Mr. Popular part 3: Dan Decides to Join the Football Team
by Daniel Beadle - Monday, November 12, 2007
“Oh my god, here he comes!”
Dan walks through the front doors of Fairview High on his second day of school. The students murmur about him as he walks toward his locker.
“He’s the one who started that huge food fight yesterday at lunch.”
“…Heard he’s from Milford…”
“…Kind of lanky…”
“He’s kinda cute…” says one girl.
“I’d bang him,” says Jake, leaning in next to the girl while wearing his janitor outfit. She looks at him with disgust. “Not that I’m completely gay or anything.” He nods at a passing girl in a miniskirt. “How you doin?”
Dan opens his locker and starts tossing books around. Ryan and Ian walk by. “Hey Dan! You comin’ to the skatepark this afternoon?”
“You know it.”
D-Man approaches Dan while casually sweeping the floor. “Is that where you were yesterday? The Fairview Skatepark?”
“Yeah. You should see it, D-Man, it’s like ten times better than Milford’s.”
“That’s not surprising. Milford’s is made of wood, and it’s the size of a tennis court.” D-Man looks around to make sure he’s not being watched. “So how come you didn’t come out last night? Me and Jake swapped out some speed limit signs on Oak Crest Road.”
“I was watching the Disney Channel. Hannah Montana and Life with Derek. And let me tell you something, pal o’ mine, the girl who plays Derek’s sister is very easy on the eye.”“…Ashley Leggat…”
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“Anyway, she was cute in a wholesome kinda way. Like it almost makes me want to be a better person. Settle down… you know. Get a job at a bank. Put my dreams away for another day.”
“Get ahold of yourself, Daniel. I think this teenager crap is clouding your mind. You’re on a journey of self-actualization here. Don’t backtrack.”
“I think it’s a little late for that.”
Rachel Weiss, a cute but nerdy girl, cradles her books in her arms as she builds up the courage to walk toward Dan. As she nears him, his eyes meet hers, and her lips part in anticipation of her first verbal exchange with this mysterious new kid from another town. Suddenly, a large calloused hand shoves her aside, and Rachel is slammed into the lockers. Zack Evans, flanked by CJ and KJ, snickers as he gives Rachel a perfunctory glance and returns his hand to his jacket pocket.
“So,” Zack starts. “You’re the new guy.”
“That’s what I heard,” responds Dan. The hall noise dies down, as students slowly disappear into their respective classrooms.
“That was one hell of a show you put on for us yesterday.”
“I’m glad you guys enjoyed it. I’ll be here all month.”
“You’re a funny guy, aren’t you?” says Zack. CJ and KJ chuckle.
“I’ve started some laughs, sure.” Dan closes his locker. “Get to the point, Zack.”
“I’m just sayin’ don’t get too ambitious. If you’re a clown… stay a clown. But don’t expect your antics to get you a seat at the big boy’s table.”
“I’m just doin’ my time, boss. Not trying to make any waves.”
Zack holds up his hands. “That’s all I want to hear.” Zack’s attention is interrupted by the sound of urine hitting metal. He looks over to see Jake pissing into a nearby locker.
“Hey gents,” says Jake. “The bathroom was full of smokers, and I got a horribly shy bladder.”
Zack shakes his head. “C’mon guys. Let’s go.” The trio of superjocks walks off.
Jake finishes and wipes his hands on his shirt. “You know those guys?” he asks Dan.
“Superjocks. The higher ups. They’ve noticed me.” Dan scowls. “…And I’m a threat to them.”
“Well, sure. After throwing pudding around the cafeteria in your underwear.”
“That was you.”
“Yeah, but you started it.”
“We’re getting off point, here. If I’m gonna be the most popular kid in this school, I gotta take down Zack Evans. That means I gotta take things to a whole other level.”
“What’re you thinkin’?”
“I’m going to join the football team.” Dan nods with a smirk, then glances at Jake’s pants and flinches. “God dammit, Jake! If you’re not gonna wear underwear, keep the fly closed!”
“Hey, Thursdays are my days off, you know that.”
TO BE CONTINUED ELSEWHERE/WHEN
