It Is What It Is by Nikki Carter Page A

“We’re going to write our own romantic short stories.”
    â€œDo our stories have to follow that formula?” someone asks.
    â€œNo, not at all. You can follow the tried and true romance formula or you can invent your own. The only rule is that these stories should be works of fiction. Anyone who uses their friends as an inspiration will receive an F.”
    Ricky has a doubtful expression on his face. “Can we work in groups?” he asks.
    â€œAbsolutely,” Ms. Beckman replies. “You may work in pairs or groups of three. The stories should be at least two thousand words and the most entertaining story will appear in the fall edition of the student newspaper. So, go ahead and form your groups. Happy writing!”
    Kevin leans forward. “Gia, will you work with me?”
    â€œSure. Ricky, you want to make this thing a trio?”
    Ricky smiles. “Only if Kevin wants me to be in your group.”
    I’m going to do bodily harm to Ricky, right here and right now. It is totally his fault that Kevin has not gotten over his crush on me. Ricky says little stuff like this that continues to give Kevin hope, when, alas, there is none.
    â€œOf course Kevin doesn’t mind. Isn’t that right, Kev?”
    Kevin says, “That’s cool, Ricky.”
    Why does Kevin sound disappointed? Boo!
    After English class is dismissed, it’s off to Hi-Steppers rehearsal. We are doing our first new routine on Friday and it was, of course, choreographed by me. This is also the first rehearsal that includes the newbies—Candy and Dionna.
    I usually am the first one to rehearsal, but eager beaver Candy has beat me here and is talking up a storm to Mrs. Vaughn. Instead of her signature thick braid, Candy has her hair in two pigtails with ribbons on the ends. I quickly scan her outfit as well. She better be glad she’s not wearing anything that belongs to me.
    Valerie sashays into the girl’s locker room and immediately I see the inspiration for Candy’s hairstyle. Valerie has her long brown hair parted down the middle and in two braids that she’s pulled over her shoulders. Not surprisingly, there are two small ribbons at the end of each braid.
    â€œOoo-OOO!” Valerie calls.
    â€œOoo-OOO,” I reply. “You ready for Friday?”
    â€œOf course I am. What about you?”
    â€œYou know it!”
    Valerie carefully hangs her designer blouse in her locker and pulls a Spartans T-shirt over her head. “What’s up with my boyfriend?” she asks.
    â€œWho, Brad? I heard he went off to college.”
    Valerie plops down next to me on the bench. “Not Brad. I’m talking about Ricky. I heard a rumor that your cousin is checking for him. Is that true?”
    I swallow hard. So now Hope is shouting her crush from the rooftops. Wow. Well, as long as she doesn’t keep asking me to be a part of her drama, I’m cool.
    â€œShe did mention something about thinking that Ricky was cute. That’s about it.”
    â€œThat’s it?” Valerie asks in a high-pitched voice. “Didn’t you think you should mention that to me?”
    I suck in my top lip and shake my head. “Why would I tell you about that?”
    â€œBecause of the rule. Hi-Steppers don’t share boys ... ever.”
    â€œHope is not a Hi-Stepper.”
    â€œBut she was, and once you’re a Hi-Stepper, you’re always a Hi-Stepper,” Valerie replies.
    A little chuckle escapes my lips. “Okay, let me get this straight. Hope gets completely humiliated by you and the rest of the Hi-Steppers, so much that she quits the squad. And now you expect her to still follow your rules?”
    Valerie nods. “Yes, absolutely. And if you help her hook up with Ricky, you’re also in violation of the rules.”
    I stand and start walking toward the gym. “Valerie, you really need to think about that foolishness you just invented. I