Denny

  I close out of the instant messenger window before I can say anything else. What just happened? Tori gave me Bridget's user name so I could message her and it turned into a whole conversation I hadn't planned. I can't help the smile on my face and luckily I don't have to hide it cause Griffin is out on the couch watching TV.

  I sit there for a second letting myself feel happy. Then curiosity gets the better of me and I sign back in, eager to hear if Tori knows anything.

  DennyBoy44188 signing in…

  hisTORIc777: Back so soon?

  DennyBoy44188: Well I was talking to Bridget and signed off but then I realized I’m not tired so I got back on.

  hisTORIc777: soooo what did you talk about?

  DennyBoy44188: she invited me to sit by you guys at lunch.

  hisTORIc777: weird I think I also invited you a bit ago.

  DennyBoy44188: I know you did but I didn't want to intrude.

  hisTORIc777: Okay and what else did you talk about?

  DennyBoy44188: Why are you so curious?

  hisTORIc777: I'm nosey and you guys would be cute together!

  DennyBoy44188: We are just friends.

  hisTORIc777: right. That's why you disappeared offline when she had to go then randomly got back on.

  DennyBoy44188: like I said I got bored.

  hisTORIc777: no you said you weren’t tired.

  DennyBoy44188: Yeah I guess that’s true. Would you rather I sign back off?

  hisTORIc777: No, I’m just messing with you. How’d you do on the math test?

  DennyBoy44188: I tried but I probably did bad. Tests have always been hard for me.

  hisTORIc777: Tests aren’t my favorite either but studying makes it a little better. Ugh Will wants to get on. I’ll talk to you later.

  DennyBoy44188: Later Tori

  A new window pops up with a chime.

  ChillWill3579: Dude you talked to Bridget?!

  DennyBoy44188: Guilty

  ChillWill3579: ???

  DennyBoy44188: ???????

  ChillWill3579: Okay clearly you need me to spell this out for you. What. did. you. talk. About?

  DennyBoy44188: Ooooooh. Just stuff. Lunch and History.

  ChillWill3579: I don’t get it. Like what you had for lunch? Any historical period in particular?

  This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

  DennyBoy44188: Where we sit at lunch and history CLASS.

  ChillWill3579: Well you aren’t exactly being forthcoming.

  DennyBoy44188: She’s in Tori’s and my lunch and I’m gonna sit with them this next week. I think they already sit together.

  ChillWill3579: I’m sure Tori sits with everyone.

  DennyBoy44188: Your sister is a wallflower.

  ChillWill3579: well she's harmless

  DennyBoy44188: I think she's trying to set me up with Bridget

  ChillWill3579:: and?

  DennyBoy44188: We are barely friends.

  ChillWill3579: I thought you and Tori were tight.

  DennyBoy44188: I mean Bridget.

  ChillWill3579: well there's only one way to get to know her.

  DennyBoy44188: yes thank you. I'll write that in my journal tonight.

  ChillWill3579: whatever dude. Just don't be a dick to Bridget. She's important to Tori which means I'm in her corner.

  DennyBoy44188: noted. I need to sleep dude. See you Sunday.

  Griffin went to bed sometime during my last couple conversations so the house has gone quiet. I have nothing better to do so I watch tv until I fall asleep. I’m not actually paying attention, more just letting the noise of tThe only thing on is the Home Shopping Network selling some jewelry but it’s better than silence that fills me with emptiness.

  Monday morning comes and I’ve shoved the thought of joining Tori and Bridget at lunch into a compartment in my brain I don’t allow myself to access frequently. It helps me not feel excited in the event it doesn’t go well or possibly even happen at all. I have to pretend it's not all I can think about until fourth period comes and Tori and I walk down to lunch together.

  I spot her across the lunch room but quickly divert my gaze to avoid contact or worse, blushing. After I grab my slice of pizza and a gatorade, I look up and see Tori waving at me intensely like I might forget to join them. Bridget’s back is to me so I sit next to Tori granting myself a direct view.

  “Hey!” a smile fills her face despite what looks like her attempting to control it.

  “Denny, you remember Bridget, I take it…” Tori pushes.

  I somehow remain composed, a ghost of a smile across my lips as I respond “Yeah. Hey Bridget.”

  “Welcome to the table.” Bridget gestures as if it’s an exclusive club and not a lunch table full of 8th graders.

  “We can begin your initiation.” Tori cackles with amusement.

  “I’m afraid to ask..” I scoff, noticing how Bridget dances while she eats, as though she can’t help it but hum or sway her head with each bite.

  Her energy is alive, drawing me in. I have to force myself to turn to Tori when Bridget’s eyes skitter across my face during her performance. What is she thinking about? Is she really that enamoured with her bagel as she tears tiny pieces off or could I be floating around in there? Suddenly I become aware of how greasy my pizza is but it’s too expensive to waste.

  Jason walks up and slides into the spot next to Tori.

  “Dang everyone wanted cookies today. Not like I can blame them…sup dude?” He acknowledges me with a chin lift. Jason and Tori have been together a few months now. He plays football and seems nice enough.

  “How was your dad’s Bridget?” Tori flashes him a glare, unsure of how Bridget might respond.

  She finishes her bite, “It was… good.” She stares at me for one long second raising the side of her mouth so slightly it could be misinterpreted, “Still kind of weird but whatever. Thanks for asking.”

  Was that stare insinuating I helped make her weekend better? I feel her mood drop at the mention of that so I try to steer the subject away.

  “Did your sister stay up all night talking to her boyfriend?” Part of me wants her simply to know that I paid attention to what she told me.

  “Who knows!” She laughs and rolls her eyes simultaneously and I feel her spirits lighten. “I passed out not long after.” She looks back down at her food but I’m certain she cautions a quick glance up at me from under her brows.

  “So Denny! I heard Rachel likes you.” Tori elbows him trying to stir up a reaction in Bridget but instead she joins the pestering.

  “Aw that’s precious. Are you guys gonna go out?” Is she being condescending or feigning disinterest?

  “Well considering this is the first I’m hearing about it, I have no idea.” Maybe I misread her. Bridget seems eager for me to be with someone else. Tori brings the attention back on her.

  “I’m having people over for New Year’s! You should come. Will would want you there anyways.”

  “Well, in that case…” I smirk.

  “It’s not like a ton of people though so don’t go inviting everyone.”

  “I’ll be sure not to invite ALL my friends.” The joke falls flat as no one really knows how lonely I am.

  The bell rings and we all dump our trays to head back to class.

  The next day in math, I pay attention to Rachel. It becomes apparent that she’s very interested in capturing my attention.

  “How’d you do on that test, Denny? I totally bombed it.”

  “Same. I got a C.” I admit easily knowing she’s in the same boat.

  “Ugh. Well maybe we can study next time.” She offers.

  Tori is listening in. “Yeah we should definitely all study together next time.”

  “Yeah that sounds good. Then maybe we’ll do better.” She smiles at me and I notice Tori shooting me a look from behind Rachel that says I told you!