Call Me Simon

Chapter 5

Simon
 

   I wanted this weekend to be dedicated to me and Elio, but my mom said I have to study. So what better way to study than with Elio? I tell him the change of plans.

    “Are you okay with that?” I ask.

    “Yeah.” he says. “I would be studying anyways.” I think that was the best thing he has ever said. I don’t know why, but it is.

    We walk into my room and I start to feel a little embarrassed on how messy it is.

    “I promise. It usually isn’t like this.” I say.

    “It’s fine.” he says. He starts to laugh. I think that this is the first time that he has ever laughed since we’ve become friends. It really feels nice. I grab my textbook out of my backpack and settle myself on my bed. Elio moves in next to me. I know this sounds very cliche but I’m starting to feel butterflies.

    “So, what do you want to start on first?” I ask.

    “There’s only one textbook to study from.” he says.

    “Right, I knew that.” I say. Elio laughs. Whenever he laughs, I lose focus. I don’t know how to describe it, but it’s like his laugh is a spell, trying to make me lose my mind, leaving me breathless.

    “Alright, let’s study.” I say. Elio moves closer, his head laying on my shoulder. Oh my freaking God! I’m not going to make it through the night if he’s going to be like this.

    “Okay.” I move over a little so Elio’s head is no longer touching my shoulder.

    “Why did you move over?” he asks.

    “I was a little uncomfortable, that’s all.” I say. I think that I hurt his feelings because he has a sad look on his face.

    “Do you want me to move back?” I ask.

    “I guess.” he says. I don’t know how he can go from a confident, happy version of himself to his shy, quiet version. It really confuses me.

    I move back to where I was before. Only because he wanted me to, not because I wanted to. I try to look at the pages and inject every, single, fact into my head, but I can’t. I’m so distracted by Elio’s breathing. I know he doesn’t mean it, but it’s like he’s trying to hypnotize me.

    “I have an idea.” I say, closing the book. I get off of my bed.

    “Aren’t we supposed to be studying?” Elio asks.

    “We are. But in a more fun way.” I say.

    “Okay.” he says, slowly. The look in his eyes says that he is not ready for this.

    I look through my shelves, looking for something. I finally find it and take it off the shelf. I put it on my desk.

    “What’s that?” Elio asks.

    “Only the best board game in the world.” I turn to him. He looks puzzled.

    “Okay the best game in America.” I say.

    “What is it called?” he asks.

    I give him a mischievous look.

“Twister.” I explain him how to play it and how simple it is. I had to repeat a few things because I think he was a little confused. By the time I was done, he understood everything and was ready to play.