Chapter 4. Not Like Others

By Monday, everyone at school knew that I was getting married, or, better put, that my wedding was set up. Of course, no one knew it was planned. Just like the first rule of Fight Club. Don't say how things turned out.

We went to take pictures on Sunday after everyone got up and ate. Engagement pictures. We took the pictures from a place where the ring that wasn't there wouldn't be visible. At least not until Wednesday.

We took pictures of him sitting on one knee and holding a small box. I didn't think what I was seeing was real. I pretended to cry to make it seem more real, and then we took a picture with his face in the bend of my neck while we were hugging. They were very close to the real thing. Everyone thinks they are true.

We're in that because John told the paper about them. Nice, it's the first page. John also made us post on Instagram and Facebook. I understand Instagram, but why do we need Facebook? I'm sorry to say this, but everyone on Facebook is the same age as my dad. They read it, so the problem is solved. I did it anyway.

On Monday, when I got to school, everyone asked me about Mark. How did we meet, how long have we been dating? A lot of things are the same. They were interested in it. I didn't have it, so I said it wasn't the right size. We went to get it fitted.

There were also the usual cruel comments and whispers at school. I like to call them "mean girls." At lunch, they talked about me behind my back and said that I'm probably pregnant. I didn't pay them any attention at all. I never do.

On Tuesday, things were almost like they were before. My best friend is only one of my school friends. Maya. But since she was on vacation with her parents, she was mad that I hadn't told her I was dating someone. She thought that we were really in love based on the pictures.

When I asked her to come over that night, I told her everything and asked her to be a bridesmaid. She, of course, said yes. She won't say anything to anyone. I've known her my whole life. She wouldn't do something like that to me or to my dad.

She's one of those girls who likes to dress up. Now she has a reason to get dressed up. Maya said she was sorry for getting mad, and they went back to being best friends. I'm kidding. We're not like that. We get into fights, but after a day or two, we make up. Only up to three. We don't just stop being friends like some people.

Now it's Wednesday. My work is almost all done. I can't listen to music because my phone is dead and all music websites are blocked on the school laptop.

When I'm done with my work, I draw and lose track of time. Everyone is looking at the door, but I'm so out of it that I don't even notice. I haven't looked at the door too closely yet. I look around the room first.

Then I look up and see Mark Hernandez, my "boyfriend." I say his name and ask, "What do you want to do here?"

He raises his hand and points to his ring finger. When I saw the time, I knew I should have left five minutes ago.

I get what I need quickly and head toward Mr. Martian. He hadn't even seen Mark yet. "Uh, Mr. Martian?" I'm kind of shy.

His eyes go up when he gets angry. He was reading, but I stopped him. He asks, "What?"

Mark just smiles and waves to Mr. Martin as I point to the door and say, "I have to go." Everyone is looking at Mark and me, and I can tell.

"Where?" he asks.

"Uh," I'm not sure. Should I tell the truth? "I'm going to get my ring. I had to get it fixed because it didn't fit."

He asks me directly, "Why can't you do it when you get home?" and puts his book down to give me his full, undivided attention. Even when I told him I was interested, he didn't say anything. He most likely read the newspaper or went on Facebook. I laugh a little at that part.

"Mark has a meeting, so I say goodbye." I just barely got away. I can feel everyone's eyes on me as I walk toward the door. To make it real, I put my arm around him.

After school, when we get in his car, he asks, "What was that for?"

"What?"

"Are you trying to get close to me?"

I decided to be funny. "Wait, I can't put my arm around my fiance?"

He makes me laugh a lot. "Well, I suppose that's fine."

I still don't know where we're going after about 10 minutes of driving. So I ask. "Where are we going?"

"The mall," was his answer.

"What? I hate going to the mall!" I say, but I really just cross my arms and act like I don't care.

He is looking at me. "Really? I thought all girls liked going to the mall."

"I'm not like every girl." I say, "I'm taking a break from pouting."

Mark says, "I'm starting to get that."

When we get to the mall, the first place we go is Kay Jewelers. I sigh. I'm quiet and say, "I'd rather not be here."

"Don't worry. It won't be a big deal. We'll get the ring and then go to dinner early. It will be our first date." He smiles at me as we walk up to the counter. The clear glass counter looks like if you touch it, alarms will go off and security will come in.

I just look down, and Mark tries to get the salesman's attention by clearing his throat. The sail man says, "I feel terrible. I'll be with you right away, sir." It sounds like you've heard his voice before.