"Hey Jon, I'm going to be late today, so don't wait for me," Karyn said over the phone.
"No problem," Jon replied. "I'll see you at school later though, yeah?"
"Sure Jon-boy. And don't forget to bring the you-know-what!"
"Okay Karyn, will do," Jon shook his head. He wasn't sure how safe the stone would be at school especially after Karyn's mishap yesterday, but evidently she planned to use it again. "See ya later."
"Byeee," Karyn cooed and hung up.
As he put his bag in his locker, Jon put the stone in his pocket. There was a locker thief around lately and he couldn't take any chances. His friend Alan had the locker next to him and they were talking about the weekend.
"Are you coming on the camping trip? Larry said he's bringing his laptop and Dungeons and Dragons rulebooks so it won't be completely uncivilised."
"Playing D&D; in the woods? What's next, LARP?"
"Aw come on Jon. A guys-only camping trip. A geeks-only trip! It'll be fun!"
"I dunno Alan, I was going to hang out with Karyn this weekend."
"Yeah I guessed as much. You hang out with Karyn too much Jon! You should have some space. You should go camping with us!"
Jon's eyes glazed over for a moment, then he replied, "I hand out with Karyn too much. I should have some space! I should go camping with you."
"Atta boy, Jon! I knew you'd see sense," Alan smiled. "Oops, time for class."
"Be right with you," Jon shut his locker and followed his friend with the stone safe in his pocket.
He would have to see Karyn later, he realised, as she probably had some plan for the stone. There was no avoiding her, he knew, but hopefully it'll be brief. Jon felt they hung out together too much already - and people talk! But after today, it might be best to try and avoid Karyn for a while and let things cool off...
