“Can I talk to you Gabi ?”

Jessica’s sickeningly sweet voice had interrupted Gabriel’s thoughts, as well as the conversation going on between Fred and Aaron next to him. They all turned around to face the girl, who was standing mere centimeters away from Gabriel’s face. That’s one strong perfume. He stepped back, bumping awkwardly into a door behind him. They were the last to leave the cafeteria.

“Uuh yeah sure, what’s up?” 

Jessica smiled, and Gabriel’s stomach churned. When after a few seconds of silence Jessica still hadn’t answered, Fred sighed,obviously irritated. “Well, go on B then. What is it you want say to him?”

Jessica’s eyes never left Gabriel’s.

“Actually, I’d like to talk to him. Alone.” 

Fred sighed even louder. “Well, that’s our cue to leave.” She patted Gabriel on the back. “See you later Gabi. Good luck with the snake” Jessica’s smile faltered.

Gabriel could have laughed at that, if the snake herself wasn’t cowering over him in that very moment. Instead, he waved at Fred, and turned towards Aaron, who hadn’t spoken since Jessica’s arrival. He seemed concerned and briefly irritated. 

Gabriel sent him a small smile. “I’ll be fine, just go. I’ll see you on Monday.” Aaron sighed, and placed his hand on Gabriel’s shoulder. “See you on Monday, then.” Then, to Jessica :”be nice, Jess. See you tomorrow” 

And just like that, Gabriel was left alone, with what possibly was the scariest person in the whole school. 

“Well then, Gabriel. Let’s forget small talk, shall we?” Jessica’s arms were now crossed, and her smile had disappeared, replaced by a deadly glare. I guess today is the day that I die.

She looked him up and down, before letting out a small sigh. Gabriel shivered.

“Look, you seem sweet, really. You wouldn’t hurt a fly.” She laughed, “even if you tried.” Ouch. I’m not that weak. 

“But that doesn’t change the fact that Aaron is mine. And I will not hesitate to tear you and your cute face down if you get in the way of our relationship.”  She jabbed a finger in Gabriel’s chest, accentuating her words. He felt sick, stepping back shakily. “I’m not… it’s…we’re just…”

«Whatever, I don’t want to hear it. Just stay away from him. »

Lost for words, Gabriel simply stared at his feet, unsure of what to say. 

Jessica went silent for an instant. « Well, the bell is about to ring, and we’re done here,so I’m leaving. It was nice talking to to you, Gabi.” She swiftly walked away, turning back towards him with a nauseating smile to wave her fingers and bid him farewell in a sing-song voice.