Play the Game

Chapter Six

  I still haven't told Frank about Friday's events. I wasn't sure how he would like me giving the whole 50 dollars to Nate. But when he showed up at my doorstep on Sunday, I couldn't resist. “Tell me everything."

  He had all my favorite snacks in a shopping bag, plus some soda. “How did you even know there was something to tell, Frank?" I followed him into my room after he let himself in. “For starters, you missed my call on Friday, and Meg texts me saying 'talk to Ellie. She has quite the story to tell'. I sat next to him on the floor, surrendering. She wouldn't tell him herself, but she would force me to tell him.

  I dug straight into the Dreyers carton he had brought over. Frank and had this mutual understanding that it was okay to eat straight out of the carton. How else could you fully enjoy ice cream?

   “So, after some stuff on Friday happened, I don't even remember what, I walked home with Nate like you said," I said through a mouthful of ice cream. “Anyway, I ended up giving Nate my share, BUT before you get mad, let me explain. Frank, you know me. I want to help you, I'd even lie for you. But not for money, Frank. It's not me."

  Frank devoured his own spoonfuls of ice cream. “So what did you do with your share?" I shyly looked away. “I forgot. Maybe I I gave it to Nate, or maybe something else, I don't know." Frank chuckled. “Wait. You're not mad?" I asked. Taking a sip of soda he said, “No, El. I do know you. I was spending the money anyway, might as well give it to someone who'll take it and not feel criminal." This made me smile. “So, about that 'some stuff' on Friday..."

  “Oh. That. Do you really want to know?" Frank scooched closer and put his chin in his hands. “Hell yes."

  I explained to Frank the full story, not leaving out a single detail because he wouldn't let me. “I forgot you to be vague. Use as many adjectives as possible. And don't you dare lie."

  It was times like these I was so glad to have Frank. It was com having a guy's perspective, even if the guy was Frank. Sometimes I think he's mentally a twelve year old girl.

  As I finished up my story, Frank seemed to be all over it. “Ellie, that sounds like you two had a mo-ment!" I sighed. “That's the problem, Frankie." He glared at me. I knew he hated being called Frankie. “I don't know about the whole moment thing. I mean, the action was there. But the intention..." Frank Kerry out a sigh that said, “You're so stupid."

  “That's where you're wrong. I have the perfect explanation. So you said you were acting crazy, right?"

“Yes."

  “Right. So, you were in years and vulnerable. The perfect moment to make his move. So he kisses you, observes your reaction, and uses his well-thought-out excuse, “You would not shut up." "

   I was slightly gaping. Now this was something I had never considered before. Frank was a smart guy, and a guy. I had no reason not to believe him. It was perfectly logical, rational, and absolutely frightening. “Wow. How long did it take you to think up that one?" He shrugged and are another mouthful. “Free mimuts."

  I decided to trust Frank's reasoning; maybe there was something behind it. But I want totally convinced, because the only person who could do that was Nate himself.

                                       *      *      *     *  

  I heard the doorbell ring. Frank and I were still in my room, but now we were watching a movie. My mom must've opened it because I heard her call up the stairs, “Ellie, honey, stories at the door for you! I think his name is Matt!" Pause. “ Nate? Oh. It's Nate, sweetie."