Waiting

Jade hated waiting. She despised the idea of just sitting and wondering what exactly was going to happen. She hated how time just seemed to slide slowly past her and how minutes would turn into hours, would turn into days, months….years. Waiting made Jade twitch uncomfortably; it filled her body with nerves, anxiety building up in chest and clogging her throat.

Jade played with her long black hair nervously. Twisting the delicate strands around her fingers, while checking her cell phone. That was her prime occupation ever since she woke up that morning. She got up, checked her phone for any messages and calls, got dressed, checked her phone, ate breakfast, checked her phone, and walked to Stile's High while checking her phone. To her dismay, each time she received nothing, no phone calls, and no messages. Nothing. It was driving her crazy. She hated it when she was just left waiting. Why on earth hasn't he called? Where was Koby anyway? He was supposed to wait for her , near the guardrails, like he usually did.

She thought of calling him, seeing where he was. Maybe he didn't wake up yet? That probably is what happened, she assured herself. Koby wasn't known for early rising, even if his life depended on it. She just wished he'd make an effort for her, that he'd do something out of his way just for her. So far though, nothing like that has happened.

Jade cringed at the thought. She didn't like thinking about things that were less than perfect in her life. In Jade's opinion, all thoughts must be positive. That way, things will work out in life. But Jade's mind seemed to wander regardless of the mental block she tried to create. She's been dating Koby for the past three months, and she liked to say that things were perfect, even though some small part of her seriously disagreed. Some days things were far from perfect. Like the day Jade thought it would be a good idea to confess she loved him. Koby and Jade went out to dinner and a movie; he complimented her all the time. Telling her how hot she looked all clad in a mini skirt. Then when they walked home holding hands, he kissed her and she told him she loved him. He didn't answer, and Jade's heart sank. She never brought up the subject again, secretly hoping he'd confess too. But that night he didn't and hasn't said anything for the past three months.

Someone walked up behind Jade and covered her eyes. Jade spun around and saw Sasha. "Boo" Sasha said, smiling. Jade returned a half smile, her lips barely curling upwards.

"Hey girl" she replied, trying to sound like her usual chipper and energetic self. "What's up?"

"Nothing much. Actually I came over to see what's with you; you looked lonely for a bit". Lonely, that's the word that described Jade's exacted feelings at the moment. The other word would probably be anxious. "You look kind of distracted, worrisome. And you're checking your phone obsessively…."

"Koby hasn't called." Jade said. "Yet. And he was supposed to wait for me here, and he's nowhere to be found."

Sasha rolled her eyes, causing Jade to wince. This was so like Koby. When would Jade take the hint? Every morning started like this for the past two months. Koby hasn't called, Koby showed up late, Koby this and Koby that. Sasha was definitely growing sick of this. Each time Jade looked worried, insecure or anxious it made her feel as though her friend has changed. From her stylish , bubbly self to a glum, sullen package. If it were up to Sasha, that's where she'd draw the line. You can't make time for me, she thought, then guess what….um, bye. She and the girls tried to tell this to Jade, but it sounded as though they were being unsupportive. So Cloe suggested they'd just keep their mouths shut. This was extremely hard for Sasha, being the one with all the endless opinions.

"So why are you waiting for him, Kool Kat?" she asked, grabbing Jade's hand and pulling her off the guardrail. "He probably just slept in, so there's no use just sitting and waiting for him. Beside's, the bell's about to ring. We should head to class and go over our homework or something. Mr. Del Rio is going to quiz people today and I don't want to end up not knowing anything." As if. Sasha was always well prepared. She could be quizzed in her sleep.

"Okay, let's go." Jade got up, stretched and walked to class with Sasha. She still couldn't help wondering why Koby hasn't called yet. Sasha eyed Jade and shook her head. "Look, I hate seeing you like this. Try not to worry too much. It never helped anyone. Everything is fine…" Sasha lied through her teeth. If she ever got a hold of that Koby, she'd figure out how to use her cheerleading pompoms as a weapon.

They made it to the classroom and people started filing in. Jade sat down at her desk which was, no surprises there, right next to Koby's. He still hasn't shown up. Sasha sat down next to Roxxi and they were talking non stop about the next cheerleading tryouts, wondering out loud which freshmen would make the squad. Jade stared glumly at the ceiling. Why is his absence worrying her so much?

The bell rang. Class has already begun. Still no sign of Koby. Then in the midst of a math problem, Koby waltzes in as if everything was just perfect. The math teacher began sputtering about how rude and inconsiderate he was. Koby paid no attention and marched right over to Jade's desk and gave her a slow, wet, sloppy kiss that made her just melt in his arms. He smirked and Sasha basically gagged. She knew it was all for the show, and that Jade would not confront him later because everything was just fine and dandy.

*****

After class Jade decided to have a word with Koby. "Baby, where were you today?" she asked, holding his hand gently but firmly so he wouldn't be able to get away. "I mean, you didn't call me this morning and you didn't meat me by the guardrail or anything. I was a bit worried…" Koby silenced her with a kiss. He hated when she got this clingy, was he supposed to call her every second of the day? He liked Jade a lot and was extremely attracted to her but sometimes when she got like this he couldn't help wondering if this whole relationship thing was for him. Jade looked at him with her beautiful green eyes, surrounded by long eyelashes. Koby smiled, this might make her relax. "Nothing is wrong, Jade. Just slept in a bit… you worry too much. "And with that he left her standing while he continued to another class.

Jade sighed in relief. Everything's fine. There, even Koby said so. He just slept in. Why did she need to be so paranoid? Jade waved at her boyfriend and ran to catch up with her friends.

*****

"So what did he say? Though I don't really get what you're worked up about…" Yasmin asked Jade while sipping her strawberry breakfast smoothie. Eitan sat close to her, had around her waist. Ever since he began going out with Yasmin, he spent every second with her, and lunch was always with the girls. Jade didn't look as worried as she did that morning, but something was still on her mind. "I don't know, I mean, I just get nervous when he doesn't call. Like sometimes he forgets I'm his girlfriend, and that there are other things we have to do besides making out." Sasha thought that Jade was still dealing with this a bit too lightly. It's not like it's the first time Jade has turned to the girls with these complaints. They rehashed them every single day during lunch period, recess and on the way home.

"Jade" Yasmin said again. "What did Koby say?" Jade sighed and replied "The usual, he slept in. Today it wasn't really that bad. It's just for the past week we kind of drifted so I'm starting to feel kind of anxious."

"Don't worry Jade." Eitan piped up, twirling Yasmin's hair as he said this. "Koby is cool, he takes your relationship seriously. He's just pretty busy. Hell, even I didn't talk to him much lately. And he's my best friend… so there you go."

"So should I just act as usual?" Jade asked Eitan, relieved that someone was finally giving her answers she wanted to hear. "Yeah, don't read so much into it. Keep with the flow."

Just then, Leah, Nevra and Fianna walked into the cafeteria and headed straight for the girls' table. Fianna and Nevra were around Leah a lot nowadays, as though they were trying to score points with more popular girls. This bothered the Bratz quite a bit, but they were beyond the point of even attempting to argue. If Nevra and Fianna wanted to kiss Leah's feet, so be it. It's their choice anyway. Cloe looked up at the approaching group and smiled, she was still on semi good terms with Nevra. "Hey, what's up?" Leah spoke first, playing with her long strawberry colored hair "Hey Cloe! Things are great! I wanted to tell you, that poem you read in creative writing was awesome; I never realized how talented you are."

Cloe blushed, Sasha squinted skeptically and Phoebe put down her sandwich. She didn't get where this was heading to.

"Thanks Leah, I'm glad you liked it. I thought at first it's a bit long and I wanted to make some changes but I'm glad I didn't" Cloe added. "No it's great the way it is." Leah said, and then she turned to the rest of the girls at the table. "Anyway, I came here to invite you to my awesome party." She nodded her head slightly and Nevra and Fianna handed them fliers. Sasha almost choked on her sandwich. Talk about servants, why the hell are they acting like that?

"This flier admits one. You see, I don't want any weirdoes at my party..." she said signaling at Aubrey who was sitting in the far corner of the lunch room, with the rest of the chess club. "So, it's this Friday. Don't bring booze or anything like that; I've already taken care of it." Leah winked. The girls looked at their fliers, and Eitan folded his up and stuffed it in his bag.

Once Leah walked away, they started talking non stop about the party. "Eitan, do we want to come?" Yasmin asked him, caressing his cheek. Jade envied Yasmin. If she would have used the same expression and the same tone of voice with Koby he'd look at her as if she was completely mad. Well, maybe at this party they'll have time to catch up. Maybe he'll finally confess he loves her. Jade smiled at the thought. That's why she must find the perfect outfit as soon as possible, and the perfect lingerie.

Koby walked into the cafeteria and bumped accidentally into Leah, who was momentarily free of her servants. "Oops, sorry ma'am…" he said, winking at Leah while taking a good long look at her. Leah tried not to smile, she like the way guys tried to hide the fact they were checking her out. She didn't mind it one bit. "Oh Koby, don't ma'am me. A simple excuse me would do…" she laughed a high tingly laugh.

"Here, take this." She thrust the flier in his hand. "I'm having a party this Friday, bring the flier. I'll you in." she played with her hair.

Jade watched her boyfriend from afar. She didn't like what she saw at all. That Leah! Thinks she owns the world, and her boyfriend. She watched anxiously as Leah flirted with Koby, wondering whether she should get up or not.

Koby took the flier and scanned it briefly; this might be a good excuse to spice things up with Jade. Of course he'd have to find away to do it without convincing that he was in love, so that way no one would get hurt. He contemplated flirting a bit with Leah, she was pretty attractive. But then he glanced over at his regular lunch table and saw Jade staring straight at him. He smiled at Jade, and approached her table, trying to stop eyeing Leah as he did so.

"So babe." he said, as he kissed Jade on her cheek. "are we going to Leah's birthday bash?"

"I don't think it's her birthday, but whatever…yeah."

"Yay, I get to show off my hot girlfriend!" Koby said, grabbing Jade and squeezing her. Jade beamed. Eitan rolled his eyes; he knew Koby was just showing off and that later he'd complain about how clingy Jade was.

'See, everything is cool.' Jade said to herself. 'Everything is alright.'