Alfredo's - Pretentious Volume 1

Chapter 3

"When you call...I won't be home...and when you fall you'll be alone cuz I'm not...gonna be there anymore, no I'm not...gonna be there anymore." The iPod screamed from its station. Danny jumped out of bed, his eyes wide open and one hand over his mouth. Catching his breath, he turned off the alarm and sat on his bed waiting for his heart to cease its attempt at escaping his chest. Maybe not so loud tomorrow, he thought breathing heavily. He opened the closet door, found a pair of jeans, then grabbed a t-shirt and headed for the shower.

He walked onto the schoolyard early for the first time since - he couldn't even remember the last time he wasn't late for school. This was the start of something new, he could feel it itching under his skin. He headed for his locker. It was nice not having to run. He chuckled, what would he do with all his free time? Then he saw Aryn walking toward him.

"What's funny?" She asked smiling.

Danny's cheeks reddened, laughing to himself? She probably thought him a nut case. As she drew closer, her scent enveloped him. He loved the usual rose scent she wore, but lilac was intoxicating. He fought the urge to rake his fingers through his hair.

"I was laughing because I'm always late, but today I'm early. I was wondering how to use my free time." It was lame, but Aryn nodded. Why did he have to say something stupid now?

"That's kind of funny. Can I walk with you," she asked fidgeting a little.

A swarm of bees went rabid in Danny's belly. He looked away to regain his composure. It seemed impossible to respond. Aryn froze, her mouth opened, and her cheeks reddened.

"I can just catch you later," she stammered, turning to walk away.

Danny flushed, NO! I can't even believe I did that! Aryn was moving away, picking up speed as she went.

"Aryn wait!" Stupid, stupid, stupid.

She walked faster. Chasing after, Danny reached out and caught her arm.

"I'm sorry," he sputtered.

Aryn stopped, her body stiff as she crossed her arms and waited.

"Of course you can walk with me. I'd like that." What an idiot he was. He'd be lucky if she even talked to him again.

She bit her lower lip.

"Please." He fidgeted and waited until she nodded, and they walked toward class.

Finally, Aryn spoke.

"I saw how nice you were to the waitress last night. It was sweet of you to help her like that."

"Which waitress," Danny asked confused? Does she think I have a girlfriend?

"The one that dropped the tray."

"Michelle's a good server. That's the first tray I've ever seen her drop, and she's been working at Alfredo's for three years," he said, relaxing a little.

"Have you worked there long?"

"Since I was eleven," he said, quietly.

They entered the building to the sound of slamming lockers, footsteps and chatter. Danny stopped, opened his locker and a mess spilled to the floor. Remembering the crashing sound the day before, Danny's face reddened. Aryn put a hand over her mouth, and Danny whined in frustration, then she smiled. Someone stepped on one of his papers. With a cross look at the offender, she bent to help him retrieve his things. When she handed him the last of his papers, she looked at his pin-up of Alicia Keys taped inside his locker.