I Think I Love You

Chapter 13: Brayden

Chapter 13: Brayden

As soon as I walk into the soup kitchen I see Bernie and one of the regulars James, arguing about the best Marvel movie of all time. I can't help but smile this conversation happens at least once a week and usually ends with Meg flipping a coin to see who's right. Sure enough like clockwork I see Meg come in from the back, lock eyes with me and smile. I watch as she walks over to Bernie and James and says, "alright gentleman let's settle this so I can get back to work". I chuckle to myself as I head to the back to get ready for my shift. I see Mac cleaning up and nod at him, "hey you decided to stick around and not run off" I say with a smile. Mac laughs, "yeah it's kinda cool volunteering here, the people are interesting".

"Well I know Bernie appreciates having the extra help," I say as I help prep the food. Things continue as normal for the rest of the night, we serve the food till it's all run out then start cleaning up. As I'm cleaning up the pots and pans, Mac comes over to help, "so hey, how are things with your girlfriend?" I ask.

Mac doesn't say anything for a bit and I wonder if I've overstepped. Eventually, he replies, "things are better, I mean it's not perfect. But I think we're on the right track. Thanks again for the advice and giving me the shove to talk to her". I nod and say, "glad I could help man". As we continue to clean up, our conversation moves to topics about school and football. We're almost done and as we're heading out Bernie gives us all high-fives for a good day's work. At my car, Meg comes over to me and asks if I've seen the new horror movie?

"No can't say I have. Is it any good?" I ask Meg.

She gives me a sheepish smile before saying, " I actually haven't seen it, do you wanna go see it maybe this weekend?"

I feel myself freeze up, "oh actually I'm busy this weekend". I say as I inwardly wince at myself.

To her dismay, Meg nods and we say our goodbyes.

I let out a sigh of relief when Meg finally drives away. But the relief doesn't last long as Mac comes over wide-eyed and confused.

"Dude Meg is into you and she basically asked you out. I can't believe you shut her down twice now. She was practically all over you last week too". Mac says shaking his head in bewilderment.

"No Meg and I are friends and coworkers. That's all it is" I say.

Mac snorts and says, "dude she's really into you, why aren't you interested in her?"

I think about it for a second, why am I not interested in Meg. "I guess we just don't have chemistry," I say.

Mac shakes his head, "I don't know man, you guys seem to get along great" he says.

I shrug, "it's not just about getting along, things have to click with the person," I say as Mia's face comes to mind. "I guess I just compare it to other girls I've had a better connections with, that's all"

Mac looks at me intently before saying, "soooo there is another girl"

I laugh, "don't you have some girl to go woo"

Mac laughs and shakes his head, taking a few steps back, "okay man I get it. See ya next week" he calls out as he turns around heading to his car.

I sigh and head into my car, my thoughts consuming with Mia. I barely even know the girl, maybe I just want to help her like I wanted to help Mac. I could help with that march she's planning with her friend. With a new game plan in mind, I head home.

Chase, Marcellus and I stop by our lockers after class. "Hey, I need you guys to come with me and sign up for the march against gun violence" I say.