Thirty Six

                                    

                                          
I wriggled into my blue shirt and shrugged on my jacket. Lacing up my sneakers, I strolled into the living room, where Ethan was sitting. Cal was facing him tensely with a tight grin on his face. They didn't note that I came in, and kept staring at each other. I watched for a few seconds, and then clapped loudly, pushing them out of their trances.
                          
"Come on mates," I say with a bit of fake cheerfulness, "we're going out! Get in the right mood."
                          
Ethan nodded a bit, sniffing, glanced over at Cal, and back to me. I slightly shook my head, not wanting to think about what kind of disasters were going to happen tonight. Cal stood up nervously, wringing his hands together. I didn't acknowledge him exactly. He betrayed me, and he knew it. 
                          
Tobi strolled into our open flat, wearing a white polo, black jeans, and of course, a snapback. He came up to me and gave me a fist bump.
                          
"What up, my G," he grinned, "are you mates ready for tonight?" Tobi received a lame response from the crowd, a few grunts, "okay then. We're meeting JJ at the restaurant, so let's get on with it."
                          
We all filed out of the flat, and Tobi gave me an odd look. I waved it off. I would tell him later. 
                          
~~~
                          
JJ was idling outside of the restaurant,  fiddling with his beanie and staring at his feet. He looked up, staring straight at me. I could see the nervous sweat string his forehead. 
                          
Cal was standing next to Tobi, using him as a wall between us. We walked into the building, and Tobi went up to the host. The host lead us to our seats, and I slid into a both next to Ethan. Tobi sat across from me, and Cal around from Ethan. JJ squeezed in next to me. We all sat uncomfortably, especially me, since I was sitting next to the clammy Jide. Slowly, his upset expression turned a bit angry. Cal was sitting there, laughing with Tobi. Ethan joined in a bit, but  his chatter was all directed at Tobi. 
                          
Ethan shifted closer to my ear, "could you be a bit more subtle? Tobi isn't dumb. Let's not worry this tonight."
                          
I nodded a bit, doubting if JJ could reel himself in. I took his hand and squeezed it. He let out a sigh, and rubbed my hand in return.
                          
We ordered our meals, and had normal conversations. Cal pretty much ignored us, which made me fuming, but I couldn't show it. He shouldn't have been mad at us, since we had the reason. Still, amidst all of this anger, some sadness arose in my chest. Cal deserved someone, even if it couldn't be me. 
                          
"Bruv! Pass the salt!" JJ said to Cal, who did, and knocked over a water glass on Jide.
                          
"Sorry," Cal shrugged, and threw a napkin at him.
                          
JJ glared a muttered a bit. I grabbed his arm, "chill," I whispered.
                          
Cal and JJ sat in a pouting match for a few minutes, staring at their laps, picking their food, until Cal stood up.
                          
"I'm going to the toilet."
                          
We all watched him leave, and then moments later Jide said, "I have to go as well."
                          
"JJ no," I reprimand and grab his shirt, which obviously didn't work. He swatted my hand started to walk away.
                          
"It's fine," Tobi said, "it's obvious those two are bickering, what about? Who knows. Let them solve it themselves."
                          
I groan and swing my head back, "I dunno if that's a good idea, Tob." Ethan nodded a bit in agreement.
                          
"Why not?" Tobi asked.
                          
"Because they're fighting about me."