Lunchtime

I walk into the cafeteria with Arlene, where the boys are chatting. I spot Brandon in line with two trays—could one be for me?

Arlene joins the line while I wait for Brandon. Just as he reaches the end, a girl suddenly appears and says, "You got my lunch, thanks, baby." Baby? What the hell?

Brandon freezes and locks eyes with me. The girl grabs the trays and tugs on him, saying, "Come on, B, let's go sit."

I cross my arms, aware that everyone's attention is on us. The boys are watching, and Justin looks ready to fight, prompting Carlos to hold him back. I say, "Hi Brandy, is that lunch for me?"

Brandon starts, "Well, technically—," but the girl cuts him off.

She snaps, "Um, excuse me, but Brandon got the lunch for me."

I snort, "You wish. Now get your hands off my man before I do it myself." Gasps fill the room.

She huffs, "Whatever," and leaves with the trays, heading to the cheerleader table.

Brandon apologizes, "I'm sorry; she's a pain in the a—" but I interrupt.

"It's okay. I'll see you later." I walk over to the boys' table.

Justin hands me his leftovers, saying, "Eat up; I don't want you fainting." I manage a smile.

Brandon keeps watching me while the cheerleader flirts with him. Jordan says, "Two can play this game, Anne. I can teach you how to know if your boyfriend is jealous."

I frown. "And how exactly are we going to do that?"

He smiles and whispers something to Kyle, who then grins and texts something on his phone. Arlene starts smiling at me.

Jacob asks, "What are you doing later for the party?"

I reply, "I was going to stay until 9 and then head to Justin's."

Arlene adds, "You can stay at my house; it's in the same neighborhood as the twins." I nod.

Kyle and Jordan are smiling at their phones, and Carlos gets up and leaves the cafeteria.

Justin whispers, "He has a girlfriend from another high school. Good luck to him." I wonder what Kyle and Jordan are up to, but they're smiling more than usual—and it looks mischievous.

After school, Kyle and Brandon have training, so I drop off some books at my locker. When I open it, someone says, "Hi, Anastasia." That voice sounds familiar.

I turn around and gasp; it's Gregory, my freshman crush. He's cool but not on the track team—chestnut hair and green eyes.

"Hi Greg, how's it going?" I smile.

"Good. I heard you and Brandon are a thing now," he replies, making me blush.

"Yeah, last year of school, Greg," I say, and he nods.

He smirks. "I know you had a crush on me freshman year." How did he know that?

"Don't worry, I like you too," he says, winking. Great, thanks, Jordan.

"Okay then, but I have a boyfriend, so it's too late," I respond.

He shrugs. "We can be friends if you like." I nod.

He gives me a quick hug and leaves. If I still had a crush on him, I would have fainted. I close my locker and head to the parking lot.

When I arrive, I see Jordan, Justin, Carlos, Luke, and Jacob grinning at their phones.

"Hi Anne, nice picture," Jordan says, showing me his phone. I gasp; it's a photo of me and Gregory talking at my locker, and I'm blushing.

"This will come in handy for blackmail later," Jordan says, but then he turns pale. Justin says, "Uh oh." I pull out my phone.

I check Facebook and see the picture posted on Jordan's wall. "You idiot! Do you know what will happen if Brandon finds out?"

Justin shrugs. "Break up with you and kill Gregory? I don't know, but the breakup wouldn't be that bad."

I sigh and open my car door. "Well, I'm going home. I've had enough drama for today. See you later or tomorrow." I drive home, wondering how to explain this to Brandon.

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Brandon POV

After practice, it's 4:30 PM. I shower in the locker room while some boys check their phones. Kyle is grinning.

Once I'm done, my best friend Jack says, "Hey Brandon, check your phone. There's a very interesting picture on Jordan's wall."

I pull out my phone and search for Jordan since we're not friends. When I finally find the picture, anger swells inside me. It shows Ana and Gregory, and Ana is blushing. Jealousy hits hard.

"Before you do anything stupid, go talk to her and let her explain," Jack advises. I sigh, grab my bag, and head out with him. He asks, "Are you going to the party?"

I nod; I really need to talk to Ana there. Jack gives me a ride home.

When I reach home, I get a text from Ana.

Ana: We need to talk.

Me: Good, we really need to.

Ana: It's not anything major.

Me: I know. I'll see you later at the party.

Ana: Come early; I'm leaving at 9 PM.

Me: Okay, I'll be there at 7 PM.

I don't want to seem upset, but I do get jealous easily.

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