o 7ea25cca660315b4 by Unknown Read Free Book Online

put-food-in-mouth?
    I guess it’s just not so simple for some people. Maybe I’ll never funny understand it.
    I just tell myself. If she needs to take it slow, she needs to take it slow.
    At least she’s on the right track.
    Oh. One last
    Flash
    (Just a mini)
    BREANDAN IS NO LONGER A GUY.
    Guys are in the doghouse.
    Brendan has moved out.
    In my estimation, he has risen to another level.
    He has become a Pal. Pals have certain qualities not fond in more guys.
    They don’t deceive. They don’t think only about themselves. They listen. They’re thoughtful and friendly and have senses of humour.
    They’re more like girls.
    Not that Brendan is like a girl. He’s not. It’s just that in the quality of his personality—Why am I explaining this to myself? I know what I mean!
    Anyway, the other day, Brendan brings me a tape. A mix he’s made.
    “What’s this for?” I ask.
    “Just paying you back for the Vanish tape,” he says.
    Nice, huh?
    That’s what I mean.
    He’s different in homeroom too. Not so stiff and shy. Lately he slips me these corny notes. Jokes like, “When it comes to homeroom, I can take it or Leavitt.”
    Real groaners, but that’s okay. They’re cute.
    Plus, he likes my friends. Especially Sunny, who flirts with him (when she’s actually in homeroom, which isn’t that often). When I introduce him to Maggie, he’s thrilled. He loved her voice on the tape. (And, believe it or not, he has never heard of Hayden Blume, which makes Maggie appreciate him even more.)
    I don’t want to make a big deal of this, Nbook. I just meant to say that he’s a change of pace from the guys that have become familiar to me at Vista.
    It’s refreshing to be around someone who’s newer to the school than I am. It’s good for my self-esteem.
    Thurs., 10/8
    4:35 P.M.
    Nbook, I am RED.
    FURIOUS.
    Look at this. Look at what I find today in my locker.
    030
    Like I need this?
    Two days before our biggest concert. Two days before my debut as manager of a professional rock group. When I have to worry about buying spare electrical cords.
    Fixing the mikes. Making sure the risers are set up. Keeping my best friend (and lead singer) happy and healthy.
    AAAAAAGGGH!
    This is not cute, James Kodaly.
    Why do I bother keeping his notes, Nbook? Am I perverse or what?
    I know why I do it. Because I might need them. As evidence. For something. I don’t know what.
    Oh. You know what he translation is? “YOu can run but you can’t hide.” It takes me practically the whole day to figure that out.
    Oh so sweet. He sure knows how to win a girl’s heart.
    Whenever I see James in the hall, I feel angry. I can’t even look at him.
    He acts as if something has happened.
    Jerk.
    Creep.
    Sicko.
    Okay. Enough space wasted. This topic is closed.
    031
    From here on out, all I will think about os the Homecoming Bash.
    Fri. 10/9
    Soc. Stud.
    The mike’s not ready at the shop. No spares.
    Risers are too small. Willa have to move some of the equipment onto the dance floor.
    Rico’s home with a cold.
    Oh. And we’re going to have to set up around
    cheerleading practice! (Can you believe this?!)
    032
    ‘Bye. Gotta pretend to study.
    Study hall
    Before lunch I call Rico. He’ll be OK. Also, his dad has an old mike left over from his band. But I’m still worried as I walk to lunch.
    Dawn and Maggie are waiting for me, and we get in line. I must be complaining pretty loudly, because behind us I hear, “What happened? Aren’t you guys going to play?”
    It’s Brendan. He’s sliding his tray down the line, next to mine.
    “I mean, I don’t want o go to the bash if you’re not playing,” he explains.
    I tell him everything’ll work out. Then I start loading my tray.
    I glance ahead at Maggie. She has taken a folded sheet of paper from her pocket.
    She reads it carefully, then chooses a cup of soup, a green salad, and a bread stick.
    Progress.
    As we leave the line, Brendan and Maggie are chatting about music. Maggie asks him to sit with