Scarlett decided to drop off Mel first because she lived closer to King’s than I did. But during the whole car ride, it seemed to be a back and forth conversation between them about school. Mel told her about the elite class and how much she hated it. Scarlett was sympathetic and said, “I’m sorry, sis. Can I call you that? I feel like I’m a big sister already.”

Jealousy filled me. Scarlett was supposed to be my big sister, not Mel’s.

“Yes. I always wanted a big sister. I’m an only child.” Mel’s face lit up.

Once we made it to Mel’s house, I got out of the back to get into the front seat. She surprised me with a kiss when she exited the car.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, right?” she asked.

“Yeah. I’ll be at school.”

“You promise?”

“I promise.”

“Good,” she said and made her way inside.

“How romantic,” Scarlett observed as I got into the front. She hit the gas and took me home. All she did was talk about Mel the entire drive. It was weird because I was the one who usually talked about Mel. I stayed silent and she eventually took notice.

“Why are you so quiet? You usually can’t shut up after class.”

“I’m just tired,” I said hoping to derail the questions.

“Get some sleep, kid. That Mel girl is something special. Remember that.”

I did. It still weirded me out how quickly those two bonded during a one-hour class. I tried not to pay it much mind, but I went to bed feeling a bit weird about it.

The next day at school, I was sitting on a bench outside with Donny during our lunch period, and I explained what had happened the night before.

“She’s invading your space, bro,” he told me as he took a chug of pop. “That’s your space. Not hers. You need to have some personal time away from your girl, dude.”

“I don’t know, man. Maybe it’s something I have to get used to,” I said.

“No way.” He burped. “You have to tell her to leave. It’s not like you show up in her elite class sayin’, ‘What up bae. I’m here now too.’”

“I don’t think that’s the same thing.” I shook my head.

“Close enough.” He threw his pop can away. “Speak of the devil.”

Mel waved to us as she made her way out of the entrance of the school.

“Play it cool. Remember to be straight up,” he joked.

“Not the plan,” I grunted.

“Hey, what’s up, losers?” Mel said.

“Oh y’know. Just chillin’,” I said.

Donny looked over and raised an eyebrow at me and started mouthing, “Say something.”

I shook my head. Mel saw everything.“What are you two weirdos doing?” Mel asked.

“Just . . . I don’t know. How are you?”

“Good. I have my last exam tomorrow. I’d invite you over tonight, otherwise,” Mel told me.

“Ohhh,” Donny squealed childishly.

“Can it, dummy.” Mel gave him a stare, and Donny made a “zip it” sign across his mouth with his hand.