Chapter 3

"AJ, my man, you and Aleesha this morning were hot!" Kevin stated as he joined the group of
  guys on the basketball court.
    "What was up with that?" AJ asked.  "Why did she do that?"
    "What makes you think I have any idea?" Kevin asked.
    "Cuz you're friends with 'em, you must know something," AJ stated.
    "Sorry, man, can't help ya," Kevin replied.  "Hey, cuz, any luck chattin' up the chicks yet?"
    "Not yet," Brian said.  "But I will."
    "Yeah, his only problem is they hate him," Howie laughed.
    "They don't hate me," Brian stated.  "they just don't know me."
    "Why would you want them to know you?" Kevin asked.  "They're just a bunch of stuck-up
  snobs."
    "Kevin," said Nick, acting shocked.  "How can you say stuff like that about your friends?"
    "I'm serious," Kevin stated.  "I can't see why you'd want anything to do with them."
    "That's easy for you to say," Brian said quietly.  "They're all in love with you."

    "Do you think it's worth it?" Donna asked after Aleesha, Jess and Catherine had left.
    "Do you think what's worth it?" Claire questioned.
    "Do you think being a cheerleader is worth the whole dare thing?"
    "Are you kidding?  Of course it's worth it," Claire stated.  "I mean, endless popularity, hangin out
  with the coolest people in the school, goin' out with the guys on the football team..."
    "I already have a boyfriend," Donna interrupted.
    "Girl, you so gotta get over Tyson, he's such a loser," Claire sighed.  "The guys on the football
  team are so much hotter."
    "I just don't like this dare thing," Donna stated.
    "Come on, girl," Claire said.  "Catherine's right, it ain't that bad."
    "I guess so," Donna sighed.  "So when do you think Jess will do her bit?"
    "I think she said she's either gonna do it tonight or tomorrow."

    Catherine walked through the empty streets alone after cheerleading practice.  Suddenly a guy
  came up behind her and wrapped his arms tightly around her waist.
    "Brad don't do that!" Catherine said as she turned quickly and hit him in the chest.  "You scared
  me."
    "Sorry, babe," Brad apologised, kissing her gently on the forehead.
    "I guess I can forgive you," Catherine said as they kept walking.
    "Okay, I gotta ask," Brad said.  "Why the hell did Aleesha kiss that geek AJ this morning in front
  of the entire school?"
    "It's a secret," Catherine smiled.  "Maybe one day I'll fill you in."

    "So, Jess, today's the big day, huh?" Catherine asked as they arrived at their lockers.
    "Uh huh."  Jess nodded.
    "So, you're gonna go ahead with it?" Aleesha asked.
    "Uh huh," Jess repeated.
    "Good girl."  Aleesha smiled.  "When and where?"
    "Lunch, in the cafeteria."

    Aleesha joined the others at their table about ten minutes into lunch.  "Sorry I'm late, guys, the
  Science teacher kept me in, stupid prick," Aleesha stated as she sat down.  "you still gonna do it,
  Jess?"
    "I think so," Jess replied.
    "So go on," Catherine said.
    "Yeah, girl, we don't got all day," Aleesha added.
    Jess slowly got up and walked to the other side of the cafeteria.  "Hello Brian," she said sexily as
  she came up behind him and placed her hand on his shoulder.
    "Ummm, hi," Brian replied, his heart instantly began racing but he tried to remain cool.
    "Brian," Jess said.
    "Yeah?" Brian asked.
    "Come here," Jess said as she gently pulled on his shirt so that he'd stand up in front of her.
    "Yeah?" Brian asked again.
    "Kiss me," Jess whispered as she moved her body close to his.
    "What!?!"
    "You heard me," Jess whispered, lightly breathing on his neck.  Brian took a deep breath and
  leaned towards Jess but suddenly she pushed him away.
    "Eeeewww, get away from me!" she screamed, drawing the attention of everyone in the
  cafeteria.  "I told you, I don't want to go out with you, so just stay away from me!"
    A few people in the room burst out laughing.  Jess looked back at the others who were
  whispering and giggling, then she looked back at Brian.  She could see the tears welling up in his
  eyes, and suddenly he turned and ran from the room.
    "Oh God," Jess said to herself.  "What have I done?"