The Crush

Studying With A Friend

I was early, or at least I thought. Alex was at the library before me.

“Winnie,” Alex cheered.

“Wolf,” I countered.

Alex laughed. “I like when you call me by my true name.”

“Is that your true name?” I said smugly.

Oh my God, are we flirting?

Alex comes closer. So close, I thought we were going to kiss. Alex suddenly turned slightly, reached into his backpack, and pulled out a bag of snacks. “Thought we might get hungry,” he said with a grin, offering some to me. I rolled my eyes at his smugness, but I couldn’t help but be amused by his thoughtfulness.

“Thanks, Alex, “I said, taking a few snacks and putting them aside. “But let’s try to focus on the project, okay? Alex nodded, understanding my eagerness to get started.

We quickly go to work, taking our notebooks, laptops, and materials. I hated to admit it, but Alex impressed me with his knowledge and ideas. We worked for hours, researching and taking notes, occasionally taking breaks to snack and chat.

He told me his mother liked me and hoped one day he could convince me to come over for dinner. I tried to come up with a reason why I couldn’t come over, but nothing sounded realistic or better than eating lasagna. It was leftover day at my house.

Alex looked up at me, “So?”

I shook any doubts away and quickly agreed. “First, we need this draft.”

Alex smiled and continued to work. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed working with him, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration for his work ethic.

We both worked diligently until the library was about to close. We had just finished our draft and were so proud of it.

“I think our project is going to win, “Alex said, gathering his belongings.

“I think so, too,” I said, gathering my things.

Alex suddenly turned to me and asked, “Do you mind giving me a ride home? My mother dropped me off.”

My brow raised, “But you have a car.”

“I know, but I figured you were coming to dinner…”

And when I believe we can finally be real friends without an agenda, he pulls this.

Alex gave me a hopeful look, and I answered before I could talk myself out of this.

“Sure, no problem, “I said, trying to sound casual. “Let’s go.” I am not sure why, but I gave Alex the keys.

As we walked to my car, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. On the one hand, I really want this lasagna, and on the other, I don’t think it is a good idea to go to Alex’s house. Not that I know why it is a bad idea. We are just two friends hanging out together, right?

***

We walked into Alex’s house, and the smell of melted cheese made my stomach growl.

“Welcome, Winter,” His mother greeted us.

“Please, come in,” she said as she led us inside the kitchen. “Lasagna’s nearly ready,” she said.

Music was playing. Alex took my bookbag and placed it on a bookshelf.

“You two look happy,” Alex’s mother said.

Alex smiled, “Yes, we finished our first draft. I think we will win the science contest.”

His mother matched his smile, “You two will win because you two make a great team.” I dropped my head shyly. Alex looked my way.

“Mrs. Tyler, thank you for inviting me for dinner. It smells delicious.”

She smiled, “Please call me Alice. Mrs. Tyler makes me sound like an old woman. Besides, I am no longer a Mrs.”

I looked around and realized there were no recent pictures of Alex’s father. All the photos were taken when Alex was a toddler.

“My father died when I was six,” Alex whispered in my ear.

I looked at him feeling ashamed of myself for not realizing this.

This whole time, he has been nothing but friendly, and I have been awful to him. All he wanted was to be my friend.

“I am so sorry,” I said.

Alex said nothing. He squeezed my hand, then led me to the table.

Alice handed me a plate of lasagna. “Here you go, sweetheart.” Then he handed Alex a plate.

Alex gave a tender smile and said, “Thanks, mom.”

Alice sat down with her own plate. The lasagna was the best lasagna I have ever eaten. Three layers of sauce and five different kinds of cheeses. This was way better than my mom’s lasagna. I laughed at the thought of telling her.

“So, tell me about this science project,” Alice asked.

Alex and I gave her the full details of our project. Alice smiled wide with wonder.

“Wolf, you must have gotten all this intelligence from your father because it definitely wasn’t from me,” Alice laughed.

“I am happy you have found someone who shares your passion for science, so I don’t have to pretend to understand a word you are saying.”

Alex joined in her laughter. “My mother is more of an artist.”

“Oh, what kind of art do you do?” I asked quizzically.

“I write poetry and paint,” Alice replied.

“I love art too,” I smiled.

“Winter, you are good at everything. You are magical,” Alex said before taking another bite.

I covered my smile with my hand.

The rest of the evening was filled with laughter. I didn’t expect to have a good time, but I did. After dinner, we played a quick game of scrabble, and Alice won. I didn’t expect anything less from a writer; however, I only cared about beating Alex, which I did.

It was getting late, so I thanked Alice and made my way to the door.

“Please come back soon,” Alice smiled.

Alex walked me to my car. The air was crisp, and I could smell the faint smell of his cologne. He opened the door for me.

“Thank you for coming,” he said.

“You’re welcome,” I replied.

I surprised myself by offering a hug first. Alex squeezed tight. “Friends,” he said. “Friends,” I replied.