Page 28 of Something Rad
So why do I shift the books in my hands to one side of my body and lean flush against the door to hear it better?
“Robbie, you just proved what I said before. You’re fun and know how to have a good time, but you don’t think beyond today.”
“But today is thebestday. I mean, look at you, standing here. How could I think of anything beyond this?”
“You just don’t get it, Robbie.”
“Then explain it to me, sweetheart. Tonight. Let me take you out. Mary Lou’s. Your favorite.”
Denise seems to hesitate, not responding right away. I push my ear further into the open crack of the door.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea,”she finally says.
“Come on,”Robbie groans desperately. “You love Mary Lou’s. Burgers and strawberry sodas. On me.”
I have my ear so far into the opening that I hear Denise sigh.
“Okay, I will get a burger and strawberry soda with you–”
“Hallelujah–”
“Asfriends.”
I make out what sounds like Robbie clicking his tongue several times. I can’t see him, but I just know he’s shaking his head, not a strand of that annoyingly perfect hair falling out of place.
“I’ll take what I can get,”he eventually replies.
“I mean it, Robbie.”
If it was somehow possible, I lean further into the door.
“I’ll pick you up at 5:30.”
The shrill sound of the bell ringing tears through the school, startling me and causing me to slam against the door. My journal goes flying off the stack of books in my hands and slips straight through the opening in the door before I can grab it. Out of panic, I reach for the door handle, yanking it back closed.
I stand inside the school, my jaw slack, holding the handle of the door in a death grip. I close my eyes, trying to catch my breath.
Shit. Very, smooth Sara.
I shake my head, telling myself to get it together. I’m late for class. I have to move.
Maybe they didn't even notice.
No, I’m sure the sound of the old rusty metal door being jolted into by the full weight of my body wasn’t even that obvious.
Regardless, I’m out of time.
It’s fine. He didn’t notice.
I take a deep breath and open the door as casually as I can, taking a step outside.
And I find Robbie standing directly in front of me.
Holding out my journal to me.
The casual expression I had attempted to plaster on my face falls.
I quickly glance around and see that Denise is nowhere to be found. I wish that fact made my shoulders relax somewhat, but it doesn’t.
