Double Threat My Bleep (Double Threat Series)

by Julie Prestsater

  “You guys really think so?” she asks, with a concerned look in her eyes. I’ve never seen Keesha like this. She’s usually so confident, so sure of herself. She’s really vulnerable right now. She really thinks Jonathan is going to cheat on her. There’s no way. That guy really loves her.

  “Abso-fricken-lutely,” I shout. Silence feels the cafeteria as students stop their advertising campaign to stare at me. I smile at everyone and quickly get back to my poster.

  Oh my gosh, I’m starving. We can’t reach our spot fast enough. I plop myself down on our grassy knoll in the middle of the quad and start chowing down on a bean and cheese burrito. Or more like a faux bean and cheese burrito. The tortilla is real, I think. The beans and the cheese are a little on the funky side. But it tastes so creamy good.

  “Did you even chew?” Keesh asks.

  “No, I just swallowed,” I respond.

  “No wonder your college guy is staying with you.”

  “Excuse me.” I whip my head around and I’m not surprised to see who it is. “Travis, shut the hell up and go away.”

  “C’mon, Megster.” He sits down next to me and throws his arm over my shoulder. “If you need someone to keep your skills in practice, I can volunteer my services.”

  “Is this kid bothering you again, Meggie?” Dominic asks as he and Steph trot over to our hill.

  “When isn’t he?” I respond, lifting Travis’ arm and removing it from my body.

  Dominic and Travis slap hands. “What up, Dom? I just can’t stay away from this girl.” He brushes his arm up against mine.

  “You know she has a boyfriend so why don’t you just give it a rest already?” Steph says between bites of nachos.

  Keesh nods in agreement. “Seriously, Travis, it’s getting old.”

  “I’ll be patient. All I have is time.” He stands. “Something tells me she’s worth the wait.” He leans over and kisses me on the cheek and jogs off. A sharp twinge hits my belly.

  “Alex is gonna kick your ass when he comes back,” I yell after him, wiping my cheek. It’s weird but that pang in my stomach was not entirely bad. Oh my gosh. Did I just like his kiss? No. I didn’t. I didn’t like his kiss. It was nasty. He is nasty. I mean, look at how he talks to me. Sure, he’s funny most of the time. I mean, if anyone else said the things he did, I’d laugh my ass off. But Travis, he just irritates the hell out of me.

  “He is one persistent dude,” Jonathan says, sitting down with the group. He doesn’t sit next to Keesh, but at least he’s here. “Gotta give him credit for not giving up,” he says looking directly at her. Is he talking about Travis? Or is he talking about himself?

  “Yup,” is all she says. But she does so with a smile.

  All is right in the world. For now, anyway. Keesh is walking to class with Jonathan. They aren’t holding hands or anything, but they are walking together and talking. That’s a good start. Dominic leaves Steph and me off at English. I’m starting to feel lonely. I guess I’m doing pretty well though, considering it’s fifth period and it’s barely starting to kick in.

  Damn Alex for being an older guy. Damn him for going to college a million miles away. Damn him for getting into an awesome university instead of staying home and going to a junior college. Damn him. Shit. I can’t believe I’m sitting here damning my boyfriend for being so wonderful and smart. I just miss him. And I’m at school here all by myself with all our friends who are all coupled up and I’m the odd man out. This totally bites.

  Okay, okay. Get over it Meg, and pay attention. Focus. Forget about Alex. Forget about being a loner. Forget about it. Just forget about it. Focus.

  The door flies open, and the clack clack of heels sounds across the tile floor. It’s Amy. Kill me now. The only seat left is in the front row. Thank God. Now I’m only stuck looking at the back of her head for the whole year. Definitely beats looking at her skanky face. Maybe I should bring a straw tomorrow and shoot spit balls at her. I chuckle inside.

  “What are you laughing about?” Steph whispers. I guess I wasn’t keeping my daydreams to myself.

  I smirk. “Tell you later,” I whisper back.

  Holy crap. This syllabus is huge. Is it our textbook or a course description? With each flip of a page, and let me tell you, I’m flipping and flipping, I lose count of the amount of books I have to read this year. Frickin’ amazing. Does Mrs. Castillo care if we have a life outside of this class? There is absolutely no way I’m going to be able to keep up and still be able to kick it every weekend. I think we’re going to have to get even more creative this year.

  Oh my gosh. This lady is nuts. She’s numbering us off into groups so that we can get to know each other. I’ve been in class with these people since we were kids. We all know each other. And if there is someone I don’t know, it’s for a reason. I have plenty of friends. I really don’t need any more.

  Whatever…time to be friendly.

  Could today get any worse?

  Actually, I should have predicted this. Yay. Amy and I are in the same group. Maybe we can exchange phone numbers and be homework buddies. As a matter of fact, I think I might invite her over to read Lord of the Flies with me. Wooohooo. I can’t wait.

  “Hi Megan. Hi Stephanie,” she says, nonchalantly. Steph traded numbers with another kid so she could be in our group.

  Kill me now, again. Seriously. What the hell could I possibly have to say to Amy? How about what up beeyotch? No, that’s too nice. Let me think. Hey, ho. No, still not strong enough. How about, Hey skank, this class shouldn’t be too hard for you since you’re so easy. Uh…that will have to do until I can think of something better.

  But I don’t say anything. It’s like I’m a frickin’ mime. I’m sure my face is moving, contorting in different directions, and my hands are moving, but nothing is coming out of my mouth.

  “Uh huh,” Stephanie mumbles, sitting on a desk and pushing me down to sit in another.

  For the first time in my life, I’m speechless.

  Mrs. Castillo rattles off some instructions for us, but I don’t really pay attention. Steph and I just chat, while Amy talks to the other girl in our group. That chick better watch herself. She doesn’t want to be all buddy buddy with that scuz bucket. One minute they’ll be best friends and the next Amy will be screwing her boyfriend. But whatever, I don’t have to worry about such bull crap anymore. I’m so done with Amy. And nothing is going to change that.

  So basically science, math, and English have been a blur. I hope Amy doesn’t have this effect on me for the rest of the school year. I really need to figure out a way to let it go or my grades are going to suck ass. And I will probably piss off my teachers because I won’t be able to concentrate on anything they’re saying.

  Focus. That’s the word for today. Focus.

  Awww. I can breathe. World History is all clear. No Amy. No Eric. It’s all good.

  Keesh and I take a seat in the middle. The classroom is squeaky clean. Whoever this new teacher is, he’s very organized. Books are lined up precisely, papers are stacked and aligned perfectly across his desk. He has a little container full of sharpened pencils, pens, highlighters, and dry erase markers just off to the right on his desk. They’re all turned the same way. The only thing out of place is a giant stuffed bass fish hanging over the white board. Really? A giant fish? I hope it’s not real.

  Oh my goodness.

  This is our teacher. He is our teacher. This is Mr. Marino?

  Any man who looks like that can hang whatever the hell he wants over the white board. He can hang me over the white board. Who cares? Just look at him.

  Oh my gosh. He just caught me staring.

  I look away quickly and turn towards Keesha. She is too busy organizing her notebooks to notice this fine piece of manhood that walked through the door. Should I say something? Or should I just let her notice on her own?

  The bell rings. Too late for me to get her attention. I watch as Keesh looks up for the first time. Her eyes about pop out of her head. And s
he’s not the only one. Little by little, the females in my class practically swoon. Hell, even the guys look a little in awe.

  Mr. Marino. Where do I begin? He’s speaking but I don’t hear a word he’s saying. His voice is like a sweet song ringing in my ears. It’s like I’m seeing my favorite celebrity and I can’t even think.

  “This is honors World History,” Mr. Marino says, commanding attention. “I will expect a lot from you. We will move quickly. You will be expected to read your text at home, and come prepared for discussion. This is not going to be what you would normally expect of a social studies class. No memorization. No timelines. No worksheets. We will discuss, debate, and contemplate how various world leaders and events have made an impact on the society we live in today, and what it means for the future. Are you ready?”

  Is that a rhetorical question or does he expect us to really answer it?

  “Anyone care to answer?”

  I guess he really wants us to say we’re ready. But I’m not. Actually, all that talk about contemplating the meaning of life is a bit intimidating. I’d much rather have worksheets.

  “How about you?” He points to Travis. How did he get in here? I didn’t know he had honors classes. Heck, I would have pegged him for special ed. Sad, I know. He’s just so damn goofy.

  “Honestly, I’m not ready. Summer was way too short. It’s the first day of school and it’s gonna take me a good month to get use to waking up early again. Plus, I can’t get this girl I like to dump her college boyfriend and go out with me. So no, unfortunately, I’m not quite ready.” No, he just didn’t say that. Is he insane? He looks back at me and winks. No, he didn’t just do that either. Omigod.

  Mr. Marino looks over at me and grins. If I wasn’t already so embarrassed, I would melt like butter in my seat. “Hmm, thank you for being honest and so forthcoming.” He looks in my direction again. “But next time, a simple no would do.”

  Travis continues, “Well you said you were interested in discussion, so I just thought I would begin the discussion with more than a simple answer.” Sounds like Travis took a little offense to our teacher’s comment. I’m surprised he’s talking back to a teacher. That doesn’t really happen. Well, not in our classes.

  Mr. Marino raises a brow at this comment. He turns and walks in the opposite direction. “Anyone else care to comment?”

  Keesha’s hand shoots up. Omigod. What the heck is she going to say?

  “And your name is?” He smiles at her.

  “Keesha, sir.”

  “Keesha, nice to meet you. No need to call me sir. So, are you ready?”

  “I am definitely ready.” Oh no, she didn’t.

  “I’m sure she is,” Travis mumbles under his breath, but not so soft that we all can’t hear him. Including Mr. Marino.

  “Whoa, what’s your name?” He turns toward him.

  “Travis.”

  “Well Travis, looks like it’s going to be an interesting year.”

  “I couldn’t agree more.” He smiles at him.

  Mr. Marino addresses the entire class again. “Some of you are ready, some of you are not. I must say, I’m as ready as I can be right now. While I am excited to begin a new year and get to know each of you, I am also like our dear friend, Travis, here. It’s going to take me a while to get used to waking up each morning. I’m a big fan of sleeping in during the summer on days when I’m not out fishing.” Aha. That explains that giant fish hanging over his head. “The good news is…you have this class sixth period. So by the time you get to me, I will have woken up and worked out all the kinks on the classes before you. The bad news is…you will be tired and ready to go home. I challenge you to save enough energy to stay focused in my class and participate. The more you all participate, the more fun this class will be. With that, let’s get started.”

  Wow. I’m tired already. He’s right. By the time sixth period comes around, I’m going to be ready to check out every day. But something tells me Keesh and I will not be missing his class. We’re going to have to make our Slurpee runs during a different period. I sure as hell am not going to be missing a chance to stare at this man. He’s beautiful.

  Chapter Five

  Keesh and I trot down the stairs in silence, still awestruck by the chiseled man who is our history teacher.

  I punch Stephanie in the arm. “Omigod, why didn’t you tell us?”

  She’s smiling from ear to ear. She knows exactly what I’m talking about. “I thought I’d let him be a surprise.”

  “What a way to end the day,” Keesh adds.

  “First period, sixth period, who cares? Did you see his eyes?” Steph responds.

  “I saw his eyes, his arms, his tight ass,” Keesh answers. I just nod. I saw it all too, and I’m still speechless.

  “How can someone that good looking be a high school teacher? And he’s young too. He looks like he could be a senior. It’s like he’s just teasing us…like look at me but ha ha you can’t have me.” It’s funny to hear Steph talk like this. She never gushes over boys. She’s usually just the innocent bystander while Keesh and I dish all the details.

  “What did you think?” Keesh nudges me.

  “Oh. Me? I’m still thinking about him. He does look young, huh?”

  “And smokin’ hot,” she tells me.

  “I knew you thought I was hot babe, but smokin’? Thanks.” Jonathan swings his arm over Keesh’s shoulder.

  “Keep dreamin’, Jon Jon.” She grabs his face down to hers and plants her lips on his. I guess they’re really back together.

  “Ahem.” I cough. “Hello, we’re here. Do you have to suck face in front of the school?”

  “Yeah. Come on. Let’s go home,” Steph pleads.

  Keesh pulls herself away from Jonathan with one last peck. “Sorry, you guys, make up kisses are the best.”

  Josh walks up with Travis. “I thought it was makeup sex,” Travis says.

  “Since when are you friends with all my friends?” I say to him.

  “Since forever, why?” he asks.

  “Because it’s like you’ve just starting showing up everywhere and now we can’t get rid of you.”

  Travis glares at me for a split second before walking away.

  “Damn, Meggie, that was messed up,” Josh says and walks off too. His walk turns to a slight jog until he catches up with Travis.

  Keesh, Jonathan, and Steph are silently slaying me with their angry eyes.

  “What’d I do?”

  “Do you have to be so mean?” Steph says.

  “C’mon, am I really being mean? He bugs. He’s not even part of our group and he tries to joke around like he’s one of us.”

  “He does bug, but he likes you Meg and you could let him down easy. You don’t have to put him on blast like that,” Keesha scolds me.

  “Me? Put him on blast? Give me a break. I’ve tried to be nice but he doesn’t get it. Did you hear him in class today? I don’t think he’s ever gonna get it. And now he’s getting all buddy buddy with Josh and Jonathan, trying to infiltrate our group. I’m never gonna get rid of him.”

  “Infiltrate? Really, Meg? C’mon. We’re not some preppy group of stuck up people who don’t get along with everybody. I like making new friends. Yes, Travis is a wee bit annoying, but he’s funny too. He cracks jokes just like we do. If he wasn’t feelin’ you, he’d fit right in and you know it. You think he’s funny too, I know you do.” Stephanie takes her turn to scold me. She is right, though. When he’s not bugging, he is funny.

  “Ugh,” I sigh. What do I do? “Okay, okay. It’s only the first damn day of school and already freaking drama. I will try to be nice. I’m sorry.”

  “Uh, you don’t need to apologize to us,” Keesh replies. She tugs at Jonathan’s arm. “Let’s go home, you guys. We have 179 more days to go. No need to be here any longer than necessary.”

  “Let’s stop at the student store. I could use some munchies for the walk home,” I suggest.

  “Not a bad idea, then
let’s go watch practice for a few.” Steph wants to check out Dominic’s football practice. I don’t blame her. I’d want to check out Alex’s if he was still here. Still no texts yet. My cell feels heavy in my pocket, waiting for it to buzz.

  We head over to the student store where I buy a Diet Coke and a bag of Chex Mix. So yummy. As Steph and I walk out, we see that Travis and Josh have rejoined the group.

  “You guys ready?” Keesh asks.

  “Oh, that’s not a good question to ask in front of Travis,” I joke, smiling at him. A small grin spreads over his face as he puts his head down.

  “Why not?” Steph questions.

  “Come on and I’ll tell ya,” Keesh says, leading us all to the football field.

  As we head up the ramp to the bleachers I fall behind the girls to walk with Travis.

  “Travis,” I say softly, “Can we talk for a minute?” Keesh and Steph look back at me. They don’t say anything but I can tell they’re pleased.

  “Yeah, sure.” He follows me back down. We turn at the bottom and head toward the other end of the bleachers. “So what’s up?”

  “I just wanted to tell you I’m sorry for being so bitchy today. I wasn’t being very nice. I mean we have the whole rest of the year ahead of us and I don’t wanna start it off with so much drama.”

  “Okay, but you don’t need to apologize. I acted like a jackass today. I came on a little strong. It’s just, you drive me crazy.” He puts his hands up to his head, and tousles his hair.

  “What? I drive you crazy? Well, you drive me nuts,” I shout at him.

  “I probably do.” He chuckles. “But I don’t think I drive you nuts in the same way you drive me crazy.”

  I smile. “You’re probably right.”

  We walk up the other ramp and head to the seats. “Look, I know you have a boyfriend, so I’ll try to stop driving you nuts. But I’ll be here, you know. I’ll be waiting.” Seriously, this guy is insane.