Karyn stood by Jon's locker, waiting. She'd been held up briefly in her last class, her teacher wanting to ask her if she was interested in some kind of volunteer service opportunity, but she hadn't been that late getting over here. And yet, the hallways were starting to empty out, and she still hadn't seen Jon. Where was he? Just then, her phone buzzed with a text.
JON-BOY: Hey
Karyn gave her phone a confused look, then began typing back
KARYN: Where are you?
JON-BOY: This will sound crazy
JON-BOY: But my mom picked me up from school
JON-BOY: I guess because I'm strong now she volunteered me to help move some pieces of furniture at her office this afternoon
JON-BOY: I was getting texts from her in the last period to make sure I hurried out
KARYN: Doesn't her office have people who can do that for them
JON-BOY: I guess they were going to throw away a couch but because she volunteered me we get to keep it now?
JON-BOY: She wants to replace the couch in the family room
JON-BOY: She's very excited
JON-BOY: You should see her
JON-BOY: She keeps talking about how it's blue-threaded or some nonsense like that
Karyn rolled her eyes, amused.
KARYN: I was waiting for you by your locker
JON-BOY: I know
JON-BOY: Sorry
JON-BOY: I got caught up in trying to figure out what my mom thinks of this new reality
KARYN: Did she say anything
JON-BOY: She said I should have worn flats if I was going to be carrying a couch
KARYN: lol
Karyn began heading for the exit.
KARYN: No problems in your last period?
JON-BOY: No all good
JON-BOY: Boring as hell
JON-BOY: Williams was checked out
JON-BOY: Just gave us a worksheet
KARYN: I guess hanging out now is out of the question
JON-BOY: Yeah sorry
JON-BOY: I don't know how long this is going to take
JON-BOY: We're still on for later right?
KARYN: Yes
KARYN: Absolutely
KARYN: ...
KARYN: What ARE we doing later
JON-BOY: Spur of the moment figure it out then?
KARYN: It's our first date, try harder
JON-BOY: Ok I'll surprise you
JON-BOY: Meet you at your house around 7?
KARYN: It's a date
She paused and bit her lip, feeling warm feelings flow through her body.
KARYN: I'm really looking forward to this
JON-BOY: Me too
JON-BOY: Very unsure what the clothes in my closet will look like when I get home though
JON-BOY: Guess I'll surprise you that way too
Karyn laughed aloud, and sent a heart emoji back. Then she strode out into the afternoon.
Watching from a window, Sarah cackled. "And there she goes, Jon. You handled that very well. Too bad you're going to forget to show up later."
Jon sighed on the inside and automatically put his phone back in his purse. "Now what, Sarah?"
"Now we've got our usual cheerleading routine before a game, Jon. You're a long-time cheerleader now, I'm sure you already know this. Aren't you excited?" Sarah smiled.
"Not at all," Jon said flatly.
"You're just saying that because you have to be honest with me, but that's good to know. I can't have you bringing down the enthusiasm of all the other girls! Let's see. When you're around the rest of the team, I want you to act just as eager and excited as all the other cheerleaders. You will smile and be peppy and bubbly and every other stereotype that you think a cheerleader is. Do you understand? Give me just a little taste of your performance."
Jon felt his whole posture shift. A huge smile spread across his face, and his eyes were opened as wide as they could be. His hands clenched together in gratitude. His mouth opened, and he couldn't keep the perkiness from pouring out. "Oh, Sarah, this going to be so great tonight! I can't wait to be a part of the team and root on the boys! It's going to be so fun having everyone's eyes on me! Thank you so much! Go team!" He found himself leaping and punching the air with one fist.
Sarah was laughing hysterically. "This is too perfect. Oh, this WILL be fun!"
