The Online Couple

By Matthew Rozier

Chapter 1

Odd walked towards the vending machines, laptop in hand. He smiled as he pictured who is online girlfriend might be. Who could it be? He thought. Emily? Heidi? Claire? I sure hope it's someone good looking. Odd continued to let boyish fantasies run through his mind as he made his way out of the building. He couldn't wait to meet her.

Sissi was already pacing in circles at the vending machines, similar thoughts running through her mind. Oh, I do hope it is Ulrich, she thought. Then I can finally get him away from Yumi. I still don't understand what he sees in her. She's definitely not as pretty as I am. Not even close. Sissi smiled and stroked her hair. Then doubts began to slip into her mind. What if it isn't Ulrich? What if it's some nerd or other ugly boy? She stopped walking, her eyes wide. What if it's Odd? Sissi bit her lip, knowing how they had been getting along lately. She began to pace in circles again, but taking faster, more panicked steps this time.

Nicolas and Herve were watching Sissi pace from a window across the courtyard. "Oh, I sure do hope that it isn't that Ulrich," muttered Herve.

"Why?" asked Nicholas. "You jealous or something?"

"Me? No, of course not. I just can't stand the guy. What does Sissi see in him anyway?"

"Oh, I dunno. I just wish it were me."

Herve suddenly became angry. "You take that back!"

"See, you're jealous," said Nicholas with a smirk.

"I am not! Now you take that back!"

"Why don't you make me?"

Herve put up his fists, but Nicholas quickly knocked Herve out like he always does. Nicholas chuckled. "Such a loser." He went back to eavesdropping on Sissi. She was still pacing.

Odd was very close to the vending machines now. Then, all of a sudden he saw a flash of purple pants and pink platform shoes. He stopped dead in his tracks and slipped behind a tree. Sissi? What's she doing there? Odd put his free hand on his forehead. Oh, no! It can't be. Odd peeked out from behind the tree. It was Sissi alright. It's just a bad dream, I'll wake up sooner or later. Odd pinched himself a few times. Sissi was still there, still walking in circles. Sissi turned in Odd's direction. Odd gritted his teeth and quickly pulled his head back behind the trunk of the tree, hoping that she didn't see him.

"Odd? What are you doing there?"