The Great High School Love Game

by Marcia Carrington

  Amy was looking forward to an afternoon with Carrie at ‘The Place’, the local meeting spot. She had not been there for a while, and found that she was missing it. It was such a great place to relax, and forget about the world, and everything else going on, at least for a spell. Amy and Carrie met at the school’s front gate, but Carrie, though, did not seem her usual cheery self, as she had a slightly gloomy expression. This intrigued Amy, as Carrie was never unhappy; there had to be a good reason for her to be this way. Amy wanted to find out what was going on, and walked towards Carrie.

  “Hey Carrie.”

  “Hi Amy.”

  “So, we still going to ‘The Place’?” Amy asked.

  “Sorry Amy, I can’t come with you today,” Carrie said.

  “Why Carrie, something up?”

  “Well, I promised my mom I’d do something days ago I totally forgot about,” Carrie said, rolling her eyes, as Amy listened on. “We were gonna do some shopping for my cousin’s upcoming birthday, ’cause I’m the one who always seems to know what she wants for a present. You’d think I’m psychic or something,” Carrie said, to Amy’s amusement.

  “Well, you sure know your way ’round the mall,” Amy said. Amy knew that Carrie loved to shop, and could always find the best deals on everything.

  “I’m gonna be the professional shopper today, again,” Carrie smiled, nodding her head.

  “So that’s all. You seemed a bit down; thought something else was up.” Amy was pleased to hear what was troubling Carrie, and sighed in relief. Carrie was one person whom Amy did not want to see unhappy — they were practically sisters.

  “I know I’m telling you this at the last minute, is that okay? I’ll make it up to you another time,” Carrie said.

  “Don’t worry, do what you have to do,” Amy said. “We can go another time.”

  “Thanks,” Carrie replied, patting Amy on the shoulder. Carrie took a peek at her watch, and saw that she was running a little late.

  “Sorry Ames, I’ve gotta go before the stores close. You know what it’s like getting parking there. Anyway, see you tomorrow,” Carrie said, quickly walking away, and waving to Amy.

  “Bye Carrie,” Amy said, watching Carrie excitedly race off. Amy sighed at this unexpected change of plans to her afternoon, and walked home from school. She thought about whether she should still go to ‘The Place’ without Carrie, but was unsure whether to.

  After venturing through her front door, Amy went up to her bedroom, and laid her bag on her desk. Amy checked to see if her parents were in their bedroom, but they were not there. She also inspected her brother’s bedroom, but he was not around either. Amy raced downstairs to see if anyone was in the kitchen or the garage, but both of these rooms were empty. She realized that neither her parents, nor her brother were at home, and frowned. Amy did not want to stay home alone today, and, noticing just how quiet the house was, quickly mounted the stairwell.

  Amy headed into her bathroom, and quickly freshened up after the long school day. The feel of cool water on Amy’s face was very relaxing, and, after washing up, she wiped her face on the plush face towel. Amy moved out into her bedroom, and changed from her school clothes into more relaxed clothing, and looked in the mirror. Amy was happy with her reflection in the mirror, and eagerly ran down the stairs, and out the front door.

  Walking was one of Amy’s favorite pastimes, apart from cooking, for two main reasons; for one, it was free, and two, it was good exercise. The stroll between her house and ‘The Place’ was always a beautiful one, and Amy did this as often as she could. Amy breathed the clean air as she walked, and observed the agreeable surroundings.

  Amy passed along tree-lined streets, which provided plenty of shade during the summer time, and noticed the seemingly effortless beauty of the grand homes in the area. With their subdued but elegant colors, well-kept gardens, and imposing but stately arches, they were a sight to behold, and Amy sighed in delight of them. Amy’s walk was so pleasant that before she knew it, she was in front of ‘The Place’.

  Amy quickly secured a booth inside, and made herself comfortable. The restaurant had recently been renovated, and was a great site for high school students to hang out, relax, and talk about anything but school. ‘The Place’ was one of those rare oases where one could feel undisturbed, and totally safe.

  It was managed by Mrs Page, a tall, graceful woman in her sixties, who loved all the kids who came into the restaurant, and was something of a mother figure to them all. She was of a friendly but guarded temperament; the type of person who is tolerant, but also, does not take nonsense for too long. Upon seeing Amy, Mrs Page smiled at her, and Amy returned her friendly grimace.

  Mrs Page walked out from the bar, and came over to see if Amy wanted something to drink. Amy ordered a lemonade, and Mrs Page quickly brought this out to her. They indulged in some small talk, as Mrs Page knew Amy’s family, and, after this, she returned to the bar area.

  Amy took a sip of her lemonade, and turned her head, looking out of the shop’s wide, clear windows. This was a favorite habit of Amy’s, as she felt it calmed her, and took her mind off her own worries. Amy observed customers at the specialty supermarket across the road wheeling their loaded trolleys outside of the store, and unpacking their groceries into their car boots.

  Amy also saw some lively teenage girls talking about anything or everything nearby, and some young guys frantically playing on the enormous video games in the games store, trying their best to beat the all-mighty computer. There were also some dashing businessmen in expensive suits near the coffee house, looking serious, their ears practically glued to their cell phones. It was a simple, yet telling portrait of everyday life.

  Amy’s view of the streetscape was interrupted by her recollections of Jake. She recalled Jake’s face; his smile, his serene gray eyes watching her intently, and his soothing voice, but, becoming annoyed with herself, Amy rapidly ended her daydream. She questioned why she was even thinking of Jake, and that, in reality, he would never give her the time of day. Amy felt she had wasted enough time on Jake, and had to stop thinking about him.

  Out of nowhere, Jake appeared at the entrance to ‘The Place’. He came in, unaware that Amy was seated in a booth, and quickly sat down at the bar. Mrs Page turned around when she heard someone at the bar, but when she saw that it was Jake, she flashed her greatest smile for him.

  “Hello Jake,” Mrs Page said.

  “Hi gorgeous,” he replied.

  Mrs Page looked at Jake with skepticism, and winked at him.

  “Jake, you’ve got to stop telling me these things, because I’m going to believe them,” she said, glowing with happiness. “And they may go to my head.” Jake smiled at her statement, and she did likewise. “So, what would you like today?”

  “The usual,” Jake said, his favorite being a ginger ale with ice. Mrs Page prepared the drink, and handed it to him.

  “Thanks,” he said, with a smile.

  “Anytime Jake,” she said cheerfully.

  After taking a sip of his drink, Jake looked around the quiet restaurant. Amy smiled at Jake’s conversation with Mrs Page, and thought that this only reflected how well-liked he was by people. Jake’s easy-going, charismatic nature was always something to behold, and he was a person whose energy could light up a room. Amy wanted to say hi to Jake, but avoided doing this, thinking he would not want to speak to her. Amy could not make up her mind whether or not to say hello, and watched Jake with much anxiety.

  All of a sudden, Jake turned around, and noticed that Amy was watching him. Amy was embarrassed that Jake caught her doing this, and looked away from him. After a few tense seconds, Amy found the courage to again look at Jake, and saw that his eyes were highly focused upon her. Jake arose from his seat at the bar, and slowly approached Amy’s booth. For Amy, it was as if everything was happening in luxurious slow motion, and Amy felt faint for a moment, Jake’s penetrating gaze upon her.

  “Hey Amy,” he said, with gusto.

>   “Hi,” Amy replied nervously.

  “Can I sit with you? If I sit somewhere else, it’s like talking to the wall. Not something I like doing,” Jake said, frowning comically.

  “Okay,” Amy replied, butterflies rumbling in her stomach. Amy was doubtful she would have much of a conversation with Jake, as she did not know if they had anything in common to talk about. Amy and Jake had only ever exchanged quick glances and very brief talks at school, but nothing more. Amy, though, remembered what Carrie had said to her about Jake, and thought that she should just be relaxed, and not say much at all.

  Jake eased himself into the booth, smiling again at Amy. He took a long sip of his drink, and again looked at Amy, who was smiling timidly.

  “Feel like I’m gonna drink the river - never been so thirsty.” After several large mouthfuls, Jake pushed aside his ginger ale and watched Amy, whose face was neutral. Jake saw that Amy was not being very responsive to him, and knew why.

  “Sorry for knocking you over — wasn’t watching where I was going,” he said. Jake’s face took on a serious appearance, and as he looked at Amy attentively, she was a little intimidated by this. Amy was nervous being in Jake’s presence, and did not want to say the wrong thing to him, in case he thought that she was stupid. Amy realized that Jake was waiting for her to say something, anything to him, and finally managed a response.

  “That’s okay, I’m still here, but my books may not feel the same way.”

  Jake laughed at Amy’s answer, a full, deep laugh, and she felt a little less tense, but still could not withstand Jake’s piercing gaze. He smiled, and replied,

  “Have you asked your books how they really are? Maybe they need some TLC.” Amy laughed at his comment, and Jake smiled again, but, as the joke began to fade, a silence quickly followed. Amy did not know what to say to Jake, and felt as if her throat was blocked. Talking with Jake was one of the hardest things she had ever done; forget school, this was no walk in the park, by any stretch. Jake recognized that Amy was stumped for words, and asked her,

  “So, you going to the fancy dress gala?”

  With this question, Amy immediately felt stiff, reminded of the fact that not a single guy had yet asked her to go with him. Amy did not know what to say to Jake, and, in desperation, thought of the first thing that entered her mind.

  “Yeah I’m going, and my brother’s taking me.” Amy was a little better after saying this, but still not totally relieved. Jake looked at Amy, disillusioned with her reply to his question.

  “You’re going with your brother?”

  “Yeah, my brother,” Amy said defensively. “Why?” Amy asked. It was bad enough that no one had asked her to the gala yet, now she had to justify her choice of a date, which was not her choice anyway.

  “Well, he’s one lucky guy,” Jake said, with a wide, charming smile. Amy blushed at this remark, and thought that Jake was just saying this to be friendly with her. She was fast becoming uncomfortable the way their talk was going, and wanted to avoid thinking about the fancy dress gala.

  “So Jake, who will you be taking to the gala?” Amy asked, eyes wide with interest. Amy was curious to see who would be lucky enough to go with Jake to the gala. Amy was under the impression it would be someone thoroughly gorgeous, as there were other girls at school, like Amy, who were stunningly beautiful. With a flick of his fingers, Jake could literally have any girl he wanted go with him to the gala. As if in thought, Jake replied, after a slight pause,

  “Me, well, I’m taking my sis.”

  Amy’s mouth fell open, and her eyes literally fell out of their sockets. She felt as if she was about to fall through the floor, that astounded she was by Jake’s admission.

  “His sister? Jake, the school’s handsomest guy, will be taking his sister to the gala?” So much for Carrie’s declaration that all the guys at school would be available to her. If someone like Jake was taking his sister to the gala, what hope was there for her?

  As she emerged from her thoughts, Amy noticed that Jake was again looking at her, and she fought the idea that he would ever be interested in her. Amy cautioned that Jake did not like her, and would never be interested in her, even in a million years.

  “Amy, you okay? Jake asked. Jake lightly tapped her on the arm, and she came back to earth.

  “I’m fine… Yeah, I’m okay,” Amy replied.

  “You wanna go, or you gonna stay here? I’ve got some things to do at home.”

  “Yeah, I’m ready to go,” Amy said with a sigh, recovering from her daydream. With this, Amy and Jake made their way out of their shared booth. Once both were standing, Jake smiled at Amy, and made her an offer.

  “I can walk you home if you like, ’cause it’s on my way.”

  Jake’s proposal made Amy dizzy with delight, and she could not reply immediately. Jake wanted to walk her home, yes, her, and she was not about to refuse him, but Amy’s cautious nature again came calling, telling her to be calm. Jake was watching her carefully, not knowing what she would say to him.

  “Thanks,” Amy said, grateful she had even had this much time with Jake. Amy smiled at Jake, which he returned with equal zeal. Amy and Jake proceeded to walk out of ‘The Place’, and both waved goodbye to Mrs Page, to which she likewise responded. Mrs Page observed them leaving with a sentimental smile, and, after they had exited, went back to her work behind the counter.

  Amy and Jake walked together in total silence, each consumed by their own thoughts. Amy could still not believe Jake had come to speak to her, and was really walking her home. In spite of this, Amy accepted this was probably as lucky as she would ever be with any guy. Sooner than she knew it, Amy and Jake had reached her house, and stopped in front of the covered entrance. Like before, Amy was at a loss for words with Jake, but knew she had to pluck up the courage to say just a few more words to him.

  “Thanks for everything,” Amy said.

  “For what?” Jake said.

  “Oh, for walking me home, and… for everything,” Amy said.

  “Thanks for everything?” Jake asked, looking at Amy in confusion. “I wasn’t exactly talking my head off,” Jake admitted.

  Amy was stunned by Jake’s honesty, and thought that someone as confident as him would never be at a loss for words. With his admission, Amy was a little more comfortable with Jake, and sensed that they had at least something in common. Amy dreamily looked up at the sky, and Jake watched her with interest.

  “You know, I feel like that sometimes,” Amy said.

  “What do you mean?”

  Amy looked away from the sky, and back down again at Jake. They made direct eye contact, and for once she was not intimidated by him in the least.

  “Well, sometimes it’s better to think than to talk, or maybe to act, but not to talk,” Amy said.

  “Think I know what you mean,” Jake replied, looking longingly into Amy’s eyes, their individual glances becoming one.

  As it would occur in a romantic dream, Jake tenderly brushed Amy’s long, honey blonde hair behind her shoulders. As their faces came closer, Amy and Jake’s lips were only millimeters apart. Amy felt an unusual rush of excitement in her body, something she had never felt before. Yes, Jake was going to kiss her, and, for some reason unknown to Amy, it felt right. She was not so unattractive to guys, after all.

  Amy was primed, and they were about to kiss when Jake, to her disappointment, abruptly pulled away from her. Jake elicited an edgy, nervous laugh, and looked away from Amy. Amy did not know how to react to all of this, and was both thoroughly confused, but at the same time electrified, by everything that happened with Jake. Her feet still not fully on the ground, Amy was interrupted from her thoughts by Jake, who said, head bowed,

  “I…I’ve gotta go. I’ve…got some stuff to do.”

  “Okay Jake,” Amy replied breathlessly, eyes wild with bewilderment. Amy was still unable to explain how she and Jake had come to this point, and looked at him in utter disillusionment, but his response was not forthcoming.r />
  “Bye Amy,” he said quietly, quickly walking away from her.

  “Bye Jake.”

  Amy watched Jake move away until his figure disappeared into the late afternoon. After recovering her self-control, Amy retrieved her keys, and entered her house. She steadily ascended the stairwell to her bedroom, as if hypnotized. Amy unhurriedly went into her bathroom, washed her face, and dried off. She walked back into her bedroom, and sat down in front of her dressing table.

  Amy keenly looked into the vanity mirror. She saw a beautiful young woman, whose eyes resembled clear pools of ocean blue water, and who had flawless white skin. Amy’s naturally honey blonde hair gave people the impression that she was heavenly, and everyone, from her relatives to her friends, agreed it was her best feature, and gave her an air of magic no one else could match. Amy picked up her comb, carefully running it through her thick, shiny hair, and thought about Jake. With a heavy sigh, Amy said,

  “I’m right — no one’d ever wanna take me to the gala, or kiss me — Jake’s shown me I’m right about that. Why else would he act like he did?” Amy pondered, repeatedly brushing her hair.

  Chapter Four

  The day after her encounter with Jake, Amy was with Carrie at school. It was morning break time, and they were looking for somewhere comfortable to sit and eat. Carrie and Amy had difficulty finding a good spot today, and thought for a second that they might have to eat on foot. They walked around several school buildings until they arrived at The Music Block, which had a nice shaded area complete with gazebo, and a large, spacious seating area. Amy and Carrie made themselves comfortable, and placed their school bags on the table. Carrie beamed at Amy, relieved that they found a place to sit, who returned her smile.

  “Sorry I couldn’t come with you yesterday. I had some stuff to do, and it had to be done,” Carrie said, her eyes widening, emphasizing the amount of work that she had to do. Carrie eagerly took a bite out of her health bar, and chewed happily on it. The combination of fruits in the bar was a divine treat, and Carrie groaned enthusiastically at the taste.