Chapter 16: Let the Games Begin!

Jason

12:41 P.M.

"I'm not hungry," I said to Penny when she suggested that we'd share an ice cream cup.

Man, when did things get so awkward? I only wanted to go to prom with her, and now she's acting like I'm her boyfriend. I mean, I did like her, but my heart was definitely with Tamia. It also didn't help that her friends started giving me the third degree about Penny. She and I were just friends! Well, that's what I told everyone about Tamia too. As of right now, that statement is true for both... if Tamia doesn't hate me... if she even wants to continue being my friend.

"But I know how much you love sweets," Penny said, interrupting my thoughts.

"I'm just not feeling too well," I said as I got up from the table. I was hoping I could find Tamia and talk to her. We haven't had a real conversation since... since that day. The day she told me that she loved me and kissed me! Wait did I even say I love you back? I honestly couldn't remember at this point. I just remembered being shocked that she liked me the same way I like her, and I remember being devastated that I had already asked Penny to prom.

I found Tamia in the school's courtyard, sitting alone. I quickly rushed over to her. "Can we talk?" I asked breathlessly as I reached her.

She turned around. There were tears in her eyes. My heart couldn't take this. "What's wrong with me?" she asked.

"What?" I was confused. There was absolutely nothing wrong with her. "What do you mean?"

She was quiet for a moment, then she finally said, "You know, most people didn't even know that Larry and I were dating, or they forgot. I mean, you wouldn't know it— he never showed any public affection towards me. But with Lanna..." she paused again. "Even when he used to shamelessly flirt with Starr!

"And then you," she continued. My heart skipped a beat. "You're taking a beautiful model to prom. Larry is taking Lanna, Raymond agreed to escort Morrissa, and that leaves me with no one. I should just take my dress back. There's no point in going."

My heart was aching at her words. She was truly crushed. I just had to deliver another blow after she found out that she'd been cheated on. I honestly didn't know what to do. Many times, I've told her that I could explain things to Penny, but Tamia wouldn't let me. Not, that I wanted to hurt Penny. I guess Tamia knew that ultimately, I couldn't bring myself to do that. I mean, I was probably already hurting her feelings by not returning her advances. Penny was beautiful, but I wasn't interested in anything serious with her.

Finally, I spoke up, "Let's spend that entire day together,"

She looked at me, confused. "You mean all day, before you go to prom?"

"No, the entire day," I corrected. "I'll just 'get sick' at the last minute and cancel on Penny."

"Jason, you can't fake sick for me," she said.

"Why not?" I asked. "I didn't even want to go. See this way I won't hurt Penny, and I can still have a magical night with you. We'll spend the whole day together, and then I'll take you out on a date. A real date."

A smile started to creep across her face. "You'd really do that for me?" she asked me.

"Yes," I said sincerely. "Like I said, I really like you too. And when you told me you love me..." I hesitated before finishing, "I don't know if I told you but, I love you too."

With that statement, she reached over and hugged me. She was about to say something until we were interrupted.

"Oh there you are Jason!" It was the voice of Penny. "Um, what are you two doing?" she asked, almost sounding jealous.

"Oh um, Tamia was giving me a hug because I told her I wasn't feeling well." I replied.

"Oh I see you're getting an early start to your story," Tamia whispered to me. I tried not to laugh.

"Well I can walk you to the nurse," Penny said.

"No I'm okay," I said. The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. "Well, we better get going." I so desperately wanted to kiss Tamia goodbye, but I still didn't want to hurt Penny's feelings any more than I already was.



Tamia

12:48 P.M.

I can't believe it! Jason said that he loved me too! Maybe it was just friendship love and he wasn't in love with me, but either way, that was the best thing I've heard in almost two weeks.

Before I could open up my mouth to say anything, Penny had found us in the courtyard, demanding Jason's attention. And then the lunch bell rang, so we had to head off to class. Just as I got up to follow behind Jason, Penny pulled at my arm.

"Um, what's wrong?" I ask her, trying to be civil.

"I don't know what you think is going on between you and Jason, but I'm gonna let you know right now, it's all in your head." She replied.

"What?" I asked. I looked around, and Jason was gone. So now the real Penny had come out. I knew she wasn't that sweet all the time.

"Excuse me?" I said, trying not to laugh.

"Oh you heard me," she said. "Jason Draper is mine. We have history together."

"You do?" I asked, surprised. "I thought you two just met this year."

"Oh he's met me before at a photoshoot. He probably doesn't remember because we were younger then. He told me that I was one of the prettiest girls he's ever seen. But trust me, prom night, he won't ever forget me again," she threatened.

The last two weeks had brought me so much pain that I didn't even flinch at her words. It was like I was numbed, but at the same time, Jason's words— like they always do— brought me immense comfort. So calmly, I replied, "You know I don't doubt it. He's even told me that you're gorgeous. But you're not his type. You're too superficial for him. So as for prom night, he's just escorting you, then taking you home— and then leaving." I didn't want to reveal even a hint of Jason's plan.

"Hmm, don't you wish," she said. "Come prom night, he'll be so enamored by me that he won't think twice about his 'best friend'. Trust me honey, you'll never be able to compete with me. I'm a model. But if you really think you can have Jason, shoot your best shot. Too bad Larry will probably be too entwined in Lanna's bed to help you pick up the pieces." And with that, she walked off, purposefully bumping into me along the way.

She had some nerve. To think that Jason would choose a girl like her, and to bring up Larry and Lanna. She's about to be really hurt when she finds herself alone at prom. Well Penny, all I have to say is let the games begin!