I turned to look at the source of the voice. It was Candace, a girl I know from high school. She was with her two besties, Harper and Chloe. “Hey guys. What’s up?”

The group stopped walking to turn towards me. Candace, who hates being called Candy, grinned and said, “We’re headed for lunch. Wanna come?”

There were three eating places in The Great River Basin strip mall. There was Café 44, which mainly catered to people of the female persuasion although it did offer a Korean BBQ menu, Whataburger and The Lunch Bucket, what my Dad calls a greasy spoon, which catered to the blue collar crowd. It wasn’t hard to guess where they were going.

I shrugged and tossed my long hair over my shoulder. The afore mentioned Dad hated my long hair. Which was one of the reasons it was long. “Maybe. I only came up here because I heard the War Hammer 40K store got a new shipment of figures in. Where are you headed?”

Harper laughed. “My brother was there last night. He says they’re great.”

Candace said, “Café 44, where else? Though Whataburger came in a close second.”

I nodded. “Sounds good. I love their Korean BBQ.”

Chloe looked at me and frowned. “You have such gorgeous hair. I’m so jealous.”

I grinned. “It helps when your mom works at a salon.”

Candace said, “Well then, come along.”

The four of us are students at River Basin high. School just ended for the summer and next year is our senior year. Candace is a cheerleader, Chloe is on the gymnastics team, Harper is the math wiz and already plans to work at JPL. She’s going to leave in a couple of weeks for a summer internship at JPL. Me? I’m the computer geek and gaming nerd. Oh, and I’m in the band and play clarinet. We’re definitely a diverse group.

And I admit it. I tend to hang out with these three girls a lot at school. I’m hardly a jock and don’t care about football and other sports. I take after my mom so, with my long hair and delicate features, I get mistaken for a girl a lot. Especially when I hang out with these three. Thankfully, being in the band gave me my PE credit so I could avoid having to go to PE class. I hate sports.

Café 44 is at one end of the strip mall and I’d met up with the girls at the opposite end, so there was a long walk involved. With school out, there were not only a lot of kids wandering around, but many now had summer jobs at the various stores. That reminded me how I’d promised my dad I’d find a summer job.

“Hey, watch it!” exclaimed Candace as she was almost run over by Big John who was only looking at his phone. Big John was the big football star who was already looking at which college scholarships to use.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Candy.” Big John finally looked up from his phone. “I didn’t see you. Where are you girls headed in such a rush?”

Candace said, “Just lunch.”

Big John grinned and pointed behind him. “Hey, Whataburger is right there. Maybe I could join you?”

Smiling, Candace said, “Sorry. It’s just us girls today. Besides, we’re going to Café 44. You wouldn’t like it.”

John laughed. “That’s true. The food is good, but the atmosphere just sucks testosterone right out of your body. And why they painted it purple on the inside…”

“It’s mauve,” I interrupted.

John grinned at me. “See? Only a girl would know that.”

Chloe chuckled. “Actually, it’s lilac.”

John shook his head. “I rest my case. Hey, catch you girls later.” He turned and went on his way. I had two classes with this jock last semester and he thinks I’m a girl.

Harper grinned. “Oh my God he’s so cute!”

Candace giggled. “That’s for sure. But Melanie has his balls in a jar in her room.” Melanie was the head cheerleader and competition for Candace. “That’s what I’ve heard, anyway.”

“What do you think, Tony?” asked Chloe with a grin.

I gave Chloe a quizzical look. “About John’s balls? I seriously doubt it. But it’s none of my business.”

Candace smirked. “That’s right. You like Stewart.” She stretched out saying Stewart and added a musical lilt. Stewart Johnson is also a football jock and oddly on the golf team.

I frowned at her. “What are you talking about? He’s a friend and a gamer.”

Chloe grinned. “You have to admit he’s cuter than Big John.”

Harper giggled slightly, “I heard he had a crush on you, Tony.”

I shook my head vigorously. “Horseshit, guys. He’s just a friend. That’s all.” And yes, he is cuter than John. Not that I would notice.

Candace grabbed my arm and pointed. “Speak of the devil.”

Several stores down, Stewart and his gang were just exiting Field of Dreams, the sporting goods store. I’ll never understand why Stewart hangs out with four bullies and miscreants. He’s actually a nice person and nothing at all like his friends.

I disengaged Candace’s hand from my arm. “Will you stop?” Candace just grinned at me.

As we approached Stewart’s gang, Stew flashed a smile in our direction. “Well, if it isn’t the prettiest girls at RBH. Hey Toni and Candy, girls. Where are you guys headed with such determination?” His eyes went from Candace and back to me.

Candace glanced at me and said, “Hey Stew. We’re just going to lunch. We’re going to do this every day until Harper leaves for her internship.” That’s something I didn’t know.

Still looking at me, Stewart said, “That’s cool. Hey, any of you girls interested in going to a movie tonight? My treat. I want to see that street racing flick, Racing Hearts.”

Chloe grinned. “Isn’t that a romance movie?”

Stewart lightly punched my shoulder. “Hey, I’m a romantic kind of guy, ain’t I, Toni? That’s why I want to take a girl and not one of these lugs here.”

Candace grinned. “Tony, didn’t you say you were trying to find something to do tonight?”

Frowning, I said, “No. Actually, I didn’t.” I like Stew. He’s good friend, and a great gamer that you definitely want on your team. But I hardly want to go on a date with him. That’s just crazy and Candace must have blown a gasket.

Still looking at me, Stew held up his phone. “If any of you girls decide you want dinner and a movie with yours truly, you know my number.” He looked back at his thug buddies. “Now I’m hungry. You guys good with Whatabooger?” Several heads bobbed. “See you chicks later.”

Candace leaned towards me. “Did you see the way he looked at you?”

I frowned again. “Will you please knock it off?”

I was going to be a gentleman and open the door to Café 44 for my friends, but Chloe beat me to it. She smirked as she held the door open for us to pass. She said, “Ladies.”

We were seated and handed menus. Harper said pointing the flowers on our table, “What beautiful flowers.” We all started with an order of green tea while we looked over our menus.

Looking at her menu, Candace looked at me and asked, “Why not take Stewart up on his movie offer. You told me yourself you were thinking of seeing that movie.”

I snorted. “That doesn’t mean I want a date with Stew.”

Still looking at her menu, Candace said, “I don’t know why not. You confessed to me last summer you had a crush on him.”

Chloe snickered.

My eyes flared at Candace. “That’s supposed to be a secret!”

Candace shrugged. “Sorry.”

Chloe said, “So he’s a bad boy. He obviously likes you. We don’t mind if he goes out with you.”

I set my menu down and folded my arms. “I’m not a girl.”

Harper gave me a puzzled look. “You’re not? I just thought you had bad taste in clothes.”

Candace giggled. “You know, if you smiled more and wore a little make-up, you’d be very pretty. You’d have to chase the boys off with a stick.”

I glared at Candace.

Harper grunted a laugh. “It’s true!”

The waitress walked up to our table and asked, “You ladies ready to order?”

* * *

I had to admit, that was a great lunch, despite the girls insisting I date Stewart. What’s wrong with these people?

As we started to go our separate ways, Candace said, “Okay, guys. I’ll pick everyone up tomorrow at eleven-thirty and we’ll go to the new coffee shop The Human Bean.”

I just waved and headed back towards the War Hammer store. “Hey Tony!” greeted the owner, Sammy Jones as I entered the store. Yes, I come in often enough for the owner to know my name. “The new figures are over here.” He pointed.

With a smile, I nodded. “Thanks Sam. I heard you got in some good ones.”

Sammy said, “You’ll like these. They’re primo.”

I let out a low whistle. “I’ll say. Holy shit Sam. Are these made out of gold?” I looked up and Sammy just shrugged.

I picked up two of the figures to compare. “Sam, you old horse thief. I had planned to go to a movie tonight, but if I get just these two, then I can’t go at all. I guess I’ll just have to get one for now.”

Sammy shrugged. “Priorities.”

“Go ahead and get both,” said a familiar voice. I looked up to see Stewart without his minions standing in the aisle over from me. “And you can still go to the movie. With me.” What the hell is he doing on here? Yeah, he collects these figures too.

I shook my head. “Stew, thanks for the offer and all, but I can’t go to the movies with you.”

Stew raised his arms in a gesture of incredulity. “Why not? I’ve taken you to a movie before.”

I grunted a laugh. “That’s different. We were younger then.”

He took a couple of steps towards me. “How is it different, Toni? What was it? The summer before high school? You enjoyed going to the movies with me then, didn’t you?”

“I did, but…”

“But what?” demanded Stew.

“We were just kids back then. I wasn’t trying to figure out who I was then.”

Stewart laughed. “And you are now? Look Toni. You hang out with the three hottest chicks at school. Most of my friends think you’re one of them. There’s even a poll on which of you three is the hottest. Right now you rank number two.”

I frowned at Stewart. “You’re shitting me.”

Putting up his hands defensively, he said, “I shit you not. Out of the whole school, you’re ranked as the fifth most datable girl.”

I folded my arms. “Now I know you’re making this up.”

Grinning, Stew gestured the Boy Scout salute. “Scout’s honor.”

Sam, his head resting on his hand and looking bored said, “That’s all very interesting and all, but are you going to buy anything?”

I turned to look at Sammy. I put my hand on one of the new figures. “I guess I’ll take this one.”

Stewart touched the other figure I was interested in. “You want this one too, right?”

Nodding, I said, “Yes. It will leave me just enough money for lunch tomorrow, but I definitely can’t go to any movies. Saturday I’ll make some bucks mowing lawns.”

Stewart took my hand. “I got you covered. Get the other figure.”

I looked at both figures. I sighed deeply. “Okay. You win. You’re such a scoundrel.”

Stewart grinned. “That’s why you love me.”

I frowned. “Yeah right.”

A few minutes later, Stew and I were stepping out into the hallway of the strip mall.

Stewart said, “I’m parked down here.”

Pointing at a very used AMC Pacer, I said, “I’m parked right here. I’ll meet you there.”

“Naw. Let’s just take my car. I’ll bring you back here after the movie.”

I nodded. “Let me call my Mom to let her know what I’m doing.”

A few minutes later, I caught up to Stewart.

He grinned at me. “And what did Mommy say?” he said in a mocking tone.

“Unfortunately, I talked to my dad,” I said. “He wasn’t happy but he said you need to have me home no later than eleven thirty.”

Stew chuckled. “Even your dad thinks you’re a girl.”

* * *

Walking across the parking lot towards the Cineplex, Stewart actually held my hand. I didn’t pull my hand away. The parking lot was crazy. If I was a betting man, I’d bet most guys were planning on going to the opening night of Fantastic Mars. Maybe I’ll get to go to that one by myself next week.

Several of Stewart’s friends waved as we entered. One even leaned in to Stew to say. “Dude! You bagged one of the top five!”

I looked quizzically at Stew. “Top five?”

He chuckled. “You.”

“You can’t be serious!” I exclaimed. There’s an unofficial list that’s mainly created in the football team, but the list gets shared around ranking girls in the school. The list ranks by attractiveness and willingness to put out. The top ten being the most coveted. Nobody takes credit for creating the list. Obviously, attractiveness is subjective and nobody knows how willingness to put out is evaluated. I think it’s just mostly wishful thinking. Candace always ranks in the top five.

I found it ridiculous that I’d be anywhere on the list since I’m not even remotely a girl.

I laughed. “Shows how worthless that list is.”

Stew looked at me with a shrug. “Like it or not, Toni, you’re gorgeous. You rank higher than Chloe.” I shook my head. Chloe was voted football sweetheart this year.

I folded my arms. “What does the list say about me putting out?”

Stew raised his eyebrow. “Just says not determined, but highly likely.”

“Th… tha…. That’s just stupid!” I sputtered. “Who wrote this list?”

Stew laughed. “It’s anonymous.”

I sighed heavily. “Well, it’s stupid.”

Still chuckling, Stew said, “Let’s find a place to sit and order a pizza.” I nodded.

We sat at one of the few remaining small tables. Stewart used the small kiosk on the table to order a meat lover’s pizza and two Dr. Peppers. A couple of his friends walked by and gave him a thumb’s up. I just shook my head.

“Hey, we have about ten minutes before the pizza gets here. I’m going to go use the head. Maybe you should go buy the tickets.”

Grinning, Stew said, “Bought them this afternoon. I knew you’d come.”

I just shook my head and wandered off to find the restroom.

The Cineplex was a zoo and it wasn’t even a Friday night. Well, school is out and this is the big teen hangout. There’s even a bowling alley here. And it’s the only place in town where you can still find arcade games.

As I worked my way through the teen mob, I heard someone shout my name. I looked up and saw Zoey waving at me. I weaved my way over to her. “Hey Zoey. What’s up?” Zoey plays second chair clarinet. She made all-city this year.

Zoey hugged me. “Probably the same as you. Mike wanted to see that new space movie, Fantastic Mars.”

“I’d like to see that too. Opening weekend, I’m sure it’s crowded.” I looked around for her boyfriend Mike, but didn’t see him.

Narrowing her eyes at me, she asked, “So, what are you seeing?”

I said, “Stewart and I are seeing Racing Hearts. Since he’s a street racer and all.”

Zoey gave me a knowing look. “Stewart Johnson?” I nodded. Zoey continued, “Yeah I heard he was your guy.”

I groaned. “Who told you that?”

Shrugging Zoey said, “It’s all over school. Are you saying he isn’t?”

Although I should, I said, “No. I’d just like to know how this stuff gets around.”

Zoey looked out across the crowd and waved “There’s Mike. Catch ya later.”

I waved to her and headed back towards the restrooms.

As I was about to push the door to the restroom open a voice behind me said, “Wrong door, miss.” I turned around to see a guy holding hands with a small boy. He pointed and said, “That’s the women’s over there.”

I looked and sure enough that’s where the women’s restroom was. Not being a woman, I didn’t intend to go there. But since a man had said that and people had turned to look, I thanked him and headed over to it. Since no one is naked in the restroom, I decided what the hell. I just needed to pee and wash my hands and I’m passable anyway.

I’m always shocked by the stark contrast between men’s and women’s restrooms. You enter the men’s room and it’s mostly quiet and uncrowded. Very little talking and nobody looks at each other.

As I entered the women’s I was assaulted by the cacophony of voices and a swirling mass of people. I suspect it would be less crowded if there were more toilets and less visiting. And everyone enjoys the short respite from men.

It was obvious there was going to be a wait as I got in one of the toilet lines. Of course, the women’s room can’t have the quick and easy urinal.

“Toni!” I heard someone shout. I looked up and saw Candace across the room waving indicating she wanted me to come over to her. I was loathe to leave my spot in line, but I sighed and stepped over to her.

Grinning, Candace asked, “Hey, whatcha doing here?”

I shrugged and said, “I got yelled at for trying to use the men’s…”

Waving her hand dismissively, she said, “I don’t mean that. What are you doing here at the movies? I thought you weren’t going to go.”

Shrugging again, I said, “I changed my mind. Is that a crime?”

Candace giggled. “No, silly. I was just surprised. What are you going to see?”

“Racing Hearts.”

Candace pouted, “I was hoping you could sit with us. I didn’t want to be the only girl. Richard wants to see that Fantastic Mars.”

I chuckled. “I heard that’s good. And I doubt you’ll be the only girl. And besides, me sitting with you wouldn’t change that.”

Giving me a knowing look, Candace asked, “Are you here with anyone?”

Without thinking, I said, “Stewart brought me.” Which made it sound like a date. Was it?

Candace grinned. “I knew you would tell him yes.” She studied me a moment and then with an annoyed voice, she said, “Girl, just look at you. You’re out with one of the hottest boys in school and just look at your hair! No make-up and you’re dressed like a boy.”

Frowning, I said, “There’s a reason for that. And it’s not a date.”

Candace grinned, “Girl, it’s always a date. Come here. Let me see if I can fix that mop on your head. Calm down. This will just take a minute.” After a minute or two of brushing, she pointed at the mirror. “See? Isn’t that better? Now let me fix your make-up.”

I raised my hands defensively. “There’s nothing to fix. I don’t wear make-up.”

She frowned at me. “You shouldn’t go out on a date without something. Here, you need a little mascara and maybe some blush, and definitely lip gloss.”

Getting miffed, I said, “I need to pee. Stew probably thinks I jumped ship by now.”

“Nonsense. This will just take a minute.” She deftly applied the mascara and then the blush. “You can keep that gloss. I need to get back to Richard.” She grinned at me. “Have fun!” She darted out of the restroom.

“Oh hell,” I looked at myself in the mirror. No one was definitely going to take me for being a boy now. The line was gone for the toilets. I did my business and left.

Stewart looked up and me and shook his head. “Took you long enough. I thought I was going to have to eat all this pizza myself.” Looked down at the table and over half the pizza had been eaten. “You look great, by the way.”

“Thanks.” I grabbed a slice of pizza. I was hungry.

After finishing a slice of pizza, I glared at Stewart. He looked over at me and said, “What?”

“You know what.”

He pointed at me. “Why are girls always so cryptic. We never know what we did wrong.”

“For starters, I’m not a girl and you know exactly what I’m talking about.” I just stared at him.

He wiped his mouth and said, “Oh, you mean the list? Hey, I didn’t create it.”

“I’m not a girl.”

Stew shook his head. “Said the beautiful girl sitting next to me. I mean, what do you want from me? I didn’t create the list. I didn’t use the list. I always considered you pretty, even without make-up. We like each other. Why can’t you just enjoy a free meal and movie? Have I ever asked you for anything?”

I stared at him for a moment. Finally, I said simply, “Yes.”

Stewart put his pizza slice down and leaned towards me. “I did? Tell me. I don’t remember.”

I folded my arms and said, “I don’t believe you don’t remember. It was a fall morning at the start of ninth grade. You found me walking alone in the park and you decided to join me. You took my hand. After an hour or so of walking, I told you I needed to go home. You really don’t remember what you asked me?”

Stew shook his head. “No.”

I sighed. “Well, I’ll never forget it. You shocked me to my core. You asked if you could kiss me. I… I didn’t know what to think! I said ‘no’ and then you kissed me anyway!”

A grin slowly crossed his face. “Now I remember. You were the first girl I ever kissed.”

In almost a whisper, I said, “But I’m not a girl.”

Stew said very softly, “You were then. And you are now.” He picked up my hand and gently kissed my fingers. I just sat there with my mouth hanging open. He couldn’t really have just done that, could he?

“Hey bro! You’re gonna miss the flick!” I looked up and recognized one of the street racer thugs Stew hangs out with.

Stew waved. “Be there in a sec.” He looked over at me. “Time to go. Movie is about to start.”

We went fairly quickly through the snack line where we got a tub of popcorn to share and he bought me a candy bar. And of course we got drinks. He took my hand as we walked down the hall to the auditorium.

We had great seats. I like these new types of chairs that have a small table you can fold out to set your drinks and popcorn on. And damn if these seats still don’t allow a boy to put his arm around you. The auditorium darkened and after what seemed to be three and a half hours of logos, Stew slid his arm around my shoulder.

He pulled me closer to him. Did he expect me to get all cuddly with him? I laughed to myself as I slid down a bit and rested my head on his shoulder. Somewhere near the middle of the movie, I felt his warm, soft lips press into mine. I closed my eyes and leaned into his kiss.

* * *

“Well. How was the movie?” asked Candace as I got settle in the back seat of her car, sitting next to Harper. Chloe was riding shotgun. We were on our way to have lunch at The Human Bean.

Candace looked up at me through her rearview mirror. “So, Toni. How was your date last night?”

Looking at the mirror, I could only see her eyes. “If you want to call it a date. I call it just two friends going to a movie.”

Candace grinned. “Uh huh. Do two ‘friends’ usually kiss? Sandy saw you two and said it looked like more than just friends to her.”

I frowned. “Sandy doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”

Harper looked over at me with a grin. “I see you wearing make-up.”

I shrugged. “So are you. I thought I’d try to fit in a little better.”

Chloe looked across the seat back at me. “You look nice. You should wear it more often.”

Why am I wearing make-up? Even my mom this morning instead of being surprised, she said pretty much the same thing as Chloe.

Looking at me in the mirror again instead of paying attention to her driving, Candace said, “Well?”

I narrowed my eyes at her. “Well, what?”

“Is Stewart your boyfriend now?”

I shook my head. “Don’t be a goofus.”

Chloe asked, “He’s not? So I can ask him out this Friday?”

I frowned. “No. He’s taking me to a movie Friday night.”

Candace laughed. “Another date? Sounds like a boyfriend to me. Especially how quickly you said no to Chloe.

Shaking my head, I said, “You’re reading too much into this.”

Harper asked, “What movie is Stew taking you to?”

I leaned back in the seat. “Fantastic Mars.”

Harper nodded. “Good flick. Even though it’s sci-fi, I think you’ll like it.”

I shrugged. “I like sci-fi.”

All we could get to eat at The Human Bean were little ham sandwiches. We decided it wasn’t the best lunch destination. Thankfully there was no further talk about Stewart.

The next day we went to La Margarita. I had an enchilada that was really good. And the sopapilla with a scoop of homemade ice cream was a great desert. We decided we’ll be coming back. And no talk of Stewart. But I did wear make-up which surprisingly didn’t draw a comment.

* * *

“Hey babe.”

“Hey Stewart,” I said into my cell phone stifling a yawn. “I was just about to go to bed. What’s up?”

“I won’t keep you up. I just had a question for you.”

I brushed my long hair back from my face and grunted. “Can your question wait until tomorrow? Really. I’m about to crash.”

“I won’t keep you,” said Stew. “I just thought of this and wanted to ask.”

“Ask what?” I was starting to lose my patience. I was tired.

“We’ve been to one movie and we’re going to another one tomorrow, right?”

I rolled my eyes at my phone. “Yes Stew. I’m looking forward to going.”

Stew said earnestly, “That’s great. Me too. But what I wanted to ask…and I apologize for not asking sooner…” He paused.

“Yes?” I was starting to get really irritated.

“I’m getting to the point. Sheesh.” I heard Stew take a deep breath. “Anyways…movie dates are fine but I’d like to take you on a real date.”

“A real date?”

“Yes!” exclaimed Stewart. “A real date. I want to treat you to a nice dinner. A real date. How would you like to go to Gladstone’s for dinner?”

“Gladstone’s? That’s an expensive place, Stew. Why me? Why not ask a real girl out? I know several who have crushes on you.”

“Crushes are so high school,” Stew said dismissively. Which is funny because we both have a year of high school to go. “And besides. I am asking out a real girl. I know, I know. You’ll have to wear a dress or at least a skirt. But hey. I’ll have to wear a tie. Don’t you want to see me wear a tie?” I want to strangle him with a tie.

“Stew, it’s late,” I yawned. “Can we talk about this tomorrow?” I know. Technically going to the movies with Stewart constitutes a ‘date’. But I really don’t want to date Stewart. For starters I’m not a girl.

“You’re going to pass up dinner at Gladstone’s? Really? What else do you have to do Saturday night?” Stew seemed incredulous.

Though he couldn’t see it, I ticked off my points by holding up a finger. “One, it’s too expensive. Two, I’d have to wear a dress. Three, I’m not a girl.”

Stewart huffed. “You’re a girl to me. You always have been. Look, I’m not going to force you. But I really felt we had something going here. Something special. Is there someone else?”

I sighed. “We do have something special! Stew, you’re the only boy I’d go out with.”

“Then please say yes now.”

I sighed deeply. “Okay, okay. Stew you win. I’ll go out to dinner with you. I have the perfect dress.” I have been trying to find a good reason to wear my new little black dress. I thought it would be for some dress-up occasion with the girls.

I could see Stew’s grin over the phone. “That’s great, honey! I can’t wait to see you. Oh, and I’ll pick you up tomorrow for the movie at seven. Love you. Bye.” He disconnected.

Did he just say ‘Love you’? Holy shit.

* * *

No lunch club today. Chloe had to go out of town and so Candace just canceled the lunch. I didn’t mind. I just wish she’d let us know before I bothered with make-up. I’ve been trying to fit in better with the girls. Everyone sees us as four girls anyway. So I just went up to the Warhammer store at the strip mall.

I had some money in my pocket in order to buy a game. I like to call it a stipend instead of an allowance. Dad had paid me early. And instead of saving it, like I should, I was looking for a way to spend it.

I greeted Sam and went to the back of the store to try to check out the new game. While I was looking I heard a low voice behind me.

“Hey girl.”

I don’t know why, since I’m not a girl, I turned around. Grinning at me stood Big John.

“Well hey there, John,” I said.

“I’m surprised to see you in here,” John seemed genuinely surprised.

Shrugging, I said, “I come in here a lot. Just ask Sam.”

“I didn’t think girls liked this Warhammer stuff.,” he said as he pointed at me.

I didn’t want to get into a discussion about whether or not I was a girl so I just said, “Lots of girls do.” I’m guessing but it seems true.

Big John shrugged. “I suppose. Can you help me decide on which of these figures to get?”

I smiled up at John. There’s a reason he’s called big. “I’d be happy to.” All the girls at school are crazy about this guy. And I can see why. He’s beautiful. He’s sweet. He’s attentive… hell, now I’m gushing about him.

As we stepped out of the store, John checked the time on his phone. “Oh crap!” he exclaimed. Look at the time. I hope I didn’t make you miss lunch with the other girls.”

I waved my hand dismissively. “Oh, no. We canceled today.”

Pointing, Big John said “Whataburger is right here. Hungry? My treat.”

I smiled nervously. “You don’t have to do that. I can pay my own.”

John shook his head. “Girls don’t pay. Besides, you helped me out with these figures. I’d like to return the favor.”

I looked at the floor a moment, then sighed. “Sure John. Thank you.”

John smiled and took my hand. He started leading me to the Whataburger. As we were about to enter, Stewart and three of his street thug friends were walking out.

Before either of us could greet Stewart, he rapped his knuckled on John’s chest. “Hey man. Like what’s the deal?”

Still holding my hand, John stopped. “Going to lunch, dude.”

He didn’t look at me. “Going to lunch with my girl?” Stew demanded.

John still had a grip on my hand. “Stew, I’m not your girl.”

Still not looking at me, Stew said, “You stay out of this. What’s the deal, John? You know this bitch is mine.” While Stewart really is a nice guy he feels he has to show bravado in front of his creepy friends.

Pointing at me, Stewart again. “I said stay out of this!”

I stamped my foot down. John finally let go of my hand. “Stewart!”

John took my arm and actually pulled me behind him. “We’re just going to lunch, Stew. You got a problem with that?”

Stewart’s eyes flared. He tapped John’s chest again. “Yeah. I do have a problem with that.” He puffed out his chest and sneered.

“Stew, really? Are you nuts?” I shouted.

John pulled me behind him again. “Let me handle this.”

I jerked my arm from John’s grasp. “No! Are you both insane? Stew, I’m not your girl! And… and… I’m not some prize to be fought over! You can just forget about the date!” I raised my arms in frustration and stormed into the nearest store. I didn’t even notice it was a lingerie store.

A woman looking at panties looked up as I stormed in. “What’s going on?”

I scowled at her and said, “It’s moose head-butting season, apparently.” Neither followed me inside, but I could hear them yelling and saw them pushing each other like children on a playground.

I stood with my arms folded, huffing angrily. The woman looking at panties looked over at me. “Aren’t you going to stop them?”

I grunted a laugh. “They’re bigger than me.” I couldn’t believe there were actually two boys fighting over me. I felt ridiculous.

The woman looked at me and said, “Disgraceful.” She then looked as if she was smelling something. She sniffed a few times more and said, “Do you smell that?”

I took a whiff of the air and nodded. “Yeah. I smell gas. There must be a …”

An explosion rocked the building knocking me to the floor as splinters and chunks of dry wall flew past me. Shelving fell across my leg pinning me to the floor. The woman held tightly to her package of panties and run from the building. Emergency lighting flicked on and a smoke detector started blaring. There was a heavy smell of gas and the ceiling lit up like a fire ball.

I tugged and tugged on my leg but I couldn’t pull free. Just a pain in my ankle. Panic started to set in. I have to get out of here! But I’m pinned. I’m surrounded by plastic bags filled with nylon objects. So this is how I die, I thought. A crispy critter. The room was filling with smoke and it was getting hard to breathe. This is it.

From the front of store and over the roar of ceiling fire, I heard, “Boys! Don’t go in there!” Another explosion.

In the red light of the fire, I saw what appeared to be two figures running towards me. “John! She’s over here!”

I couldn’t see faces, but one figure touched my arm. “Toni! Can you move?”

I shook my head and shouted, “I’m pinned!”

“Stew, help me lift this shelf!”

I felt weight lift from my leg.

“John, can you hold it?”

“Yeah yeah yeah. Pull her free.”

Someone grabbed my arms and I was dragged a few feet across the floor.

“Okay John. Drop it. Get the hell out of here! Go!”

“You sure?”

“Just go!”

I felt what had to be Stewart lifting me from the floor as if I weighed nothing. He held me close to him and I put my arms around his neck to hold on as he ran. A wall collapsed behind us.

Stewart pushed through the door and ran away from the strip mall. When we got out into the air, he set my legs down. I still clung to his neck.

Some man ran up to us. “You crazy fools! You disobeyed a direct order! You could have been killed!” The speaker was a fireman.

Stewart wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me close. “She’d be dead if we didn’t.” I looked over and saw Big John sitting on the ground with a paramedic holding an oxygen bottle to his face. Both of us were coughing.

A paramedic near us said to someone next to him, “Check the girl first.”

There was a tug on my arm, but I just stood there a moment, staring deep into Stew’s eyes. Breathless, I said, “Thank you.”

The woman holding the now stolen package of panties said, “Jeeze girl. Just kiss him already.”

We both grinned the comment and then I was pressing my lips against Stew’s. I closed my eyes. I didn’t want to leave his lips.

“Miss,” said a fireman. “I need you over here.” The sound of emergency vehicles swirled around us. I looked into Stew’s eyes once more. Gave him a lingering kiss and then walked away with the fireman. I saw another paramedic approach Stew. I heard John coughing.

* * *
“That was a great movie!” I gushed. “I really enjoyed it. Makes me wish I had a prehensile tail.”

Stew laughed. “I bet! Hey, I need to get you home. Your dad actually likes me. I don’t want to screw that up.” I’ve never had a curfew in my life. But since Stewart became my boyfriend, the rules have all changed.

We made it back to my house with plenty of time to spare. Stewart held my hand as we walked to my front porch. I put my arms around his neck and grinned.

“Thanks for a great evening, Stew. I really enjoyed it.” I stared into his eyes

“Me too babe. Next Friday, you want to see Fish Tale? It looks funny.”

“About the mermaid? Sure”

Putting his arms around my waist he pulled me close to him. I stared into his eyes for a long moment before he bent his head down and kissed me. We kissed for a very long time

The End