Max and I

Chapter Eight

Brunetta talked with Sierra about boys too. I listened carefully during recess when I wasn't with Sophia.

Once I heard the following conversation.

"So what did you say to Ken?" Brunetta asked.

"I said that I wanted to dance, that's all," said Sierra.

"But he already knows you have a crush."

"So what? Andy likes me."

"Really? 

"Yeah. Aren't you gonna be happy for me or something, Brunetta?"

Then I walked by. I looked at Brunetta and Sierra for a moment. Then I said to them, "You know, the rest of the class are playing flag football. C'mon, join them. I'm coming too."

Brunetta smiled at me and told me to come to art class.

"The teacher is gonna be there. And there are gonna be some cute boys." She said, as if she already knew about Max.

"You know I already like a boy," I said.

"No we don't. We have no idea who you like. Tell us," Brunetta pleaded.

"No. You don't keep promises. You're not my friend." I accidentally spit into Sierra's face.

"Tell us. We'll keep it a secret. Who do you like? Who? What's his name?" Brunetta asked.

"His name is Max Nannison," I whispered faintly.

"What?" Brunetta asked. Sierra stared at me blankly.

"It's a boy and he lives near me. He's really nice. I forgot his name." I lied because I knew Brunetta could laugh at me.

"You said his name quietly." Brunetta looked impatient. "What grade is he in? Do you love each other?"

"Yuck, no. We're just friends."

"Opposite gender, ha. I already love somebody," Sierra said, as if it was so important. "We are going to have a date next week. I bet you aren't, there." She looked as if she was better than me.

"Just friends, hmm." Brunetta curved her lips. "So does he go to Art classes?"

"No, he in junior—. I paused and said no more.

"Yep. I see. He's older than you. So you are his friend, correct? And does he already like a girl other than you?"

I looked strangely.

"You don't know? Does he date with a girl? Is he allowed to go to restaurants with others?"

"He...he is ki...kind of shy," I mumbled. "He doesn't really worry...about...girls."

"Let me guess. Is it Jose Cote? No, no. Is it Web Mullins? Or Kris Jade? I only know those," Sierra said.

"I think his name was Bob," I lied again.

"I do not know Bob's phone number," Brunetta said. "Maybe I'll look it up tonight."

"I don't think so. He has lessons today. Tomorrow he has swimming and martial arts. He doesn't like you."

"He's on my bus." Sierra flicked a coin on the pavement and picked something off it. "He thinks I'm nice."

"He lies," I said.

"You lie." Brunetta looked directly at me. "Sophia's a liar. She told on us in Instrumental Music. Taddle-tale."

I walked away. I was not going to art classes. Well, at least not with those girls. Who knew? One of them might already text Bob and say rumors like that I kissed him.