Drew and Amber met in science class. The same one Drew pissed himself
in. She was the most beautiful girl in the class. He was
the most awkward, soon to be social pariah, boy in the class.
Their teacher randomly assigned them to work together on a poster
project for the annual science fair.
Drew had been
admiring her from across the classroom all year. It had not been
lost on him that she was the only person in the class who had not
mocked him when he ran out of class with urine dripping down his legs.
She never made fun of him unless her clique was present.
They
got together at Amber's home, one he'd spend a lot of time in
years later, and worked on the poster for an entire Saturday afternoon.
Drew met her mother. The project turned out really well and
they got an A+. Outside later in the day she hugged him during
gym class while they both stood around a corner from their classmates.
She began waving to him when no one was around if they passed
between classes.
Before the big sixth grade spring dance
months later, Drew showed up on her porch to ask Amber to attend with
him. In the time between science project and spring dance, he'd
created an elaborate imaginary world where their friendship wasn't
forbidden by middle school social norms. She sat down on the
porch with him and held onto his hand tightly. Quietly, she
explained that there was just no way they could go together. Her
explanation seemed reasonable for a upwardly social young lady, Drew
admitted to her face. She promised they could do more work
together at school. They wouldn't speak again for four years.
Theresa
waited in the woods for Drew to return. She scolded him loudly,
no one was around on a cold March evening, for thinking Amber would
date him. They were from different words. "You're a fucking idiot, Drew."
Nevertheless, adjusting the green winter hat holding in her blond
hair, she proclaimed that they could go to the dance together. No
pressures, no one would question it, and maybe the boys would stop
screwing with him for a few days if he showed up with a pretty girl.
That lasted until fourth period on Monday.