My Key to Outside

Alone

*Benny's POV*

Ever since I met Natalie, there was a spark. I could use a smarter or more geeky word to express that, but I try not to as much because I don't want to look weird to Natalie, who doesn't use big words. I've liked her ever since I met her, and at first I thought she liked me back, but then she said I'm just her friend. At least I'm her friend; that's much better than nothing, right? Maybe she was just desperate for a friend and I'm the person she has until she finally finds someone better, but that might not be the case, because she could decide to hang out with Erica and Sarah at lunch or in the halls, but she chooses us, including Rory, for some reason. It was the first Friday since school started and it was that time when I would hang out with her outside of school. I was so nervous, but why? She's one of my best friends, and Ethan's coming too. There's nothing to be worried about, I think...

I got ready and sprayed just a little bit of cologne on me. I don't want to smell dead. I don't want to scare her away. I wore the same striped shirt I had at school. Most of the shirts and jackets I own have stripes on them; I've got a thing for stripes for some reason. I have no idea why...

I walked out the door, and headed towards Ethan's house while calling him. When I was just three minutes away, he answered the phone and said "I can't come tonight."

I was shocked. He had never done that before, and he chose the absolute worst time to do it. "What?! What do you mean you can't come?!"

"I'm not coming. Sarah's babysitting tonight and she might need me as backup. What are you so worried about?" he asked.

"Dude! She's YOUR babysitter!" I yelled through the phone.

"Jane needs her more, and Sarah would probably love some help." Jane was Ethan's little sister.

"She doesn't need help! Lets just call Grandma like we always do."

"She won't want to do that. Give her a break."

"When did you start thinking of everyone else but ME?"

"Ever since now. Bye, have fun at Natalie's," and he hung up.

"ETHAN!" I yelled at the phone even though he wasn't there anymore. I knew what he was doing. He was trying to set up a date with Natalie and I. Well, too bad because even though it'll be us two alone together, it's already been established that it's NOT a date.

*Natalie's POV*

I waited nervously for Benny and Ethan, but mostly Benny. I shouldn't be nervous because he's my best friend. My best friend from my old home hadn't even called me, so I considered Benny my only true best friend. What if something went wrong, though? What if it got awkward? It'll be okay, right?

Suddenly I heard a knock on the door. I quickly ran to it and opened it to find Benny, and only Benny. Just Benny. No Ethan.

"Um, hi Benny... Where's Ethan?" I asked.

"He couldn't come, something about babysitting? It's just me," he explained.

"He babysits?" I asked. Why do I ask so many questions?

"Sarah babysits Ethan and Jane. Ethan doesn't like to admit it, but she's babysitting him too since that time we left Jane unattended and something happened, but I don't know what."

"So it's just you.." my voice trailed off.

"Yeah, just me."

"Okay," I said. Then I realized he was still outside. "Come in," I welcomed him.

He came inside and looked around. "Nice place," he complimented.

"Thanks," I said.

"Who's this?" my dad asked, with my mom beside him.