The Secret Life Of Us – Chap 2

If Only She Knew

I slumped down in my seat, and dumped my bag down on my desk. Glancing to my right, I noticed Mark sitting on his desk, chipping at the table with a pocketknife.

‘I don’t think you should be doing that.’ I called across the room.

Mark looked up to face me, and grinned.
‘And why should I listen to a wimp like you?’ he asked.

‘Just trying to help!’ I said, raising my hands in defence.

He tilted his head slightly, looking at me with a strange look on his face.
‘Why are you such a goody-goody?’ he asked after a while.

‘I’m not!’ I said quickly, ‘I’m just not as bad as some other people might be.’

He nodded his head, obviously not believing me. The door opened, and I turned to look at the person I thought would be Mrs Stanson. Instead, my eyes met with Tara’s.

‘Hi.’ She said nervously, sitting down at the desk beside mine. I smiled awkwardly.
‘What are you in for?’ Mark asked her.

‘Running down the corridor, then I got double because I was late to class.’ She paused, a frown covering her face, ‘Wouldn’t have been late if I hadn’t been caught running!’

Mark laughed, as I grinned at her. The door opened a second time, as Mrs Stanson walked in, and sat down at her desk.

‘Right. No talking, no mucking around, no nothing. You may do some homework if you have any, but that’s it.’ She said sternly.

Tara immediately got out a piece of paper, and started to write. Minute’s later, and small folded up note was on the corner of my desk. Trying not to look too eager, I reached out and grabbed it. Unfolding the paper, I read the note.

Hey Paul! Mrs Stanson’s a cow huh? I’m already super bored!! How about we head out for a pizza after this hell is over? Maybe Mark could join us… -Taz xo

I turned the paper over, and grabbed a pencil. As I wrote my reply, I could feel Tara looking at me – and to be totally honest, I didn’t mind in the slightest. Handing the paper back, I watched as she read it.

I’d love a pizza. Not sure if Mark would want to be seen with a ‘wimp’ like me though…feel free to ask! I think we only have 30 minutes left… Paul xx

Tara looked up and grinned at me. I blushed and smiled back. She turned her attention to her English homework, leaving my staring dreamily.

Finally the torture was over, and we were free to leave. Tara headed straight over to Mark, and started to chat with him. I followed, feeling as left out as a carrot in a garden of cabbages.

‘So you’ll come?’ Tara asked.
‘Yeah, I suppose!’ Mark replied, smiling slightly at her. He looked me in the eye, making me cringe slightly.
‘Is Marazzi coming too?’

Tara nodded. I smiled weakly up at Mark, hoping that he would at least try and accept me. Nodding, he started towards the door, motioning for Tara and I to follow.

Mark pushed open the door, and walked through. I let Tara through, before following myself. We sat down in the nearest empty booth, and picked up a menu.
‘I want peperoni and cheese.’ Mark stated, ‘How about you Taz?’
‘Me too.’ She agreed, nodding, ‘Paul?’
‘I’ll have whatever.’ I shrugged.
‘Ok, now that’s settled, how about you be a mate and order?’ Mark suggested, leaning back in his seat.

Sighing, I stood up, and walked to the counter. As I ordered, I glanced behind me at Tara and Mark. Tara had moved closer to him, and they were ‘sword fighting’ with two straws. Tara poked Mark’s forehead with her straw, and yelled triumphantly. I felt the guy behind the counter hand me the pizzas. Walking back, I saw the game cease as they faced me, waiting eagerly for the food.

‘Dig in!’ I smiled, putting the pizzas on the table. Sliding into the opposite seat, I watched as Tara and Mark fought over the biggest slice. Sighing inwardly, and felt my heart crush.

She fancies Mark…and he fancies her. That’s why she wanted him to come. I’m just the third wheel…