The Crush

Talk to You Later

I avoided after-school club meetings for almost two weeks. The Guidance Counselor, Ms. Davis, called me into her office because she was worried.

"Is there something you want me to know, Winter?" Ms. Davis softly smiled across her desk.

I adjusted myself to my seat, unable to get comfortable. I am sure I look guilty of something.

"Not that I know of." Ms. Davis adjusted to move closer to me, although the desk stopped her from getting too close.

"This is a judgment-free zone. Everything you say here will stay here," Ms. Davis continued to smile.

My seat felt like a cinder block.

"I've noticed you haven't been talking to Jordan Kelly. She's your best friend, correct?" I looked up at Ms. Davis. I knew what she was doing. She has to try again because everyone knows Jordan and I are best friends. I said nothing.

"So, you two are no longer friends?"

"Ms. Davis, is this an intervention because, I assure you, I'm not on drugs."

Ms. Davis shook her head quickly, repeating, "No." I rolled my eyes at her attempt to recover.

What is this all about if she doesn't think I am doing drugs? I am sure she doesn't care if I and Jordan stopped talking. We are teenagers. I have seen the best of friends become enemies. I never heard them being taken to the Guidance Counselor's office to mend old fences. And she isn't going to convince me that she is worried about my missing two weeks of club meetings. I am unsure why she called this little meeting; however, she clearly has a reason.

"Everyone is worried, Winter. You're not going to any of the club meetings. You're not talking to your best friend. And you have been hanging around Lathan lately."

I jumped from my seat. "Is this what you wanted to talk about?"

She was worried because I was hanging out with Lathan Michael? What's wrong with Lathan? He's popular on the football team and gets decent grades. He is not what the adults would call a bad boy. He's a nice guy.

Ms. Davis rubbed her temple, trying to find the right words. She was not expecting my reaction.

"I feel you two built such a bright future, and I want you two to focus on that. It's easy to lose sight of what matters most."

"You think we're having s*x?" I said louder than I wanted. "First, it's none of your business if we are, but we aren't. We're just friends."

Ms. Davis got up from her chair to close the gap between us. "I apologize if I have offended you in any way. I just don't want you to be hurt. Lathan is a popular boy, with many girls crushing over him."

"Can I go?" Ms. Davis hung her head low, "Yes." I slammed the door behind me.

The nerve of Ms. Davis. FYI, Jordan is the one not talking to me. And she doesn't have a valid reason. Sure, I spent a day ignoring her phone calls; however, Jordan had it coming. Then she flipped out on me when she saw me hanging out after school with Lathan. Our whole life, she pushed me into talking to him, and now I am the bad guy.

At least Fortmann understands. We don't get to talk often, but we talk when we can. He understands me. I haven't yet told Lathan I know it is him. I don't want to embarrass him and mess up his timeline for us. It is fun just getting to know the real him and being in his space.

***

I managed another day dodging glares from my ex-best friend and awkward stares from Alex. I have to admit I was feeling lonely throughout the day. Still, I was cheered up by text messages from Fortmann.

***

"Welcome, Winter! We missed you."

I smiled as I entered the classroom the Science Club was using. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to see me. Shoulder pats as I make my way to my seat. Is everyone ready for the contest?" Mr. Shelby asked. Everyone cheered and clapped. "We are going to need everyone on board." Everyone whispered excitedly to each other.

"The first thing we need to do is assign partners. In your partnership, you are responsible for researching and testing. We will show and tell in two weeks, and the best project will represent us in the contest."

I must have taken too long looking for my notebook because I hadn't noticed everyone paring up. When I looked up and looked over the classroom, everyone was already discussing and writing down a plan for their project.

"I guess it's the two of us, best friends," Alex said, plopping in the seat next to me.

Alex's smile was wide and bright. "Everyone has paired up already. Unless you don't want to be partners." I could see the smile slightly drop.

"Alex, you're the smartest person I know besides myself. It will be an honor to be your partner. We are friends now."

Alex clapped his hands and pulled out his notebook. "Let's get to work."

Alex and I worked on a basic outline of our project, and I was glad I decided to give Alex a chance with friendship.

"Wow, I am excited to see what everyone comes up with. I see and hear some cool conversations," Mr. Shelby said at the front of the class. "Set up meeting times and exchange contact information. And have a good night."

Everyone started to pack up. *My phone pinged.

[Unknown]: This is Alex. Save my number. I am free tomorrow to work in the library if you want.

I looked up and smiled, "How did you get my number?" Alex said he had his way. "Tomorrow, after school, is perfect," I said, shaking my head. Alex smiled as he placed his stuff in his book bag. "Good. Text me if you want me to bring snacks or materials for the project." I've made a wacky but agreeable face. Alex laughed as he walked away. I followed Alex to the hallway as he continued to run after a friend of his. "Alex," I called out. Alex stopped and turned. "I'm labeling you as Wolf on my phone." Alex placed his hands over his heart. I laughed.

Today, I did not feel lonely anymore.