Best Friends Since Kindergarten

The Date

AMY

I sat nervously at the table while Susan and Giselle chattered at me. The jocks were tossing an apple back and forth across the table and cheering obnoxiously. The spot next to me was empty. Ryan wasn’t here. I squeezed my eyes shut for a second. It had been stupid to think he’d grace the cafeteria just to see me. Abruptly, a large form settled into the empty seat. My eyes flew open and I spun eagerly to see Ryan, but it wasn’t him. It was Andres.

“Hey,” he said cheerfully.

“Hey.” My voice was flat and emotionless, disappointed.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Yeah- just tired,” I sighed. He nodded and started chatting at me. I tried to focus on what he was saying, but couldn’t seem to hear him. He was staring at me expectantly- must have asked me a question.

“Uh, sure,” I said blankly.

“Great! I’ll pick you up at 7,” he smiled at me brightly, then got up and walked away. I turned back to my food, confused. Pick me up? To go where? Susan and Giselle gaped at me.

“Why are you not ecstatic right now?” Giselle demanded.

“Why would I be ecstatic?” I said, more confused now.

“Andres just asked you out to Daniel’s party tonight!” Giselle said. Oh.

“I am so f*****g mad at you right now,” Susan said, her tone playful.

“To be honest, I had no idea what he asked me,” I said. A date? With Andres? I shifted uncomfortably in my seat and sighed. “Do you guys have his number? I should tell him the truth.”

“The truth?” Giselle asked. “You mean that you’re already head over heels for the most perfect guy at this school and can’t wait to see him tonight?”

Lucy piped up, “That she’s taken,” she teased. I scowled at her while Giselle gasped.

“Wait what? Since when?” I opened my mouth to argue, but Lucy was faster.

“Since last night- she slept over with him. She’s wearing his clothes right now,” she laughed. Rob chuckled, finally tuning into the conversation.

Giselle spun around and looked at me intently. “Oh my god you are,” she breathed.

Susan stared at me, hurt. “Why didn’t you tell me? Who even is this guy?”

“I am not taken!” I said, blushing angrily. “Rob,” I whined, “tell them! We’re just friends!” Rob shrugged and grinned at me.

“I don’t know that,” he said innocently. “Seemed pretty cozy this morning, that’s all I’m saying.” I glared at him. A heavy weight plopped down next to me, thick biceps shoving me as they sat. I glanced up, ready to complain about the invasion of my personal bubble, and blushed. Ryan was here. He had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in his hand and started eating.

“What’d I miss?” he asked cheerily. I blushed again. The rest of the jocks at the table turned quiet and looked at Ryan, expressions hostile. He saluted them sardonically. One of them scowled. “Where’s Blondie?” he added.

“Missing him already?” Rob teased.

“Something like that,” Ryan said, rolling his eyes.

“He was here a minute ago,” Rob told him. “Not sure where he went. You missed him asking Amy out though.” Ryan glowered at him.

“Not a good joke, Rob,” he said flatly.

“No joke!” Giselle inserted perkily. “They’re going out tonight!” She leaned forward on her hands, looking dreamily into space. “Your babies are going to be so cute!”

I wrinkled my nose at her as Ryan turned to me. “Seriously, Amy? You can do better.” He sounded angry. I winced at the note of disappointment in his voice too.

“I didn’t know what he’d asked me!” I said quickly. “I couldn’t hear him very well.” Ryan looked at me icily, then sighed.

“Whatever. Your life,” he turned back to his sandwich, giving me the cold shoulder. I blinked back sudden tears and glared at Rob. Why had he even brought that up? He looked guilty at least. It felt like there was a wall up between me and Ryan the rest of the meal. I hadn’t realized how much he normally touched me and teased me until it was gone. I tried to joke with him and he just responded flatly. Finally, I decided I couldn’t take it anymore.

“I’m going to go for a walk,” I told the table. “I’ll talk to you guys later.” I glanced at Ryan, hoping he’d invite himself along, but he barely reacted to my statement. I picked my tray up and walked away to a chorus of “later”s. I kept my back straight and proud and tried not to let anyone see the tears in my eyes.