Let's celebrate

“WE DID IT!”

I screamed with excitement after seeing the publication of the results of the first bimonthly exams. Andrea had managed to finish with an average of 8.

“Andrea you did wonderfully!”

“Thank you.”

I was really amazed at Andrea's great ability to follow my instructions. We didn't have any problem cheating and in the end we achieved the objective.

“Your skill is incredible Andrea; you are like a professional cheater.”

“Thank you…?”

We were in the school cafeteria having lunch. The exams were on Monday, and today, Friday, we received the results. This weekend we can finally rest.

“Well Andrea, I think we can take this weekend off.”

“Okay”

By the way, Leonel was also successful in his exams. I was very worried about that fool, but I know that when he is determined to achieve something, he does not rest until it is accomplished; it is one of the many reasons why I admire him. I'm glad he didn't need my help, and he may never need it again.

“And what will you do to celebrate? Are you going out somewhere with your friends?”

I asked about her plans because I noticed something wrong. I had said that I was already getting used to her lack of emotions, but even so it was strange that she didn't seem happy.

“I don't have friends.”

Wow, that really made me sad. It's true that at school I hardly see her interact with anyone, but I never imagined that she didn't have any friends. I mean, for God's sake, she's maybe the most beautiful girl on the face of the earth, it's illogical, isn't it?

“I am so sorry…”

I didn't know what to say to her. Silence invaded the table where we were having lunch. I had to say something quick before things got more awkward.

“Would you like to go celebrate with me?”

Damn, I made it more awkward.

For the second time I noticed a change in Andrea's usual expression. This time, her eyes widened a little more than usual and her pretty face began to turn red.

“P-pervert…”

Another déjà vu. This time it didn't take me that long to answer her.

“I-it's not what you imagine! I meant go out to eat somewhere, we can go tomorrow for a hamburger at McBurger Jr.”

The flushed Andrea began to disappear. It was cute while it lasted.

“Ah, then it's okay.”

She answered me while taking a bite of her food.

The tense atmosphere disappeared, but there was still something that worried me; and it is that maybe, just maybe, this can be misinterpreted as a date.

“Andrea, can I bring a friend? You see, he also passed the bimonthly exams and I would like him to join in the celebration.”

“No problem.”

“You will like him; he is my best friend. He is part of the school soccer team; you guys are going to have a lot in common.”

“That's great.”

“And he is also very handsome!”

“Okay…”

I don't know why I said that last thing, but my intention was to make it clear that she wouldn't feel uncomfortable with Leonel.

In the end, we finished our lunch in silence and headed back to the classroom.

The school day ended and I had to wait for Leonel to come out of soccer practice. I went to the garden and took a very long nap in the shade of a tree.

“You are going to put down roots.”

Leonel woke me up by throwing a ball at my chest.

“Idiot, you're going to get it!”

Leonel laughed while I tried to wake up. I wanted to hit him back, but I knew I had a favor to ask.

We walk back home like we always do. He looked more tired than usual, I guess studying for the bimonthly exams exhausted him too much.

“I noticed you tired, tomorrow you want to go to celebrate that you passed the exams? This is quite an achievement for a fool like you.”

I decided to attack with a passive-aggressive approach, so he won't notice that I really need him.

“I'm sorry, but I have a game tomorrow and I'm going to end up very tired. We better go out on Sunday.”

Sunday doesn't work for me, you idiot! I don't want to change the date with Andrea, I have to convince him.

“I-it's just... S-saturday will be good weather.”

Even though I recently graduated as a professional test cheater, I've never been good at lying to people.

“Good weather? What does that have to do with anything?”

“T-the weather is important when p-planning an outing.”

I turned to look at the floor trying to hide my nervousness.

“Come on, tell me what's wrong with you.”

It's over, the plan to lie to him didn't work. So let's try with the truth.

“The truth is that I need you to accompany me tomorrow to dinner at McBurger Jr. with Andrea.”

“What the hell? Got a date with the archery girl?”

“N-no no no, it's not a date… or well, it won't be if you go tomorrow.”

It's not that I don't want to go on a date with Andrea, I just don't want her to feel uncomfortable being alone with me. Well, she already does when I'm tutoring her, but that's another matter.

“I don't quite understand what your goal is, but it seems you need me.”

The shark smelled blood. Damn, he knows he's got me.

“So… Will you go tomorrow?”

“Sure… but I have one condition.”

“What do you want, Santos?”

“Next week I have the most important game of the season, if we don't win we will lose the leadership of the tournament. I need you to go and support me.”

“Do I have a cheerleader face? Why do you want me there?”

“I have my reasons.”

I can't even step on the school soccer field, and he wants me to watch a whole game.

“You know that… I'm not ready yet.”

“Sooner or later you have to face it. Your wound needs to scar so you can move on.”

Deep down I knew he was right. Leonel knows that I love soccer, and avoiding it all my life will only continue to cause me pain. Even so…

“All right, I accept… But, I'll take Marin to the game.”

I sighed before saying that. I know it's not very manly of me to try to find the courage I lack in my little sister, but it's the best solution I can think of.

“Great, we have a deal.”

Leonel stretched out his hand and I took it, but just when he relaxed I squeezed him very hard and gave him a wrestling hold that knocked him to the ground.

“Robin, you're an idiot.”

“No more than you.”

We laughed for a while, people walking by on the sidewalk looked at us like we were nuts, but we didn't care.

How will the date with Andrea be? I don't know, but at least for this occasion I can count on the help of my best friend.