Chapter Four
In the morning, Melissa found Joshua waiting at the school entrance. As they walked to her locker, he shared the shenanigans he and Jonah had perpetrated as kids. In the hallways, although never alone with him, Melissa enjoyed the attention he gave her and looked forward to hearing more of his stories. They spent their lunches together, socializing, and their spares together, studying.
Melissa’s calm, peaceful life ceased at noon, on the last Friday of September, in the girl’s washroom.
“Remember last year, she had Carl wrapped around her little finger. Now, the poor guy is heartbroken.”
Melissa froze on her seat, stunned by Gossip Girl’s bold message.
“I heard he’s the one who broke-up with her.” Girl Two replied.
Brittany?
Melissa bit her tongue.
“That’s old news. They’re back together now. He wants to come down for Thanksgiving weekend. Surprise her, but he’s afraid of finding her with Joshua.” Gossip Girl’s snotty tone infuriated Melissa, but she remained still.
“I don’t think that’s going to happen.” Brittany replied.
“I wouldn’t trust her.” Gossip Girl said. “I think Joshua deserves to know the truth, and I’m going to tell him right now.”
Melissa’s hand shook as she gripped the lock to open the door. Both girls were halfway out the bathroom when she emerged from the stall.
Gossip Girl, you’re messing with the wrong person!
Melissa lathered her hands.
We’re not together. We’re not even talking.
Soap suds splattered the mirror. Hold on… Gossip Girl’s probably just another one of Carl’s puppets. But…
Anger clouded her thoughts.
I’ll have to confront them. She leaned against the bathroom wall, pondering.
Melissa found her cell and texted Carl. ‘STOP telling people we’re dating. I’ve moved on and so should you.’
She texted Joshua. ‘I’ll meet you at the cafeteria in five minutes.’ Her phone vibrated as she made her way to her locker.
‘I’m on my way home.’ She stared at Joshua’s message, surprised. Melissa sent him a second text. ‘Are you ok?’ She shoved the books in her locker and took out her lunch.
Jonah stepped in front of her. “Hi, Melissa.”
“You’re on your way home. Yeah, right. Good one. You fooled me.”
“Joshua is on his way home. I’m Jonah.”
“Oops! So, how are you?”
“I’m okay, but my brother’s miserable, and I’m almost positive you’re the reason.”
Melissa looked away, blinked rapidly.
“I hear about you every single day and you seem like a real nice girl, so stop using him.”
“I’m not.” Tears stung Melissa’s eyes. Her cell vibrated, she had two messages: one from Molly and one from Joshua. “Your brother says he’s not feeling well.”
“Yeah, I know, and the only way he’ll get better is if you stop hanging around with him.” He side stepped her.
“But, he’s my friend. We’re friends.”
“I’m late for practice, but I’m telling you, don’t hurt him.” Jonah ran off.
I wonder if Josh feels the same way.
Melissa read Molly’s message. ‘I’m sitting outside, all alone, on the bleachers. Where are you?’ Tears blurred Melissa’s vision as she replied. ‘I’ll be there in a minute.’
Melissa climbed over benches and met Molly on the top one.
“Where’s Josh?”
“He’s gone home.” Melissa sat next to Molly, closed her eyes and rested her head on her friend’s shoulder. “My whole life is a mess.”
“Can’t be that bad, you were fine two hours ago.”
“I think it’s a full moon.” Melissa opened her eyes and stared at Jonah, who stood below on the track, watching her. “Molly, you know how you suspect Carl is up to no good. I think you and my dad might be right.”
Molly faced her. “It’s about time you woke up.”
“I didn’t want to believe he could be this nasty.” Melissa told Molly about her back-to–back lunch incidents.
“I bet Gossip Girl is Cherry. I heard from her brother, Liam that she’s now friends with Carl on Facebook. And Jonah needs to mind his business.”
“He’s just protecting his younger brother. I’d do the same for you, and we’re not even related.”
“Ah, that’s sweet, but stop being so naïve.” Molly scolded.
“I’m not. Can you check out that Cherry girl on Facebook? I only saw her profile, but I could probably recognize her.”
Molly found the girl’s picture.
Melissa examined the pouting red lips, and bright blue eyes. “It might be her, hard to tell. What kind of stuff has Carl been posting? I’d like to know what I’m up against.”
“No clue. I unfriended him when he broke-up with you.”
“Look him up. See if he’s updated his status.”
“I’m on it.” Molly bit into her apple and scrolled her phone.
Melissa texted Joshua while she ate her sandwich. ‘When you feel better, I really need to talk to you.’ But Jonah’s words haunted her so she deleted the message.
“It says, in a relationship, but there’s no name.”
“Sneaky.”
“Who did you text?”
“Joshua, but I deleted the message.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know what to tell him. I don’t want to give him false hope.”
“False hope, my bottom.” Molly stood. “I’m going to give Jonah a piece of my mind right now.”
Melissa grabbed Molly’s arm. “Don’t.” She stood. “Let’s go talk to Brittany instead. Look, she’s down there.”
The girls picked up their stuff and joined Jonah’s girlfriend.
“Hi, Brit.” Melissa sat.
Molly settled beside her. “Hi.”
Brittany put her phone down. “Hello, girls. I was just thinking about you, Mel. You feel like going on a double date tomorrow night?”
“Are you serious? A double date?”
“Yes. Jonah and me. You and Joshua.”
Melissa’s head spun. “Brit, what’s going on? Did you discuss this with Jonah?”
“We talked about it yesterday.”
“Well, I don’t think he feels the same way anymore. Besides, I can’t. I’m working five to ten tomorrow.” Melissa took a deep breath. “I—I need to talk to you about something.”
Brittany inched closer. “Is it about Josh?”
“No.” Melissa shook her head. “It’s about Carl. I overheard a conversation you had in the girl’s washroom earlier. Who were you talking too?”
Brittany’s cheeks reddened. “Sorry about that. It was Cherry. Is it true you’re dating Carl again?”
“No. I’m single, and he’s a manipulative liar. Do you know where I can find Cherry?”
“I saw her leave with Joshua.”
“The bitch,” Molly spat.