Young Writers Society

I can’t believe this! Today everything just went sideways, what is happening? I’m so confused and all I know is it’s stupid flakey Brydon Pearce’s fault!

Everything was completely normal. I woke up, went downstairs, ate breakfast, dropped my little brother Michael off at school, reached school just in time, and headed to homeroom. Nothing out of the ordinary so far. My life isn’t anything special and I like it that way, all I want is to get through the school day and head home to do homework, watch some TV, and water my plants. Heading to lunch is when it goes freakishly wrong.

Right after second period, I met up with my best friend June and we were catching up while walking to eat lunch at our usual spot, the library. I am not a book lover honestly. I can’t stand the boredom of reading but June Webster is a big book worm and I like the vibe the library has so it’s the perfect place for both of us. Anyway back to the point, as we were walking and June was rambling about this new book she read called “From Blood and Ash” stupid Brydon Pearce decides to move away from his friend group and glide our way like a snake.

“And then she freaking stabs him, Odette!! Like in the heart! ”

“Hi”

June and I stopped more out of confusion (on my part) and curiosity (on her part) than anything else. Brydon is a part of that annoying clique every school has, the popular, narcissistic group who think the world revolves around them. Speaking of, we could see his friends (who are also in the clique) watching us, mirroring our confusion and curiosity while adding a bit of annoyance.

“Hi?”

“So, in case you didn’t know I’m Brydon Pearce we have physics together?..” He introduces himself as though he isn’t known by everyone in the school. In his defence, he is one of the few people June and I don’t hate in the group, because he seems to have some modesty.

“Nice to meet you? I know who you are. I’m Odette Albert, do you need something or..?” My mind goes blank trying to decode his ulterior motive and I turn to June for help only to see my confusion bouncing back to me.

“In a way? I was wondering if you’re free after school today?” Oh okay, now I get it. He wants help with the physics homework. Of course, because why else would he talk to me unless for help? At this point I gave up on being nice, I’m tired. I had 2 tests today and I don’t want to deal with tutoring some obnoxious guy.

“Listen, if you want someone to help you with your homework find someone else. I’ve got my own homework to do, tests and all I want to do is sleep. Before you say it’ll be really quick or you just need it explained to you I’m not stupid, I know you’re just going to copy it and then never talk to me and honestly dude I’m just tired-” I was ranting when he suddenly caught me off with the most unexpected plot twist I have ever heard.

“No! I wanted to ask you out!”

“What?” By now none of his friends are even trying to hide their snooping, them, June and I all shout out our bewilderment at the same time as though we’re in some corny soap opera. Brydon shoots his friends a glare for snooping but that doesn’t stop them from continuing.

“I think you’re cool and I wanted to ask you out on a date if you accept it.” He says once again though it doesn’t help control anyone’s skepticism. I’m about to say no when June shouts first.

“Of course she accepts! Pete’s Diner at 7 works for you?” What was she doing?

“Ya! I’ll see you then.” He says to me before walking off towards his friends, who are all still in shock. June grabs me and rushes towards the library so we can figure out what’s happening.

“What just happened? Brydon Pearce out of everyone asked you out? Since when did he like you? Why didn’t you tell me?” The minute we enter the library she starts bombarding me with questions.

“I don't know what just happened! I have no idea when he started liking me! I didn’t know about any of this and more importantly, why did you say yes?”

“Because when would this happen again!”

“1 rude, 2 it’s probably a joke, 3 I’m not going!” June seems not to realize how crazy all of this is, seeing as how she's scrolling through her phone again.

“1 you know I don’t mean that! 2 and 3 even if it’s a joke it’ll be a new experience and make your life interesting! You can’t tell me you're not the least bit excited!” Okay, she’s not wrong but I don’t plan to admit that.

“I don’t have anything to wear, what am I supposed to tell my parents? And please get off your phone I’m panicking! ”

“You can borrow my clothes and breathe it’s not a fancy dinner just a fun casual DATE at Pete’s Diner, you love Pete’s Diner! As for your parents, we can pick up Michael and I just got permission for you to stay at my house from both of our parents!” June shows me the messages, I don’t know whether I love her or hate her. She’s right though I do love Pete’s Diner, Pete asked me to do a mural along the walls of his restaurant and occasionally tells his friends about my art giving me more opportunities to showcase it. I’m also pretty close to the staff because June and I go basically every day.

“What if it goes horribly,” I say finally accepting reality. I’m not obsessed with Brydon but it will still hurt when the first guy who has shown interest in me decides I’m not worth it.

“Think about it this way, it’ll be another experience you can tell your grandkids about. Don’t focus too much on the details, just have fun!” June says reassuringly. I’m really lucky to have her as my best friend.

As you can see, that was when my day started going off the rails. After helping me get dressed and dropping me off I was there in a booth by myself 10 minutes early drowning in sweat, terrified. 1 more minute until 7 pm, 20 seconds until 7 pm 3,2,1. It was 7 and he still wasn’t here. I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and waited for 10 minutes. Eventually, those 10 turned into 20, then 30, and I was surrounded by the staring eyes of people who knew I got stood up. I was so embarrassed, I knew this would happen. Why did I even agree to it? He and his friends are probably somewhere laughing at me right now. Just as I’m about to leave, fed up with the embarrassment and prodding eyes, this stranger sits in the seat opposite of mine.

“Hi baby, sorry I’m late” He practically screams, grabbing the attention of everyone within the area. He’s blonde and looks around 6’’ tall, he wore an oversized green hoodie, a white shirt with a black snake on it, and baggy jeans with different shaded patches but most importantly I have no clue who he is. Mystery guy, noticing my confused face leans in close as though to kiss me, how the hell did I get into this situation? What do I do now? I’m about to punch him in the face and run out until he whispers;

“My name is Oliver Hansen, saw you sitting here and decided to join. Just go along with it to piss off whoever stood you up?”

There’s no way any of this will be good, I should just go home honestly, but instead of telling him no I hear myself saying

“Sure.”