XIV
"You'll never guess who I ran into the other day," Sid said to Helga.
They were at the corner convenience store, where Sid was buying cigarettes for Helga and himself. He always hated buying cigarettes for her, because she liked Camel Menthols and he liked American Spirits. It made him feel like the cashiers knew that he was buying cigarettes for her. But what did it even matter? She was close enough to 18.
"Who?" Helga asked, taking a sip of the Yahoo she was buying.
"Arnold Shortman... you remember that kid from elementary?" Sid shoved his money and his driver's licence back into his pocket. "That do-goody fuck?"
"How could I forget, I made his life hell," Helga muttered, paying for her soda.
"He asked how you were doing," Sid said offhandedly.
He didn't expect her face to go red, or for her to storm out of the store. Sid followed her out and gave her her pack of cigarettes, which she quickly packed down and opened up. A few puffs later, she had calmed down a little.
"What did you tell him, Hat Boy?"
"That you were fine... and that you got really hot," Sid added against his better judgement.
"WHAT?"
"It's true, okay? You're about the hottest fucking girl I've laid eyes on! And I say that with every intention of a guy who doesn't want to get with you," Sid had actually backed a few steps away from Helga.
"I am going to kill you, Sidney," Helga hissed.
"Just... make sure I get laid before you do, okay?" Sid said nervously.
"Men!"