Chapter Six
1988 Words
Snoopy and Crusts II
“It sucks, right? To have someone so close in your life but you can’t do things with because they don’t have the same interest as you.” I blurted out, glaring at Aiden who was obviously looking away for the same reason I was glaring at him. “Andy doesn’t really do anything but play his guitar.”
“I do not!”
Even I flinched a little from my seat at the loud sound of Aiden’s voice. I glanced over at Jett to see how he reacted to this sudden burst of jealousy, and he was just as shocked as I was. I mean, I’m used to Aiden acting this way but it still surprises me every time he does it without me anticipating for it.
“I do not not do anything but play the guitar.”
I stared back at my friend with a grin. This is amusing. I really do have a thing about making fun of my best friend. “Oh yeah? Name one.”
Aiden fell silent. He looked like he was trying really hard to think of something he can actually do. “I can cook.” He confidently said, and I burst into laughter. I can tell Jett was confused. Of course, he would be confused. What’s so funny about knowing how to cook, right?
Right.
He can’t.
“You can?” I arched a brow at Aiden, knowing very well that he can’t.
He shrugged it off, unable to look at me in the eyes. “Yeah. I make the best dishes in the world.”
I snorted out loud at the way he emphasized best as he spoke. So much confidence in his so little body, and he speaks so highly of himself without being actually good at it. “Ahuh? And your specialty’s black hotdogs and eggs?”
Jett finally cracked a chuckle. “Sorry. You two have this dynamic that’s rare.”
“Great dynamic, right?” I laughed, teasingly glancing back at Aiden who seemed bitter that Jett laughed at my attempt to expose his terrible cooking skills.
Aiden suddenly stood, looking at me. Glaring, really. My whole body clenched by the way he looked at me. If looks could kills, his definitely wasn’t. I could burst into another good laugh but I knew if I did, he would be embarrassed, and he wouldn’t dare talk to me for the next few hours I’d stay with him after Jett leaves. I didn’t mean to sound rude when I said he only plays his guitar, but I guess he just wanted to be something in front of a guy I would potentially date. He always does that, after all. “Excuse me. I need to go to the rest room.”
I scooted over to his seat and made way for him out of the table as I watched him walk away, wondering if he was okay. That’s a dumb question. Of course, he wasn’t going to be okay. I mean, he’ll be fine. He has seen me flirt with so many guys that this won’t hurt him as much.
Jett cleared his throat this time to catch my attention after Aiden had walked away from the table. “Are you going to watch their match with Arsenal?
I turned back to Jett. “Of course, I am! I wouldn’t miss any of their game for the world.”
It was after some time, after eating, when Jett said he must take his leave. He did offer to meet me again so we could talk about soccer again which, of course, I accepted without hesitation because who am I turn down a pretty boy like Jett. Besides, this is soccer we’re talking about, and being with him was a big bonus. Before he left, he said, “Thanks for today again, Lois. I’ll see you back at the department, Aiden. Enjoy the rest of the night.” He flashed a small smile at me then to Aiden, who sulkily did not return the friendly gesture.
Aiden lifted his gaze to Jett like the total sass he was with the boys I meet, and raised a brow. “Yeah, see you around.” It was faker than the fake items from knock-off stores. “Preferably not.” I heard him mumble, so I shot him a glare.
“Alright, see you both.”
When he left, we were both silent in the table. I looked at Aiden, unsure of how I will resolve what he’s being mad about for the nth time. Surely, he was pissed that I made fun of him in front of another guy. He couldn’t stay mad at me even if he tried. “You can have my crust, Andy.”
“No, thanks.”
I frowned. Is he really acting this way right now? I mean, I understand but it’s been hours since I made fun of his cooking. He should have moved on by now. “What are you talking about? You always ask and eat my crusts.” I tried handing him the crust of my pizza, but he just looked away.
“I don’t feel like eating other people’s crusts today,”
I leaned closer to him, bringing the crust closer to his lips. “Aye! Are you mad at me?” I asked and he didn’t answer which makes the answer yes, he is indeed mad at me. Longer, this time. “Are you mad about the guitar thing? And the cooking thing?” I attempted to make the situation lighter, but it just made him frown more. He shove me away too. Acting like he’s truly mad at me. I can feel it in his blood and soul that he’s trying so hard to stay mad.
He ignored my question and kept looking away.
“Fine, I’m sorry.” I said, poking his shoulder. I guess he’s really mad at me for that. And he’s a lot more serious about it than I anticipated.
“I’m not mad. Just finish up your drink so we can go home. I still need to do my assignments.” He said in a low voice.
I wrapped my arms around his arms, leaning my head on his shoulder to appeal to him. “Why are you mad at me? I just said you always play the guitar and that you were good at cooking black eggs.”
He squinted his eyes as if I just made things worse.
“But I never said I don’t like them.”
His expression softened.
I smiled, moving him in my embrace like he was a big stuffed bear. “I bet you can have any girl you want if you play your gui— AH!” He pushed me off him and frowned at me. I froze from my thrown position awkwardly as I wasn’t really expecting him to push me away like that. That hurt my butt. Jesus. “Okay! I’m finishing my drink so we can leave. Geez.” I mocked, brushing my hair back.
“I never should have bought the tickets.”
I leaned closer to him again with a teasing glare after hearing him mumble about the tickets. “You’re so jealous, oh my god. Extra jealous, even.”
He tilted his head towards my direction, staring as if I should know what he’s about to say. “How would you feel if you see the one you like flirting with another guy in front of you?”
I playfully grinned at him. “What are you so jealous about? You’re the one I’m always hanging around with. You’re basically my husband at this point.”
He choked on the drink he was having and I couldn’t help but laugh. He’s so easy to bring back.
“I meant that in a brotherly way, of course.”
“Of course, you do.” He said under his breath, seemingly as more disappointed than he was before. He took a napkin and started wiping the water spilled in his mouth. I bet my life his heart’s about to beat out of its chest.
“I’m not even trying to date Jett. He’d be great as a friend. I mean, he’s already been broken by his girlfriend. You know I don’t date treasures.” I flicked the crumpled napkin he used and it flew off the table.
He looked at me suspiciously. “You only don’t date them to get the satisfaction of having them like you without having to date them.”
I frowned, trying to process what he just said. You only date them… I only date them… to get the satisfaction of having them… like you… like me… without dating them? You only—
“Gwynn Bartel, hurry up.”
“You’re getting jealous for no reason.” I arched a brow at him, crossing my arms to finally set things straight with Aiden. I don’t even know why I’m explaining myself to him. For some reason, I always defend myself with him out of habit. “But he is cute, though. I’d definitely date him if only he’s not that type of guy.”
He sighed. “Jett’s going to like you.”
I smirked. “So?”
“Don’t you know that guys feel more attracted to girls who share the same interests as them?”
I know too well. I shrugged as if it was nothing. “I know.” I always use that technique to other guys, but most of the time, everything’s just pretend. “It was just coincidence that he happened to like what I actually like. Would have been convenient if he was my next target. Pity I decided not to play with the pretty boy.”
“How fortunate.” He hissed.
“Come on, Andy! You know you can’t stay mad at me.” I continuously poked his arms annoyingly.
“No.”
“What do you want me to do then?!” I asked lifting my hands to let them fall. “Kneel in front of you? Which I won’t do.” I answered to my own suggestion. “Shave my head? Okay! I’ll shave my head then if it makes you happy!” The thought of having a shaved head, scared me. I mean, hair can be distracting during my games, but I wouldn’t shave my head. I can’t.
He finally chuckled. “Please do.”
“You’re unbelievable.”
“Maybe it’s the only way guys would stop liking you.”
I raised a brow. “So you’re the only one who will like me?”
“Yes.”
I let out a pathetic laugh. “You think you’re still going to like me when bald? I don’t think so, buddy.” I said grasping my hair to show him how beautiful this natural hair I have. “How could you say that to my glorious, flowy hair?”
“I never liked you for your looks in the first place, so it doesn’t matter what you do to your physical self.”
I shivered so I rubbed my arms, glaring at him in disgust. “Aiden Mitchell, I love you but please stop saying things like that. It’s unbearable.” I almost felt like my surrounding was snowy at how shivering that just sounded.
“Give me the crust.”
I laughed and handed him the crust I’ve been holding for him since Jett left. I watched him eat the crust with gustu. I liked eating the crust too, but Aiden’s love for them is beyond me that I just had to give him mine every single time. “Can you just transfer all your feelings to the crusts? You eat them with hearts shooting out of your eyes.”
“Nope.”
I mean… at least I tried.
- Writer
