Revamped!

[2019: This is just a prelude to the next arc, but I really wanted to write it].


After School Plans:

When we all returned to school, the word got out that Britney and Apollo were cousins. Apparently, when she was at school alone, she stood on a cafeteria table in the middle of lunch hour and screamed out the news before jumping off and calling it a day. Everyone was speechless until they started talking about it for the rest of the day. It didn't help that none of us were there and Britney left school after that moment.

And now, I don't know or understand how everything is just back to normal. It seems like everyone just forgot the whole rumour cycle which, honestly, I couldn't complain about.

The one thing I could complain about is what I'm looking at right now: Xavier and Britney being all flirty to each other as they walk down the halls.

"Why?" I question rhetorically as they pass us. Xavier waves at me and so does Britney (but I know she's doing it to mock me because I don't trust that snarky grin).

"You give more of a shit about this than Apollo and Angela, and they're related to those two," Merida says.

I shudder a little. "Don't remind me that Apollo and Britney are now related."

"I don't have to. It's hard to forget at this point."

"But at least we're back to normal, right?"

"I love how you asked that."

-o-

After school, I close my locker and head to my car. The closer I get, the more I see Xavier leaning against the hood. I remove my sunglasses just to give him a face because why is he on my car?

"Xavier," I call, "last time I checked, your car is all the way over there."

I point across the parking lot and his head follows. He laughs a little as he shakes his head.

"I need a favour," Xavier says.

"What is it?"

"Look, you know how Britney and I - "

I already know where this is going. " - like each other but neither of you will actually bother to say those words to either face so you just act like you're dating in hopes that nature takes its course? Or maybe it's the whole Apollo's cousin thing getting in the way?"

Xavier is speechless at first. "Yes for the first part, no for the second."

I nod my head. "What about it?"

"I know about your group chat but you and Britney still don't like each other."

"And so?"

"I want you to get along with her."

I cringe a little. "No thank you."

"C'mon, Stark," he begs. "You're one of my best friends."

"Why? So your future wife and I could have some good karma with each other."

Xavier thinks that over for a moment before nodding his head. "Something like that. So, will you do it?"

"No."

"Please?"

"No."

"At least consider it."

"No." At this point, no is short for fuck off, but Xavier's not really getting the message. "A friendship with Britney Braun is not happening any time soon."

"Alright, fine." He puts his hands up in surrender. "Can't say that I didn't try. But, hey, Angela is swamped with cheerleading practice and she wanted me to ask if you could meet her and The Bento Box later."

I nod. "Sure."

Xavier smiles. "Great. I'll text you the time and address for her."

"Tell her I'll see her then."

"You're the best."

I roll my eyes. "I'm not going to be friends with Britney. You only care about me when I do things for you."

"I know. Write about it in your autobiography."