Zenon's Game Chapter 138

"We don't really hang out, do we?" Jake called out to me.

For real, does this guy not know how much trouble I've gotten myself into because of him? I am not proud of the way I handled our little love triangle.

I like geometry, but not that much.

"I'm with Zenon..."

"Trust me, I know. But it doesn't mean you have to run away every time I'm around," he said maturely.

I slowed down and turned back towards him. He has never been anything but genuine and kind to me.

He reached out with an offer, "We're all going to my dad's lake house this weekend if you want to come. I'm bringing a girl. Maybe Zenon can bring you? It'd be fun."

The lake house. Another thing Zenon hasn't mentioned.

"Sounds fun."

Jake went into his house. I heard his mother's friends call out his name as he walked in.

Zenon, Jake and Charlotte were lucky to have such present parents. Zenon's dad was with him now, helping him make one of the most important decisions. College.

In two years, where will he be? And where will I?

I stayed up late to wait for Zenon. I left my bedroom window open so it would be easy to hear him.

But then I accidentally fell asleep in my bed with my laptop open.

I don't know what time he came home, but I got a text from him at 12.07am.

Hey Candy, sorry for missing you. I've been at coach's house with my dad all evening

Was Jamie there too?

Legitimate question - it is her house as well.

I texted back: I hope everything's ok

Then I sent him a cartoon penguin emoji raising a thumbs up.

Sometimes, I hide behind awkward and random moments to avoid revealing emotions. Or to get out of situations I don't want to be in. People don't question what they expect.

I slipped my phone into my jean pocket and grabbed my backpack. This weekend, I was taking my SAT Math and English subject tests. Next week, I had a mathlete competition. My bag weighed heavy with all the books...

...A metaphor for the heavy weight on my mind.

I doubled up on my regular coffee order at the Coffee Bean and stayed a little bit longer to study before first period. Without trying, what is my chance of getting out of this home?

I don't know what schools Zenon had gotten into, but I imagine somewhere good. His natural athletic abilities carry him through. When have they not?

"Hey Candace, we should get going. First period is starting in thirty minutes."

I almost imagined it was Zenon's voice telling me that. But when I looked up, I saw Matt in front of me, taking off his apron.

To say I'm surprised, is an understatement. Matt is a senior who never remembered my name, despite seeing me here every morning and dating my sister. Dated my sister; their breakup affected me too. He's written 'deluded', 'Matt' and 'Mandy' on my coffee cup.

I looked behind me to see if there was anyone else he could be talking to. "Uh...sorry, what?"

"Do you want a ride? Your car doesn't look like it can go much further," he offered.

"Um, I think I'm ok, thank you," I answered, trying to keep the skepticism out of my voice. I closed my notebook.

"OK, well then, I'll see you here tomorrow. I'll have your usual order ready for you," he waved goodbye, chucking his apron behind the counter.

OK. Something is not right.

I arrived at school just in time. I didn't drop off my books in my locker and headed straight to class.

I was on my way when I bumped into a group of seniors hanging out together. They were outside the counselor's office. I tried to get through the group to make it to my class.

"Candace," a girl's voice sang out my name, "Oh Candace."

That taunting voice was one I remember hearing a lot during summer camp. It belonged to Stacey.

The girl who teased me, called me a weasel and took a photo of me sleeping in my b-ra. It was the photo that sparked a lot of drama. She used it to cause Zenon to dump Tamara.

"Candace, you've been a stranger these last few months," she said loudly, bringing a lot of the other seniors to focus their attention on us, "Remember this summer how your counselor had a little crush on me?"

Malik had a crush on Stacey, which I think is like being possessed by a demon.

"I think he was momentarily possessed," I mumbled.

"See, I told everyone it's true. Zenon invited me to your cabin so often that the little boy developed a crush on me," Stacey answered.

That was not true. Zenon didn't...

Where is Zenon?

"You know we had a lot of fun at camp, don't you weasel?" Stacey shoved me.

I think that was meant to be playful.

"Don't touch me," I told her.

"Stacey, you should back up," Oma interrupted, "You've proven that you know Candace, but even best friends don't invade personal spaces like that."

I saw the crew of seniors standing behind them, all watching me.

"Thank you, Oma," I said.

She was always the elegant one amidst the crazy mess of high school students. It was barely 8am and she looked put together, with earrings that matched her necklace, and a polished outfit.

Oma said, "You probably have somewhere better to be."

I took the chance to make my exit. I cast the wider group another look, before turning away.

This incident combined with Matt's behavior from this morning... convinced me that something was not right.