I consider myself to be reasonably likable, not popular but for the most part the other teens of the neighborhood could tolerate me. Accepting my presences as normal. Though during our childhood myself and the Eds were despised the greater evils high school brought upon us created a refreshing bond between us all. It was pure jot to feel so welcomed and safe with the very people whom used to hate us, with good reason of course.
However, one member of the cul-de-sac was a tad indifferent, for lack of a better word. Kevin treated everyone with this attitude ever since they graduated middle school.
I found sooner than later many of the other teens now enjoyed my company.
Rolf would invite me over and I would listen to the stories of his home and their traditions, in turn he would listen to my explanations of his dear pet's behaviors and appetites. Jonny had long abandoned plank's friendship, in unexpected turn of events making Sarah and Jimmy a trio. Plank's fate was to be hung in Jonny's bedroom, a very loved and prized possession. On occasion the three would seek out my assistance in relation to their own wacky projects and such. Naz moved away after the end of middle school and while she was dearly missed the cul-de-sac hadn't seemed to change much without her. Big Ed and Eddy were the same people and time had not broken our trio. Despite going into our sophomore year the two were exactly the same people. I learned my lesson and chose to distance myself from Eddy's newer, more devious scams.
Still with all being at peace, and feeling satisfied with my own social relations my curiosity still took focus on Kevin. There was no common ground between myself and him, there was no way to get closer. The day Naz moved Kevin shut himself away. He went from his moderately happy, tolerate-enough, impatient, tough-guy of the neighborhood to a self-centered, isolated, jock too good to talk to anyone beyond the other boys on his football team.
Rolf tried over and over to get him to come around but by the third or fourth beating Rolf gave up. Rolf was heartbroken losing his closest companion.
I was sad for Kevin. He was never a very big part of my childhood beyond beating the daylight out of me and the other Eds. However there was still a sentimental fondness I found for him. I wanted him back, not exactly the same, just back.
The morning's misty air smelt good, it was relaxing and the best atmosphere for easing into a new day. It was beyond easy for me to take pleasure in the simple smells and feelings of the outside air. I slung my messenger bag over my shoulder and stepped out into the empty street. Peach City Creek High School was closer than the middle school had been and all the teens except Kevin walked there.
I could just make out Kevin through the think foggy air. He was wiping down his bike with a filthy rag and getting ready to leave for school. An unnerving itch arose to stop and chat. My legs didn't ask my brain permission and I had already walked the entire way over to his driveway.
Kevin eyed me with his signature glare and I felt a nervous sweat building on the back of my neck. I wiped it away giving an uncomfortable smile.
"Look, what do you want double dweeb?" He practically snarled. He was so much like an American bulldog now, he'd grown a lot and built a lot of muscle from his football practice.
"Salutations, Kevin." I said. I had not been all that lucky. I had grown into a presentable young man but I was nowhere as blessed as Kevin in having my body change to work for my appeal. I was the same scrawny dude except now my shoulders were a slight bit broader and I was a little taller.
"Earth to dork! You need something?" He harshly demanded. I jumped out of my skin. Had he caught me staring? Oh my.
"I-well…" I paused suddenly short of breath for an unknown reason. "How are you?" I asked.
"Fine." Kevin paused thinking. He then stood up leaning on his bike. "Hey dorky, aren't ya gonna be late?" He inquired his anger turning to half-hearted concern. I had forgotten Kevin left later because his bike allowed him the leisure. The distance much farther on foot than bike.
"Oh my!" I exclaimed. "Please do forgive me!" I finish beginning to run in the direction of school. I would not let my own mindless endeavors ruin my flawless attendance dating back to kindergarten.
"Hey!" I heard Kevin yell after me but I took no mind to it until he rode by me on his bike. "Get on." He mutters pulling me on by my sleeve. I awkwardly grasp the bike seat staring downward trying not to smile.
Though it felt like a life time we arrived at school with five minutes to spare. Once we got remotely close to the entrance Kevin shoved me off into a bush.
"Sorry..." He coolly muttered with a tinge of guilt in his words. "I just… can't risk the guys seeing." He says rushing off to fasten his beloved bike to the bike rack. I dust myself off forcing my legs to swiftly bring me to my first class, just making it on time.
I get a glance of Kevin at lunch but I don't dare approach him or even look in his direction for too long. Watching him sitting at a table with four petite girls as well as some of his team mates awoke an odd feeling in me but I shrug it off as sleep deprivation. The Eds didn't take any notice my behavior and it was a relief when the two began going on about something so mindless I was able to push my thoughts of Kevin away at last.
That was, until I found the note in my locker. I had no idea Kevin's hand-writing was this awful, he was by no means illiterate but the note was hard to read.
"Come by my place after school, if you don't I'll hunt you down dorky." –Kevin
I involuntarily smiled.