I loved watching the beautiful trees go by in the fall when I ride in the car. I felt dreamy and a bit overwhelmed but happy on multiple levels. I was just caught looking at a pair of pantyhose in Macy’s by this girl who is in my math class. She never talked to me before and when she saw me looking at the pantyhose package, I thought my life was over. However, she treated me with kindness. She is very pretty and I think I like her a lot. Now that I have her phone number, I will call her and hopefully we can become friends.

“Honey, what would you like for dinner tonight?”, my mom asked while driving.

“How about Macaroni & Cheese?” I suggested. This made my mom smile.

“Ah, your favorite! Well, I guess we can do that. By the way, your new friend is cute. Will you call her soon?” my mom asked me with a grin on her face.

“I guess so” I replied. I did not want my mom to know how much I like her already.

“Well, I think you should. Maybe you want to invite her over for a play date some time?” my mom asked me.

“That sounds like a good idea” I said maybe a little bit too enthusiastically. On the inside I smiled. I hope Samantha will say yes. I had a feeling that my life was about to change.

When we arrived home, I was quick to go into my room. I wanted to get my phone out right away and call Sammy. However, I felt a bit hesitant too. Will Sammy like me? Will she really keep my secret? Now I was not sure anymore. I gave myself a push and tried to call her. My right hand was shaking a bit while it was ringing.
“Hello?” a soft voice said.

“Oh hi, Sammy. It’s Randy. I thought I give you a call.” I stuttered a little bit.

“Well, hello. That was quick. Don’t worry. I am just teasing you.” Sammy replied. “How have you been?” she asked.

“I am okay. I wanted to ask you something. My mom said I could invite you over to my house, if you wanted to. We could watch a movie or something.” I suggested.

Sammy laughed a bit and seemed amused. “Did she really say that? Well, I guess I don’t have a choice then. I have to ask my mom but I could come over on Saturday after my ballet lesson. Where do you live?” she inquired.

“I live on 2789 Chestnut Street.” I said rather quickly.

“Oh, I think I know where that is. I will ask my mom and then give you a call back or text you.” Sammy said.

“Okay, that sounds great. I have to ask my mom too if Saturday works but I am sure it will.” I replied excitedly.

“Okay, Randy. Oh and by the way, I think you could be a very cute girl. I will bring some girlie magazines and we can think about some outfits.” Sammy said and hung up. My jaw dropped.

Sammy seemed like an amazing person. She comes across so self-confident but also gentle and kind. I can’t wait to get to know her more. “Randy! It’s almost supper time. Please help me set the table. Your dad will be home soon too.” my mom called.

“Okay mom!” I answered and went downstairs. I helped set the table while my mom smiled at me. Our kitchen was rather big and had a lot of room to cook and sit in. Tonight was just a normal dinner so we will not eat in the dining room. Never the less, I organized the plates and silverware neatly. My dad would arrive soon.

“So, did you call Sammy yet?’ my mum asked impatiently.

“Yes. I wanted to talk to you about that. Can she come over on Saturday after her ballet lesson?”

“Absolutely! I am glad you are making a new friend. Sammy seems so nice.” my mom said and gave me a hug.

“Thanks, mom!” I said and smiled at her. At school I don’t have a lot of friends. I know that a lot of people think I am awkward. My mom always gave me a lot of support.

I heard the oak door open while my dad entered. “Hey, it smells yummy in here. What’s for supper?” he asked while giving my mom a hug and a kiss.

“Your son requested Macaroni & Cheese, so I made that with some chicken.” my mom announced.

“Wonderful! I am hungry. Let’s eat!” my dad insisted. We sat down at the kitchen table and started eating. “So, what have you two been up to this afternoon?’ he inquired.

“We went to Macy’s and that was about it. Oh, and Randy made a new friend at Macy’s. It’s this girl named Samantha. They know each other from math class and exchanged phone numbers. She is coming over this Saturday for a date.” my mom said enthusiastically. I blushed.

“Mom! It’s not a date! It’s just hanging out with a new friend.” I insisted. My dad seemed stunned.

“Well, that is good news.” he said proudly. “I like that you are making new friends. Oh, while we are at the subject. Have you thought about signing up for the soccer try outs?” he asked me.

“No, not really.” I said a little defensively.

“Randy, please give it some thought. You could make more new friends. You should give people a chance to get to know you.” he insisted. I started to feel upset and a little angry. We had this discussion several times.

‘Dad, they don’t want to get to know me. They think I am an awkward duck. I tried really hard but they only make fun of me.” I said feeling angry.

‘Randy, you are not awkward. I think you are just not trying hard enough.” my dad said rather forcefully. I could feel tears coming down my eyes.

“That is enough!” my mom interrupted. “Steve, you should leave Randy alone. He was so happy he is making a new friend. Give him some credit.” she told him.

“May I be excused?” I asked my parents.

“Sure” my dad said quietly. I left rather quickly to go to my room while I started crying more. I threw myself on the bed and thought about what to do next. Mary! I will call my big sister Mary. She is 19 and a freshman at Oregon State University. She always knows what to do. I took out my phone and dialed her number.