The final bell had rung for the day. The students all headed off to lockers, the parking lot, or their extracurricular clubs. John Bender slung his ratty old backpack that looked like it was quite a few years old over his shoulder as he walked home, taking his usual route across the athletic fields. He looked over at the bike rack by the school's entrance and noted Max Fischer getting on his Schwinn bicycle that was fashioned like it's 50s counterpart.
Max started to pedal out towards the street when a tan Ford Bronco sped out recklessly nearly hitting Max as he pedaled off the curb. It's driver honked the horn and yelled out the window, "Watch out, poindexter!" Roy Clarke sped off leaving Fischer in a cloud of exhaust fumes. Bender just shook his head and headed by Max without a word. Max just pedaled on home to his modest house at Riverdale Street. A modest home in Shermer's middle-class neighborhood. He spotted Brian Johnson and gave him a wave as he turned right, towards his home.
Brian waved quickly at Max Fischer and began to walk home. He made it through today. He was only attacked, thrown to the grown, tripped and ridiculed. Andrew did nothing while Mike Dexter just assaulted him. Claire had at least acknowledged him in homeroom; he hoped she would at least call him. Bender had lunch with him and had Magnus hip check Mike after school. He felt decent about that. But, who knew about Bender. Allison stopped beside him, and offered him a ride, which he gladly accepted. Brian had been thinking about Saturday; he decided that he really did like her. She kissed Andy after detention got out. But after today's fiasco, who knew what would become of all this.
"Brian, I need to tell you something."
"What's that: Brian hoped it wouldn't be anything too bad, her voice had taken on a grave tone.
"Just before lunch ended, I watched Claire and her friends talk about how you gave her your number." Brian suddenly felt like he did this morning after being thrown to the pavement.
"Her friend tossed your number. I doubt she'll call you."
"Can't you give it to her?"
"I guess, but I don't know."
"Just do it, please?"
"Alright."
"So, maybe I could call you tomorrow?"
"Yeah, I'd like that. I think I'll eat lunch with you, too."
Brian just grinned, "That'd be awesome!"
"Don't worry, I won't abandon you." She pulled up to his house and gave him a slight kiss on the cheek. Brian just looked wide-eyed at her.
"I'll um. I gotta go. Bye!" Brian just fumbled with his backpack and seatbelt and stumbled into his house. Allison just smiled and thought about how she felt around Brian as she drove home.