# The Plan

/// "I should have been a better person. No one told me I was not. No one ever said I should be better. Should I have been more approaching? Approachable? Less clingy? I don't know. I'll never know." ///

The bell rang, ending the last subject for the day. Groups and groups of friends clamored in the hallway. Jamee was running, trying to make her way through the crowd while holding onto loads and loads of books and notebooks she was too lazy to put in her bag. She was trying to catch up to Tina and Maddy, walking in front of a huge crowd.

"HEY!"

Jamee shouted, trying to catch her breath while still running after Tina and Maddy. Tina and Maddy were ignoring her call, as if they did not hear her.

"HEY! WAIT UP!"

Jamee was still ignored.

"TINS! MADS!"

Finally, Tina and Maddy stopped and and turned around, but not before Tina rolled her eyes.

"Hey, James. What's up?"

Tina asked, her facial expression looking like she was disappointed that she's talking to Jamee.

"Tins, James is my brother. My twin brother whom I have the same name, almost?"

Jamee explained. Tina was not amused.

"Your boyfriend? Whom we were supposed to meet, like right now?"

"Right."

Tina replied, looking very impatient.

"Jamee, uh— look. We got something to do. A— a PROJECT. Sort of. Just tell James I couldn't make it and that I'll just call him later, okay?"

Tina said.

"Oh. Okay. Sure."

Jamee was a bit disappointed.

"So I'll see you tomorrow?"

Jamee asked.

"Yeah, sure. MADDY, let's go."

Tina and Maddy then left. Jamee waved them good bye.

Jamee walked alone with her head down, kicking all the stones she passed by. She was a bit sad because she didn't get to hang out with her best friends.

"Tina and Maddy are getting busy lately. They don't have time for me now."

Jamee thought to herself.

"And just when my birthday is approaching."

Jamee stopped and then suddenly it hit her.

"Maybe they're planning me a surprise party! Yes! Maybe that's the reason! YES!"

Jamee shouted out of excitement. Everyone around her was startled and now staring at her. She ignored them and just continued walking. And she was now walking happily.

Jamee arrived at a fast food chain where they agreed to meet. She saw James just putting down a tray full of burgers, fries, drinks, and sundaes. He was expecting more company. Jamee approached him.

"Where's Tina? And what's-her-face?"

James asked as he sits down.

"They had some stuff to do, blah blah blah, she'll just call you. And what's-her-face's name's Maddy."

Jamee replied as she sits down.

"Only tell me what I need to hear."

James said giving Jamee a wink while eating a french fry.

"So. There's just the two of us. There's so many food on the table. What should we do with all of these?"

Jamee asked but before James could say something, Jamee added,

"That was a trick question. LET'S EAT!"

A while later, James was eating his fourth burger. Jamee just got out of the ladies' room.

"You should really lay off on those burgers."

Jamee said as she sat down while wiping her hands onto her pants.

"You should lay off on stopping me."

Jamee ignored him as she takes one of the three sundaes left which are now melted.

"Why did you order two per person anyway?"

Jamee asked as she eats a spoonful of ice cream, her face full of delight as she enjoys the sweetness and coldness of the dessert.

"Why shouldn't I? YOU like it. Look at you, looking oh so satisfied."

James replied while reaching for another burger.

"Ice cream IS heaven."

Jamee said while trying to empty out the cup.

"So anyways, how are we going to celebrate our birthday?"

James asked looking very excited.

The twins' birthday is always one of the most awaited parties in their school. It has always been the party of the year. It became tradition that the twins would always plan ahead and never settle for less. It is always well thought out and always aim to top the last party.

"I was thinking we should rent out a resort, you know, those exclusive ones? And have drinking games and all that stuff."

James suggested with enthusiasm.

"Do we have the budget? Maybe a house party would do. A themed one. WITH the drinking games because I know you like those kind of stuff. And I like seeing you all drunk and... 'vomit-ey'."

Jamee said, laughing at James.

"You're one to talk. You made friends with a tree once. And even hugged the toilet bowl because you felt lonely while vomiting."

James said while laughing and almost choking.

"Touché Conner, touché"

Jamee said trying to suppress her laughter and admitting defeat.

"But anyway— wow, I think I've said the word anyway more than a million times now..."

Jamee recalled and shook her head.

"I think Tina is planning a surprise party. She's been acting weird lately. Maddy acting more weird than usual."

"Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And she's been busy lately, not responding to my texts, not returning my calls. I bet she's planning the whole thing."

James declared confidently.

"Yeah, no. You should really talk to her about that. You're relationship is doomed."

Jamee said.

"What?"

James's excitement immediately faded.

"Kidding, kidding. Maybe you're right. Tina is really something. The best friend."

Jamee said, her eyes glistening with wonder.

"I have an idea."

James said.

"Hit me."

"How about we just let her plan the party, the surprise party, and we'll just go with it?"

"You know, that's not a bad idea. Let's go with that."

Jamee agreed, finalizing the plan.

The twins continued eating and talking until evening and went home afterwards.

Four days until the twins' 20th birthday.

##