Belle 4: Announced

The following day I couldn’t watch as Brody approached Miranda when we got to the school, but I did. He kept looking at his boots, modestly as he started talking. Miranda looked at him bored, arms folded over her chest. He unexpectedly looked back at me for help. As much as I didn’t want him to do it, I knew he really wanted it . . . so I weakly smiled and gave him a thumbs up for support. Miranda looked my way. Her eyes, suddenly, got a cruel idea from the look in mine. It felt like she was giving me the middle finger with one sly smile.

She put a finger under his chin, and I could very easily see her say, “If you’re asking me out, I will.”

There was no sincerity in her eyes. It was all a game. I wanted to stop him, but as soon as I decided to he hugged her. It was too late.

Knowing this show would get worse, I darted into the school. I was dreading my class with Miranda. I just knew she would be making it known that she was with Brody just to spite me. What did I ever do to her to make her hate me so much? Why would she ever do something so devious that will hurt two people and just might ruin their lives by separating them? Even if he and I aren’t meant to be, he’s my best friend and losing him to a mean girl (maybe not officially yet) is terribly painful. How can one person be so cruel?

Later on when that class came, I sat in the back, hoping she’d miss me. But of course she spots my red hair right away. The red hair she made fun of every day since I met her.

“Hey, devil-hair. You know I’m with your friend now.”

I just rolled my eyes and turned up my music. My Mama always taught me “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all” so I didn’t.

She yanked my head-phones out, “Didn’t you hear me?”

“I don’t care.”

“Well, I was just wondering if he was good in bed. I can’t wait to ‘Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy’,” she said waiting for me to blow. I was trying my hardest not to give her that satisfaction.

“Why do you think I would know that?”

“Cuz you’re so close. I just figured you slept with him a few times,” she shrugged faking an innocent mistake, “Oh well, I’ll let you know,” she smiled thinking that would really do it. Which it almost did except I was able to throw a silent punch at my school bag. I plugged my head-phones back in and read the book we were assigned for class.

I was lucky to have survived that class. After school I went and laid in the back of Brody’s truck, exhausted from holding back my emotions.

He peered into the bed, “Hey there ya are,” he smiled, “I’ve been looking for you.”

“Why?”

“You saw I finally did it right?”

“Looked more like she did, but yeah.”

He got a huge smile on his face, “Still. It feels good . . . kinda. Is it weird that it feels bad too?” his smile weakened.

“You’re asking a girl who’s never had a boyfriend.”

“Still.”

“All I’m gonna say is go with your gut.”

“Right,” his smile just barely gained back confidence.

Maybe he was doubting it. Hopefully his gut was telling him something wasn’t right about this girl, but I could tell the doubt was shadowed by his ego. I just hope that doesn’t go to head with Miranda.