Seven

1.5

"You're so awkward, Graham," I tell my new-ish friend.

"What?"

"You're such an awkward person," I announce. Graham and I went out to lunch today. Really, we're trying to occupy ourselves in hopes that we can get away from my family for as long as possible. I've realized that Jared truly doesn't give a shit about me, so as long as I do avoid the house and acknowledge my mother sometimes, then he's okay.

"What are you talking about, Mackenzie?" He asks, taking a bite of his sandwich.

"I mean, everyone's awkward in their own ways so it's not a bad thing," I shrug. "Just, I don't know, the way you approach conversations and stuff can be awkward sometimes. But I am also a very socially awkward person so don't get me wrong about it."

"I know, I understand that I can be awkward."

"I like your awkwardness," I assure. "I'm gonna go fill up my cup."

I stand from our table at Panera and go to fill up my plastic cup. As I'm filling it up with Mountain Dew, a hand is placed on my shoulder, causing me to jump. I turn to see Bruno, a guy in our grade. Bruno is the star of the wrestling team, but he's also quite the douchebag. He did used to be in my close group of friends, but my "friends" are mostly irrelevant to me in present time Mackenzie life.

"Hey, Mackenzie."

"Oh, hi," I smile.

"Are you coming to my party tonight?"

"I didn't know you were having a party," I truthfully respond.

"Myra was supposed to tell you," He shrugs. "Anyways, why don't you come. I know someone who would love to see you there."

"I'll think about it," I say, smiling slightly. "Thanks, Bruno."

"Yeah, hopefully I'll see you later."

I know that Bruno can totally and completely be the biggest asshole in the school, but at the same time, he's always been nice to me. That makes one person at school.

"Hold up, Kenz!" Bruno calls. Barely anyone calls me that anymore, besides my closer friends, but I guess it's easier than saying my full name.

I turn around and look back at him. "Yeah?"

"Are you here with Johnson?" He's almost laughing.

"Yes, and...?"

"You two are all buddy buddy now?"

"We're friends if that's what you're getting at," I reply. "Keep laughing and your 'someone' that's waiting for me tonight will forever be waiting."

"Sorry," He pulls himself together. "Come tonight!"

With a roll of my eyes directed towards Bruno, I try to block out his ignorance and I go back to my table. Sometimes I can't deal with people.

"I'm back," I say, sitting back at my table with Graham.

"You're back."

"What are your thoughts about going to a party tonight?" I ask.

"A party?" He muses. "Are you going?"

"I don't know yet," I reply.

"That sounds fun," He replies. "I know it sounds stupid, but I've never even been to a real party."

"Well then it's settled. We'll go."

//

"Don't worry about drinking, just do it," I tell Graham a few hours later as we're walking towards Bruno's house. "I'm driving, so drink as much as you want. I'll get you home safely."