*Laura*

“So I heard something…” Clara teases us.

Sydney sits next to me with wide eyes. She loves gossip more than any other girl at this school. Half the rumors here were started by her.

My sandwich is the most interesting piece of gossip as far as I am concerned. I keep to myself. And I love my food.

“Go on,” whines Sydney.

Chuckling, “Okay, well,” Clara clears her throat. “I heard that Cody is going to ask Laura to the prom.” She looks at me just as I begin to choke on my sandwich.

I’m Laura. And Cody is the hottest guy at school — way out of my league. He aces his classes, takes sports seriously like it’s a job, and has an amazing body and mind because of that. We read a lot of the same books.

I haven’t had more than two conversations with him. Those two moments, though, were really nice. He was kind and respectful and sweet. It felt like our time together was special.

I can’t help it. Hope forms in my stomach next to anxious butterflies. This is one piece of gossip I hope is true.

————-

*Sydney*

“Huh,” A smile playing at my lips. “That’s… something.”

Cody is the guy I’ve been making out with after school in the auditorium. He is the top guy at this school. And I thought I was the top girl. It just made sense we would be together.

My hands feel sweaty. My face is too hot. I take a sip of my iced tea.

Lately, he hasn’t wanted to meet up as much. I know he has a lot going on, and his family is extra hard on him. But, I had hoped he would come back to me.

Jealousy twists in my stomach like a hot knife, but I push it down. Laura is my best friend. If she really likes him, I’ll support her. She doesn’t need to know about our after school activities. And yet, it’s hard to not feel a little sad and a lot disappointed.

If Cody hurts her, I’ll ruin him. Not because I’m jealous. Because she still believes people are good — and I remember what that felt like.