Chapter 9: Getting Inside...Someone's Head
A/N: I forgot to say this last time, but THANK YOU to those who leave me such awesome feedback. YOU ROCK!! I have been trying to reply individually to each and every one of them but sometimes my computer is lame. I have been away but I'm back and with 4 new chapters. I have to tweek some of the later ones I have already written, but I will post ASAP. Don't forget to email me at jaylancie@aol.com if you wish to be put on the story updates list (if you don't just put this story on a review alert). Also, in the chapter there is reference to famous psychologist Albert Bandura. He is not a made up character but a very well known psychologist, who IS still alive. Anyway, this chapter is bit different than the rest but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless. (**Though these next couple chapters may not be exactly like the others, I think you will enjoy reading what is to come**). (Lara, your email isn't working so I hope you see this update!)
~~
I decided I was done with her breakfast too, and as we walked upstairs the phone rang and Mom answered it. A moment or two later we heard, "GORDO! It's your mother!"
"Uh oh," I mumbled, as I picked up the receiver from my room. "H- Hello...yeah, we just woke up. We have that paper to...well, no....I mean...But I...I...I...Alright."
I was about to cry.
"What?" Gordo urged as he sat on my bed and flipped my blond hair.
"She wants me to go home. Something about...a lecture by Albert Bannera?"
Gordo's expression lit up. "I completely forgot about that!"
"Who's Albert Bannera?"
"Albert BANDURA. He's a famous psychologist. He did all these experiments with kids and a Bobo doll and ...anyway, he-"
"Still alive?"
"YES! And they're seeing him speak today but they have to leave early. I gotta go!" He said in panic, standing up.
"You have to go with them?"
"Yeah. I mean, it's a long story but my dad's friend's daughter is coming and ...I have to stay with her. Hang out with her."
A pang of jealousy hit me.
"Like babysit?" I inquire nonchalantly.
"NO. She's our age. I mean...well, she's forced to go to these things and-"
"BUT YOU'RE NOT!"
"AND," he continued impatiently. "Last time I saw her I said I'd keep her company at the next function she had to go to. She's pretty cool. I mean..." Then his face dropped. "You have to go for me! You have to be me!"
"NO WAY!" I stated as I stood up, pulling at the shorts that were giving me, or rather Gordo's body, a major wedgie.
"YES! I can't go as you, Lizzie. Come on!"
"No way, Gordo. I can't be YOU for a day with people who know you better than anyone."
"Trust me on this. My parents don't know me as well as you think they do. And Kelly, she's kind of tall, red head, green eyes. You can't miss her. Just act cool, and don't flirt with any guys. Just...keep quiet, be nice, and nod a lot."
"GORDO! I AM NOT GOING!"
* * *
"Kelly asked you about you, David," Mr. Gordon said as he slid into the driver's seat.
"Great," I mumbled, staring out the window and hating the situation. How could I be Gordo for an entire day on my own!? From the car window I saw 'Lizzie' waving at me and mouthing "It will be okay."
I looked at the piece of paper Gordo gave me with foolproof 'I'm Gordo' material.
It's Mom and Dad. Not Mr. or Mrs. Gordon. Kelly and I snuck out of a speaker last year and got ice cream at Lucky's Fine Dairy. I ordered vanilla, and she got Rocky Road. Her favorite color is purple...and pink. She wears blue a lot though. She twirls her hair in her fingers and sometimes it gets stuck in small twisty knots she doesn't realize she has for a few minutes. Try not to laugh. I bite my lower lip to help control that for me. Oh, yeah. Kelly's parents are Mr. and Mrs. Franklin. Don't make jokes about Benjamin, or cartoon turtles or anything. They get that a lot. If she asks about emailing her, tell her that the FWDs she sends are great. I loved the one about the aliens. She has three brothers and one sister. She's the fourth child. So it's Bryant, John, Christine, Kelly, and Stevie.
Stevie??
Don't ask about Darren...her ex. She hates to talk about it, but when she gets on her tangent about him, I just nod. It's the best thing for her. She just needs an ear.
What? How would I have even known to ask about...Darren???
I raised an eyebrow. I think I know way too much about this girl. Seems like Gordo has a crush on her. I smiled. Gordo likes a giiirrrlll, I sang in my head. Then my smile faded. I felt just a TAD jealous. Just a tad. Maybe territorial. I mean...the last time Gordo liked a girl she didn't want him until it was too late (Ugh, PARKER) to tell him she made a mistake and shouldn't have rejected him. And I guess I feel like...well, no girl will be good enough. And about this Kelly girl anyway, he's never mentioned her before. Oh wait. This must be one of his 'private' things. I remember when he went through that phase where he hid his girlfriend from me and Miranda because he needed to have something to himself, something private from us.
Hm...well, this could be interesting. I continued to read his list as the car continued on (toward Kelly).
If she asks what I'm doing next summer, "Going on a road trip with my Grandma!" And finally, have fun. Being me isn't so bad. :-)
I smiled. I know, Gordo, I thought. I know.
~~
I held my breath so long, my body jolted with the realization it wasn't getting oxygen and I let out a major breath. She's out. OUT AS ME. FOR REAL. On the worst possible weekend. My Psychology Speaker Kelly Weekend. I twisted my hands together over and over and paced. I've never told Lizzie about Kelly but it isn't a big deal because Kelly is only a friend...and friend who I think likes me...and maybe Lizzie can help with that because she flirts with everyone else (BUT ME) enough to flirt FOR me right? I think so and besides I don't think it should be awkward, I mean, after all I can have other (girl) friends, right? She can do this, right? I think so, and besides, here I am stuck as her and now everyone is...
I looked around the living room and saw Matt, Creepy Silent Boy, and Mr. and Mrs. McGuire...
Staring at me.
"Haven't you ever seen a girl pace around before?" I said with a huff.
"Not like that Lizzie," Mr. McGuire said with a small huff of a laugh as he walked off.
"You look like a worried parent, honey. Is everything okay?" Mrs. McGuire asked.
"You're right, Lanny. Girls are an entirely different species," Matt replied to non-existent dialogue.
"No, Mom. I'm okay," I replied, walking upstairs to Lizzie's room.
I had to get my mind off this. Maybe going to the mall or for a walk or on her roller blades or on the Internet or watching TV or doing her paper or...
I looked towards the corner of her bed.
Or maybe, I can get inside Lizzie's head...
~~
"Here we are!" Chimed Mrs. Gordon as she saw the huge hotel we were going to attend said speaker: Albert Bannera, Pantura, Banana? Whatever.
I slid out of the car. "David, you look nice today. Are you looking to impress someone?" Mrs. Gordon said with a smile, emphasizing the last two words.
STOP! THIS IS JUST AS BAD AS MY OWN PARENTS!
"No. My fashion sense has just reached a higher level," I stated, trying to match Gordo's own wit.
Gordo didn't get to see what I dressed him in when I went to his house, but trust me it was better than what he would have chosen. Since I was the only one in his room to choose, I went for the button down white shirt (one button undone at the top), dark slacks, matching belt, and black socks with leather shoes (I opted against the shinier looking ones). We were seeing a very important psychologist, Albert Bermuda, so we had to look our best! Oh...and the hair...what wonders a comb will do. This was all despite what Gordo was telling me over the phone. He looked great, thanks to me. This Kelly girl better appreciate it.
~~
I felt so guilty. It was wrong. Reading her diary without her knowing and getting details I shouldn't know about. What if I find out something I don't want to know (or shouldn't know!)?
I slowly cracked the notebook open, flipping to the first page. Scribbled all over the first page was:
'This Diary Belongs To: LIZZIE! Keep OUT! This means you MATT and everyone who is NOT LIZZIE. PRIVATE! DO NOT READ FURTHER! For Lizzie's Eyes ONLY.'
I flipped to the second page.
'Weds.~Chicken Nugget Day! So, you're my 3rd diary in the past couple of years.'
There's MORE? I thought as I read on.
'I guess I just have a lot to say! Well, it's the start of another school year and what a start it was. I have most of my classes with Miranda and Gordo (thankfully) and some even with Ethan...3 3 3. He is just such a hottie.
Mrs. Ethan Craft. Lizzie Craft...I don't know. Sounds good doesn't it?
Anyway, today was, you guessed it CHICKEN NUGGET DAY. If this is any indication of my life, then you guessed correctly that NOTHING has been going on lately. It's been so boring...but I do love my chicken nuggets. :- ) I have to get ready before Miranda and Gordo get here. We're going to the movies! 3, Lizzie'
'Thursday
Went to the Digital Bean today and saw Mr. Digg with some lady. Could they have been on a date? It's so weird when you see teachers outside of school because you almost forget they have lives too. And he's one of the more normal teachers at school-and that's not saying much. I remember a couple of the teachers me and Miranda had crushes on last year. We did really well in those classes! (Wonder why! Hee hee...we totally just wanted to impress them so we did EVERYTHING like...10x times better than we would in any other class) I wonder if Gordo has ever had a crush on any of the teachers at school...Maybe I should ask him! HAHA!'
No! I didn't! And why would it be funny if I did? I continued to read on. This was interesting, but not much different than what we already talk about though I don't know which teachers she had a crush on.
~~
"Albert Bandura, son, is one of the greatest behavioral psychologist still living today," Mr. Gordon explained as we walked into the hotel. I nodded and smiled politely as I zoned the rest of him out. As we made our way to the speaker, Mrs. Gordon handed me my ticket to get in. As we reached the huge fancy room, I heard, "You're not staying in there the whole time are you?"
I looked up to be confronted with a girl a couple inches taller than me (and Gordo) with red hair pulled back into a braid, green eyes, and a kind of petite looking frame. This must be Kelly.
"Hi! Um...no, I don't think so," I replied, my voice trembling a bit because I was scared I would screw this whole 'being Gordo' thing up.
Behind her I saw three other siblings, and two parents. Her family no doubt. One was missing if I read the list right. Maybe it was Stevie?
"So, David, wanna sit together?" She asked, leaning in to say, "In the back?"
"Uh, sure!" Did she just call Gordo David?
I saw Mrs. Gordon smiling at me. I felt as though everyone could see right through me! They could see I was an imposter! I felt like an alien landed on ...Earth. Or something.
As I sat down next to Kelly, our families having seated themselves elsewhere, I stole glances at her, trying not to be obvious. A couple of times she smiled at me. Hey, girl. Don't be thinking I'm flirting. I'm just assessing you...for Gordo. The REAL Gordo!
About half way into Albert Bandares' talk, Kelly nudged me. "Let's go," she whispered.
"What about our parents?" I whispered back.
She shrugged. "They never notice anyway. Come on!" She took Gordo's hand and led us away.
Outside she breathed a sigh of relief. "I have been to so many talks in the past year. I honestly don't know why my parents want me to see all these speakers. It's not like I'm going to be a psychologist. Besides, I've already seen Albert Bandura."
"Well, what do you want to be?" I ask, trying to carry on conversation as we walk around.
"David!" She giggled. "An actress! You know that!"
Of course. An actress because he wants to be a filmmaker. Should have guessed that one.
"Remember our plan. You make the movies, I star in them!" She smiled as she led me out of the hotel.
"Right." Please don't tell me that was their plan.
~~
'Friday
YAY! Today is Friday and I have to go to school in a bit, but I got up early for once! The first dance is a couple of months away but I am going to work on getting Ethan to notice me so he will ask me! It could happen.'
The dance? Oh yeah. The 'Gordo is too short to go with' dance. She MUST be talking about that one.
'Today will be DAY 1 of this mission. Operation ASK OUT. Gotta go! 3, Lizzie'
'Saturday
Updates on Operation ASK OUT (OAO): -Ethan smiled my way 2.5 times (wasn't sure if he was zoning out one time so we'll count that as .5) -shared his chips with me between class -was found standing near my locker after class (but then walked away without even noticing me)
So far, not so bad.'
I sighed. So far, it wasn't anything terribly surprising. It would be like Lizzie to create such an ordeal for herself. I honestly don't know what she sees in Ethan Craft. Obviously brains mean nothing to her...which means I can't possibly mean anything to her because it seems like that's all I am (to her). I'm always the one reassuring her she's pretty and sweet and fun to be with. I've never heard her once say I was hot, or even cute. OH why do I care? This is my best friend I'm talking about!
~~
We ended up at Lucky's Fine Dairy. I checked my pockets but had NO MONEY.
"You're not getting an ice cream, Gordo?"
"Um, nah."
"Did you forget your money?" Kelly asked, laughing sweetly.
Wow. That was a bit forward, I thought.
"Actually, I-"
"I'll buy for you. Vanilla?" She pulled out $5 and nodded towards the flavors.
Well, I'm more of a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough person but..."Sure. Thanks."
We sat down. I felt like this was a DATE and I hated feeling out of my element. I just didn't know what to do.
"So, how's school?"
"It's good. How's it for you?" I replied.
"OH! Wonderful. I auditioned for the Fall play."
"And...?"
"Oh, cast list goes up Monday. I'll email you if I get a part."
"Oh, yeah. Email," I said, wracking my brain for what Gordo had told me about emails. "Hey! Loved the forward about the ALIENS!" I smiled and nodded, eating the vanilla ice cream to give me an excuse not to talk any more.
"You did? That's one of my favorites, too. We have so much in common."
Yeah...if liking one email qualifies as 'so much in common'. I don't know what it was, but I was getting a weird vibe from this girl. I'm usually a very easy person to get along with and I'm super friendly but if this girl went to my school, I think we would clash. She seems very sweet though. Maybe TOO sweet?
Then I thought back to Ethan just then. Maybe that's why he isn't asking me out; I'm TOO sweet? I would have to ponder that one later. It wasn't long before the weird vibe I got from Kelly would be better explained.
A/N: I forgot to say this last time, but THANK YOU to those who leave me such awesome feedback. YOU ROCK!! I have been trying to reply individually to each and every one of them but sometimes my computer is lame. I have been away but I'm back and with 4 new chapters. I have to tweek some of the later ones I have already written, but I will post ASAP. Don't forget to email me at jaylancie@aol.com if you wish to be put on the story updates list (if you don't just put this story on a review alert). Also, in the chapter there is reference to famous psychologist Albert Bandura. He is not a made up character but a very well known psychologist, who IS still alive. Anyway, this chapter is bit different than the rest but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless. (**Though these next couple chapters may not be exactly like the others, I think you will enjoy reading what is to come**). (Lara, your email isn't working so I hope you see this update!)
~~
I decided I was done with her breakfast too, and as we walked upstairs the phone rang and Mom answered it. A moment or two later we heard, "GORDO! It's your mother!"
"Uh oh," I mumbled, as I picked up the receiver from my room. "H- Hello...yeah, we just woke up. We have that paper to...well, no....I mean...But I...I...I...Alright."
I was about to cry.
"What?" Gordo urged as he sat on my bed and flipped my blond hair.
"She wants me to go home. Something about...a lecture by Albert Bannera?"
Gordo's expression lit up. "I completely forgot about that!"
"Who's Albert Bannera?"
"Albert BANDURA. He's a famous psychologist. He did all these experiments with kids and a Bobo doll and ...anyway, he-"
"Still alive?"
"YES! And they're seeing him speak today but they have to leave early. I gotta go!" He said in panic, standing up.
"You have to go with them?"
"Yeah. I mean, it's a long story but my dad's friend's daughter is coming and ...I have to stay with her. Hang out with her."
A pang of jealousy hit me.
"Like babysit?" I inquire nonchalantly.
"NO. She's our age. I mean...well, she's forced to go to these things and-"
"BUT YOU'RE NOT!"
"AND," he continued impatiently. "Last time I saw her I said I'd keep her company at the next function she had to go to. She's pretty cool. I mean..." Then his face dropped. "You have to go for me! You have to be me!"
"NO WAY!" I stated as I stood up, pulling at the shorts that were giving me, or rather Gordo's body, a major wedgie.
"YES! I can't go as you, Lizzie. Come on!"
"No way, Gordo. I can't be YOU for a day with people who know you better than anyone."
"Trust me on this. My parents don't know me as well as you think they do. And Kelly, she's kind of tall, red head, green eyes. You can't miss her. Just act cool, and don't flirt with any guys. Just...keep quiet, be nice, and nod a lot."
"GORDO! I AM NOT GOING!"
* * *
"Kelly asked you about you, David," Mr. Gordon said as he slid into the driver's seat.
"Great," I mumbled, staring out the window and hating the situation. How could I be Gordo for an entire day on my own!? From the car window I saw 'Lizzie' waving at me and mouthing "It will be okay."
I looked at the piece of paper Gordo gave me with foolproof 'I'm Gordo' material.
It's Mom and Dad. Not Mr. or Mrs. Gordon. Kelly and I snuck out of a speaker last year and got ice cream at Lucky's Fine Dairy. I ordered vanilla, and she got Rocky Road. Her favorite color is purple...and pink. She wears blue a lot though. She twirls her hair in her fingers and sometimes it gets stuck in small twisty knots she doesn't realize she has for a few minutes. Try not to laugh. I bite my lower lip to help control that for me. Oh, yeah. Kelly's parents are Mr. and Mrs. Franklin. Don't make jokes about Benjamin, or cartoon turtles or anything. They get that a lot. If she asks about emailing her, tell her that the FWDs she sends are great. I loved the one about the aliens. She has three brothers and one sister. She's the fourth child. So it's Bryant, John, Christine, Kelly, and Stevie.
Stevie??
Don't ask about Darren...her ex. She hates to talk about it, but when she gets on her tangent about him, I just nod. It's the best thing for her. She just needs an ear.
What? How would I have even known to ask about...Darren???
I raised an eyebrow. I think I know way too much about this girl. Seems like Gordo has a crush on her. I smiled. Gordo likes a giiirrrlll, I sang in my head. Then my smile faded. I felt just a TAD jealous. Just a tad. Maybe territorial. I mean...the last time Gordo liked a girl she didn't want him until it was too late (Ugh, PARKER) to tell him she made a mistake and shouldn't have rejected him. And I guess I feel like...well, no girl will be good enough. And about this Kelly girl anyway, he's never mentioned her before. Oh wait. This must be one of his 'private' things. I remember when he went through that phase where he hid his girlfriend from me and Miranda because he needed to have something to himself, something private from us.
Hm...well, this could be interesting. I continued to read his list as the car continued on (toward Kelly).
If she asks what I'm doing next summer, "Going on a road trip with my Grandma!" And finally, have fun. Being me isn't so bad. :-)
I smiled. I know, Gordo, I thought. I know.
~~
I held my breath so long, my body jolted with the realization it wasn't getting oxygen and I let out a major breath. She's out. OUT AS ME. FOR REAL. On the worst possible weekend. My Psychology Speaker Kelly Weekend. I twisted my hands together over and over and paced. I've never told Lizzie about Kelly but it isn't a big deal because Kelly is only a friend...and friend who I think likes me...and maybe Lizzie can help with that because she flirts with everyone else (BUT ME) enough to flirt FOR me right? I think so and besides I don't think it should be awkward, I mean, after all I can have other (girl) friends, right? She can do this, right? I think so, and besides, here I am stuck as her and now everyone is...
I looked around the living room and saw Matt, Creepy Silent Boy, and Mr. and Mrs. McGuire...
Staring at me.
"Haven't you ever seen a girl pace around before?" I said with a huff.
"Not like that Lizzie," Mr. McGuire said with a small huff of a laugh as he walked off.
"You look like a worried parent, honey. Is everything okay?" Mrs. McGuire asked.
"You're right, Lanny. Girls are an entirely different species," Matt replied to non-existent dialogue.
"No, Mom. I'm okay," I replied, walking upstairs to Lizzie's room.
I had to get my mind off this. Maybe going to the mall or for a walk or on her roller blades or on the Internet or watching TV or doing her paper or...
I looked towards the corner of her bed.
Or maybe, I can get inside Lizzie's head...
~~
"Here we are!" Chimed Mrs. Gordon as she saw the huge hotel we were going to attend said speaker: Albert Bannera, Pantura, Banana? Whatever.
I slid out of the car. "David, you look nice today. Are you looking to impress someone?" Mrs. Gordon said with a smile, emphasizing the last two words.
STOP! THIS IS JUST AS BAD AS MY OWN PARENTS!
"No. My fashion sense has just reached a higher level," I stated, trying to match Gordo's own wit.
Gordo didn't get to see what I dressed him in when I went to his house, but trust me it was better than what he would have chosen. Since I was the only one in his room to choose, I went for the button down white shirt (one button undone at the top), dark slacks, matching belt, and black socks with leather shoes (I opted against the shinier looking ones). We were seeing a very important psychologist, Albert Bermuda, so we had to look our best! Oh...and the hair...what wonders a comb will do. This was all despite what Gordo was telling me over the phone. He looked great, thanks to me. This Kelly girl better appreciate it.
~~
I felt so guilty. It was wrong. Reading her diary without her knowing and getting details I shouldn't know about. What if I find out something I don't want to know (or shouldn't know!)?
I slowly cracked the notebook open, flipping to the first page. Scribbled all over the first page was:
'This Diary Belongs To: LIZZIE! Keep OUT! This means you MATT and everyone who is NOT LIZZIE. PRIVATE! DO NOT READ FURTHER! For Lizzie's Eyes ONLY.'
I flipped to the second page.
'Weds.~Chicken Nugget Day! So, you're my 3rd diary in the past couple of years.'
There's MORE? I thought as I read on.
'I guess I just have a lot to say! Well, it's the start of another school year and what a start it was. I have most of my classes with Miranda and Gordo (thankfully) and some even with Ethan...3 3 3. He is just such a hottie.
Mrs. Ethan Craft. Lizzie Craft...I don't know. Sounds good doesn't it?
Anyway, today was, you guessed it CHICKEN NUGGET DAY. If this is any indication of my life, then you guessed correctly that NOTHING has been going on lately. It's been so boring...but I do love my chicken nuggets. :- ) I have to get ready before Miranda and Gordo get here. We're going to the movies! 3, Lizzie'
'Thursday
Went to the Digital Bean today and saw Mr. Digg with some lady. Could they have been on a date? It's so weird when you see teachers outside of school because you almost forget they have lives too. And he's one of the more normal teachers at school-and that's not saying much. I remember a couple of the teachers me and Miranda had crushes on last year. We did really well in those classes! (Wonder why! Hee hee...we totally just wanted to impress them so we did EVERYTHING like...10x times better than we would in any other class) I wonder if Gordo has ever had a crush on any of the teachers at school...Maybe I should ask him! HAHA!'
No! I didn't! And why would it be funny if I did? I continued to read on. This was interesting, but not much different than what we already talk about though I don't know which teachers she had a crush on.
~~
"Albert Bandura, son, is one of the greatest behavioral psychologist still living today," Mr. Gordon explained as we walked into the hotel. I nodded and smiled politely as I zoned the rest of him out. As we made our way to the speaker, Mrs. Gordon handed me my ticket to get in. As we reached the huge fancy room, I heard, "You're not staying in there the whole time are you?"
I looked up to be confronted with a girl a couple inches taller than me (and Gordo) with red hair pulled back into a braid, green eyes, and a kind of petite looking frame. This must be Kelly.
"Hi! Um...no, I don't think so," I replied, my voice trembling a bit because I was scared I would screw this whole 'being Gordo' thing up.
Behind her I saw three other siblings, and two parents. Her family no doubt. One was missing if I read the list right. Maybe it was Stevie?
"So, David, wanna sit together?" She asked, leaning in to say, "In the back?"
"Uh, sure!" Did she just call Gordo David?
I saw Mrs. Gordon smiling at me. I felt as though everyone could see right through me! They could see I was an imposter! I felt like an alien landed on ...Earth. Or something.
As I sat down next to Kelly, our families having seated themselves elsewhere, I stole glances at her, trying not to be obvious. A couple of times she smiled at me. Hey, girl. Don't be thinking I'm flirting. I'm just assessing you...for Gordo. The REAL Gordo!
About half way into Albert Bandares' talk, Kelly nudged me. "Let's go," she whispered.
"What about our parents?" I whispered back.
She shrugged. "They never notice anyway. Come on!" She took Gordo's hand and led us away.
Outside she breathed a sigh of relief. "I have been to so many talks in the past year. I honestly don't know why my parents want me to see all these speakers. It's not like I'm going to be a psychologist. Besides, I've already seen Albert Bandura."
"Well, what do you want to be?" I ask, trying to carry on conversation as we walk around.
"David!" She giggled. "An actress! You know that!"
Of course. An actress because he wants to be a filmmaker. Should have guessed that one.
"Remember our plan. You make the movies, I star in them!" She smiled as she led me out of the hotel.
"Right." Please don't tell me that was their plan.
~~
'Friday
YAY! Today is Friday and I have to go to school in a bit, but I got up early for once! The first dance is a couple of months away but I am going to work on getting Ethan to notice me so he will ask me! It could happen.'
The dance? Oh yeah. The 'Gordo is too short to go with' dance. She MUST be talking about that one.
'Today will be DAY 1 of this mission. Operation ASK OUT. Gotta go! 3, Lizzie'
'Saturday
Updates on Operation ASK OUT (OAO): -Ethan smiled my way 2.5 times (wasn't sure if he was zoning out one time so we'll count that as .5) -shared his chips with me between class -was found standing near my locker after class (but then walked away without even noticing me)
So far, not so bad.'
I sighed. So far, it wasn't anything terribly surprising. It would be like Lizzie to create such an ordeal for herself. I honestly don't know what she sees in Ethan Craft. Obviously brains mean nothing to her...which means I can't possibly mean anything to her because it seems like that's all I am (to her). I'm always the one reassuring her she's pretty and sweet and fun to be with. I've never heard her once say I was hot, or even cute. OH why do I care? This is my best friend I'm talking about!
~~
We ended up at Lucky's Fine Dairy. I checked my pockets but had NO MONEY.
"You're not getting an ice cream, Gordo?"
"Um, nah."
"Did you forget your money?" Kelly asked, laughing sweetly.
Wow. That was a bit forward, I thought.
"Actually, I-"
"I'll buy for you. Vanilla?" She pulled out $5 and nodded towards the flavors.
Well, I'm more of a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough person but..."Sure. Thanks."
We sat down. I felt like this was a DATE and I hated feeling out of my element. I just didn't know what to do.
"So, how's school?"
"It's good. How's it for you?" I replied.
"OH! Wonderful. I auditioned for the Fall play."
"And...?"
"Oh, cast list goes up Monday. I'll email you if I get a part."
"Oh, yeah. Email," I said, wracking my brain for what Gordo had told me about emails. "Hey! Loved the forward about the ALIENS!" I smiled and nodded, eating the vanilla ice cream to give me an excuse not to talk any more.
"You did? That's one of my favorites, too. We have so much in common."
Yeah...if liking one email qualifies as 'so much in common'. I don't know what it was, but I was getting a weird vibe from this girl. I'm usually a very easy person to get along with and I'm super friendly but if this girl went to my school, I think we would clash. She seems very sweet though. Maybe TOO sweet?
Then I thought back to Ethan just then. Maybe that's why he isn't asking me out; I'm TOO sweet? I would have to ponder that one later. It wasn't long before the weird vibe I got from Kelly would be better explained.