Can I have a minute? James asked right after I emerged out of the girls' locker room. Kat and Lia soon followed after a second or two. If not for the little "show" a while ago, first day of auditions would really be forgettable.
A minute? I looked at him incredulously. I'm afraid I might even give you a lifetime. I said then smiled widely at him. The girls chuckled, but James just smiled a tired smile. What's wrong James? You look exhausted. I said, truly concerned. I reached for his arm but he just moved away so quickly, like I have a disease or something.
That's not what I'm here for. He said almost inaudibly. He must really be that tired. He then looked around before sighing dramatically. I know what happened during the auditions.
I almost gasped with this confession, but I know better than to admit what he's talking about. Oh, you sure do. I said, trying not to sound too alarmed or anything. Play it cool, Jas.
He looked at me then, prolly trying to figure out what I am thinking of. His eyes bore into mine, searching for guilt that wasn't even there. He sighed another dramatic sigh. My question is why.
What why?? I fought the urge to raise my voice, but it just slipped. Sooner, I'd be staring him down with my arms crossed in front of me.
Please Jas, I know that you know what I am talking about. He sounded so
resigned, like he doesn't have any time for anything not serious. Why do you have to do that to her? Why did you humiliate Yza in front of so many people? Don't you know how much that hurt her? Do you even realize what you did?
Because she deserved it. I said firmly, my eyes strained on his. He opened his mouth in exasperation but didn't say anything. If she's all we're ever going to talk about, I'm sorry but I don't have the luxury of time. Now if you'd just excuse us.
I said, giving Kat and Lia a quick glance which they understood right away. I gave James a meaningful but fierce look before turning away from him. We were halfway out of the gymnasium when he spoke out loud.
Don't do that again, Jasmine. Don't humiliate her like that again. I swear you won't like it if you hurt her once more. I mean it.
I didn't need to look to know that he is serious about what he said. But I am way beyond caring to actually feel the gravity of the situation. I'd still do whatever I like to do with that girl. Not even you, James, can stop me from doing so. Not anyone. Not EVER.
**
By the end of the third day of auditions, I have had the feeling that we might just nail this year's division meet. The more talented batch came on the second day of audition and we even got lucky to still find those who have potentials on the last day. By next week, we'd be ready for practices doing our routines and other stunts. I am nothing but excited and positive about this.
Look who's coming. Kat chirped from across our lunch table. I was chewing on my pasta that time and had to turn a little behind me to see who she was talking about. A tiny and annoying girl was walking with a recognizable face that stood among the crowd of spectators. She was wearing a triumphant smile on her face...and a protective arm on her shoulder.
The nerve. I half-hissed as they passed by our table.
This can't be happening. Lia shook her head lightly. That girl has no right to do this to a queen. She just can't!
I know!
Then what are you going to do about it?
Well for now, I'm just going to let her enjoy her moment. We still have a lot going on in here. The division meet is the most important thing right now. I want us to win that one. I looked at them, meaning each word that I just said. And after that, that biatch would truly be sorry for crossing the line for so many times now. She doesn't have to wait too long. She'll crash and burn in an instant that she'll not even have enough time to know it has actually happened already. I smiled devilishly then turned to look at Yza and James, who whispered something on her ear that made her giggle like a kindergarten. I zeroed in on them and heard the plastic fork I've been holding snapped into two.
**
It was Saturday afternoon, and I'm bored. Kat and Lia both have their own plans for the day while I am torn between being a couch potato in our house and going out all by myself. Half an hour later, I decided I can do pretty much if I just go with the latter.
The nearest mall to our house is about 45 minutes away so I opted to just go there instead of thinking of any other alternative. I raided our favorite dress boutique and was greeted by the all too familiar owner of the shop, giving out compliments like I've never heard any praises before. I've been looking through racks and racks but I can't seem to find what I've been looking for. Gah. Only if Kat was here, she can surely help me what's for keeps.
That red dress will definitely look good on you. Fiery red, like your personality. A voice from behind me said. I instinctively looked around and suddenly wished I didn't.
What are you doing here?!
Well, hello to you too. He smiled like he didn't notice the annoyance in my voice.
I said, what are you doing here?!
Why? Am I not allowed here? Don't tell me this place is yours too. He said, spreading his arms and grinning like an idiot that he already is. I looked at him dubiously.
Stupid. I muttered, grabbing the striking black dress from the rack and skipping past him.
You're not color blind, are you? I told you it's the red one! He then followed me around.
Shut up!
I'm afraid I can't.
He kept up with my pace and walked beside me. It's been long since I last saw you, how have you been?
I was actually doing good until I saw you today. I almost said, but I know that if I start responding to him, it would only keep him talking more and more.
You know it's really nice that your school will be hosting this year's Division Sports Fest. I can't wait to be spending the whole month with you.
Whatthe?! I stopped on my tracks to look at him, and he was grinning again.
Don't look like you're not excited, cuz I know you are.
You really are impossible Steph!
He stepped back in apprehension. Who's Steph? My name is Seth, ok? Seth Saavedra. Your future boyfriend, remember? He smirked, and I swear he looked utterly
Weirdo. I mumbled, raiding another rack of clothes.
I'm guessing you're not with any of your friends. Where are they?
Are you a cop or a reporter? You're asking too many questions!
I don't see anything bad about that, babe.
Don't you dare call me that!
All right, babe.
ARGH! This guy is really getting into my nerves.
What in the world..? I blurted out, not because of my frustration with Seth but because of what I'm seeing across this shop. Yza and James. They look a little couply. And I hate it.
Looks like there's a competition I have yet to unravel, eh? He said, looking exactly at where I am looking at. But I don't mind. I love little challenges like this. Because I always win. He stated, and I could almost hear the same confidence echoing inside my head.
I will definitely win this one. Because I am Jasmine Wilson, and I never lose. EVER.
