“He’ll be here a little late. There’s some other project Delaney is trying to rope him into.” Ollie rolls his eyes, handing me a sandwich from his bag. Milo reaches over to snag his own.
Feeling a little self-conscious, I peel back the bag and take my first bite. I don’t make eye contact with anyone else at the table, and mostly they just ignore the fact that I’m even sitting among them. It feels strange eating in here when I’ve spent every day since elementary school avoiding the lunchroom. I’ve gone so long trying to be forgotten that I don’t really know how to be any other way while at school.
“I can’t believe the season’s already over, man,” a guy I don’t know states as he starts chatting with Milo.
“Yeah, it’s crazy.” Milo doesn’t even seem very interested in the conversation. He’s barely paying attention to the guy.
“I can’t believe you’re not going to play ball in college.” That piques my curiosity. How does this guy already know Milo isn’t playing football in college?
“Nah man, never really been my plan,” Milo adds.
“I know, but I think it’s crazy. I’d kill to be at your level.” The guy doesn’t sound resentful, more like he’s just making a statement. “Oh, man, did you see Miller drop the ball?” He laughs, continuing with the story about one of Milo’s teammates, I’m assuming. Milo chuckles along with his friend.
Feeling a tap on my shoulder, I turn in Ollie’s direction. He extends an open bag of chips toward me, offering me some. I shake my head in refusal. He likes spicy chips, and if I had one, my mouth would be on fire. I do take a sip of his soda, though.
“Won’t Dante be hungry? Did he have any breakfast this morning?” I ask, walking out of the cafeteria.
Milo looks over my head at Ollie. “I’m not sure. I grabbed a protein bar.”
“I don’t know either, but I’m sure he’ll be fine. Delaney probably ordered a pizza or some shit, knowing her,” Ollie adds as he spins so he’s walking away from us. “I’ll see you guys in a little bit.”
“Bye,” I call back to him while Milo waves.
“Only a few more hours and we can get out of here. I can’t wait for this year to be over.” Milo drops his arm over my shoulder and guides me toward my next hour.
“You don’t have to walk me to class, you know.” I definitely don’t mind, but I’m always worried they’re going to be late to their own classes.
“I’d rather be with you anyway.”
A small smile splits my lips, I’d rather he be with me, too. He leaves me at the door to my class, and our fingers pull apart as he backs away.
I’ve only just sat down at my desk, when the intercom buzzes to life. “Good afternoon, students,” a disembodied male voice says, and it cracks with static. “We have a special announcement this afternoon.” I edge forward in my seat. “I have already notified the recipients, but this year’s big winner for the countywide art exhibit is our very own senior, Dante Costa.” A round of applause sounds in the room. “Dante’s winning portrait will be on display in the front trophy case as soon as it’s returned from the art exhibit. We’re proud they recognized Dante’s talents with such a prestigious award. Go, Hornets!” The intercom falls silent, but the classroom erupts with noise.
“All right, settle down, settle down. You can congratulate Dante after school. Please return your attention to your books and continue.” Mrs. Bonnie is a short, round woman. She has short, dark hair that only emphasizes her round face and small beady eyes. She’s one of those teachers who doesn’t really do much teaching. She assigns work from our textbooks and that’s pretty much it.
The smile doesn’t leave my face as I return to my work. Dante will be so happy! I can’t wait to see him in art. I check the clock on the wall for what feels like the tenth time, it’s going way too slow.
I rush from fifth hour, butterflies of excitement swirling in my tummy. I’m sure I won’t be the first to congratulate him, but I’m excited, nonetheless. I drop my bag on the floor next to my stool. I’m practically bouncing as I wait for him to walk in the room. “Yeah, I got it.” I hear Dante’s gruff voice before I can even see him. He rounds the art room door with his head down. My excitement deflates, he’s not happy. He storms over to the stool, kicking it out with his foot before plopping down. He doesn’t even acknowledge me.
The old me would keep my mouth shut, let him ignore me. But I can’t, not now. “Dante,” I place my hand on his forearm, but he doesn’t look up at me. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s just been a shitty day.” His shoulders are rounded down.
Leaning my face down to glimpse his, I whisper, “What can I do?”
He peeks over at me, his eyes hesitant to meet mine. “I just want to get out of here.”
I peer up at the clock, class hasn’t even started yet. We have fifty-five minutes left. “I’m sure Mr. Adams would excuse you if you told him you weren’t feeling well.”
Dante sighs. “No, I need to be here, it’s just…” He rolls his lips together not finishing.
“Just what?” I ask, concerned about the way he’s behaving.
“Something happened when they came to tell me about winning the fair.” Dante pulls his arms out from under mine, using his to push his hair back. He’s still not really looking at me. I fold my hands in my lap, getting a bad feeling. “I was with Delaney, working on the poster for the FFA Halloween event coming up.”
I nod, my throat not wanting to work. Why is he acting so strangely? “They came in with a photographer from the local paper. I thought it was so they could talk about the Halloween bash the high school does for the elementary school, to put an announcement in the paper.”
“It wasn’t?”
Dante shakes his head and looks forward. “They wanted a picture of me because I won first place. It surprised me.” The final tardy bell rings cutting Dante off. “When they told me, Delaney, she threw her arms around me. She hugged me… and kissed me.”
My stomach drops from my belly. I lean forward over the desk.
“I think I kissed her back,” Dante adds; his voice is quiet, but I have no problem hearing him. “It will probably end up in the paper.”
Chapter 6
The hurt and pain of betrayal hits me first. How could he do that? Shame lands on me seconds later. What right do I even have to be upset? I was just kissing his brother last night, for fuck’s sake. Anger blooms next; I don’t know if I’m really mad, or if I just can’t process what I’m truly feeling.
“Let’s hear it for our local celebrity!” Mr. Adams announces to the class. Everyone hoots and claps, calling out his name, but I’m frozen. I can’t pull my eyes up from the desk. I realize that our teacher is standing on Dante’s right side, patting his back. “Dante has put a lot of time and hard work into his artwork. I’m pleased his determination has paid off. To celebrate his—and everyone in the class’s—effort, I’m giving you guys a free period.” More happy shouts erupt.