The Popular, The Loner, & The Troublemaker

2

"Cora is avoiding me and it is probably because of the dare! Could you tell her it was a dare for me" Phoenix tapped my shoulder on his way to gym our third period and also the time before lunch. I shook my head smiling. I finally agreed to let him wear normal guy clothes. But when I asked about the dress boy did I get a story. It wasn't his sister's. So this girl on the side on the road who was having many hormones acting up went to him. Of course he knew right away. So get this. She was wearing a dress. A blue sparkly one. So he pretended he was gonna do something with her, but then he took her dress and yelled You have STDs I'm not coming back for you.

"Well you kinda asked her out during first period. It did sounded believable and she believed it. And you have a way with words, trust me I know." With this a sly grin was plastered on his face. Since when did he make that expression?

"But didn't she know it was a dare?" He frowned looking a little upset. Why doesn't he give her a chance. They would be perfect for each other.

"I guess not, but you should give her a chance. Both of you would be so great together!" I clasped my hands together humming.

"It wasn't real, and I would like you to tell her. And why would you think we would be so-great together?" His brows furrowed. Guess he disagreed again.

"You know.....Maybe I should just tell you.......she likes you" He blinked several times before looking at me straight in the eyes. His mouth was hanging open and he was shocked.

"W-what?" He chocked looking panic. Well I guess pretty boy over here never had anyone like like him in a long long time.

"You didn't know?" I whispered. He shook his head no. His face were almost coral and he was embarrassed. There goes the lover's tale being true again. "I guess when they say everyone knows about the lovers' love, except the one being loved is true." There were moments of silence for Phoenix to process what I said. He was almost frowning. What's up with him and frowning lately? Is it because of the dare cause if it is well at lunch he can laugh, he can giggle, he can holler, and he can all he wants. At lunch I'll be the laugh stock and it's because I refused his dare, I guess payback is really something.

"....Yeah....I guess it is true" He said looking at me. See now he believes it, so he should make her happy and give her a chance.

"So are you going to give her a chance?" I asked again. He strangled his hands with his hair and sighed deeply.

"Naomi, you don't understand" He tells me. What is it then?

"Oh...." I whispered before continuing. "She really likes you and I want the best for everyone else. I'm just an abnormal junior with the unlucky gift of drifting everyone away. In a way I don't mind.....I just feel everyone is the same these days. Do you know how many your sister and Cora been through that thrown them aside? Do you know how many that wanted to do open relationships after months of being together? How many did they caught cheating? How many broken or betrayed them? And you know what, all of them....all of them remind me of one certain vile, ruthless, coldblooded person. That's why I don't believe in people anymore. That's why........I don't believe in any of that romantic gig because 99% of the ones will just use you and throw you away like you do not matter or have any feelings. Oh and it is not just the guys that do it. I have to....I have to, so I promise that I will make sure they won't feel that again...not now.... not ever again and I will make sure to help them in the future." He takes a few moments to let my words sink in.

"I understand your view, but out of all people you should understand why I refused. And I really do not want to hurt her if I ever feel differently....which I do" He answers. I sighed and shrugged.

"I guess that's fair" I squeezed his hand.

"See If I did that....that would be cruel. I'd be leading her on, besides I'd be lying to myself if I didn't feel something for....... for someone else" He bit his lip nervously. Oh! I never knew and I thought he still hasn't moved on.

"Oh...." I said silently. "Really?! D-do I know her? It is a girl right?" I said sheepishly. I clasped my hands together. That is so great! I can't believe it. I guess this is the only way I'll allow him to not give Cora a chance.

He laughed before saying "Y-yeah you could say you know her. And of course it is a girl. But p-p-p-please, don't say anything about it to my sister or Cora!" Hmm he didn't say don't tell Cameron. Cameron we are gonna be best buds soon! Sorry Lydia! I do wonder who it is....

"I promise I won't....but if you ever need help you can count on me, Phoenix boy. Also be sure to thank me later, I'll tell Cora it was a dare to ask someone that. And you being so horrendously smart decided to ask her that because it would be easier without the other person thinking something." With this he smiled and nodded his head. I couldn't believe it my family was growing up.

"But it honestly is useless and probably won't work out." How could he say that?

"So she is oblivious like you were about Cora?" I smirked. I am never gonna let him loose about the dress thing with Cora and how he liked another.

"I'm not oblivious, my eyes are distracted when they are set on another" Men with words. Ughh. How does he do that?

"And which pair of eyes are they set on? Were they beautiful?" I'm gonna find out one way or another.

"You really want to know?" He asked me. I nodded and he whispered in my ear "You...." I looked at him with the are-you-serious look. Deadpan. He noticed my expression and smirked.

"I'm talking about the girl"

"Which girl, I know many....of course there is you with your beautiful eyes, my sister, Cora, and....." Since when did he eat Cameron's thinking process? What did he do to Phoenix and will he give it back.....please? I'll be extra nice this year? Not. Well it is at least someone I cert of knew....

"She better not be popular or you will definitely will get hurt! If you did then you would be sad and be depressed. I heard last time you were depressed for awhile and I wouldn't want that because-" Phoenix interrupted me.

"-Naomi...." He shook my shoulders. "Calm down. Don't worry she is not a popular and if anything she is a loner. Kinda like you and me, but what I really....." He trailed off whispering, but I couldn't decipher what he whispered. With this I heavily breathed out of relief. There were moments of silence until we were near the gymnasium. But there was a huge crowd near the doors. I hear yelling and cheering. It was probably a fight with the troublemakers and the populars. It was the usual fight. But I wonder what happened to make them fight. Girls were fangirling and being scared. Guys were cheering on whoever they liked better.

"What with the crowd outside the gymnasium's door? It is probably a fight, but do you know why?" I looked over at him waiting for him to answer. He didn't say anything. He just looked at me as if he was speechless about what I said. "Phoenix? Umm.... Are you okay?" I put my hand on his shoulder.

"Oh! S-sorry.......I........I.....I was lost in thoughts" He said at last. Weird, but okay he's probably thinking, or maybe he's daydreaming about his mystery girl. "I'm not sure why they are fighting, but I don't want to get involved. Let's use the side doors." I nodded in agreement.

"Phoenix....?"

"Yes?"

"Good luck with your mystery girl! I'm going to go the the lockers." I say heading towards the girls' locker room to change into the PE wear. He looked at me smiling and then blushed. "Y-yeah t-thanks." I start walking towards the locker room when I hear my name, my first and real name. The name I hadn't let anyone call me since him. The name I hadn't been called in years.

"Natalie!" I turned my head and saw Phoenix.

"Y-you...uh...no one calls....I mean....you know my...uhh.....name and you called me by my name....my real....one....the first one....why?" I fumbled over my words nervously.

"If you don't want to do the ordeal, I'm not forcing you to. I'll sneak you out of this school early." He spoke softly. Wow....his hair looks different and so does his eye...almost beautiful and his jawline is .....wait what? I shook my head to get rid of the crazily, insanely type of thoughts. This is new he is allowing me not to do the ordeal. Is it because he feels bad, but after what I made him go through he shouldn't.

"R-really? Wait then.... why did you give it to me?" I looked a him waiting for an answer as he rumbled his fingers into his hair.

"I didn't come up with it" He shrugged. "Lydia and Cora did and it's the most stupid ordeal ever. To get involve with the populars or the trendy, current people?! What were they thinking?"

"Phoenix....I wouldn't ever miss the opportunity to-" But before I could finish my sentence my named was called.

"NAOMI!!! Hi!" Lydia shouted and came over to us. She said something, but I wasn't paying attention. I was just trying to figure out a way to go with Phoenix to skip lunch. Lydia frowned "Geez Naomi! Stop staring dreamily and heartening at my brother!" I instantly looked away and we both were blushing.

"I-"

"Don't I me, Miss lovestruck with Phoenix!" She got to stop. I don't even like him like that and he likes someone else, not that I mind. I'm much too happy for him.

"I don't even like Phoenix you should know better than this! You're like a sister to me and he is like a brother to me. All of you are like family, even Cameron the dumb head!" I yell and I'm pretty sure the whole world could hear me.

"Y-yeah....." He muttered. What's wrong? Maybe he just still blushing from the fact someone paired him up with someone else. It happens all the time with me. I head straight to the locker room and overheard a few voices.

"You do, don't you? You can't just stand around. Go tell that girl......" Wait that's Lydia speaking to her brother. Hold up! If Lydia knows then why did he want to keep it a secret from her? Unless he wanted to tell her himself. Or she figured it out because.....wait if she is in our gym class I want to meet her! I slipped on the athletic shorts and strapless-top. Time to show my muscles. Honestly everyone thinks it is a shock I have them. People that don't know me thinks I'm a nerd just because I do my work on time. Key Word Phrase: On time. I turn it in on time, but you know when I start my work the night or two before. Or if I have time earlier. The reason I have these muscles is just the simply fact that I don't know maybe I just exercise in the gym two days a week. Morons. They can't figure it out, but in gym everyone thinks I'm a different person. Once I was called a guy. And they thought my name was pronounced Ohh-me. Without the nah sound who knew my name could be passed for a guy's. And my boy counterpart of my first name is Nat. I hate the name. Did I ever mention how Nat sounds like a bug. I remember when I was starting in middle school I had this game. There was this annoying bug weirdo and his name was Nat. Ugh Nat. The most horrible name ever. Whoever is named Nat should go to court to change their name because I feel so sorry for them.

"Wow....." A guy whistled at me. I rolled my eyes. 1 Hitters. 2 Players. 3 Cheaters. 4 Heartbreakers.

"Naomi! That's new and since when did you have extremely hot muscles" Phoenix says that earns me a chuckle.

"And I thought you were smart to notice that I go to exercise at a gym twice a week when I'm not a school or hanging out with you guys." He quickly looks down. Did I offend him? Poor guy. Now he might be sad he didn't notice.

"That's because.....o-other things were on my mind" He smiles. And he smiles a little too smiley.

"Yeah major other things were obviously on his mind if it isn't obvious what....." She chuckled and earned a playful slap from Phoenix. Now who talking about not getting involved with violence?

"Hey...Lydia" He speaks quietly, but mockery is filled in his voice. "Nobody asked you"

"Ouch that must've hurt a lot." I smirked watching them have a physical and verbal fight.

"You know what else will?" Lydia grin grows wider. "After lunch! It will be so fun!"

"Oh goodie I so can't wait!" I I added full on sarcasm sugar. Lydia laughed and Phoenix shooked his head.

"Alright you muchkins today we will be running! No excuses. And record how long you took to run the laps!" The gym instructor yelled. He blew his whistle and can I say it hurts. A lot. Kinda like wasp but imagine Cameron seeing a wasp running towards it and getting stun. Then imagine Cameron screaming out of pain then running towards the wasp to sting again! That, my friend is what it sounded like. "EVERYONE ON THE LINES OR YOU DO 500 PUSHUPS!" We all groaned going on the line. The good thing about laps me and Phoenix are constantly racing each other while throwing insults at our faces. People think we are insane, mind you- people think he is insane. People talk to him, probably because he a guy and girls are mindless lustful populars. "ON YOUR MARK" Phoenix puts two fingers on his lips and blew me a kiss. I rolled my eyes. If he does this then whoever he likes won't fall for him ever. But if he stopped doing this I don't know, but a part of me is almost sad. "GET READY" The coach said while Lydia mumbled something that sounded like ovenlords, but I'm positive it wasn't that. "GO!! YOU WEASELS GO AND RUN LIKE YOUR MAN HORSE IS CHASING YOU!" We sprint off.

"I can't believe it, the coach allowed an ostrich to race against me!" He sped in front of me.

"And your only this far because your a chicken with its head is cut off!" I cut him off going ahead.

"I can't see where I'm going so I run you over and you become roadkill"

"Then you die from your head being cut off and I regenerate into another ostrich because they are great!" I smirked

"Then I will also regenerate into a man-eating phoenix!"

"Except Phoenixes don't eat ostriches because they are both birds!" We were both head to head and toe to toe running at the same speed at the same time.

"I can feel the s****l tension from you two" We both jerk our heads to the right and an airhead was inches away. He even had an arrogant smirk planted on his face.

"NO WE DON'T!" We both yelled at the same time. Then we both chuckled.

"Yeah yeah yeah.....sure you don't" In our best interests we ignored him.

"Well one hundred years for a phoenix lasts 100 seconds for a human therefore you will burn into ashes and perish every minute!"

"But I will rise from my ashes and win against you"

"Then I will cut off your head and feed it to that s*x-offender!" I jabbed my finger at that arrogant guy who was still inches behind us.

"I am so glad It's his head because I am not gay but girls who are gay are so hot! Have you seen them together? You know you should get with this friend of mine then we could have a th-"

"-Dude jockette, nobody asked if you were and I would rather not." As soon as those words left my mouth jockette was punched on the side of his face. Phoenix got distracted and I took the lead. I saw the end of the laps and Phoenix was still not back. Yay I thought, but that only last because I saw Phoenix race his wings over here. I was still feet ahead of him and running faster than ever. He was inches behind me and I made a major jump. I was across and done. That's what happens when you exercise. I had beat everyone and Phoenix was in second. He grinned and shook his head.

"Why did you do that?" I asked

"He annoyed me and was saying things about you."

"Who is he?"

"Popular, jock I think. Probably a player with hundreds of open relationships. He said he was Brent Woods. Now I got populars on my back." I gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.

"It will be fine...I already got Serenity on mine so we are even and lunch exists...."

"But didn't you want my help?" He speaks lowly.

"Help? What help?" Lydia pops into our conversation. "You better not think of getting her out of the ordeal!"

"I don't want her to do it, after all it was my dare she refused! Let me pick it out or goodness' sake!" He argues back and frowns. "Come on Naomi, let's go!" He grabs my arm and drag me off. O...kay...? As we left he was muttering something under his breath, but I couldn't tell. He was annoyed. I have a feeling Lydia will get her gang of Cameron and Cora to kidnap me.

Silence.

Moments of silence.

We were out in the hallways it was almost lunch. The bell would ring any moment now.

"You know what I said earlier" He spoke at last fiddling with his hands.

"About leaving early?"

"No. Not that, that I liked someone else."

"Yeah is there anything you need help with or like to tell me more things?"

"Naomi I-" He gets interrupted by the screaming of the bell.

ZZZRRraaanng!

"What?! Can you repeat the only think I heard was Naomi I" I tell him as we make our way to the second floor with the outside room. No one goes there much except for us, Lydia, Cameron, and Cora.

"Seriously?! Stupid bell has to ring!" He frowns.

"I always liked this place. No one else ever hangs out here but all of us. I don't even think the teachers knows about it." I whisper. He breathes in.

"Yeah. I remember when you first came here you were relevant to all of the jocks, and they wanted you to be a popular. But you didn't want that, you just ignored them and told them to get out of your life. And then I realize it was you. Honestly in a way I'm glad I met you there, I'm not glad about Nirah, but I am glad I met you because we wouldn't be close if you weren't. You probably be classified as a troublemaker or a nerd." I simply laugh and nodded my head. No one else knows we met once before, but us. Then we heard voices and our eyes went wide. I'm dead.

"Ohhhh......Naomiiiiiiiiiiiii" The door creaked open making a screechy annoying sound as a voice called my name in a spooky, whisper kind of way.

"Nooooo........mooorreeeee......hiddddinnng.........fffrrroooom.......ooouuuurrrr......wwwrrraaath"

Quote:

Whoever name is Nat should go to court to change their name

-Natalie N. Alexandrianston