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After about ten minutes in the cafe, Kate and I are laughing and talking about pretty much anything; school, friends, family, clothes, music, movies, TV. "You're not bad, Brandi," Kate says, smiling. There is a short silence before I say, "So... Why did you hate me before?"
She replies with a shocked expression, "What do you mean?"
"Well, you were always glaring at me like I'd murdered your brother or something."
She sighs. "It's just... Well, I've always liked Drew. I mean, liked, liked. And, well, he's never liked me as more than a friend. And, well... When I saw the way he looked at you after knowing you for like, one day, I just became so jealous! I couldn't help it!"
I simply stare in shock. As soon as I can find my voice, I say, "Okay, first thing, what do you mean 'the way he looked at you'? And, secondly, I thought you said you were dating Mikey?!"
"I know, and I really do care about Mikey. But, I've been in love with Drew since the first moment I met him. But, if he likes you, then... I guess that's fine."
"Well, I don't mean to be rude, but it kind of has to be fine. You're with Mikey! And, for the record, there is nothing going on between me and Drew. I've only known him for a day," I mumble the last part, nervously.
She makes a sound as if to say, 'whatever'. I just ignore it.
Just at that moment, Drew and the boys walk over to us with a plastic bag in each of their hands. Suddenly, I am noticing all the signs. "Hey, Brandi!," Drew says as he places his hand on my shooulder. I turn around to see his big, brown eyes staring down at me. I find myself staring back. He tilts his head to the side, looking a little confused. Aw, he looks so cute when he's confused! "Um...," he starts. "The guys were thinking of going to the game zone and I'm guessing Kate's going to go with them. So, I was thinking we could just go back to my place and hang out... If you want." I just sit there, smiling on the inside and the outside. He chuckles and takes my hand, helping me out of my chair. "Guys, we're just going to head on home. See you tomorrow, okay?," he says to Ryan, Mikey and Kate. They all say their quick goodbyes and we head on out the door, head on out to a realm of awkward silences, nervousness and... God knows what else.
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