An Old Friend

Chapter 5

October 8th, 1988

So school was pretty great yesterday. I can't believe how much me and Billie had in common now, we both liked the same music, movies, and we both played guitar. His was named Blue, and mine was Rocky.

I was just thinking about how hungry I was when the bell rang for lunch. When I left homeroom I went to my locker where Billie and I meet for lunch.

And there he was, right on schedule.
I haven't seen him in 25 minutes and now he looks even better. Shit! What's happening to me?

Wait- who was he with?
Mike? Mike freakin Dirnt!!!!!
I have to admit, Mike was the last person that I thought Billie would be making friends with.

"Lizzie," Mike said with a nod.

"Mike, nice to see you making new friends."

"Well, Lizzie, for your information I think Billie Joe here is the real shit." I raised my eyebrows at him. "I mean he's really cool."

"Thanks, dude," Billie said. "Ready for lunch Liz?"

"Hell, yeah, I could eat an elephant right now."

After school, I was at my tree when I saw Mike on his way home across the street. I wanted to talk to him for a minute.

"Mike!" I yelled. He didn't hear me. "MIKE DIRNT YOU GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE!"

That got him. He waved and made his way over to me.

"What the hell what that?" he asked.

"Just trying to make sure you weren't deaf." He smiled. I thought it was cute.

"So what's up?"

"Actually I was wondering how you and Billie became friends."

"Well, we met in first period on the first day, and we've talked a bit since then, and I don't I guess it just happened," he shrugged. "I meant to ask, is there anything going on with you two?" he winked.

"I'm not quite sure what you mean..." I found myself grinning. Him beaming back at me.

"Oh sweet-cheeks, I think you know exactly what I'm talking about. I see the way you look at him. Tell me. My lips are sealed."

"Well, no, I don't know, yes? No, we're just friends, nothing else."

"But do you want it to be more than that?"

"I've told you enough already Mike, goodbye," and with that I started to walk away.

"Hey Liz! " I turned around, "You're secret's safe with me."

I couldn't take the teasing anymore, even if it was true.
What was going on with me and Billie? Even if I do really like him, he probably doesn't feel the same about me.

I flopped on my bed at 8:30 and fell asleep. My brain was exhausted. I realized it was the weekend now. I could sleep for hours without waking up. And without the nightmares. Billie was the only thing on my mind.

October 13th, 1988

It had been about a week since Billie walked into my life again. And undoubtedly I've never been this happy in my whole life. I finally had some real friends who understood me. Even Mike I could rely on.

I got up for school and made my way across the neighborhood. I paused in front of Billie Joe's house when I saw him coming out of the front door. He was walking fast. I called for him.

"Bi-"

"Lizzie, we need to talk."