The Decimation of Jezebel Truitt

After school I tried to find Alysia immediately. Though she didn’t agree with my plan and thought it was dangerous to even think about what I was commissioning to do; she was a good listener. Today I had more than just my plan to talk about. Jesse was off the list, but I got a funny feeling when we conversed. Not to mention my audition! How could he know he had the part and not me what if I didn’t get the lead? This would be a disaster. This is my senior year, I had to go out with a bang!

I found her at the doors of the school. Follett High School had giant Stainglass doors. (A bit overdramatic we ask me.) She was talking to Steve. Steve has always had a crush on Alysia. I remember the first time he tried asking her out. He asked her to go to the movies. Alysia laughed for so long that he wouldn’t come near her for a week. Throughout that week every time I saw him alone I was sure he was weeping. However, he seem to move on this past year and since then she has craved for his attention. I sometimes wonder if they will ever be on the same page. I tell her all the time they would make a good couple, but up until three months ago she assumed I was trying to be nice to Steve.

“Alysia! Can you give me a ride? I need to talk.”

“Sure, but the talk is going to have to wait until after I drop Steven off.” She explained how Steve’s car was in the shop, on the way to the car. Steve tried to explain what was wrong with it, not that I understood. Something about a muffler and his engine smoking. The rest of the ride to his house they talked about the dance and who was bringing who. Neither of them dared to ask each other about their plans. I could feel the tension all the way in the backseat though. I knew Steve was planning on asking Jasmine but every time he has a chance some mysterious excuse to leave the area came up. Maybe he still liked Alysia and was hoping for a chance.

After we drop Steve off, I hopped in the front seat. “I have a problem. Several problems actually.” I wasn’t wasting any time.

“OK, but if it’s about your silly plan to overthrow Queen “J” I already told you I’m not giving advice. I would rather not have my social status ripped out from under my feet.” She laughed, but I knew she was serious.

“It’s actually about Jesse and theater. See at first I was only after him because Jezebel wanted him. However, we are putting on R+J for the school play this year and, of course, I auditioned for Juliet.” I paused before I said, “and Jesse wanted to be Romeo.”

“OK, what’s wrong with that? Won’t that just help your calls?” She asked

“See that’s what I thought at first too. I told him that maybe Romeo and Juliet should go to the prom together. Judging by the other contestants for Romeo he was sure to win and I thought I would automatically get Juliet. He said it was a good idea.” I was ecstatic.

“I still don’t see where this is a bad thing.”

“I’m not talking about the plan here, Alysia! When he came out of the audition he already knew he had the part and wished me good luck. I, on the other hand, do not know if I got the part or not.”

“You love the weight Jenny, why is it different this time?”

“At first I didn’t think it would matter. Jesse told me that he didn’t want anything to do with Jezebel and the whole reason he hasn’t dated anyone is because all the girls worship at her feet. I thought that if I didn’t get the part then it would be OK. If Jesse didn’t want Jezebel and then I could cross him off the list. He could go to prom with Juliet and we have no worries.” I was quiet for a second and then I realize my biggest stress of all, “I think I might like him.”

“Jenny Savar likes a high school boy,” she was bemused. “What’s next Hollywood instead of Broadway?”

“You find this funny?” I accused.

“Yes, I do. What was that used to say, “They’re immature, gross, and idiotic.”” I joined in for the last part, nodding my head to show that I remembered.

“This is terrible! I wasn’t supposed to fall for him. I was only supposed to keep him away from Jezebel… I’ve barely even spoke to him!” I haven’t had a real crush since the fifth grade. He moved away the same year and I didn’t even remember his name.

As if reading my mind Alysia jumped in, “This is what you get for using a nice guy. What possessed you to think he would actually want her anyways?“

“I don’t know,” I honestly don’t think I thought about it, but I wasn’t gonna let her know that. “Jezebel usually gets who she wants.” I should have known Jesse was different, but I never really spoke to him before now.

“Jenny, what’s the point of dating someone if you’re not interested in them anyways? Did you think he would just not notice the lack of affection you had for him?” She had a point and she knew it. I was out of my league with Jesse in the first place. I don’t know how I expected him to go out with me when I didn’t even like him. But then again isn’t that the whole reason I had to talk to Alyssa in the first place?

“I do like him Aly! That’s what I’m trying to say. I really think I like him! And now he could be going to Prom with a different girl all because of my stupid idea to promote the show!” I didn’t know what else to say, but I wanted to keep talking. Alysia slammed on the brakes stopping me from another word. She turned to me and told me I needed to get my act together and fast. Not only was I only a block from my house and would have to explain my red face to my parents, but I had three classes with this guy and I either needed to commit to my feelings or ignore them all together. After all there was no reason to make things all awkward between us for no reason. She was right. I turn to face the front of the car. She drove me the rest of the way to my house and left me to my own dismay, promising that we would shop for dresses soon.

Sure enough, when I walked in the door my mother asked if I had been crying. I told her know that I was just in a really tense conversation with Aly. She took this to mean we got in a fight and decided that we would have a “family night”. This meant we would go out to eat, bowling, and possibly see a movie. I enjoyed family night for the most part, but I strangely just wanted to sit in my room tonight. So that wasn’t an option.