Stalker Magnet

Joey lay on his bed staring at the ceiling. He'd been at it for over an hour. His mother had left him alone since his outburst, and it had taken almost the entire time since she left for his heartrate to return to normal. He probably wouldn't have gotten so worked up if he hadn't been so on edge with all the Madison stuff.

He wasn't an idiot. He always knew that his mom didn't think too much of him. Both his parents looked at him with pity, both successful in their careers, both driven, both the opposite to Joey. When they were his age, each parent had told him, they were going to parties, winning trophies, going on dates. Juniper, Joey's sister, was much more what they had anticipated their kids would be like. Good looking, athletic, popular. Juniper had entered university on a full scholarship due to both her outstanding scholastic record and her skill on the volleyball court.

Joey, with his gaunt arms, hook nose, and lack of attention to detail, would be lucky if he even decided what he wanted to do with his life. A free ride to university was not in the cards for him.

His phone beeped, indicating a text message. He picked up his phone and held it over his face. It was his friend, Nick.

Nick: Dude.

Joey: What's up?

Nick: Madison Ashford is asking ppl about u. Like, a LOT.

Joey: Wait wut? Wtf u mean?

Nick: Sam, Mike, Jose, & my sis r all saying she’s asking everything. Likes, dislikes, hobbies, fave Gatorade flavor. The works.

Joey: WTF that’s insane.

Nick: She even texted me. Dunno how she got my #. I told her u wrestle toddlers 4 fun.

Joey: DUDE

Nick: Lol

Nick: So, wtf’s going on?

Joey: No clue. She totally freaked out on me in front of everyone this morning. I bumped her, so she screams at me.

Joey: FML

Nick: Lmao drama queen.

Joey: Weird part tho - After that, she wouldn’t leave me alone. Everywhere I went, there she was. Lunch, gym, the hallways—She legit followed me home til I told her 2 back off.

Nick: Bruhhh weird.

Joey: Now she's texting ppl about me??

Nick: Bro. Maybe she’s into u

Joey: Into me? Madison Ashford. Into me. Seriously.

Nick: Lol yeah, unlikely.

Joey: Thx 4 the vote of confidence. But yeah.

Nick: K but like, what if she is? If u blew it, I call dibs. I want dibs on seconds.

Joey: Ur gross.

Nick: Alright, but if she shows up at ur window w/ a boombox, I wanna know.

Joey: :-|

Nick: Don’t pretend you’re not laughing.

Joey: I hate u.

Nick: U love me.

Joey: Goodbye, Nick.

Nick: Bye, stalker magnet.