Change Has Come - Chapter Four: The Middle Man
Tino slowly walked out of Bahia High, his head swaying low. He made his way to a tree and leaned up against it as he waited for the rest of the gang to show up.
"Oh hey. As you can see I don't look too happy. I'm sure you can easily guess why. That's right I still don't have a date for the dance yet. You would think that I could find one girl who I wouldn't be completely embarrassed to ask to the dance. I'm running out of time. I need to figure something out quick if not sooner. Tish and Lor are in the same boat as I am. Hopefully, before 7:00pm Sunday night we will luck out. Not only because we want to go with someone we like, but also because we can't take Carver rubbing it in that he has a date. On a sidenote, Tish and Lor have been acting strange all week. I have many theories about their behavior each more bizarre than it's predecessor, but nothing definite."
At that moment Carver, Lor, and Tish came up beside Tino. Tish and Lor weren't looking too good as both were disappointed for the same reason. Despite their best efforts neither one could get Tino to ask them to the dance. Carver, however, sported a huge smile.
"Yep, I definitely can't wait till Sunday. This dance is major, and I'm glad that I'll get to spend it with my date. Oh yeah, me and my date are going to have a great time," Carver said with his big grin.
"Carver, I strongly promote non-violence, but in your case I'll make an exception if you don't zip your lip," Tish said with a glare.
"Hey, just because you have no one to ask, doesn't mean you should take it out on me," Carver replied apparently unfazed.
"Well, I have no problem with violence, and you're gettin' on my nerves too, Carv," Lor commented making a fist.
"Calm down, girls. Sure, Carver is being a jerk, but isn't he always in situations like these? C'mon just let it go," Tino said.
"Yeah, just calm down. Wait, did you just call me a jerk?"
"Forget about it, Carv. Anyway, I have to go to a doctor's appointment, so I have to get on home," Tino commented.
"Then I guess we'll see you tomorrow. Later days," Carver commented.
Tino waved goodbye, and Tish and Lor returned the gesture. Both winced inside, though, that Tino wouldn't be joining them.
"So, how about we hit the Snack Shack for some chug-a-freezes?" Carver suggested.
Tish and Lor agreed with silent nods.
"Oh c'mon you guys have to cheer up. You won't get any dates looking so gloomy. Hey, maybe someone at the Snack Shack will catch your eye," Carver commented.
The idea of finding a date didn't appeal to Tish or Lor, but they nodded anyway.
The three situated themselves around their usual table and began to drink their chug-a-freezes. Lor and Tish kept their frowns while drinking, Carver, on the other hand, put his feet up on the table and leaned back satisfied with his situation.
"You know what? From now on call me Don Juan. I think the name fits me very well, don't you think? A charming man who all the ladies love, that's definitely me," Carver commented.
"I'm pretty sure Lord Byron is rolling over in his grave right now," Tish commented bitterly.
"Who's Lord Byron?"
Tish shook her head and went back to drinking her chug-a-freez. The table went silent and Carver looked over the two moping girls.
"Alright, that's enough of this. Both of you need to snap out of it. Your funk ends here and now."
Lor and Tish looked at him, but made no other real movements.
"That's easier said than done, Carver," Lor commented.
"So you don't have dates to the dance, so people will think you lack the ability to attract guys, so this is an important event that you won't get the best out of. Is it really all that bad?"
"If that's your idea of encouragement than I hate to see your idea of discouragement," Tish commented.
"Yeah, dude, you just made a bad situation a lot worse," Lor added.
"Your negative attitudes aren't helping the matter either, you know. If worse comes to worse you could always ask Rhett, Hans, or Earl. I'm pretty sure that those guys don't have dates either."
"I'll skip the dance entirely before asking one of those guys to the dance," Lor commented.
"Yeah I agree. Those guys are even bigger geeks than me," Tish said.
"And you two call me superficial," Carver mumbled.
"What was that?"
"Oh nothing, I'm just thinking out loud. Look, you just need to swallow your pride and ask someone. Wouldn't not going to the dance be even worse than going with some loser?"
"I guess you're right, but still it's hard to ask someone when your entire being is telling you that you'll regret it," Tish commented.
"Totally. I know the laws of physics just say that a jock like myself shouldn't ask a geek to the dance," Lor said.
"Well, I can't really argue that point, but still if you need to defy physics than so be it. Throwing away the laws of physics is better than invoking uncoolness by not going to the dance."
"Maybe so, I'm not really sure on all of this. I'm only sure of one thing right now," Lor commented.
"What's that?"
"I'm sure that I have to use the bathroom. I'll be right back."
"I'm so glad you decided to share that with us," Tish said sarcastically.
"Anytime, Tish!" Lor called out as she walked away.
Carver took a sip of his chug-a-freez when suddenly an idea struck him.
"Hey, I just thought of something. I know that it breaks the rules and all, but what about Tino?"
Tish's eyes went wide and she sat straight up in her chair.
"Well, judging by your reaction that idea doesn't seem to fly with you. I guess you're right it probably would be odd asking him wouldn't it?" Carver commented.
Tish became flustered since Carver had misinterpreted her response. "N-no, I d-didn't mean to give you that impression."
Carver gave her a look and asked, "So you would ask Tino?"
Tish panicked. "I-I don't know if I w-would, but, you know, if worse came to worse then I might, wouldn't, probably, couldn't, uhhh, I can't say."
Tish smiled wide trying to cover herself, but she became more nervous the longer Carver stared at her not saying anything.
"You know if I didn't know any better I would have to say it seems like you have a thing for Tino, but that couldn't-"
"Don't tell, Lor!" Tish blurted out in a panic.
"Don't tell Lor what?"
Tish froze suddenly realizing what had just happened.
"Uhhh, nothing. Absolutely nothing." Tish felt her face getting redder as the smile on Carver's face got bigger.
"Heh heh hahaha HAHA!" Carver's laugh rang out.
Tish covered her face and felt like dropping off the face of the Earth.
"Well I'll be damned, you like Tino. I'm not sure whether to mock you, or to be amazed at the number of rules I think you're breaking," Carver commented.
"Look, I know this isn't an easy situation to comprehend, but you have to do me one favor. You can't tell Lor, and you especially can't tell Tino."
"No problem. Are you afraid that Tino won't be very receptive of your feelings?" Carver asked.
"Actually, I have reason to believe that he might also feel something for me."
"Really? He must hide it pretty well then 'cause I know I've never noticed."
"Well, obviously he wouldn't show it in front of you or Lor because he knows that you two would ridicule him."
"Very good point, but I still find it hard to believe that Tino might have feelings for you."
"How come you can believe that I like Tino, but you find it difficult to believe that Tino likes me?" Tish asked a tad indignant.
"I don't know I just do. It's an odd feeling, that's all."
"That's a pitiful answer. Look, just make sure to keep it to yourself, okay?"
"Fine, I already said I would. You have my absolute word."
"Thanks, Carver."
A few seconds later, Lor came back to the table and sat down again.
"Geez, Lor, did you fall in or something?" Carver asked.
"You know as well as I that girls always take a long time in the bathroom," Lor responded.
"So, how about we head on home now?" Tish offered.
"But I haven't finished my chug-a-freez yet," Lor protested.
"Well, next time hurry up in the bathroom, and then you can finish it here. Just take it with you," Carver commented.
Lor grumbled in acquiescence.
The three walked along to their houses while Lor and Tish still discussed their woes of the pending dance. Carver offered his advice to no avail, he could barely take listening to both of them sulking. Soon his problems were eased slightly as they reached Tish's house, and so he would only have to put up with Lor now.
"I'll see you guys tomorrow," Tish said.
"Yeah, see ya then," Lor responded.
Tish turned to Carver and whispered, "And remember our secret."
Carver nodded and waved as she walked up the path to her house.
"So, Carver, what are the chances that I'll be able to find a good date for this dance?" Lor asked as they continued on their way.
"Well, given the time left, your negative attitude, and your abrasive personality, I would say about one in ten thousand."
"Gee, what great odds."
"I forgot your recent delve into sarcasm make that one in a hundred thousand."
"What?! Dude, some people enjoy sarcasm."
"I'll agree with that if by some you mean one. The only person you could hook with sarcasm would be Tino."
"Really?! You think he would fall for sarcasm?!" Lor blurted out with excitement.
She quickly covered her mouth hoping it would somehow erase her enthusiastic outburst.
"Déjà vu," Carver thought to himself.
Lor decided that she should try and cover herself. "Wow, who just called out? It seems that someone is listening in on our conversation. Well, that creep had better hope I don't find them."
Lor could feel Carver's eyes burning into her.
"That is, without a doubt, the lamest cover up I have ever heard."
"Look, it's not what you're thinking."
"Oh yeah? Well, I'm thinking that you have a thing for Tino."
"Okay, it is what you're thinking. I know that it probably sounds weird seeing as I'm a jock and Tino is a geek."
"Oh it's weird for more reasons then just that."
"Okay! I realize that it breaks a few rules, but still I can't deny it."
"Uh-huh, and what makes you think that Tino will go for this?"
Lor smiled slightly. "I'll have you know that there is evidence that shows he likes me too."
Carver was a bit taken aback and thought, "Both Lor and Tish thinks Tino likes them? Is this some type of joke or something?"
"Don't look so surprised. It's not that hard to believe he might like me is it?"
"Yes, yes it is hard to believe. We are talking about Tino here. A best friend of mine who has never said one word about something of this nature to me."
"Pffft, of course he wouldn't tell you. Tino is more than aware that you would completely make fun of him for it."
"Too true, but what makes you think that I won't make fun of you about it?"
"Because you know that I will beat you to bejeezus and back if you do." Lor held up a fist to emphasize her answer.
Carver took a step back. "Point well taken. You can put that fist away now."
"Can you please do me one favor, though?"
Carver let out a small sigh. "Don't tell Tish or Tino, right?"
"Yeah, how did you know?"
"Sometimes the answers just crash down from Heaven. Don't worry your secret's safe with me."
Lor released a sigh of her own."Thanks..., but if you go back on that promise be aware of the consequences." She punched the palm of her hand to make her point clear.
"You know I never thought that being your friend could get so dangerous."
"I'm not dangerous......just so long as you don't cross me."
Carver rolled his eyes as the two continued on to their houses. Lor mentioned a few more things about the dance, but Carver had no idea what she was saying. His mind was elsewhere as he continued to think about what he had heard that day.
"Not only do Tish and Lor both like Tino, but each seem convinced that the feeling is mutual. Maybe I need to start paying more attention to Tino and the way he acts around girls. I could learn a thing or two apparently. Hmmm, this spread of love could make things quite interesting around here." Carver smiled to himself. "No, it will be interesting around here because now I hold all the cards. This is going to be fun."
End of Chapter Four
It's fun being in a position like Carver's. At least I think it is. Anyway, things should really start getting nuttier and interesting so stay tuned and keep reading.
Tino slowly walked out of Bahia High, his head swaying low. He made his way to a tree and leaned up against it as he waited for the rest of the gang to show up.
"Oh hey. As you can see I don't look too happy. I'm sure you can easily guess why. That's right I still don't have a date for the dance yet. You would think that I could find one girl who I wouldn't be completely embarrassed to ask to the dance. I'm running out of time. I need to figure something out quick if not sooner. Tish and Lor are in the same boat as I am. Hopefully, before 7:00pm Sunday night we will luck out. Not only because we want to go with someone we like, but also because we can't take Carver rubbing it in that he has a date. On a sidenote, Tish and Lor have been acting strange all week. I have many theories about their behavior each more bizarre than it's predecessor, but nothing definite."
At that moment Carver, Lor, and Tish came up beside Tino. Tish and Lor weren't looking too good as both were disappointed for the same reason. Despite their best efforts neither one could get Tino to ask them to the dance. Carver, however, sported a huge smile.
"Yep, I definitely can't wait till Sunday. This dance is major, and I'm glad that I'll get to spend it with my date. Oh yeah, me and my date are going to have a great time," Carver said with his big grin.
"Carver, I strongly promote non-violence, but in your case I'll make an exception if you don't zip your lip," Tish said with a glare.
"Hey, just because you have no one to ask, doesn't mean you should take it out on me," Carver replied apparently unfazed.
"Well, I have no problem with violence, and you're gettin' on my nerves too, Carv," Lor commented making a fist.
"Calm down, girls. Sure, Carver is being a jerk, but isn't he always in situations like these? C'mon just let it go," Tino said.
"Yeah, just calm down. Wait, did you just call me a jerk?"
"Forget about it, Carv. Anyway, I have to go to a doctor's appointment, so I have to get on home," Tino commented.
"Then I guess we'll see you tomorrow. Later days," Carver commented.
Tino waved goodbye, and Tish and Lor returned the gesture. Both winced inside, though, that Tino wouldn't be joining them.
"So, how about we hit the Snack Shack for some chug-a-freezes?" Carver suggested.
Tish and Lor agreed with silent nods.
"Oh c'mon you guys have to cheer up. You won't get any dates looking so gloomy. Hey, maybe someone at the Snack Shack will catch your eye," Carver commented.
The idea of finding a date didn't appeal to Tish or Lor, but they nodded anyway.
The three situated themselves around their usual table and began to drink their chug-a-freezes. Lor and Tish kept their frowns while drinking, Carver, on the other hand, put his feet up on the table and leaned back satisfied with his situation.
"You know what? From now on call me Don Juan. I think the name fits me very well, don't you think? A charming man who all the ladies love, that's definitely me," Carver commented.
"I'm pretty sure Lord Byron is rolling over in his grave right now," Tish commented bitterly.
"Who's Lord Byron?"
Tish shook her head and went back to drinking her chug-a-freez. The table went silent and Carver looked over the two moping girls.
"Alright, that's enough of this. Both of you need to snap out of it. Your funk ends here and now."
Lor and Tish looked at him, but made no other real movements.
"That's easier said than done, Carver," Lor commented.
"So you don't have dates to the dance, so people will think you lack the ability to attract guys, so this is an important event that you won't get the best out of. Is it really all that bad?"
"If that's your idea of encouragement than I hate to see your idea of discouragement," Tish commented.
"Yeah, dude, you just made a bad situation a lot worse," Lor added.
"Your negative attitudes aren't helping the matter either, you know. If worse comes to worse you could always ask Rhett, Hans, or Earl. I'm pretty sure that those guys don't have dates either."
"I'll skip the dance entirely before asking one of those guys to the dance," Lor commented.
"Yeah I agree. Those guys are even bigger geeks than me," Tish said.
"And you two call me superficial," Carver mumbled.
"What was that?"
"Oh nothing, I'm just thinking out loud. Look, you just need to swallow your pride and ask someone. Wouldn't not going to the dance be even worse than going with some loser?"
"I guess you're right, but still it's hard to ask someone when your entire being is telling you that you'll regret it," Tish commented.
"Totally. I know the laws of physics just say that a jock like myself shouldn't ask a geek to the dance," Lor said.
"Well, I can't really argue that point, but still if you need to defy physics than so be it. Throwing away the laws of physics is better than invoking uncoolness by not going to the dance."
"Maybe so, I'm not really sure on all of this. I'm only sure of one thing right now," Lor commented.
"What's that?"
"I'm sure that I have to use the bathroom. I'll be right back."
"I'm so glad you decided to share that with us," Tish said sarcastically.
"Anytime, Tish!" Lor called out as she walked away.
Carver took a sip of his chug-a-freez when suddenly an idea struck him.
"Hey, I just thought of something. I know that it breaks the rules and all, but what about Tino?"
Tish's eyes went wide and she sat straight up in her chair.
"Well, judging by your reaction that idea doesn't seem to fly with you. I guess you're right it probably would be odd asking him wouldn't it?" Carver commented.
Tish became flustered since Carver had misinterpreted her response. "N-no, I d-didn't mean to give you that impression."
Carver gave her a look and asked, "So you would ask Tino?"
Tish panicked. "I-I don't know if I w-would, but, you know, if worse came to worse then I might, wouldn't, probably, couldn't, uhhh, I can't say."
Tish smiled wide trying to cover herself, but she became more nervous the longer Carver stared at her not saying anything.
"You know if I didn't know any better I would have to say it seems like you have a thing for Tino, but that couldn't-"
"Don't tell, Lor!" Tish blurted out in a panic.
"Don't tell Lor what?"
Tish froze suddenly realizing what had just happened.
"Uhhh, nothing. Absolutely nothing." Tish felt her face getting redder as the smile on Carver's face got bigger.
"Heh heh hahaha HAHA!" Carver's laugh rang out.
Tish covered her face and felt like dropping off the face of the Earth.
"Well I'll be damned, you like Tino. I'm not sure whether to mock you, or to be amazed at the number of rules I think you're breaking," Carver commented.
"Look, I know this isn't an easy situation to comprehend, but you have to do me one favor. You can't tell Lor, and you especially can't tell Tino."
"No problem. Are you afraid that Tino won't be very receptive of your feelings?" Carver asked.
"Actually, I have reason to believe that he might also feel something for me."
"Really? He must hide it pretty well then 'cause I know I've never noticed."
"Well, obviously he wouldn't show it in front of you or Lor because he knows that you two would ridicule him."
"Very good point, but I still find it hard to believe that Tino might have feelings for you."
"How come you can believe that I like Tino, but you find it difficult to believe that Tino likes me?" Tish asked a tad indignant.
"I don't know I just do. It's an odd feeling, that's all."
"That's a pitiful answer. Look, just make sure to keep it to yourself, okay?"
"Fine, I already said I would. You have my absolute word."
"Thanks, Carver."
A few seconds later, Lor came back to the table and sat down again.
"Geez, Lor, did you fall in or something?" Carver asked.
"You know as well as I that girls always take a long time in the bathroom," Lor responded.
"So, how about we head on home now?" Tish offered.
"But I haven't finished my chug-a-freez yet," Lor protested.
"Well, next time hurry up in the bathroom, and then you can finish it here. Just take it with you," Carver commented.
Lor grumbled in acquiescence.
The three walked along to their houses while Lor and Tish still discussed their woes of the pending dance. Carver offered his advice to no avail, he could barely take listening to both of them sulking. Soon his problems were eased slightly as they reached Tish's house, and so he would only have to put up with Lor now.
"I'll see you guys tomorrow," Tish said.
"Yeah, see ya then," Lor responded.
Tish turned to Carver and whispered, "And remember our secret."
Carver nodded and waved as she walked up the path to her house.
"So, Carver, what are the chances that I'll be able to find a good date for this dance?" Lor asked as they continued on their way.
"Well, given the time left, your negative attitude, and your abrasive personality, I would say about one in ten thousand."
"Gee, what great odds."
"I forgot your recent delve into sarcasm make that one in a hundred thousand."
"What?! Dude, some people enjoy sarcasm."
"I'll agree with that if by some you mean one. The only person you could hook with sarcasm would be Tino."
"Really?! You think he would fall for sarcasm?!" Lor blurted out with excitement.
She quickly covered her mouth hoping it would somehow erase her enthusiastic outburst.
"Déjà vu," Carver thought to himself.
Lor decided that she should try and cover herself. "Wow, who just called out? It seems that someone is listening in on our conversation. Well, that creep had better hope I don't find them."
Lor could feel Carver's eyes burning into her.
"That is, without a doubt, the lamest cover up I have ever heard."
"Look, it's not what you're thinking."
"Oh yeah? Well, I'm thinking that you have a thing for Tino."
"Okay, it is what you're thinking. I know that it probably sounds weird seeing as I'm a jock and Tino is a geek."
"Oh it's weird for more reasons then just that."
"Okay! I realize that it breaks a few rules, but still I can't deny it."
"Uh-huh, and what makes you think that Tino will go for this?"
Lor smiled slightly. "I'll have you know that there is evidence that shows he likes me too."
Carver was a bit taken aback and thought, "Both Lor and Tish thinks Tino likes them? Is this some type of joke or something?"
"Don't look so surprised. It's not that hard to believe he might like me is it?"
"Yes, yes it is hard to believe. We are talking about Tino here. A best friend of mine who has never said one word about something of this nature to me."
"Pffft, of course he wouldn't tell you. Tino is more than aware that you would completely make fun of him for it."
"Too true, but what makes you think that I won't make fun of you about it?"
"Because you know that I will beat you to bejeezus and back if you do." Lor held up a fist to emphasize her answer.
Carver took a step back. "Point well taken. You can put that fist away now."
"Can you please do me one favor, though?"
Carver let out a small sigh. "Don't tell Tish or Tino, right?"
"Yeah, how did you know?"
"Sometimes the answers just crash down from Heaven. Don't worry your secret's safe with me."
Lor released a sigh of her own."Thanks..., but if you go back on that promise be aware of the consequences." She punched the palm of her hand to make her point clear.
"You know I never thought that being your friend could get so dangerous."
"I'm not dangerous......just so long as you don't cross me."
Carver rolled his eyes as the two continued on to their houses. Lor mentioned a few more things about the dance, but Carver had no idea what she was saying. His mind was elsewhere as he continued to think about what he had heard that day.
"Not only do Tish and Lor both like Tino, but each seem convinced that the feeling is mutual. Maybe I need to start paying more attention to Tino and the way he acts around girls. I could learn a thing or two apparently. Hmmm, this spread of love could make things quite interesting around here." Carver smiled to himself. "No, it will be interesting around here because now I hold all the cards. This is going to be fun."
End of Chapter Four
It's fun being in a position like Carver's. At least I think it is. Anyway, things should really start getting nuttier and interesting so stay tuned and keep reading.