Any Way You Slice It by Kristine Carlson Asselin Page B

nothing wrong. I just found out this friend of mine agreed to go out with my arch nemesis.” He’s leaning against Caroline’s locker while I open mine to stash my books.
    Instead of feeling guilty, I’m pissed. “What are you, a superhero? Arch nemesis?” I throw my books into the locker and slam the door. “Who has an arch nemesis?”
    â€œWhat the hell, Spaulding?” He pounds the locker with his fist. “You’re not seriously going out with McNeill.”
    â€œYou never call me Spaulding,” I say softly. My heart pounds in my chest as I stare at him openmouthed. I knew he’d be mad, but I sort of thought maybe a playful mad. Or maybe he’d ask me to explain. I didn’t expect ice-cold rage.
    He scowls at me and I’m reminded of Jake’s reputation. “You didn’t answer my question.”
    â€œAre you serious? Last time I checked I didn’t need your permission to go out with someone.” I narrow my eyes. I can do mad just as well as he can. “And besides, why do you care?”
    â€œIf you don’t know, I’m not going to tell you.” He turns on his heel and walks away.
    â€œThat’s the stupidest answer ever,” I yell after him. “Don’t be an ass, Jake. You have no idea how important this is!” I turn into my locker, at least glad that he doesn’t see me crying.

    Lori kicks me under the table during study hall as I wipe my eyes. “Look on the bright side,” she says. “At least you’re not wearing makeup.”
    Which makes me cry even harder. If even your best friend doesn’t realize you’re wearing makeup, you’re clearly doing it wrong. I make a mental note to get Jules to show me again.
    â€œYou, know, it’s sort of funny, actually,” she says, not missing a beat. “You said ‘yes’ to Warren so he wouldn’t tell your parents about Jake, but because you said ‘yes’ to Warren there won’t be a Jake to tell your parents about. It’s kind of like a warped version of ‘The Gift of the Magi.’”
    â€œThis isn’t the same thing at all.” I put my head down on the table.
    We had both enjoyed the short story we read in English about a couple who each gave up something they loved so they could buy the other a Christmas present. “That was so romantic. This is just … sad.” I crumple up the math worksheet on the table in front of me. “I really thought there might be something between me and Jake, but I’ve totally screwed it up.”
    â€œYou don’t owe Warren anything. Just ditch him,” Lori says, practical as ever. It sounds so easy when she says it. “Or on the other hand, I’m pretty sure Jake will understand if you sit him down and explain it. He might even realize you did it for the team.” She smooths the math homework back out and hands it to me; she knows I’ll need it.
    â€œI can’t.” I pick up my pencil and chew on the end. “It’s more than that. I can’t let Warren …”
    â€œCan’t let Warren what?” she says.
    â€œLet’s just say I don’t have a choice.”
    â€œYou’ve always got a choice,” she mutters under her breath, but she knows I won’t change my mind, so she changes the topic. “Warren is a cretin. Don’t ever be alone with him, and make sure you don’t drink anything he gives you.” She looks at me sideways. “I’ve heard stories.”
    I close my eyes and put my head down on the desk again. “That fills me with confidence.”
    â€œText me if you get into any trouble,” Lori says. “I’ll be there as fast as I can.”

    â€œYou guys did great out there; you’re really starting to come together!” The assistant coach shrugs as he looks at Coach Walsh. “What? No one fell today.”
    We’re sitting in the