Chapter 3B: I need a reason to see you (Lori's perspective)
She was in a pickle, a big one. She had a huge crush on Mark but she didn't know what to do about it. Should she call him? No, why even bother. He probably wasn't interested. Maybe he was. How could she have a crush on a guy who she was always fighting with? She hardly knew him. How could they possibly work in a relationship? She knew Declan as well as any guy and he knew her better than anyone and that didn't work, so how could this? To tell the truth, she didn't even know if he was single. Maybe he had a girlfriend, a computer science genius like himself. He probably did and then she was crushing on a guy who wasn't even available.
She heard the doorbell ring and heard Josh answer it. "My dad's in the living room." Mark?! He was here? She ran to the foot of the stairs and saw him, smiling.
"Hey," I said trying to sound smooth, like I didn't really care. "What are you doing here?" I know I shouldn't think this, but I hope he's here to see me. Wait, what am I thinking? Why would he be here to see ME? He doesn't even like me; he thinks I am a cynical, glass-half-empty, no good high school girl. Move on Lori.
"Oh, your dad called me; he needs some help with the final.
"Cool." Cool? Lame!
"Yeah." There was a beat of awkward silence. "How's that girl…um…Amanda?"
"Amanda? Oh, she's fine. Thanks. How did you know about that?"
"Oh, well, I was questioned by the police. You know, anyone who was at the prom they were asking if they saw something. But I didn't. See anything, I mean."
I laughed, why I have no idea. "Yeah, I figured that is what you meant."I stopped. Think of something, now! She wanted him to stay, it was so awkward. She didn't really know how to approach the subject. She had fooled around with guys, but her only long-lasting relationship was with Declan, and they all knew how that ended. Then it hit me. A song! Tell him you want him to help you with a song! "You know, I was thinking about writing another song, and I could probably use your help."
He smiled and replied, "Yeah that would be fine. As soon as I'm done there, I'll be upstairs."
"Okay, so…I will see you in a bit then."
"Great."
He turned back to go see my dad, I walked back into my room, getting out my notepaper and my guitar. I wondered how long it would take me to come clean, or if I would have to write a song every time I wanted to see him.