The Bloomer Legacy: 9.15 Loser

Ok, so maybe I haven’t exactly painted the full picture when I talked to aunt Yenn. But I couldn’t bring myself to admit what I loser I am, even to her.

I don’t know how they’ve all done it, made other friends so quickly. Without me. Me, I don’t really have time for any of it. I try to keep on top of the schoolwork, so I’m often the last person around…

And after school it’s straight to the restaurant. I know dad said I don’t need to pick up all the shifts, but I really want his business to be successful. He’s poured his heart and soul into it, it’s the least I can do…

Vito and Sera sort of alternate shifts, mainly because they can’t stand to be in the same room.

The only person that’s there as much as I am is Hallie. But she’s something else. When she’s switched on, she can make every customer that comes to the restaurant feel like they’ve made her day just by showing up. It’s crazy.

Meanwhile, I still have troubles remembering people’s order, and they probably still think I’m the most awkward waitress around.

Maybe I’d be more use in the kitchen. I ended up taking some extra cooking classes at school, you know, so that I can actually get good at something over at the restaurant…

And then there’s the other extracurriculars. Obviously I don’t have to do them, but this time is really important – the teachers barely know us, so it’s the first impressions that count right? I’ve got to prove to them that I’m serious about my studies…

On the bright side, since nobody else seems to share this outlook, I often have the whole library to myself, so that’s pretty cool…

“Hi nerd!”

I didn’t even need to lift my eyes from the book to know who it was.

“I’ve already done your homework, Ralph.”

“Sweet!” He sat down next to me. “But I actually wanted to talk to you about something else.”

“Oh?”

“Let’s see, how do I put this…” He made himself comfortable on the chair.

“It appears it’s already been a month since the start of the school year, and I still don’t seem to be dating your sister.” His voice was dripping with sarcasm. “I thought we had a deal!”

“I told you, I don’t know what you expect. Seraphina would never go to me for boy recommendations or advice. In fact, if I tried to convince her of something, she’d probably do the opposite just to spite me.”

“You sure give up easily,” He got irritated. “I thought you were smart, plummit! That you could figure something out!”

I looked down, not sure what to say.

“Wow, sorry Lottie,” he deflated. “I’m being a jerk. It’s not your fault. I know that. Hey, if she’s not interested, she’s not interested.”

He fell silent, looking away. I wondered what he was thinking.

He looked so handsome being all pensive. I don’t really get Sera. I’d ditch Beavis and Butthead and go out with Ralph in a heartbeat. He’s so… not interested in me. That’s what he is.

My stream of thought was interrupted by the principal’s announcement: “All students must report to the main hall immediately.”

“Ah, that’s my cue to get out of here,” Ralph informed me.

“Yeah, we’re meant to go to the hall.” I nodded.

“Not what I had in mind. I’ll just sneak to through the back door. I may or may not have an idea of what the announcement is about.”

“Ralph…”

“I may or may not have flooded the principal’s office.”

“What?”

I wish he didn’t look like a handsome devil when he said that.

“I’ll catch you later, Lottie!”

Honestly. Him and I couldn’t be any more different. I need to stop thinking about him that way. He’s probably the perfect match for Sera. Now if I could only get her to…

“Hey Ralph,” I called out after him.

“Yeah?”

“I think I’ve got an idea. I know how we could get Sera to go out with you.”