Finders Keepers

4. I'm Really Confused

     "So, whose the lucky guy on the top of our hate list this time? And before you say Elijah, I know he's an idiot, but at least he's trying to be the best friend he can be."

Tanya met up with Marianne only a minute after her designated time, and then apologized profusely for it.

     "It's not Elijah, it's... My step dad."

     "Want to talk about it?" Tanya's eyes softened immediately, and she reached over and grabbed Marianne's hand.

     "What's there to talk about beside the fact that he's an ugly pig with no heart?" She spat. "How'd you even get here so fast anyway?"

     "I told my parents I was going to the library. Of course they believed me."

      "But don't you live at least 10 minutes away from here on foot?" She asked.

       Tanya giggled. "My parents dropped me off at the library, and then I walked here."

        Marianne rolled her eyes. Tanya's idea of breaking the rules was Marianne's idea of boring. That girl really needed to get a hobby that wasn't coupon cutting. I mean, what's so interesting about a deal on Sardines?

         "Oh c'mon. You need to start living outside the box. Be adventurous! When's the last time you did something bold?"

         "I'll have you know I did something bold last Tuesday. I - get this - drank orange juice right after brushing my teeth!" Tanya whisper-yelled.

         "OK, that's just disgusting."

         "Enough about me! What's this I hear about  a creepy stalker guy?" Tanya said, taking a sip of her milkshake.

         "Ugh. He's super annoying. I thinks his name's Matt or Matthew. Robertson."

          "No way! The one in your reading class?!"

          Marianne nodded her head yes, with a confused look on her face.

         "You're so lucky! Do you know how many girls in our school would want to be stalked by that guy! He's like, super hot!"

Tanya said. She could hardly contain her excitement about him.

          "I don't see why. He's a major butt." Even though he is really cute... Marianne mentally kicked herself. No! Stop. You don't like him.

           Marianne was brought out of her mental war by the sound of a buzzing phone. Tanya jumped up and threw her cup away.

           "Sorry, M! Gotta run. My parents are gonna be at the library any second now!"

Grabbing her purse, she bolted out the door, but not before reaching over the table to hug Marianne. Marianne watched as her brunette-haired friend dashed down the street, almost running into a lamp post before she vanished out of her sight.

     Marianne had always wondered about Tanya. Unlike the stereotypical female nerd, Tanya didn't wear glasses, have freckles, or wear skirts and knee socks all the time. In fact, Tanya was one of the prettiest girls in their grade, if not the whole school. Tanya had been asked out countless times, yet she always stuck to her 'No dating till college' rule. Meanwhile, Marianne had only been asked out twice in her life: when she was in second grade, and last year. She had declined both offers, though not out of concern for her future. She just really didn't like how the boys looked. Looks were everything for Marianne. She figured first impressions determined a relationship.