Eastbay Homecoming: A Fictional Narrative

In Eastbay homecoming was not just an event, it was a holiday. And as tradition would have it, I had unwillingly become the poster boy, the superstar. This was the one time of the year I didn't mind relinquishing my full title to Jack.
As the day progressed, I was thrust into shots, band members trailed behind me—playing their instruments—and random strangers approached, shaking my hand. One, I was even sure, was actually someone’s mom.
“We are just so proud of the pride and honor you and your teammates bring to this school. We know you are going to do so well and win this game. I know you’ll win for little Jimmy and remind us all what patriotism is all about.”
I stood, feeling slightly uncomfortable and confused as the woman continued.
“Oh,

there you are! came an unexpected voice from behind. “We are so glad you did not do anything to change your hair!”
Out from around the corner appeared two homecoming committee members. They seized my arms and carted me down the hall.
“You have court pictures today!” the boy exclaimed. “All of you on court were supposed to be informed about picture day, but Sylvia forgot!”
“She’s not really that bright,” said the girl. “You give her one small duty, and she forgets!”
“Wait, right now?” I puzzled, looking back at the crazed-eyed mom, whose mouth had dropped into a scowl.
“Yes, right now!” they exclaimed, whipping me around a corner.
“Hey, Jared!”
“Hey, J-man!”
“Big Jared!”
Voices sounded as I was forcibly torn through the current of students.
“He doesn’t have time right now,” the girls sang, speeding through and jerking my arm into a sharp right turn.
Next thing I knew, I was shoved into a room with flashing, studio lights, blinding my eyes.
“Okay, we got him, he’s here, is that everyone?”
When the black blotches finally faded, I was able to spot Justin and Jason at the opposite end of the room.
Disoriented, I staggered across the dim studio.
“Hey,” I managed, approaching them, “guess they captured you too.”
“Yeah, more like handcuff me and tossed me into the back of a moving van,” Jason said sarcastically, rubbing his wrist.
“Yeah me too,” I snickered.

“Well, I was paraded in,” Justin beamed.
“Excuse me, boys, you're too close to the lighting equipment. Can you move? Thank you,” came a voice belonging to a flamboyant, balding man.
Obediently we moved a few steps away.
“So did Jack make it here?” I muttered.
“Other side of the room,” Justin's chin pointed. I now noticed Jack standing with chest puffed out and leaning against the wall. He looked like he was flirting with Jessica Tooke and Crissy Short who both appeared to be giggling uncomfortably.
“So I guess you’re not his “Jare baby” anymore?” Justin said as if it was a question.
“No,” I responded flatly. “I haven’t talked to him since the fight. We even try to avoid each other at practices.
“Well, at least his cheek is healing nicely. Do you think he’ll get to play in homecoming?”
“He’ll play. Just not for too long, I doubt if he’ll even get—”
“Well surprise seeing you here,” Leena interrupted, sliding from out of the shadows with a sultry step. Beside her, Rachel stood as a bodyguard, with her arms crossed and her lips pursed into a smirk.
“Well hello, Ms. Leena, Rachel,” Justin greeted.
“See Rache. I told you I always liked him,” Leena giggled, motioning towards Justin. “He was always friendly and polite, unlike some people,” she threw me a smug

scowl.
I didn’t respond. Her intentions were obvious. Leena was an expert at creating drama before it ever existed.
“Do you girl’s have your poses down?” Justin continued in his usual playful chatter.
“Oh yeah, let’s like, show them,” she said proudly, as both she and Rachel raised their hands to their hips and began. In observance, it seemed to me as if they had rehearsed this once before. After a few poses, however, they appeared to be more dancing with each other than actually modeling. The evocative lights silhouetted behind them, reminding me of a night club. I knew she was trying to entice me, but it wouldn’t work.
“See, I wasn’t sure if I looked like, better from this side, Leena purred, jutting out her hip. “Or