You Don't Know..What you Don't Know

Chapter Thirteen: Fall

The boys meet me in the parking lot almost every morning.

Walking into school together becomes our routine.

Randy makes a real effort to get to know me. We talk about everything from basketball to music to our favorite classes. He's easy to talk to when I stop expecting an argument.

Whenever I try to learn more about him, though, he has a way of steering the conversation somewhere else. He'll answer just enough to satisfy my curiosity before asking another question about me.

It's frustrating.

He's still a mystery.

After school, I usually find him and the others waiting outside the gym while I finish practice. Some afternoons it's just Randy. Other days Gary and Jake are there too, joking around until I come out.

Our group has become... normal.

At least to us.

Brandi and Jamie drift in and out whenever it's convenient. Some days they're friendly with the boys. Other days they barely acknowledge me.

I've stopped trying to figure them out.

If they want to be part of my life again, they'll have to meet me halfway.

I'm done chasing people.

Torri's messages become less frequent once school starts.

Part of me wants to text first.

Another part of me knows life changes.

School starts.

Schedules fill up.

People get busy.

If we're meant to stay friends, we will.

If not...

I'll always have the memories of summer.

By Friday, everyone is talking about the first home football game.

Gary nudges my shoulder.

"Come on, Tia. Show a little school spirit."

"We'll make it fun," Jake promises.

I hesitate.

"I don't know."

"Why not?" Gary asks.

"The girls still aren't talking to me." I shrug. "I don't really want to show up by myself."

Jake laughs.

"You won't be by yourself."

"We'll all be there," Gary says.

I look from one face to another.

"I'll think about it."

"That's all we're asking," Gary says.

The rest of the day flies by.

Practice is cut short because of the game, and by the time I leave the gym, the parking lot is almost empty.

They're probably already getting ready.

As I walk toward my car, Athena chimes in.

You said this year would be different.

"I know."

Different means taking chances.

I stop beside my car.

She's right.

I've spent too much time worrying about what everyone else thinks.

These boys have shown up for me.