When the bell rang for lunch, Bobby gathered his things and headed to his locker. It's finally lunch time. He'd been counting down the minutes until he'd get to see Mary again. It's really frustrating not being able to see her, since they don't have classes together. That's the price he has to pay, for falling for a stunning smartie.
As he was putting his books away, an annoying tap was felt on his shoulder. Thinking it was one of the guys, he stated "What do you want asshole?" How wrong he is. It's his little sister. However, his words were actually perfect for how she treats him.
Agitated, he took a quick look around. "No, no, no. I told you, there's no lame freshman at Senior lockers-unless: you're bleeding out, throwing up, or dying— which you're not," a mortified Bobby told his sister. Then he pushed her forward. "So go!"
An equally annoyed Samantha Brown, replied "Bag your face Bobby. I came to see if you could give me a ride home this afternoon. School choir practice is canceled."
What does he look like a taxi service? "Sorry, I can't. You should know by now, I have karate today." She should know that by now.
With a whining voice, she complained. "What am I supposed to do?"
"Call mom. Now go," he said pointing.
In a huff of hair and attitude, she told him "You're so, so..."
"Much better" finished a teasing Tommy. The guys came walking towards the siblings.
Getting agitated, Bobby asked "You assholes are never going to let that go are you?" He ran a hand through his brown locks.ssss
"Nope never!" they replied grinning from ear to perfect ear. Bobby threw his hands up to the sky.
Samantha looked at her brother and his friends. She wondered what they were teasing him about. They hardly ever tease him, knowing he could kick their asses into next year. He was second best in his dojo, after all. But then he deserves it . Who does he think he is, treating hers like gum underneath his big shoes? Stupid bunch of idiots.
Narrowing his eyes to look at Sam, Bobby questioned "Why are you still here?" His sister stamped her foot and whirled away, off to who knows where she eats for lunch.
"Bye now," the Cobra's mocked, waving her off. "What did she want?" a nosy Jimmy wondered.
After exhaling a huge breath, Bobby answered. "A ride home." As he said this, he noticed his love interest chatting with his little sister. Oh God no! That is a terrible combination. No good could come from this.
The boys noticed too. "Looks like she found a ride," Tommy said snickering. How unfortunate for him.
Clinching his jaw tight, Bobby shook his head. "This is not good. This is SO not good, especially after how I treated her. There's no telling what she's saying about me to Mary."
Johnny noticed his friend's worry. He clapped him on the back. "Chill out man. They could be talking about that club they're in together, or they could be talking about the weather, or hair thingies," he stated.
Not one to pass by an opportunity, Dutch teased him. "Or they could be talking about you, lover boy." Using a girl's voice, he mocked "Your brother is so cute. I mean would you just look at his butt."s
Playing along Jimmy imitated Sam, "Who? My brother? He's a big dummy."
"No he's not! He's so, oh, oh, oh much better," returned his teasing friend.
One hundred percent, totally done, Bobby remarked "That's it! Run! Right now." He chased them past Mary (who raised her eyebrows at the sight) and his sister (who rolled her eyes), all the way to the cafeteria.
At the same time as this craziness is happening, Ashley, Lori, Gemma, and Gwen sat down under the shade of their tree. Ashley took notice of the students in the courtyard. The cheerleaders are visibly missing. They must have opted to eat inside today, along with the jocks. She saw some Juniors, a few Sophomores, and a bunch of Freshman girls (whom Mary was talking too). She bit her lip. This secret is killing her. Maybe she'll keep talking and talking, and miss lunch altogether. But no, not gonna happen. As much as she loves talking, the girl also loves to eat.
Opening her food container, Gemma asked, "Didn't you think Mary and Bobby were so cute this morning?" She loves love, especially all the things to do with romance: romantic movies, the language of flowers, love letters... All... The... Things.
It's no surprise she wants to help Bobby win Mary's affections. In her mind, if this were a cheesy teen chick flick Bobby would be the perfect male lead. He's handsome, athletic, compassionate, and shy. He checks all the right boxes. And Mary is his perfect counterpart. If they ever actually got together, Gemma could see them staying together. They would be like penguins, mating for life.
With a bit of pride for the boy, Gwen remarked "I'm surprised he had the nerve to walk her to class. But it was cute, even if I think love is overrated." She does. It's SO overrated, especially sappy Valentine's Day.
"One day you're going to find someone who knocks you off your feet. And just like that cheap wine you drink, you'll be so intoxicated with him. So much so that you can't eat or sleep. You'll think about him all the time. And then we'll see if you still think love is overrated," stated Gemma with a dreamy sigh.
Totally vexed, Gwen fake barfed. "Gag me! I would never act that way. That's for you and Mary." Just then someone tripped and spilled a drink on Gwen's back. She looked up, from her spot on the ground, and was super surprised. The guy who spilled embodies the word cool.
"Gwen I'm so sorry. Here let me help you," she heard, as a bunch of napkins were shoved into her hands.
Whispering, Gemma stated. "That was almost like knocking you off your feet. But it's not what I meant." Gwen gave her a sassy look.
"Hey Johnny! Did you have a nice trip?" asked Tommy with a taunt.
A chagrined Johnny stood tall. His arms were crossed and his face unamused. Staring his friend down, he grumbled out "Don't you know trips are much more fun with friends?" Tommy swerved literally by-passing his unhappy friend altogether, and sat down by Gemma. Bobby, Dutch, and Jimmy joined the group moments later. As Bobby sat, he asked where Mary was.
Ash informed him where his love is. "Over there, talking with those Freshmen girls." She pointed with her finger.
He looked in the direction of her finger and sighed. "She's still talking with my dopey sister." His fingers rubbed his neck.
"Cool your boxers man. They've been talking for awhile now, so obviously it's not about you," concluded Dutch.
Muttering under his breath, Bobby willed Mary to come on over. His powers of persuasion were clearly defective cause she stayed put, talking.
"Do any of you have Mrs. Hill, for French?" asked Jimmy. The group shook their heads in the negative.
Lori's soft, fairy like voice spoke up. "I'm pretty sure Mary does."
His face boasted a huge smile. "That's great!"Jimmy turned and yelled for Mary, who's body twisted- to the left- in his direction. He motioned for her to come here. Which worked, because she now strode their way.
Then Ashley began to twirl her hair nervously. "Just rip it off," whispered Dutch in her ear. She patted him on the arm and continued the hair twirling.
"Hey everyone. How's your day going?" asked Mary. She took a spot next to Bobby.
Now that she's here, Jimmy addressed her. "Great now that you're here."
She turned to face him. "Apparently so since I heard you yelling at me. How can I help you?" She began taking out her lunch, from her tote.
"Do you have Mrs. Hill for advanced French, by any chance?" he inquired. Oh how he hopes she says yes. Otherwise he's in deep crap.
"Oui. Est-ce que tu?" petitioned Mary.
He replied to that with, "J'ai un test j'ai besoin d'aide."
"Je suis occupé aujourd'hui, mais je peux vous aider demain," she stated.
Giving a thumbs up, he told her "Demain apres-midi fonctionnera bein. Merci."
Mary nodded, "De rien."
Everyone stared in bewilderment. "Does anyone know what the hell they said?" A pleading Dutch looked around the group.
Pointing straight at him, Mary remarked "I'll est si grossier." She took a sip of water.
Smirking Jimmy chuckled. "Comme le cul d'un babouin." It needed to be said, but only in French. He'd never say it in English, or else he'd be in big trouble.
As she snorted, her water went down the wrong way. Bobby reached over and patted her on the back. With a face as red as a cherry, Mary felt a bit embarrassed. However, she stated "Jimmy that was the funniest thing I've ever heard you say. Don't worry, I'll never tell. It's our secret."
He smiled at his witty comment. "Oui."
"Obviously it was about me. You, ma'm, pointed at my handsome face. Then you, man, said something to make her almost choke. What did you say?" Dutch wanted to know.
Oh this is too good. "You should've taken French, then you would know. Paresseux," replied a smooth Jimmy.
"Well, I picked up something about a baboon, I think" offered Gemma. Though she is unsure.
Dutch narrowed his eyes at both Jimmy and Mary. "Who are you calling a baboon?"
"As they say in France... Peter plus haut que son cul" said Jimmy in taunting voice.
Grinning, Mary leaned over to high-five her friend. "Good one Jimmy. I'll translate. What he said was a traditional French saying. If you ever travel to France, you might hear them say this about people. Jimmy said that you fart higher than your ass is located."
Dutch started to get up, but Mary held her hand up to stop him. "Let me finish, Jimmy basically told you that you're full of yourself."
Tommy and Bobby leaned over and high-fived Jimmy too. Johnny clapped him on the back.
"You think you're so funny with your little French words, that no one knows. Well, I know a foreign language too. Ou-Yay uck-say!" Let them suck on that. Dutch felt proud of himself for that one.
Ashley face palmed. Then she shook her head. She cannot believe he did that. "Did you just use Pig Latin as a foreign language?"
Dutch signaled yes. "Plus I know another foreign language. It's called my fist, your face, at practice today." He held up his fist as a warning. Jimmy wrinkled his nose and mocked Dutch.
But Mary just sat there with plans running through her head. "This is SO fun Jimmy! We both speak fluent French and they do not. We can say anything we want like Johnny is a chaton calin, or Bobby is ma tarte chérie . No one would ever know," she spoke with enthusiasm.
Catching what Mary said about Bobby, Jimmy raised an eyebrow and questioned "Bobby is ma tarte chérie?" He thumbed a finger in his direction. Bobby saw Jimmy's thumb pointed at him. He couldn't help but wonder what that's about. So he sat there and eyed this exchange, between the two, with interest.
Her eyes grew large like cucumber slices. Did she really say that? She has to fix this. "No. I said that in the same way that I said Johnny is a cuddly kitten."
"Not buying it. I don't think that's what you meant. L'aimes-tu," he prodded. Mary discreetly nodded and said "Oui". Jimmy's eyes widened with surprise. Oh wow! "Ma tarte chérie then."
Bobby looked at Jimmy and raised his eyes in question. Jimmy mirrored his eyes and sent him an affirming look. He has NO idea what the two of them said, but it has to be good. Jimmy wouldn't have sent him a pleasant look otherwise.
"Alright enough with the French. One, I am not a cuddly kitten. I'm a badass. Two, Mary you were talking with Bobby's sister Sam. What were you talking about?" Johnny gently petitioned the girl. Anything to help take the worry from his friend.
Inclining his head towards Mary, Bobby took a bite of his chips. "Nothing really, Civinette Club and school. Although, I did offer her a ride home today. She seemed put out that you," she looked at Bobby when she said this, "couldn't take her home."
Put out she says. No. He's put out by his stupid sister. "Please. She knows I have karate practice. I don't know why she asked anyway, except to get on my nerves," he stated sounding annoyed.
Patting his leg, she tried to soothe him. "I'm sure she wasn't trying to get on your nerves specifically. Now the problem is solved, cause she's riding with me. I can drop her off and still make my own dance practice."
As everyone stood to throw trash away, Bobby helped Mary up. He took her trash and urged her to wait a minute. He ran to the trash and back again. Taking her away from the group, Bobby told her thank you. "For what," she questioned.
Locking his eyes with hers, he answered her question. "For several things really. First, for giving my sister a ride home. And two, for last night." His nerves started ramping up. They're trying to get the better of him, but he continued talking anyway. "I know you didn't have to say those things to Christie, but I'm glad you did. I've never had a girl come to my defense before. It's usually myself, or one of the guys. I'm happy it was you," he finished.
Then he grabbed her hand and played with her tiny fingers. Realizing her hand is so small compared to his, he decided he likes it. Her hand fits perfectly in his. It's like it was made for him to hold. Her tininess compared to him makes him feel protective and he likes feeling protective for a change. Anything can feel magical, if it's with the right person. Even if it's tiny hands.
Looking like she had found the most perfect pair of heels on sale, Mary's whole face glowed. "Bobby it's no hardship at all." In an act of spontaneity, he pulled her into a hug. His arms wrapped around her like a warm, snuggly blanket. Both were super content to stay that way.
He could smell her hair. It was sweetly scented just like her whole personality. A brave Bobby whispered into her ear, "Go out to dinner with me. Just the two of us, for a date." He wore his hope like a crown. If she says no it will crush his heart, literally.
Mary pulled back and looked into his magnetic, soulful eyes. She turned to a pile of mush and goo. He makes her melt like a popsicle in the summer sun. "I would love to," she answered in a soft voice.
"Great! What about tonight?" he encouraged, as he placed his hands on her waist.
She would SO love to, however "I can't tonight. I have ballet after school and then the Civinette's are meeting at Gemma's house. Tomorrow I'm helping Jimmy with French." The look on her face is filled with sorrow, his is too. Then she though of something. "But I'm free Friday."
Bobby perked up, "Friday works for me too. So, now I have something to look forward to." She said yes! She actually wants to have a date with him. He's so weak when it comes to her, but that's OK because sometimes it's alright to be weak. For the right reasons.
"Me too," beamed Mary. He took her hand and walked back to others. It's funny how holding hands, with the right person, can make you feel like you sprouted wings and can fly.
Along the way he asserted, "Anything my sister tells you about me, disregard. She's not a reliable source."
"Oh really? I'll keep that mind," Mary winked at him. He smiled back at her. His sparkly eyes are everything and he has no idea how much they make her heart race.
Ashley noticed Mary and Bobby holding hands. Thank goodness for the distraction of Bobby Brown. Now she has time to figure out what to say, regarding what she did. She just hopes her friend can forgive her and Dutch's big mouth won't spill the beans. Then a thought hit her. That boy needs a distraction too. She knows exactly what kind.
*Author's note*
Translations:
Oui. Est-ce que tu Yes. Do you?
J'ai un test j'ai besoin d'aide I have a test. I need help.
Je suis occupé aujourd'hui, mais je peux vous aider demain I am busy today, but I can help you tomorrow.
Demain apres-midi fonctionnera bein Tomorrow afternoon will work well.
Merci Thank you.
De rien You're welcome.
I'll est si grossier He's so rude.
Comme le cul d'un babouin Like a baboon's ass.
Oui Yes
Paresseux Lazy
chaton calin Cuddly kitten
ma tarte chérie My sweetie pie
L'aimes-tu Do you like him?