Preston Greens

16. Me, Viral? I Think Not.

Apparently nobody's stood up to Katrina like that because the next day at school everybody, and I mean EVERYBODY, was talking about it. People already posted parodies on YouTube and everyone thought Charlie and I were more than just friends. I let them be, no need to correct them if they were just going to ignore me. Some of the popular girls thought I looked really pretty, and in my opinion, that's an accomplishment. Charlie and I were getting a lot of questions, but we didn't really answer any of them. We were just friends, that's it! At least for now, anyway. Maybe he doesn't see it that way, but that's how I do. I don't think of myself as his girlfriend until he asks me out. I don't daydream about us or wonder why he has not asked me. I just let things be. Plus, my mind was preoccupied with the whole neighborhood mystery. 

Today was also mom and dad's first day at karate, so I was going to Leslie's after school to do homework with her. I was excited for mom and dad, but I was also going to miss mom picking me up. That was ok though. She was still picking me up on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

People are calling me "viral" and a "breakthrough" and all that crap, but really, all I did was prove a point. Even my teachers were going gaga over me, which I think isn't quite fair, but I made sure to enjoy it. Later I heard that Katrina was fired the next day, which made the school go wild. I couldn't believe it either. Serves her right. I can't believe that it took them all those years to finally realize that she was making a fool of herself and her news station. 

School was a breeze, and when I went to Leslie's house, she wanted me to help her with her singing class at her school. I had to sing "Silent Night" with her, even though it was after Christmas. After we finished, she was amazed with my voice. 

"Wow, you have more talent than me and you're not even trained." She said, amazed. 

I was beaming. I loved to spend time with my girlfriends. I have been spending a lot of time with Charlie and mom and dad and Peppermint, and I haven't had the time to hang out with Belinda and Lisa, along with Leslie. We jammed out to good music while doing our homework and played hide and seek afterwards. I love that game still, even though I'm already thirteen. 

"I've missed you." I said as we sat in her front yard, eating some apples and drinking water, waiting for mom and dad to get home. I was ready for dinner, and mom already had everything set out so as soon as she came home she would make dinner and take a shower. Dad takes showers later at night so the hot water can collect.

 I talked to Leslie about the news interview and the gossip about me and Charlie. She nodded and listened the whole time. I liked Leslie mainly because she's cool and she's a good listener. She was also the toughest girl I knew, next to me I guess. 

Mom's Honda pulled into my driveway so I got my stuff from her room, thanked her mom, and hugged Leslie goodbye. 

"See you around the hood." I told her, laughing. 

"Yup. See ya later." She replied. 

I walked across the street and gave mom a big hug. "How was karate?" I asked her. 

"When we eat dinner, I'll tell you all about it." She said, sounding excited. 

Like I said, I love it when she's all upbeat, and that's almost all the time. I never take that for granted because I see how other mothers treat their children. Once dinner was served, mom was showered, dad combed his hair, and we all washed our hands, we sat down at the table and said our prayer. Afterwards, we started talking. 

Mom and dad were highly interested in my stories about the people's reactions about the interview and Katrina being fired. I was also highly interested in mom and dad's stories about karate. Dad got punched lightly in the face and mom chipped her nails. They said overall they were quite satisfied with their teacher and the workout. I was very happy for them. Dad also golfs and mom does book club every once in a while and she loves to do gardening in our yard when it isn't hot. I'm just glad they have something to do together now. 

I had plenty of activities as well like volunteering, hanging with friends, homework, decorating and cleaning my room, and exploring around my neighborhood. In my opinion, I was pretty cool. My heart sank that it was Monday, but this week was bustling with activity. People were asking Charlie and I lots of questions and some we don't know how to answer! Mom and dad were highly interested in what kinds of questions people ask as well. 

Apparently Katrina sent mom an email apologizing about insulting saying she didn't mean to offend me. I snorted at that comment, mainly because that isn't true. Katrina insulted and that was her specialty. 

After thinking it over, I realized I was going to have to do something about Charlie. He liked me. I liked him. You might be thinking "There's nothing wrong with that" but there is. I wasn't really ready and probably won't be til later. I know I've been saying I will wait until he asks me out, but now I know that even if he did, I'm not sure I would be ready for it. I was only looking for a dance partner, not anything else. I had to tell him to back off. Not that I loathe someone admiring me, in fact I love the way he looks at me. Lisa and Belinda are amused by the turnout, but I'm not. He is just a good friend and I keep telling myself that, but I can't follow it, like something's pulling me back. As if something is telling me to not let him go or even push him away.

 I always had that flutter when we spent time together- that was the weird part. I had never felt that way before and I'm still investigating it. I tell Lisa all these things and she says it only means one thing- I like him back. The crazy thing is, I believe it, and I'm not sure I like it. I told mom about my mixed feelings but she says whatever I want to do is fine with her. She doesn't mind me having a boyfriend, especially if it's Charlie. I wonder if it's because she knows he and I won't do anything crazy. 

This was a tough decision. I wish someone could decide this for me! Do I accept it or leave it? Charlie was a nice, polite, and sweet guy, not to mention he lived in front of me. I thought about my pros and cons and by the time I went to bed, I had already made my decision.