highway to hell ( part 2 )

"Don't worry about them," Rookie advised the next night. "They're girls. Were girls ever easy to understand?"

We shared a laugh and got back to work.

"See him? That's Woody," Teddy was telling her customers. "Don't fall for him. Its easy, for he signed with the devil. So he can charm you easily. Be careful. And keep safe distance."

Her customers nodded seriously. I couldn't keep from laughing loudly. Luckily, I wasn't alone. Miki and Raven were laughing too. But there was a glint in Miki's eye that was unsettling. It was the look he had when talking about his game. Did he get some sort of idea? Was he going to find a way to squeeze me into the game? I hoped not.

Later in the night, after Rookie's was closed, Rookie explained. "Its just a childish game. Competing on who's more popular. Teddy's in third. I guess she's afraid you'll beat her."

I was enlightened and also confused. "Teddy's third?" I asked.

"Yeah. Teddy's third. Lin's second."

"Who could be first," I wondered aloud.

"Don't worry," Rookie answered with a strange smile. "You'll know next week. They should be back by then."

Driving back, I was sitting with Biscuit in the front. The girls were in the back. And it was very quiet. Biscuit wasn't bothered. He took the same stance as Rookie. That it was a little children's squabble. Nothing to get worried about.

I couldn't be so calm. Especially since my many apologies served no purpose. Walking to the hostel, I could take it no longer.

"Okay," I said. "Why don't you tell me how I can make it up to you?"

Smiles broke out on the girls' faces, like that was exactly what they were waiting to hear. I knew it wasn't going to be anything nice long before Marcie began speaking for the four of them.

"Well," she drawled. "Since you've agreed what you did was wrong, and since you agreed to make it up to us, here's an offer. You could write our records for us for this year."

I was stunned. I shouldn't be, but I was. Not only would I have to write my own records, I'd have to write theirs as well? That would be difficult even for a studious student, let alone someone as lazy as me.

"Nope." I rejected without hesitation.

"I knew you'd say that," Marcie replied without a pause. "A compromise. You could write one of ours. So, pick who."

So, this was the aim.

"I pick you Marcie," I answered without missing a beat. "I'm yours, aren't I?"

"Ha ha. Told you all, didn't I? He'd pick me. I'm the favourite. I'm the beloved."

Marcie was gloating to the other girls. All they could do was smile while shaking their heads sadly. From their expressions, it almost seemed like they were serious about the contest. I felt silly. And also, a little flattered.

"So, who's first?" I asked as we arrived at my hostel. "At Rookie's. In popularity."

"What did Rookie tell you?" Marcie asked back.

"Nothing. Just that I'd know next week."

"So, they're returning next week," Marcie screamed, looking at Lin. "Then you will definitely know next week."

They were all looking at Lin. Waving goodbye, they left for their dorms. I went up to mine, unclear about what just happened. For a while I was curious. Then, I told myself what Rookie and Marcie told me. I'd know next week. For now, I'll just have a good sleep.