Josh visits Sheldon

“I just need something that will . . . humiliate her, but get her back for me at the same time.” Josh had finally broken down and asked Sheldon (the school’s biggest, but smartest, nerd) to help him get Laura back. He knew he spent all his free time inventing things and experimenting on rats with all his weird genetic theories. Earlier that day, he had seen Laura and Matt holding hands and kissing in the hallway. Josh was so angry and upset at the same time that he ran straight to the science lab where he knew he could find Sheldon. “So can you help me?” While Sheldon looked young for his age, he was 18 years old. None of the popular kids liked him very much, so he was surprised when Josh had come busting through the door and laid this idea in front of him. “I suppose I could develop something for you, but it may take me a little while.” “That’s fine. Nothing too complicated, but I want to . . . change her. You know?” Sheldon shook his head. “Something that can make her do what I want her to. And act like she would never act. And most of all, lose all interest in that idiot she hangs out with now.”

“You mean like mind control?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“The government has been experimenting with that stuff for years. I’ve been waiting for a reason to do the same. ” Sheldon smiled at his new friend. “I’d love to help you out, it’d be good for science.”

Yeah whatever, thought Josh, I just want Laura to be mine forever.

“I’ll brainstorm tonight and let you know what I come up with tomorrow.”

“Sure thing, see ya tomorrow.” Josh walked out of the science room and down the hall. School was over for the day and the only people left were band people, ROTC, and other extra-curricular groups. Laura was a cheerleader so he knew she would be around. Matt would be out on the football field. The cheerleaders practiced in the lunchroom after all the tables and chairs were put away. He saw the girls spread out on the floor stretching. Laura was off to the side by herself, so Josh decided to talk to her.

“Hey gorgeous,” he said smiling.

Laura looked up and sighed. She had her legs spread out in front of her and touching her toes, not bad scenery for Josh, not bad at all. “What are you doing here?”

“I go to school here,” he answered, trying to be witty.

“I know, dipshit, but why are you still here? School ended half an hour ago.” She didn’t get up from her stretching position, but that was fine with Josh. “You don’t do any after-school activities.”

“I, uhhhh, I had to help Mrs. Johnson file some papers. Kind of a punishment thing for sleeping in class,” he saying, lying.

She seemed to believe him since Josh was not the star student Matt was. Laura didn’t know what she used to see in him. He had tried many times to sleep with her, but she had stood her ground. Matt was a perfect gentlemen and would never pressure her to do anything she didn’t want to do. She just couldn’t believe Josh was still trying to talk to her, as if they were still friends.

“Well, is there anything I can help you with? Or are you just going to stand there?” The other cheerleaders started to notice that Laura’s ex-boyfriend was bothering her and had gathered in a circle off to the side to stare and listen. Josh pretended not to notice.

“I just wanted to see how you were doing,” he smiled and tried to be friendly.

“I’m fine. Goodbye,” she lowered her head and reached for her other toe.

“I just wanted to talk.”

She looked back up, looking fed up with him, “There’s nothing to talk about! I don’t want to talk to you! It’s over! Can’t you realize that?

Josh laughed a little, trying to lighten up the mood. “Come on, Laura, don’t be like th-”

“I’m dating Matt now. Deal with it.” The other cheerleaders giggled and snickered at him. Josh felt his face turn red.

“Fine. I’m sorry,” he started backing away, “I’ll leave you alone.”

Laura flipped her hair to him and sarcastically said thank you. She looked back at her friend’s and smiled, shrugging her shoulders up as if to say, "Can you believe this guy?" Josh quickly walked out of the lunchroom and exited the school.