Chapter Six

Jamie glanced up and noticed a girl about her age standing before her.

“Yep.” She said sliding into the seat across from Jamie. “You definitely hit the nail on the head with that girl.”

“So she’s always been that annoying?” Jamie asked.

The girl nodded her head vigorously. “At least you weren’t here to witness the whole Colin drama. Oh. Duh. You’re probably wondering who I am.”

It suddenly hit Jamie that she had no idea this girl was.

“Indeed.”

“My name’s Tess Matthews. I think you’re in my English class.” Tess said.

“5th period?” Jamie questioned.

“That’d be the one.” Tess replied.

“I’m Jamie by the way.” Jamie said.

“I know.” She said.

“I should have figured.” Jamie said with a sigh recalling her earlier conversations with just about everyone she met.

“Ephram Brown was telling me about you.” She told her.

“Oh. You’re friends with Ephram?” Jamie asked.

“Yeah, I’m one of the few people Ephram can tolerate in Everwood.” Tess told her.

Jamie smiled. “Yeah, he seems a tad selective about who he chooses to break bread with.”

Tess nodded. “But he seems to have taken a liking to you.”

Jamie blushed. “Oh, well he’s a nice guy.”

“Yeah, when he’s not in his I hate the world mood. You just have to dig a little and you realize he’s a hell of a lot cooler than the people around here.” Tess said.

“And are you and Ephram…umm…together?” she asked.

“No way. I doubt he would handle a relationship with me.” Tess said with a smile. “Though he is awfully cute. But he’s all yours.”

“I didn’t mean the question to come out like that.” Jamie said quickly.

“Sure.” Tess replied.

***

Jamie carried her tray across the cafeteria trying to locate a table to sit at. Preferably one that wasn’t near Amy.

“Hey Jamie!” Tess called. “Over here.”

Jamie turned around and saw Tess and Ephram sitting in the corner of the room. She slowly made her way over to the table.

“Thanks.” Jamie said sliding into the seat next to Tess. “I was afraid I was going to have to sit with the martyr girl.”

Tess laughed. “That’s a good one. Write that down Ephram.”

“I’m on it.” He said. “How’s it going today Jamie?”

“Alright.” She replied taking a bite out of her sandwich. “I’m still alive.”

“That’s quite an accomplishment here at County High.” Ephram replied.

“He’s right. You know the motto around here right?” Tess asked.

Jamie looked confused. “Motto?”

“Welcome to County High…go screw yourself.” Tess replied.

Jamie just shook her head. “That was very Jimmy Fallon of you.”

Before Tess could say anything Amy walked up to the table.

“Hi Jamie! Aren’t you going to sit with us today?” she asked motioning to a table filled with all the “popular kids.”

“Actually I think I’ll just stay where I am.” Jamie replied.

Amy glanced at Tess and Ephram. “If you want to commit popularity suicide that’s your problem.”

Tess rolled her eyes and Ephram looked down at his tray.

Jamie couldn’t take much more of this.

“Hey Amy I’d hate to break it to you but contrary to popular belief the world doesn’t revolve around you and I think I’d rather stab my eyes out with a blunt pencil than sit with you…okay?” Jamie asked sweetly.

The cafeteria was silent. Apparently Jamie spoke a little more loudly than she had anticipated.

Amy stared at her. “Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

And with that she turned and stalked off.

Tess let out a low whistle. “Damn, I’m glad I’m on your good side.”

You Get Me