by G.P. Gadbois
Chapter Six
Melissa tucked her blouse in her skirt and twirled in front of the mirror. Satisfied, she ran downstairs, drank a fruit smoothie, and walked to school full of liveliness. Over the weekend, she’d spent most of her spare time with Joshua, Jonah, Brittany, and Molly concocting a plan to end the rumors Carl spread about him and her, and to teach Gossip Girl a lesson.
Joshua didn’t greet her outside the school like usual. They exchanged a few words before and after English class then went their separate ways.
Melissa fidgeted in her seat and glanced at her cell phone during the last few minutes of her Computer class.
What if Cherry’s not at school today?
“Does everyone understand the assignment? Melissa?” Mrs. Kite walked-up to her station. “Melissa, could you repeat it for us please?”
“Google five words and list the top three results.”
The bell rang. “Words or phrases, no porn.” Mrs. Kite added. “Go. Have a good day.”
Melissa left the classroom and rushed to her locker.
Molly leaned on the locker next to Melissa’s. “Do you like?” She’d tied her blonde hair in a bun on the top of her head, had a pencil on her ear, a camera hanging from her shoulder, and a sticky label on her breasts that read PRESS.
“I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Melissa giggled and hugged her. “You should consider being a reporter, you look like one.”
Molly checked her phone. “They’re all in the cafeteria.”
“Let’s show Cherry some manners.” Melissa led the way and didn’t stop until she stood behind Joshua. She placed her hands on his shoulders and massaged the muscles.
Joshua moaned as he moved his head from side to side. “A little lower. Hmm…that’s the spot.”
While Melissa’s thumbs continued the circular motion on Joshua’s back, Cherry, sitting next to him, turned to face her.
“Hi, I’m Melissa.” Melissa winked and Gossip girl puffed.
“Smile everyone.” At the end of the table, Molly snapped a picture. Heads turned when the flash glowed, and within seconds the class clown stood next to her. Molly grabbed his finger. “Nice try.” She pulled the label off her breasts and slapped it on her sleeve. “This picture is amazing.”
Jonah and Brittany slid over one spot, Molly sat at the end of the bench and handed them the camera.
Joshua pushed away from Cherry. Melissa sat between them and faced her nemesis. “In the bathroom last Friday, I overheard you talking about Carl and I. Next time, get your facts straight before you start blabbing nonsense about others. About people you don’t even know.”
“I know Carl, and he wouldn’t lie to me.” Cherry scrolled her cell. “Look.” She held her phone out.
“I don’t need to read his messages. I’m telling you right here, right now. Listen up, everyone.” Melissa paused and glanced around the room. “It’s official. Carl and I are no longer together and I have no desire to date him ever again.”
The flash blinded Melissa, she blinked and faced Cherry. “Please give Carl the good news and tell him if he doesn’t stop harassing me, my father will deal with him.”
Gossip girl rolled her eyes. “Aren’t you a bit old to run to your daddy?”
“Not when I’m being harassed. He’s a cop. It’s stuffy in here.” Melissa stood. “I need to get out.” She touched Joshua’s arm. “You coming?”
“Yes.” Joshua rose, took her hand, and they walked out together.
“I’m glad that’s over with. I was a little nervous.”
“I was too, but the massage helped.”
“Was I cruel?”
“No.” Joshua opened the door for her. “You were great and I think you got your point across.”
“I hope so.” Melissa’s phone vibrated. “My mother’s offering homemade soup and grilled cheese. Do you want to meet her?”
“I’d love too.” Joshua popped a white peppermint candy in his mouth.
Melissa strolled along with her sweetheart, a smile stretching her lips. Her senior year in high school would be wonderful after all.
THE END
