New chapter earlier than usual! Yay!
Logan's POV
I walked out of the auditorium at four in the afternoon, humming a tuneless song as I went. After my talk with Ross earlier this morning, I felt... reassured that our plan would work. I mean, he likes Tasha so it would be good for him – even though he won't admit that he likes her. My stomach started to complain from lack of food. Reaching into the front pocket of my bag, I pulled out a warm half full bottle of Coke. Good enough.
What's in it for me? Nothing really. I just love messing with people! That's why April fool's is my favourite holiday.
Our plan started as an idea. I remember how I came up to Ross one morning before class with a grin.
Flashback
"Hey Shorty, I have an idea," I said, putting my hands on the table in front of him. Ross looked up, lost. I saw how Ross looked upset after Tasha said that she liked Tony. Seeing as that had obviously hurt him, I jumped in to save the day. In order for Tony – I mean - Tasha to see that he – she I meant she – likes Ross we need to make her jealous! Why did I keep thinking of Tony? I had no idea. Probably because I had too much Lucky Charms for breakfast. Yea, that's it.
"So? And isn't it funny how you call me short but I'm almost your height?" he drawled sarcastically.
"Almost being the operative word," I said, leaning down so that no one could hear my next words. "So... you like Tasha?"
Ross' eyes widened in shock, making me smirk. "Ho-how do you know that?"
"I do now."
Ross shook his head with a small smile, "You're good. So why do you care?"
"Because I don't like to be around sad, clueless heartbroken people," I said casually. Ross raised his eyebrow. "You mean... you want to play matchmaker?"
I snorted, "No! I just find it so annoying how you and Tasha are in denial."
The light in Ross' brown eyes dimmed. "She doesn't like me like that, and you know it."
I sighed. "That's what I mean!" I exclaimed, motioning to him with my pencil. "Why can't you see that she likes you but she just doesn't realise it?"
Ross moved back into his seat, "Logan, you're scaring me." I brushed blue bangs from my face, knowing that they'd slither back into my eyes in a matter of seconds. I wish my hair wasn't so straight, I thought irritably.
"Sorry, Shorty. Anyway, I know that she likes you, but she just won't admit it."
"How do you know?"
"Because I've lived on this planet longer than you," I said, matter-of-factly. Ross rolled his eyes, "Are you sure she likes me?"
"Positive."
"So what should I do?"
"Grow some balls and ask her out," I said, turning around and scanning the room. Ross narrowed his eyes in confusion, "Wha- I can't do that!"
I smiled when I saw Tasha enter the room, clutching her binder to her chest. "Yo Tasha!" I called, deepening my voice. I quickly ducked behind Ross' chair.
"What are you doing?" Ross exclaimed to me, turning around. I grabbed his shoulders and forced him to face ahead, "Shut up and ask her out," I hissed just as Tasha came over and took a seat across from him.
"Hey Ross. Did you call me over?"
"Uh... I guess," came the reply. Oh boy. "Ask," I muttered.
"So ahem... Tasha, I wanted to ask you something."
"Yeah?"
"I was wondering if you would like to... to..." he trailed off, stammering nervously.
"To what?" I pinched him hard in the side, making him squeak.
"To join me and Logan for lunch!" he breathed out, trying to hide his obvious pain. Idiot. We sit with her ever single freaking day.
"Um... okay."
He screwed it up. Bad. Time to switch to plan B, I thought.
I grabbed a chair and took a seat, acting like I just arrived. "Hey Tasha," I said, "Hey Ross. What are you guys talking about?"
Tasha tore her gaze from Ross to me. "Ross asked me to join you guys for lunch. Like we usually do. Every single day. Is there something I should know?" Show time!
"Yes," I said, taking Ross' hand.
"There is?" Ross said, looking at me. I nodded.
"But we'd rather tell you later on – now's not the right time," I said, looking at Ross.
And that's how it started.
End Flashback
Unfortunately, it ended up blowing up in my face. How? Ross just had to kiss me in front of Tasha. That messed up everything because when I told Ross to meet me in the classroom today it was clear from his expression that he had something on his mind.
Flashback
I sat on a desk and put my bag down as he continued with his story about his confrontation with Blondie, Frizzy (that's my nickname for Trish) and Ally.
"Then I left," he said, looking at his sneakers.
"What the hell were you thinking?" I exclaimed, pissed. "You just made everything all the more obvious!"
Ross looked up from his sneakers. "Well I didn't say anything, now did I?"
"You almost did," I pointed out.
"But I didn't. What's the big deal anyway? We're going to tell them anyway." I hate how that sounds. How that makes us sound like a real couple. Even being in a fake relationship with Ross is awkward.
"But if you had spilled the beans then everything would be ruined!" I sighed. Ross stood, shuffling his sneakers awkwardly. Then, he pulled me in for a hug. I froze. Hey, it's not every day someone hugs me.
"...I'm sorry," he said, breaking the silence.
"Ross, why are you-" I started to ask. Ross broke the hug and put his hands into his pockets. He looked out of the window.
"I just... I can't believe she would feel that way about him. I mean, anyone can see that they're not meant to be together!" Still obsessing over Tasha and Tony, now are we? I smirked.
"You jealous?"
"No! Of course not! I mean, they're so different! He's so conceited and stuck up its irritating! I don't know how she puts up with it!" So Tony can be a bit... arrogant. Everyone has their bad side. And Tasha's just that nice; she puts up with... well, everyone.
"But she's known him for, what, three years? Of course she's bound to get used to him," I reasoned. "But I don't get why he likes her music so much. She's good, but too shy to actually get anywhere in the music industry." On the plane ride here from Spain, Tasha sat and told me why she wanted to go to PCA. But she also likes music, not just acting. I don't get it, how can someone be brave enough to act but shy enough not to sing? I've heard her sing a few lyrics but – and I'm being honest here – I don't think they're that good. Not my type of music.
"Logan, why the bitter tone? Are you jealous?" Now it was his turn to smirk.
"Impossible! Okay, maybe a bit. That's part of the reason why we're doing this, remember? He's just too good for her. And she doesn't even consider his feelings sometimes. She takes him for granted, like he's always going to be there. I don't think she should be with him... he's totally perfect with his movie star looks and his amazing talent, and his hair that flops just the right way..." Alright, not only do I sound mushy and cheesy, but I also sound like such a bitch. I guess it's because I like Tony too much.
Wait... did I just say..? Out loud?
"Oh gross, please don't talk about him while I'm here," Ross joked. I punched him in the shoulder. We stood in silence for a few more seconds.
"...So you like Tony?"
"Never speak of it!"
"Touchy," Ross teased, "So what did you want to talk to me about?" I didn't meet his eyes as I started blushing.
"Uh... yesterday," I said. I watched as Ross blushed a deep shade of red.
"Oh yeah," he said, clearing his throat a bit. "Sorry about that. I... wasn't really thinking when I did that. I'm really sorry – I was just so mad..."
"That was my first," I said, interrupting him. Ross stopped talking and looked me right in the eye. "Really?" he asked in incredulity, "But you seemed so..." he blushed harder, "Erm, experienced." Damn this is awkward. "Why?"
"All the boys back home kind of see me as one of the guys, and not girlfriend material," I said in slight embarrassment. Tasha, Ally and Trish happen to be the first female friends I have.
"Oh."
I picked at the loose thread that was coming undone on the hem of my old hoodie. "Can we just..."
"Never speak of it?" Ross quoted my words from earlier on. I nodded, "yeah."
I checked my watch and sighed with relief, "I have to go to class. See you later?" I didn't wait for a response and ran for the door.
End Flashback
As I was leaving the auditorium, a bright yellow, blue and white poster caught my eye. I grinned – yellow is my favourite colour. As I took another sip from my Coke I read the poster. My eyes widened in shock, and I nearly choked on the fizzy drink. Without a second thought, I ripped the poster off of the billboard and sprinted for the music centre.
Even though this can prove to Ally that I can be friendly to Austin bet or no bet, I still can't believe I'm about to do this.
I burst into the biggest music room, panting heavily. Blondie abruptly stopped shredding on his guitar, "This better be good." Ally and Trish stopped talking to stare at me. I shivered. Is it me or has it gotten colder in here?
"Guys, you will never believe what I just found for Blondie," I said, triumphantly flashing the poster around. "Can I get a what-what?"
"..."
My grin dropped. "Okay..." I thought they'd be more... excited. Trish got up and grabbed the poster from my hands, quickly scanning it. I saw her eyes lighten up a bit before they darkened considerably. Blondie got up and read over Frizzy's shoulder. Okay. Here comes the big moment when Blondie will jump up and down like the irritating happy-go-lucky seven year old he really is. He looked up and opened his mouth to speak.
"What's open mike night?" Really? That is what I ran for?
I sighed and took the poster from Frizzy. "An open mike night is like an amateur's only concert. Usually there are a few record labels there to look for fresh talent - like Hollywood Records sent Isaac Wilde over. So this year as a prize you'll get a three year contract to go and work with one of the record labels! This could be great for Blond- I mean, Austin."
"Hey for your information, I am already famous," Blondie said in defence. Frizzy snorted, "Yeah, in Europe, South America and parts of Asia."
"And Japan!" he added. Oh yeah, that makes a huge difference, I thought sarcastically.
Ally stood up, "Why are you doing this?"
I raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback. I quickly regained my posture. "Oh I don't know... because you guys are my friends?"
"Oh really now?" Trish jumped in, "Don't try and act all innocent, Sloane, because we know your dirty little secret." She used my surname. They must be really angry. I stared hopelessly back at them, totally lost as to what they were talking about. Then, it clicked. Damn... they know.
"You know about that?" I said, clearing my throat nervously. "Look, I know it's wrong to mess with people like that but Ross-"
"Is just as guilty," Trish said, "How could you do that to Austin and Ally?"
I fingered the tag that stuck out from beneath my gray and white Guess t-shirt. "I know you guys are really close to Tasha but you'll understand if you just listen... wait, did you say Blo- Austin and Ally?" Relief swept over me. We obviously weren't talking about the same thing.
Ally nodded, "Yeah. But why would you want to break us up? I mean, I thought you were our friend-" I burst out laughing before she could even finish off her statement. As confusing as this was, I just had to laugh.
"What is so funny?" Blondie asked.
"I'm not trying to break you two up!" I said through chuckles. "Why would I do that?"
"I heard you talking to Ross this morning," Ally said, putting her hands on her hips.
"Oh no, you heard that?" I said, it sounding more like a statement than a question. And once again, the anxious feeling is back. Did she hear everything? Hold on...
"Why were you eavesdropping on our conversation?" I asked triumphantly. I watched as she shifted from one foot to another. "Eh..."
"Don't change the subject," Trish snapped, "Answer the question."
I took a sip of my Coke. "I did. With another question."
"Oh is that how you want to play, smartass?"
"Honey, treat this like a game and I'll show you how it's played," I said with a wink. Frizzy started to turn red, and that's when I decided to stop. The week is almost over, I thought, glancing at Blondie.
"So what did you mean when you said-" Ally started.
"That will all be revealed in due time, my friend," I said with a grin. "But for now, back to the open mike concert. Are you guys going to do it?"
Ally looked at Austin and Trish, "I don't know. Should we?"
"Yes!" Austin exclaimed, "This is going really help my career."
Trish pulled out her pink bedazzled phone, "I'm already dialling them. Thanks for finding... Oh hello? Trish Rodriguez, Austin Moon's manager..." her voice trailed off as she exited the room, talking on the phone and scribbling notes on her palm. I don't recall ever seeing Trish with a notebook – or paper in general.
"I've got some song ideas that we could use for you audition," Ally said suddenly, "I'll just go get my book. I'll be back k in a few," she said to Austin before scurrying out of the room. Austin and I stood in the room awkwardly. I guess my work here is done. I headed for the door, only for Blondie to speak up.
"Hey Logan," he said, "wait." I turned to face him. I watched in confusion and slight worry as he wordlessly walked over to me. To my complete horror, he wrapped his arms around me in a discomfited half hug. "Thanks," he said quietly, "For everything." This is... bizarre in a new way. I never thought I'd see the day when I shared a hug with Blondie. This better not become a typical thing.
"No prob, Blondie," I replied with a lopsided grin. "Do you mind letting me go?"
Blondie laughed, "Sure." We stood in silence for a few seconds before Ally returned.
"Let's get started," she said, walking to the piano. Taking that as my cue to leave, I turned and left the room. As I walked through the halls, I found myself wondering what I was going to do before I got distracted.
Oh yeah. Food.
Done earlier than usual! Any happiness? Hope so. So there it is – Logan and Ross have nothing against A&A. I made this extra longer, just for you guys because I felt bad for taking long for updating only to finally update and give you guys a short chapter. I know it's not much, but it's about 2,701 words. Review!
Sammie (: