Knowing You're There

Chapter 9

            “I-I that’s not what I meant.  It was supposed to be a joke, I swear!” 

            “I know,” he said, and he swallowed hard.  “Had way too much burger in my mouth.” 

            “Anyway, I’d team up if you wanted to.  What kind of stuff do you play?” 

            “A little of everything,” he said, taking another bite.  “You?” 

            “I’m more of a rock fan, if you can’t tell.” 

            “By the totally-not-obvious Rayvn backpack?  I had no idea,” he said sarcastically. 

            Instead of answering, I just kind of melted back into the booth.  His breath was starting to match the spiciness of the burger.  I grabbed a few fries and shoved them into my mouth, then felt the diamonds and raised bird decal on my backpack.  Why would I not walk around with a backpack honoring the greatest band ever? 

            “You don’t like Rayvn?  What is wrong with you?”  I asked. 

            “I never said I didn’t like them—”

            “Kurt,” I said, pointing to my ears.  “I’ve got superhuman hearing.  I can tell by your tone of voice.” 

            “Fine.  I think they’re okay.” 

            “Just okay?”  I paused.  “They’re fantastic!” 

            He took a sip of his drink.  It smelled like orange soda.  “I like older stuff.  I’m not really into these modern bands today.”

            I grabbed another fry.  They were already starting to feel cold.  There was silence again.  I wanted to change the subject. 

            “This is fun,” I said. 

            “It is,” he said. “We should, you know, hang out after school again.” 

            “That’s be nice.” 

            There was a pause before he said, “I think your Mom’s car just pulled up outside.” 

            “That’s just great,” I muttered. 

            He grabbed the tray and his sneakers faded as he walked over to the garbage can.  I put my backpack over one shoulder and slid out of the booth with my hand on Star’s harness.  Kurt rushed back over and grabbed his things. 

            “Ready?” he asked.

            “Nah.  I’m just standing here with all of my stuff.” 

            A smile came to my face, and I heard his lips part, then imagined how bright his teeth were. 

            “Let’s go, then,” he said. 

            Again, we walked through tray-carrying students to the door that was “yee-haw-ing” every minute or so.  Kurt held it open for me.  Star and I headed out with Kurt following behind.  I could hear the engine of Mom’s car close by.  Before going towards it, I stopped. 

            “So what was the deal with paying for me?” I asked. 

            “What do you mean?” 

            I crossed my arms.  “Guy’s don’t just pay for other people.  That’s something that sounds more like a date.” 

            “Are you saying that I just took you out on a date?” he asked.  “Because I’d much rather take you to someplace nicer.”

            I took a step back.  “You’re kidding.” 

            “Well maybe…or maybe not.”  His smile was still there.  “Would you like to go someplace nicer tomorrow?” 

            My face lit up and my palms shook.  I pinched my arm.  No, this was really happening.  This crazy-sweet guy just asked me to go out with him.  I nodded, then felt his arms around me.  He leaned his chin on the top of my head. 

            I snapped myself out of the moment, remembering that my mother was one a few feet away, watching the whole thing from her car.  I said goodbye to Kurt and rushed over, and right when I was about to reach for the handle, he said, “Hey Lia!” 

            I turned to him.  “What? I have to go.” 

            “Okay,” he said.  “I just wanted to remind you that you’re still really crazy pretty.”

            I smiled and rolled my eyes, then climbed into the back of the minivan.