still not used to people looking at us -- yeah, perks of being friends with the school's varsity player. I hate how the way girls stared at me, like as if in their heads they are roasting me. My friends and classmates have been inquiring a lot about the score between me and Andrei. No matter how hard I try to convince them, no one ever believed that we were just friends.
I chose an empty table at the very last row to hide away from prying eyes. Andrei left to buy some lunch. While I was waiting, I took my phone and earphones out, then started playing a playlist that matches my mood. Only a few minutes have passed, I saw a group of four guys approaching our table. I suddenly recognized their faces, they are from the varsity team.
"Eanne, you won't mind if we join in, right?" Alex asked with a huge smile, showing off his perfect set of teeth.
Among the varsity team, he is the closest to Andrei, that they almost treat each other like brothers. He is the only one among them, that I am familiar with. There were a few times that we hang out with him. The others, I know them by face, but not by name.
"Sure, there's plenty of room for everyone." I answered, pushing out a smile. Each of them took a spot and seat comfortably.
A guy with shoulder-length auburn hair sat next to me. His broad shoulder was brushing next to mine. I got conscious, that I dare not look into his face. I suddenly felt his fingers running through my hair.
"I didn't know that hot chicks can be good at basketball too." He whispered in my ear.
He was so close to me, that I could feel his breath in my neck. I felt blood rushing through my head. What the hell is this guy doing? Is he hitting on me? I am by now tempted to give him a punch if only it wasn't so rude and impolite to do something violent on your first meeting.
"Hmmm, you smell so nice. But, you know what, your long hair suits you better when you let it loose." He whispered once again teasingly, pressing his face over my head, as he pulled down my hair tie to let my hair loose.
I was sweating from playing basketball, but now I felt like I am sweating even more. I felt him wiped my neck with a towel, that it sent a chill ran down my spine. It felt so weird and uncomfortable, that I froze with what he did. I tried to move a few inches away to put some distance between us.
"Joe, stop it. You don't wanna get smacked in the head if Andrei sees you messing up with his girlfriend." said the other guy across me.
I felt so mortified having these guys around, that I regret having them joined in our table. I've been wishing so hard for Andrei to come back, or maybe just let the ground under my feet open up then swallow me whole. The next thing I knew, Joe held my chin up, and for the first time, I had a better look at his face. His hazelnut eyes meet mine. He looks dashing with a grin on his face, but at the same time, his arrogance is killing me.
"Hey, what do you say about playing basketball with me some time?" Joe said. I didn't say a thing. I looked away and was about to stand up when I heard a familiar voice.
"Then, why not make it two versus two? Eanne and I will be a team, and you make your own." Andrei said, popping out from nowhere, carrying a tray of foods in his hands.
"I believe this is my place." Andrei said again, squeezing himself between Joe and me. Joe stood up and moved to the other side of the table, as Andrei placed the foods on the table.
"What about we have a one versus one, then the one who wins, gets to date this beauty?" Joe said as he combed his hair with his fingers. He leaned towards the table, facing me and Andrei. The arrogance of this guy has gone way over the edge.
"That sounds tempting. Tell me when." Andrei answered as he munches on a fried chicken.
His answer triggered me that I lose my appetite over lunch. The ill-tempered me has been unleashed because of this silly conversation. I admire the attention, but to be taken as a price over something so silly is one thing that I don't tolerate. I'm pissed off on how Andrei can be so insensitive, and all this time, I thought he knew me more than anybody else.
I collected my things and stood up. I felt two hands pulling me by the arm. To my surprise, it was Andrei and Joe trying to stop me from leaving.
"Why don't the two of you go on a one versus one, then date each other! The one who loses gets to be the bottom! Dirtbags!" I snapped, showing my disgust.
I pulled my hand and left them without saying another word. As I walked away, I heard a chuckle. I saw some people were looking at our table. To hell with them! I am so pissed right now, I barely even care what people would think about me. I kept walking silently until I reached the exit.
I still have classes that afternoon, but I am so much in a bad mood that I chose to go home. Even if I wanted to cut classes and spend my afternoon under the rain tree to let my mood die down, I knew that Andrei will find me there. I don't wanna talk to him. I am so disappointed with him.
I went straight to my room and threw myself into the bed. I didn't even bother to change. I suddenly felt tired and heard the rumbling of my stomach. I left the food untouched after all the freakin' drama in the cafeteria. Now I am starving as hell, but too lazy to prepare a proper lunch.
I went down to the kitchen to get some instant noodles and a cola. Perfect! If mom's here, she's probably whining about how unhealthy my food choices were. I checked the cupboard and found some chips and chocolates in the fridge. Comfort foods -- yeah, nothing is better than foods to lift your mood up!
I went back to my room and put some reggae music on. Comfort food and music -- yes, even better! Before I knew it, the beat had me grooving. I finished up my noodles and hit the books and started with homework while indulging in chips and cola. As I was unpacking the books from my bag, a piece of paper fell on my desk. It isn't mine, it isn't even my handwriting. I got curious that I started reading what's written on it -- then I felt a sudden pinch in my heart.