The F Factor by Diane Gonzales Bertrand

Land.”
    They all laughed; everyone swore the old nun’s voice could shatter glass.
    Andy tapped a pencil on the paper near a sketch of the main building. “This one looks good, like the real thing.”
    â€œYou put all the important buildings into this city outline,” Ignacio commented, pointing to a sketch on the opposite page.
    Javier nodded and then got an idea. “Last summer, I saw a city mural at the mall. I remember pointing it out to my little nephew and told him, ‘See that space there? That’s where my school is. It’s downtown too.’ Why don’t you paint St. Peter’s where it belongs in the downtown landscape?”
    Pat nodded. “I like that idea a lot, Javier.” His brown eyes brightened with a grin.
    â€œAnd the smart guy does it again! Isn’t it great to have smart friends, Pat?” Andy said. He pointed his pencil at Pat and then remarked, “Our friend Javier here is the best of the best. Your drop-dead gorgeous sister would be very safe with our man Javier.”
    Ignacio let out a squawk then covered his mouth. Javier quickly turned to Pat, ready to apologize for Andy’s comments. However, Pat had grabbed the pencil and pulled it from Andy’s fingers. “He’s definitely better for my sister than you are, Cardona. All the drumming you do with pencils and forks would drive her nuts!” He dropped the pencil and nudged Javier with his elbow. “I’m going to be a real
compadre
. I’ll let
you
ask Feliz to help us with the background, okay?”
    Javier felt as if he just drank lava. The others grinned and chuckled at the obvious discomfort they had caused. He almost surrendered to the embarrassment, but Pat’s response inspired Javier to step up and take a chance. Hadn’t he already conquered the first day of speaking on live television? Why couldn’t he talk to a girl like Feliz Berlanga too?
    Taking in a breath to strengthen his confidence, Javier finally said, “Fine, Pat. I’ll talk to Feliz. I’ll turn on the charm and convince her to help us.”
    Ignacio reached out and rapped his knuckles on Pat’s notebook. “Okay, now here’s the
really
important part. Does Feliz have some hot-looking friends for the rest of us? There’s a Homecoming dance in October and none of us have dates.”
    W ednesday’s after-school broadcast practice went smoother. Everyone seemed much more relaxed now that the “first” program was over. Brother Calvin showed up again with his white note cards and demands, and as Javier and Pat walked toward the back parking lot to find Feliz’s car, they discussed ways to keep the school counselor out of their way.
    â€œInstead of Brother Calavera’s delivery service, one of us could go pick up announcements in the front office,” Javier said. He shifted his heavy backpack between his shoulders, trying to take the pressure off his back.
    Pat slowed his pace to walk along side Javier. “Too bad we can’t use a voicemail system. If you want to make an announcement, call this number.”
    â€œHey!” Javier snapped his fingers. “Why couldn’t the clubs and the administration email the announcements to the classroom? Mr. Seneca said that eventually we’re going to be reading off computer slides instead of cards, right? Won’t it save time if the text’s already typed?”
    Pat smiled like he felt happy. “Good idea! You know, I’m really starting to like this!”
    â€œLike what?”
    â€œHanging out with a smart guy! I’m used to the dummies like me in class.”
    â€œPat, you’re not a dummy—not the way you think quickly on your feet! You saved everyone from getting embarrassed today. Then you stepped up and volunteered to draw a background so we don’t look like—what did you call us? Sock puppets? That’s funny!” He slugged Pat’s