And it looks like it will be an even boys against girls.”
Of course all the boys were happy with that conclusion, already eyeing the girls they wanted to compete with. Surla and Chrissy listened to Mr. Townshend calling off names of who would be against who. “Steve Campbell and Byron Thompson are with Sophia Sanchez and Crystal Bradley.” The teams stood up and grabbed rackets and a ball from a sports rack.
“Mr. To wnshend!” Sophia whined with a cute accent. “Why did you put me with Byron? You know we don’t get along at all.”
“Well then, this will also be a lesson in learning to get along with others who are annoying,” he said with a laugh, teasing Byron, then continued on, “Nick Costa and Patrick McNeal are up against Suzy Peters and Sara Cronopolous.”
Sara ran over to Nick and gave him a high five. “All right! We’re on the same court.” Then they headed out with their equipment.
The pairing up of teams went on and on until Surla became anxious. “The only guys left,” Chrissy whispered, “are Jason Renshaw with Paul Hadlock and Travis Simmons with Craig Nelson.”
“Craig Nelson!” Surla said more excitedly than she meant to.
“Yeah, why?” Chrissy laughed. “Do you like him or something?”
Surla felt stupid for sounding so eager. “No, I don’t.” She then thought she really shouldn’t lie about Cathy. “Well, yes, I guess I do.”
“Really?!” Her big eyes became bigger with interest. “You know,” she lowered her voice more, “Tiffany has had the hugest crush on him for two years in a row. Can you believe it? But don’t tell anyone I told you.”
“Wow… okay.” Surla thought about how the situation had been the same with Cathy.
“I know. Personally I don’t like any of the guys here. I guess growing up with them all made it unexciting for me, but maybe if some really good-looking new guy came to school….” Chrissy stopped and looked at the four guys sitting across from them. “Cathy,” she said in an enthusiastic whisper, “Craig is staring straight at you!”
“Really?” Surla casually glanced over to him and their eyes met instantly. This could be my first opportunity to flirt . Surla smiled as cute as possible, tilting her head. Craig smiled back and gave her a wink.
“Oh my gosh. Did you just see what he did? He winked at you!” Chrissy looked again to Craig and then back to Surla. “I won’t tell Tiffany about this one.”
“Tiffany?” Surla turned to her. “Why? What can she do about it?”
“Oh, trust me, she can do a lot.” Her eyebrows raised. “I’ve known her practically my whole life.”
“You have known her almost all your life?” Surla felt sorry for her.
“Oh yeah. She just lives a few houses down from me.”
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure. What is it?”
“Why do you hang out with her?”
“Why do I hang out with her?” she said as if the answer was obvious. “Like I said, I’ve known her practically all of my sixteen years. We used to play Barbie when I was just four. She’s my friend, so why wouldn’t I want to hang out with her.”
At that comment, Surla decided not to say another word about the topic, seeing as how it would offend Chrissy.
The teacher announced, “Jason Renshaw and Paul Hadlock go with Alana Gustafson and Taniesha Collins.”
Surla knew what that meant. Yes! I’m with Craig. What a great coincidence .
“The rest of you know who you’re with,” Mr. Townshend said as they stood and picked out rackets. Surla reached for the green, fuzzy ball, which appealed to her cat ty interests.
“Hey, what’s your name?” Craig asked Surla as they all headed to a court.
Oh my gosh , Surla thought in amazement, he doesn’t recognize Cathy!
“This is Caaathy. Can you say Cathy?” Chrissy teased.
“Cathy?” he said again. “No way! Um, what’s her last name? Philbert!”
“No, it’s Phillips,” Surla said.
“Oh, wow.” His blue eyes were glued to staring at her