Joseph Quinn imagines

My Competition

Dustin and Mike have been going on and on about this "Eddie" who happens to be the leader of D&D, a total nerd like them, but I have never heard of, nor seen this guy around.
They invite me to sit with them at lunch, but I always decline because, I am not very good at meeting new people. Today was different though, they begged and begged and even offered to buy me lunch. I gave in but refused to let them buy me lunch. I'm broke, but they're even more broke than me.
I take a seat across from Mike, next to this kid I have never seen before, but looks very nice. I silently eat my lunch, trying to not bother anyone or be awkward.
"Soo you must be Mady" the long haired boy says
"That's my name" I say eating my food.
"You finally decided to join us." He states
"Yup, figured it's time I meet my competition." I say smirking at him.
"Competition?" He asks

"Yeah, the man who keeps stealing Dustin, Mike and Lucas. I keep finding myself having to compete with you for their time." I say
"You're more than welcome to join us at hellfire.. that is of course if you know how to play.." he says giggling
"HA HA very funny. No thanks. They may like you, but that doesn't mean I do, I don't even know you." I say
"I don't know you either sweetheart, yet you're sitting at our table passing judgements." He says
"No judgement to pass. I don't know you, as simple as that." I say
"I bet you'd like me if you got to know me." He says winking

"I could say the same to you about me." I say sending a wink his way as well
"Alright! Well-" he says slapping his hand on the table. "I've got somewhere to be. Madeline.. follow me?"
I look to Dustin and he just shrugs his shoulders. I slowly get up grabbing my things and follow him.
We silently walk to picnic tables next to the school.
"I'm sorry if you feel like you are competing for Dustin and Mike's time. That was never my intention. When I found them they were.. desperate for a place here and I gave them one. You truly are welcome to hangout with us." He says kicking leaves and playing with his rings

"I really appreciate you saying that. I just- they are like the brothers I never had, and I don't want this summer be boring because, they are always with you. You seem like a great guy, and I'm just not very good with... meeting new people." I say looking down at the picnic table trying to avoid eye contact.
He takes a seat across from me.
"We'll what do you guys do when you hangout?" He asks

My mind is replaying spying on people with Eleven, sleepovers with El and Max, running away from Billy, discussing the Russians with Steve and Robin...
"We uh- watch scary movies and go to the pool sometimes. We use to hangout at the mall a lot until it.. burned down." I say fidgeting with loose pieces of wood on the table.

"Favorite movie?" He asks

"The Breakfast Club, for sure" I say

"I haven't seen that one.." he says

"Would you.. maybe like to come over and watch it?" I ask

"I would love that!" He says smiling
We make some more small talk before heading back to the school.
Walking side by side,
"Alright, I guess I wouldn't consider you 'competition' but, I need D&D to not be invading my summertime with friends!!" I say lightly shoving his shoulder.

"Understood M'lady" he says opening the door for me.

Maybe.. I should have joined Dustin and Mike at lunch much sooner, because Eddie is not scary at all... but he is very charming.