Marge : Get dressed and meet us at the go-kart track in fifteen minutes.

Another early weekend with pre-made plans? If this is another set-up, forget it. But I wasn’t one to say no to go-karts, and Marge knew my weakness to things like that. I typed a reluctant reply.

Liz : Fine, c u there.

Then I jumped out of bed and pulled open my closet door, realizing I only had a few minutes. I grabbed a pastel green tank top with “SUMMER” written across it in different color letters. Then I threw on a pair of white jeans and pink shoes to match one of the letters.

Then I grabbed a brush and styled it. After I did the best I could, I ran downstairs. As I grabbed some cereal, I noticed my dad sitting at the table with coffee and the morning paper.

“Hey Dad! Marge wants to go to the go-kart track, so I was hoping you could give me a quick ride.” I crossed my fingers, then released a breathe when he said that was fine.

Ten minutes later I jumped out of the car, shouting a goodbye to my dad as he drove off, and jogged inside the building. I looked left and right, then spotted Marge and Jack at the track, helmets under their arms, Marge waving to me with a big smile.

I walked over to them, arms crossed but a smile on my face. “You do know that getting up this early is a crime, right? Especially two weekends in a row?” I said. Marge rolled her eyes and Jack laughed as he handed me a helmet.

“We wanted you tired, so you’ll go extra slow,” he said with a confusing wink. Why would he wink at me? I pretended not to notice it. “Well it’s not going to work. You’re going down,” I said with a competitive smirk.

“Oh, care to make a bet on that?” He said with a snort. “Why, yes I do. Twenty bucks,” I said, outstretching my hand. He looked me straight in the eyes with that same smirk before taking my hand and shaking it, and said, “Deal.”

I’ll admit it, there was a little jolt that went through me when he grabbed my hand. But I took a deep, dismissive breathe and let go like it didn’t happen. He raised an eyebrow, but I smiled and walked to my go-kart, sliding the helmet on and jumping in.

The music began to blast through the building, and I felt very confident as I put both hands on the wheel and rested my foot on the pedal. Marge, Jack and I all lined up at the starting line before the light went from red to green as we sped off, twisting and turning, making lap after lap.

I would take the lead, then Jack would cut me off on a corner, then Marge would speed in front of him, and this repeated. As I rounded the final bend before the finish line, Jack cut in front of me and crossed the line.

I stopped and jumped out of the cart, unbuckling the seat belt and throwing off the helmet. Then I stomped over to him and his smile as he got out of his cart and held out his hand, waiting for the money. “Not so fast,” I crossed my arms.

“You still owe me a hundred dollars from the whole tree climbing bet last weekend.” I argued. “I thought we agreed that the whole ‘saving your life’ thing was enough payment,” he shot me a glance. “I did not agree to that,” I said defensively. It was a playful argument as we shot back and forth.

It ended with Jack scooping me up and holding me by my feet, shaking me gently as the change in my pocket rained out. I laughed and screamed, realizing just how tall he was and how not-so-tall I was. He threw me back into his arms and let me to the ground, then darted to collect the change on the ground.

“That’s not nearly twenty dollars, but if it will make you happy, take it.” I said casually with a shrug as Marge joined us. Her seat belt was giving her trouble while we playfully fought, but now she was right next to me.

“That was cute. Jack’s never done that to any girl he’s dated,” Marge said, trying but failing to act as casual as I felt. I rolled my eyes, knowing she wasn’t going to give up. “Well that’s not exactly the nicest thing to do on a date,” I replied. It was her turn to roll her eyes.

Jack came over with two slices of pizza, a lemonade, a hot dog, a can of soda, and a cinnamon roll. “Where did this come from?” Marge asked, raising an eyebrow with a smile as we took a seat at a table. “It was generously donated by Liz and her pocket change.” He sent another wink.

I ignored the flirting again and surveyed over everything he bought. “This costed more than some pocket change,” I said suspiciously. He shrugged. “I figured you guys were as hungry as I was.” I smiled as I reached for a plastic fork and the cinnamon roll.

“Well, can’t say no to free food!” I exclaimed, taking a big bite. They laughed and we chatted as we ate, me saying (like the last bet) that this made up for the go-kart bet money. Then we took a few more laps before leaving and walking down the street to Super Soaking Water Park.

“I didn’t bring my bathing suit,” I said to Marge. “No problem, I brought one for you.” She replied with a wink as she pulled out one of those small bathing suits that models wear.

I knew exactly what Marge was doing; She wanted me to wear something that Jack will like, and probably what other girls have worn with him. I sighed, but didn’t have many options since I didn’t bring mine. I snatched it grudgingly from her and headed to the restroom to change.

Then I came back out wearing a (purposely-)too-small bright pink bikini and my long brown hair down and bouncing around behind me. Marge had one similar to mine but bright blue, and Jack was wearing only his blue shorts.

Of course he’s not wearing a shirt at a water park, I realized, glaring at Marge when she innocently waved me over. “Right here, Liz!” She shouted, making Jack look over and spot me. His eyes widened as I walked over, and a light blush blossomed across my face. “Hey,” I said.

Marge smiled, and Jack was practically speechless. He blinked a few times, and finally started stuttering as I took a seat on the end of a lounge chair. “L-Liz. You look... great.” He said with a smile. I rolled my eyes.

“It’s me, remember? Your sister’s annoying friend?” I said, already not feeling this whole “look good in front of Jack so he’ll like me” thing. I want him to like me for me, not my looks. If he would ever like me. Not that I want him to like me, or that I like him... I’ll be quiet now.

He laughed lightly, and I could tell he thought I was joking. I sighed and got up, heading to the water. To my dismay, he followed me. “Hey, was it something I said?” He asked. I spun around.

“No. Not at all. Why would you think that?” I replied, sarcasm dripping off of every word as my arms crossed. He stayed quiet, so I continued. “This isn’t me,” I ran a hand down my bathing suit, and my voice became gentler.

“I’m quirky, and sarcastic, and a little weird. I’m not glamorous, and if we’re going to make this work-“ I stopped short, realizing what I just said. “I mean, metaphorically speaking. I want... someone, to like me for me. Not for what I wear.” I finished sincerely, taking a deep breathe.

He looked kind of shocked. I started to walk away, but he grabbed my arm and led me somewhere. I shot a questioning glance over to Marge, and she shrugged with the same expression. Jack led me to the back of the water park, and slipped behind a palm tree branch.

There was a mini tiki bar that looked like it just went out of use recently, and he took a seat on a bar stool, patting the one next to him. I walked over and sat down. He looked into my eyes for a minute before starting to speak.

“I know you’re not like other girls...” He said quietly. I looked to the ground, waiting for an insult or remark or rejection to be said. “... And that’s what I admire most about you,” he finished. My eyes darted up to his, and a small smile spread across my face. “Really?” I whispered.

I don’t know why this made me so happy. But it did, and his nod made me feel over the moon. His hand went to a lock of my hair, and then the back of it rubbed across my cheek. I started leaning in, but stopped as someone cleared their throat.

Jack was first to look over, and he jumped up as if it never happened. Marge was standing in the entrance, her arms crossed but not angry. She shot a huge grin and wink my way, and I blushed like crazy.

“If you wanted to go somewhere private, you should have told me where so I didn’t interrupt.” She said, giving Jack a playfully scolding look. He looked back at me and smiled, and I gave a small one back.

Then we went back into the main area of the water park. I kept replaying the moment in my head, over and over, feeling sickly sweet about it. This can’t happen, I thought. I can’t fall for my best friend’s twin, my enemy that’s a jerk at school, Mr. Popular that’s known for his many girls...

... Can I?

Author’s Note

Hey readers! First off, I would like to thank all of you so much for the insane support!! And all these views and hearts in, what, a week or two? That is out of this world, and unbelievable. So thank you, from the very bottom of my heart!! It’s a dream come true to write something that people love.

Secondly, I love hearing feedback through comments! While it’s constructive criticism or positive reinforcement, I love hearing your ideas and thoughts. And #Jaz is so cute!! But sadly, there’s this glitch where I can’t reply to your comments. So just know I do read them, but can’t respond.

And lastly, my little sister is now writing her first chapter book!! She’s still learning grammar and descriptive writing, but I’m sure it would mean a lot to her if you could check it out. It’s called Katelyn and Me, by cutebuggers09. Stay amazingly (mind-blowingly) awesome!! :-D