Too Easy

The next day was anxiety inducing, to say the least. The thought of confronting Jessica again made me literally sweat.

Apologizing made things more awkward, in a way. Admitting wrongdoing gave Jessica ammunition for tormenting me, and my mind was busy computing all the worst possible scenarios.

Reality turned out to be much less dramatic, however. We met after school in the same place, and the same lukewarm, business casual demeanor pervaded the room. It was a session devoid of any drama or baggage.

And then the presentation the next day went off without incident as well. The teacher didn't mind that it was only Jessica and I presenting; or at least she didn't object. It's very likely that she simply lacked the energy to, and we assured her that Montana was integral in the research phase.

And after that, our group went our separate ways. I would still see Jessica in Current Events and in the hallways, slithering between classes.

She had told me that even her friends were afraid of her. I was curious what that looked like. I looked for the telltale signs when we passed: the discomfort on her friend's faces or their subtle hesitancy.

But I couldn't see it. Not because they were stoic or joyous, but because they didn't exist. Jessica the snake was always alone. I saw Montana the loner loitering outside the school with a gaggle of hooligans long before I saw anyone say a single word to Jessica. I wondered if it had always been that way.

It seemed inconceivable that she would be rejected so thoroughly by everyone she considered a friend.

But one day, it clicked. Jessica didn't usually sit in the cafeteria. But that day happened to be an exception.

I was with my usual cohort: Jasmine, a girl with snakes for hair, reminiscent of Medusa; and Jacob, a ghoulish, emaciated looking kid with sharp teeth, grey skin and a bald head; along with Gabi and Paul.

I watched from across the dining hall as Jessica slithered up to a table, her tray in her mouth. There were two people already sitting: what looked like a young man with the head of a deer, and some kind of horse-bird hybrid that I couldn't readily identify.

Right as she got there, they started packing up their things. They scowled and waved, heading out long before the end of lunch. I added to my tally of times I'd seen Jessica, and to my tally of times I'd seen Jessica alone. They were the same tally.

I didn't realize I was staring until Jasmine pointed it out. "What are you looking at?" she asked.

I didn't have a non-creepy answer. "Nothing."

She tried turning to my object of interest, her hair-snakes scanning the area. "Is it the big snake?"

"Jessica," I corrected. "Uh… yeah, I guess."

"I'm not gonna lie, she kinda freaks me out," Jacob added. "I lowkey hate snakes."

Jasmine glared at him in disbelief.

"Uh… I mean, like, actual snakes, yours are fine,” he hastily amended.

I pursed my lips. I felt like I needed to correct or reprimand him, but I couldn't find the words. "I dunno, she's nice."

Jacob's expression was dull and defeated.

I continued. "I just felt kinda bad because she's always alone."

"Huh," Paul said.

Everyone became slightly sullen.

I had spoiled the mood, but Gabi quickly came to the rescue. "Why don't we invite her over here?"

"Uhhhh…" I pondered. I wondered if she would actually want my sympathy.

"Yeah, I like that idea," Jasmine agreed.

"Yeah dude, go invite her," Paul prodded.

It was hard to think of counter-arguments, especially with so much ascent. Jacob didn't make any efforts to contradict anyone, either.

I simply nodded, my heart beating like a drum. I stood up and walked the short distance. My sweat glands activated. Subconsciously I wondered what I’d do if she’d said no; or if she would be offended; or if I would be mocked; or—

But I abruptly met my terminance, standing at her side. She was quick to notice me.

"Noel?" she rasped between bites.

"Uh, hey, I saw that you were alone and m-my table thought—I thought that you might want to join us…?" I upspoke.

"Oh… uh… thanks," she said awkwardly. She seemed caught off guard.

"Yeah… uh… want to?"

"...Sure," she shrugged with her words.

"Okay," I sighed, trying my best to mask my relief. I stood with my hands in my pockets. I wasn't sure whether I should wait or walk. She didn't seem to pick up on my uncertainty.

Soon after, she gathered her tray and slithered over to my table.

Everyone except Jacob welcomed her warmly; the only greeting he gave was a raise of his bony hand.

I had no clue what we would chat about; but everyone else seemed to know right away. Jasmine was the first to speak. "Hey, we match!" she said, pointing at one of her head-snakes.

I almost did a spit take. It was the worst joke I'd heard all month. Or maybe it wasn't a joke; in any case, everyone tried hiding their mirth.

Jessica blinked, staring at Jasmine. Then she started to huff rhythmically, letting her giant tongue probe the air.

It was a laugh.

I had never heard a snake laugh; it was a strange phenomena, to say the least. I grinned.

Paul was next. "So you're a senior, right?"

"Yesss—" she hissed, before amending. "Yeah."

"Where did you apply? Did you get accepted anywhere yet?"

"Yeah, I got accepted to Central, but I'm still waiting on my dream schools."

"Nice," Paul responded plainly.

I smirked. My tally of the time's I'd seen Jessica alone was one fewer than the tally of times I'd seen Jessica.