UNDERSTAND
Will returns. He punches me in the shoulder as he comes up next to me at my locker.
Will > “Hey Mick. How’s it been goin?” he asked casually, like we just had a conversation yesterday. Our last conversation was about a week or two ago.
Me > “Will, do you still like me?” Ok, I don’t know where I pulled the guts from to ask that question. He shakes his head back and forth. I wasn’t expecting that.
Will > “I’m going out with Jenn.” He says quietly. I look up at him, not expecting that either. Will has a girlfriend? Geez. Now I feel retarded.
Will > “How’s Amen?” He asks. I look up at him, chewing on the inside of my mouth.
Me > “I wouldn’t know.” I say evenly, trying not to think about it. He looks around the hallway, and Amen picks that moment to walk up to us and put his arm around my shoulder. Did he not hear me earlier? Oh my gosh. I shake him off, and clench my teeth together, trying not to get violent.
Will > “Get lost.” He says to Amen. I love Will. He’s so understanding. He knows that Amen is being very stupid and that he should get the heck away from me. Why did I ever tell Amen? I should’ve told Will first. He can be trusted. I stand really close to Will and grab his sleeve. I start tugging and he turns to me, taking his death glare off of Amen.
Me > “I have to tell you something Will. Come on.”
NOT
Will > “What’s wrong Mickey?” he says really quietly, trying not to let Amen hear our conversation. I shake my head fast, meaning: not here. Obviously Will gets this, because he clenches his fists and takes a step toward Amen, all the while blocking me. My hand is gripping his sleeve, wanting to leave right away. But wanting to stay and see him fight for me.
Amen > “Please Will. You’ve got to be kidding.” He says with a smile in his voice. I don’t know what the smile’s about though, because Will looks like he could rip Amen in half like a sheet of toilet paper. But Will’s girlfriend, Jenn, walks up just then.
Jenn > “Hello Will.” She says stonily. She turns to me and Amen and smirks. Ah, Jenn Meyer. What a treat. She’s a snobby, bottle blonde, two-timer. No doubt she’s probably cheating on Will right now. Out of nowhere, Amen is practically drooling over Jenn.
Amen > “Hey Jenn, what’s up?” he asks. You can tell he’s in love with her. It’s pathetic. But then I wonder. Is this how I looked with Amen before? Ah crap. Jenn raises her eyebrows at him, deciding whether she wants to answer or not.
Jenn > “Amen.” She says, nodding. She keeps staring at him, not sure what to think. “I thought you were going out with Mickey.”
I look alarmingly at Will, sending him a telepathic message to tell his girlfriend to shut up.
Will > “Uh, Jenn? They’re not.” He says. He sounds scared to talk to her. I feel really bad for Will. Amen looks confused, but then you can tell a light bulb goes off in his head.
Amen > “That’s right. We’re not.” He says and looks at me in a pitiful way. My hand tightens on Will’s sleeve, and he puts his hand on my arm. Amen is still going on about the fact he’s single.
Amen > “Ya, I’m available.” He says, smiling meaningfully at Jenn. Fortunately, she seems to not be paying attention to Amen, even though he’s clearly talking to her. I wonder if Will really likes Jenn. Amen finally gives up and walks away, bidding Jenn a thousand farewells. She returns about 2 of them.