I love my best friend

I love my best friend (4)

During the week, I finally got the guts to talk to Shawna alone. It was Thursday and she was sitting on a bench after school. I debated about going over to talk to her for several minutes. I finally walked over there and sat with her.

Shawna looked up at me and smiled. "Oh, hey James."

I smiled back. "Hey."

"Whatcha doing?" She asked.

I shrugged. "I just wanted to talk to you."

"About...?" Shawna questioned.

"I don't know." I replied. "Stuff." I paused. "We don't really talk much anymore."

She nodded. "I'm always busy."

"Yeah, with your boyfriend." I muttered.

"What was that?" Shawna asked with a faint laugh.

I cleared my throat. "Oh, hm? Nothing."

Shawna shook her head. "No, I definitely think that was something."

"Whatever." I laughed. "Anyway, we should hang out."

She laughed. "People say that but it never happens."

"Seriously, Shawna, we need to hang out." I said firmly.

"Oh, yeah? Why?" Shawna smiled up at me. Her eyes were sparkling in the sunlight.

I thought for a moment. "Cuz... um... we haven't hung out in so long." My reason was pathetic. I felt stupid and lame. "And I really miss it just being us."

"It hasn't been 'just us' for years. What's the sudden need?" Shawna answered.

Damn it, she's being difficult. I thought. "Please?" I begged. "We'll hang out this Friday. Just like we used to."

Shawna thought for a while. "What do you mean 'like we used to'? Do you mean...?"

"Oh, yes, I do." I smiled deviously for a moment. She knew exactly what I was talking about.

"But, James, we're seniors." Shawna protested. "That was back when we were freshmen."

I sighed. "Shawna, you have to live a little. Besides, we'll be at my house."

"But..." She trailed off. "I guess I'm in."

I smiled and gave Shawna a huge hug. She couldn't resist and hugged me back.

***

After school on Friday, I drove Shawna and I to my place. Even though it was mid-afternoon, Shawna and I put our pajamas on and went to my room to watch a movie. First we made the popcorn.

Shawna put a bag of popcorn in the microwave and then leaned on the counter while she waited. "Tell me now why you wanted to hang out so badly." Shawna smiled. She was in a better mood today.

"Because, I don't know." I paused. "I just really miss you. And your always with Charlie so-"

"But you come with us sometimes." Shawna interrupted.

I rolled my eyes. "It's not the same. You guys just make out and ignore me."

Shawna laughed.

I went into the pantry in search of candy. I found mom's stash of Milk Duds, Sour Gummies, Candy Corn, and Twislers. I pulled all four boxes out and set them on the counter near Shawna. "Mom won't mind." I said.

"So what movie are we watching?" Shawna asked.

"Scary one, duh." I replied like it should have been obvious.