Page 37 of Playing with Fire

"So, Ty!" I launched the ball to Elijah while shouting.

"What?" he shouts back.

Who do you want to ask to prom this Thursday? I ask. "I have some options!" he announces.

Elijah's refusal to pass the ball back at me demonstrates his confusion just like when I was shocked by his answer.

"Hold on. Options?" I ask him questions as we approach him. Several girls asked you to the dance? Elijah points out. "Is that hard to believe?" Tristan sounds a little offended.

"No, we just wanna know who?" I put my arm around his shoulder.

"Amelia Andrea," he says.

"Isn't that Sabrina's girlfriend?" Elijah asks.

"Ex-girlfriend." We both correct him.

"When did they break up?"

"Like, a while ago, dude," Tristan answers.

I told him that Neha and she are talking now.

I burst into laughter when I noticed his face expand.

"How do you know that?" he asks me.

"Everybody knows El." I smile.

Elijah rolls his eyes. "Whatever. Back to Tristan-now, who else asked you?"

"Sasha." he shrugs.

"Celes?" I ask for confirmation.

"Yeah," he says nonchalantly.

You somehow convinced Sasha Celes to be your prom date? Elijah says in disbelief.

"Is that not believable?"

"NO!" Elijah shouts. "Sasha Celes does not attend school events. The only time I've seen her talk to anyone from our school never happened.

He tells El that he doesn't know what to tell her because she asked him.

"How'd you, do it?" I ask.

He smiles before turning my way. If you treat girls with respect and stop trying to sleep with them at all opportunity positive things occur.

I never try to get into every girl's pants. I will clarify.

His sarcastic tone says you behave as if you do. Ty, there's a big difference between acting and doing. My behavior doesn't determine my actual actions. I will try to explain my side.

He gives me a self-satisfied look and nods his head. I think she's the person I'll take with me to respond to your question. He goes back on topic.

"Wow. Look at little Ty. Talking on his way into the senior prom." Tristan felt Elijah's arm go around his shoulder as he burst into laughter.

"Shut up." He shows his irritation with an eye roll and pushes Elijah's arm away.

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