In My Shoes

by Stephens, Adrian

  “I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to get our hopes up,” I said, returning to our conversation.

  “Probably not, but it’s the most hopeful I’ve been in a while. It even kind of makes sense…if anything about this whole thing actually does.”

  “I don’t know. At this point, I think we are looking for anything to make sense. I will admit, I am a little hopeful, too.

  “So,” I continued, changing the subject, “have you heard anything new about Tyler?”

  “Who’s Tyler?” Mike asked.

  “Nicole’s brother,” Jake answered. “He was in a car accident last night, and…I haven’t heard anything new,” he said, turning back toward me. “Sorry.”

  I smiled meekly. “That’s okay.”

  We headed into school, and Mike and I said goodbye to Jake as we walked into the boys’ locker room. The nice thing about P.E. was that it usually required very little from me mentally, which was good. I had a feeling I was going to have a difficult time focusing today.

  Thursdays were usually basketball days, weather permitting. The boys’ class would play inside and the girls would play outside one week, and the following week, we would switch. This week, the boys were inside.

  I didn’t know how good Jake was at basketball. I wasn’t the best, and I wasn’t the worst. I actually enjoyed basketball for some reason, so P.E. would be kind of fun today. A nice distraction for my wandering mind.

  Mike and I played on the same team with a few other guys. I thought I was doing pretty good shooting the ball, until Mike came over and told me I was shooting like a girl. I decided it was best not to try and embarrass Jake, as he apparently shoots better than me. After that I stuck to defense and passing the ball. Our team beat the other team, and just like that, first period was over.

  We quickly showered and headed to English. I arrived in class before Jake. He was probably spending extra time on his hair today, since he probably got sweaty. Oh a day in the life of a girl. I smiled as I took my seat. Hey, I have to take some pleasure in this whole change.

  Jake arrived just before the tardy bell rang. He looked my way as he quickly took his seat.

  English seemed to trudge on forever. I started thinking about us changing back tonight. I told myself not to get my hopes up, but I just couldn’t help the nervous anticipation. I so wanted to be back in my body. Not to mention, I wouldn’t have to go on the date night with Jessica tomorrow. That would be…such a relief.

  Ms. Early called on me at one point, and when I gave her a blank stare, she rolled her eyes and called on someone else. Jake looked back at me, with a look that said ‘what the heck is wrong with you?’ I shrugged my shoulders, and tried my best to focus for the rest of class.

  As the bell rang, I gathered my things up and headed toward the exit. Jake joined me on the way to physics class.

  “Are you alright?” he asked.

  “Yeah, sorry. I was thinking about…”

  “Me, too. I know there’s a lot to distract us both right now, but you need to try and focus. I don’t want my teachers thinking I’m unprepared.”

  “I know. I’m sorry,” I said defensively.

  “Alright. Are you ready for physics?”

  “Yes. I’ll be better.”

  We walked into physics, and Jessica was already at her seat. She smiled and said hi to me. I’m still not used to her looking at me like that. I mean, I’ve seen Jessica ogle over plenty of guys, but it’s awkward now that I’m the guy. I smiled and said hi, and then took my seat. Jake sat down next to her and they talked quietly, waiting for class to start. Mike came in just as the bell rang and took his seat.

  Physics was interesting, to say the least. Jessica kept subtly turning to look at me, to the point that Mr. Korelinski asked her to face the front. She turned so red, I could actually see her ears turn pink.

  The previous day’s assignment had been on speed and acceleration. Mike answered three questions during review. It’s not really so surprising that he answered three questions. He said he was getting an A in the class, after all. What was surprising was that he answered all three of the questions correctly, because usually he would answer with something funny and not necessarily on topic. And, he actually raised his hands to answer one question.

  After the third answer, I looked over at him with an amused smile. He was obviously trying to show that he was making an effort. Mr. Korelinski didn’t know what to make of it either. A few students glanced his way, aware of the sudden change in Mike’s participation. Most were unfazed.

  When the class bell rang, I looked Mike’s way and told him good job. He smiled.

  As we caught up with Jake and Jessica, I heard Jake lean in and whisper, “Wow! Does this mean you are going to start parting your hair down the middle and wearing a bowtie?”

  “Shut up,” Mike whispered back, with a smile on his face.

  Jake looked at his cell phone and shook his head at me. I took that to mean there was still no word from my parents. Goodness, why aren’t they calling?

  We all went our separate ways, and I made my way to Spanish class. Ms. Salazar gave us a pop quiz, which took most of the class period. I was thankful to have something else to focus my attention on. I’m pretty sure I aced it. It didn’t seem long before I was headed to lunch.

  Jessica saw me as I entered the cafeteria, and she rushed to join me in the lunch line.

  “Hi, Jake!”

  “Hi, Jessica. How are you?” I asked cheerily.

  “I’m great! Are your classes going well?”

  “Yeah, they’re going pretty well. I just had a Spanish quiz, and I’m pretty sure I aced it.”

  “You and Nicole, both. She aces everything.”

  I smiled. If she only knew.

  “So, you probably have straight A’s too, huh?” she asked.

  “Well, mostly A’s. I have one B. How about you?” I already knew the answer to my question, but Jessica didn’t know that.

  “Three A’s, two B’s and a C. I have a hard time enjoying government.”

  “Who doesn’t?” I said, trying to make her feel better.

  She smiled. We got our food and headed to the table where Mike, Jake and the other girls were already sitting. We said hi to them as we sat down.

  I wouldn’t have figured, but Mike was actually having a conversation with Meredith, Caryn and Jake, and they all seemed to be getting along. Who would have guessed? Jessica continued to quiz me about all things Jake, and she continued to share the same information about herself.

  It’s funny, but I’ve seen Jessica around boys before. Usually, she doesn’t let them get two words in. She actually seemed to be listening to what I had to say. This is actually good for her, but it can only be bad for me. I can only guess this means that Jessica really likes Jake. Please change back tonight. Please change back tonight. Please change back tonight.

  As lunch ended, I saw Jake checking his phone for messages. He looked at me and shook his head. Nothing.

  We all got up and headed to our classes. Jake, Caryn and Meredith headed their way, but Jessica joined Mike and me as we headed toward my class. Neither Mike nor Jessica had class with me, so I wasn’t really sure why they were headed in my direction.

  “So, do you guys all want to hang out after school today?” Jessica asked.

  Mike and I looked at each other. “We’re actually getting together at my house after school,” Mike said. “You wanna come over?”

  I looked at Mike with a ‘what the heck did you do that for?’ look. I was able to change to a smile just before Jessica looked my way.

  “What are you guys going to be doing?” she asked, sounding interested.

  “We’re going to be studying, mainly. Mike was going to try and get Nicole to play some of his video games, though.”

  “Yeah, I bet Nicole that I could school her,” Mike added.

  “On what?” Jessica asked.

  “It doesn’t matter. She can pick the game and I’ll take care
of the schooling.”

  “Well, that’s probable,” Jessica said laughing. “I don’t think she is much for video games. I’m surprised she said yes. That should be fun to watch. Meet you in the parking lot after school?”

  “Sure,” Mike said.

  She said goodbye and headed to class.

  “Why…did you invite her to your house?” I said quietly.

  “I didn’t know what you wanted me to do? What was I supposed to do, lie?”

  “No, but you could have said you had plans, or just said you were getting together with me. She wouldn’t have been the wiser and you wouldn’t have had to invite her.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t know what to say. I thought you’d want me to invite her, since you guys are friends.”

  “She and…Nicole…are friends. She and…Jake…have a date tomorrow night, and I am really dreading that.”

  “Yeah, I didn’t think about that,” Mike said, smiling. “That still doesn’t make sense to me.”

  “What doesn’t?”

  “Why you said yes to going out on a date with her.”

  “I didn’t want to hurt her feelings.”

  “Why didn’t you just tell her you were still interested in Nicole…you…whatever? You know what I mean. I mean, I know Jake still likes you, so, you could have just said that.”

  “How do you know Jake still likes me?” I asked, blushing.

  “I’ve known Jake a long time. He hasn’t liked a lot of girls, and he takes a while to decide he likes them. It also takes him a while to decide he doesn’t like them. He liked you last week. That wouldn’t have changed in a week.”

  “He hasn’t said anything for a while,” I said. “I just figured he didn’t.”

  “He’s not stupid. If you told him you weren’t interested, he wouldn’t keep telling you he was. Anyway, it just seems like you could have made everything a lot easier if you would have said you liked each other. You could have pretended to be a couple for this whole time, and then you wouldn’t be going on a date with Jessica tomorrow.”

  “I…didn’t really think about that.” When this whole thing started, I wouldn’t have even considered that thought. Now that I know Jake better, it wouldn’t have been so bad to pretend that we were a couple, to save all of the other trouble. “You’re smarter than you look, Mike.” I said playfully.

  “Yeah, the good looking guys never look smart,” he said, playing back.

  I rolled my eyes and smiled. “See you after school.”

  I took my seat in government and waited for class to begin. I hated to admit it, but Mike was right. It would have been so much easier on me if I had just told Jessica I was interested in…well, me. We wouldn’t have even had to date or anything. Just Jake being interested in Nicole would have been enough to keep Jessica from pursuing things further.

  Of course, Jake might not have liked that idea. Mike said Jake is still interested in me, but I don’t know that for sure. The whole thing might be a topic he would like not to have mentioned.

  Oh well, there’s no sense in worrying about it anymore. What’s done is done and, unfortunately, I have a date with Jessica tomorrow night. Unless we happen to change back tonight. I need to stop thinking that. I don’t want to get hopeful for something I don’t know is going to happen.

  Government class went by slowly, and did nothing for helping get my mind off of everything. Ms. Canterbury played a video, but all it did was give me the opportunity to get lost in thought. When it was done, I didn’t remember anything about the movie. I hoped there wouldn’t be a quiz on this tomorrow.

  The bell rang and I headed to calculus. One more period, and the day would be over. I hoped Jake was doing better in my classes. Aside from the Spanish quiz, I was trudging through the day.

  Thankfully, calculus is usually one of my favorite classes, and the challenge usually keeps me focused. Well, usually everything keeps me focused. I’m not really one to have my mind wander in class. I would assume this was a Jake trait, but his grades don’t indicate he has a hard time focusing in class. It’s probably just the effect of being switched and feeling all out of sorts.

  Fortunately we were continuing our work with matrices. I don’t know why, but matrices are fun. Sometimes, I’m such a nerd.

  It was nice to have something constructive to occupy my time, but the final bell rang at last, and the school day was over.

  I was a little nervous about how things were going to go after school. I had a feeling Jessica was going to distract me a lot from my studying, and worse, she would be all over me with questions. Hopefully, that would be the only way she was all over me.

  Not to mention Tyler. Why haven’t my parents called with an update? It’s making me a little crazy.

  Jake and Mike both met me at my locker. “Hi guys. What’s up?” I asked.

  “I just got off the phone with your mother? Tyler is…”

  “What?” I asked impatiently.

  “Well, he’s…okay, but he’s in pretty bad shape. First of all, he is being treated, and your mother says the doctors seem hopeful for a full recovery.” I could tell he was trying to comfort me, but it wasn’t helping.

  “Recovery from what?” I pressed.

  “Apparently, he has a collapsed lung, and he was in a lot of pain. He’s sedated and the doctors are monitoring him closely. I guess this isn’t uncommon with rib fractures.”

  “I can’t believe this is happening. I should be there.”

  “If you were there,” Jake offered, “you would just be sitting there watching him with your parents. He’s not saying or doing anything right now. He’ll be okay.”

  “You don’t know that for sure, Jake.”

  “No, I don’t. But your mother seemed to be handling it okay. Would she be calm if she thought your brother wasn’t going to be okay?”

  “I don’t know. No, probably not. I just hate that I’m not there.”

  “I know. I’d want to be there, too.”

  We were all silent as we started walking down the hall in the direction of the parking lot.

  After a few minutes, Mike finally spoke up. “Are…we still going to my house, or did you guys want to cancel?”

  I knew Mike was looking forward to getting together, and I’m sure Jake was too. It was killing me, but there wasn’t really anything I could do for Tyler. “We can still go to your house. Did you hear Mike invited Jessica?” I said, turning to Jake.

  “No. How’s that going to work?” he said, looking at Mike.

  “Well,” I said, “I’m still planning on studying while you guys play. We told Jessica that Mike challenged you to play video games. She knows that I don’t play video games, though, so you are going to have to be careful not to play too well.”

  “Great! That’s no fun,” Jake said, obviously disappointed.

  “Yeah,” Mike said to Jake, “it’s no fun beating you if you aren’t trying.”

  “Well, we could all study first and maybe she’ll get bored and leave,” I said.

  “Yeah, maybe we should,” Mike agreed.

  Jake and I both looked at him, stunned.

  “What?” he asked.

  “Are you feeling okay?” Jake asked.

  “Yeah, why?”

  “Since when have you ever agreed to studying first, last or ever?”

  “I study,” Mike said defensively.

  “When?”

  “Dude, I study.”

  “We’ve been friends for ten years, and we never study together.”

  “That’s because you don’t want to study with me.”

  “That’s because you don’t study, and you want to play games.”

  “He’s trying to turn over a new leaf, right Mike?” I interrupted.

  “Yeah…right.”

  Jake looked back and forth between us. “Okay, great! Let’s study. What if she doesn’t leave?”

  “We’ll deal with that when it comes. At some point she’ll leave. If we get done studying and she’s
still there, we’ll figure it out. You guys can play. Jake,” I said, turning to look at him, “you just start out asking a lot of obvious questions about how to play. Start out bad, and get gradually better.”

  “Guys,” Mike interjected, “don’t you think we are worrying a little bit much about this? I mean, is she really going to care that much about how we play games? She’s probably going to be looking at Jake…well, Nicole…the whole time. She probably isn’t going to even be paying attention to us.”

  “True,” I said, disappointed. Unfortunately, Mike was probably right. “Jessica is waiting in the parking lot. Let’s go find her.”

  As we exited the building, Mike confirmed, “I study.”

  We walked out to the parking lot, and Jessica was standing next to my car waiting for us. She smiled when she saw us coming her way.

  “Hi guys, are you ready to go?”

  “Sure,” I said. “Why don’t you two follow Mike and me in your cars. We’ll see you in a bit.”

  We all got in our cars and headed to Mike’s house. As we were driving, I had a bad thought. “Your mom isn’t going to be there, is she?” I asked.

  “I don’t think so, why?”

  “It would just make for additional problems. She knows Jake pretty well, right?”

  “Oh…yeah, she does. No, I don’t think she’ll be there. I think she’s working tonight.”

  “You don’t know? What does she do?”

  “She’s a waitress. Her schedule changes every week, so I don’t really know. I think she said she was working tonight, though.”

  “Tonight, or today?” I asked.

  “Well, she usually works the two to ten shift on the days she’s scheduled, so…”

  “Good, because we haven’t even kind of prepared for having a conversation with your mom, and I don’t know anything about her except her name.”

  “Has anyone ever told you you worry a lot?” Mike asked.

  “I don’t worry a lot,” I said defensively. “You may think this is easy, but being in someone else’s body is very difficult. You have to not only learn everything about how the other person does things, but you have to know everyone they know, and learn how to perform with all of their mannerisms. The whole time you’re afraid you’re going to make some huge mistake that’s going to screw up their whole life. I don’t think I am worrying too much, Mike.”