BRYCE

Okay. Ever since I phone called Garrett and got mad, he and I... seems not friends anymore. Yup. Today, Garrett avoided me. And I did the same thing. We were both avoiding each other. It sucks because you don't have someone to talk too. For now, I guess.

I wanted to talk to Juli but because of the 'thing' that happened when I was at her backyard, trying to apologize, I could never talk to her. I couldn't even say Hi Juli to her! I'm a coward. I'm being a coward once again.

And I tell you... awhile ago when I was ready to get my books for my next class, I did not expect Juli. Seriously! I was getting my books when I heard Shelly Stalls shout, "Hey Bryce! Juli Baker wants to say she's sorry!"

I glanced at her direction and there they were. Juli, Miranda and Shelly. I wanted to go over to Juli and help her with those girls. I think Shelly and Miranda are trying to stop Juli from going somewhere. But where?

I caught Juli's eyes. I needed to go over to them and do something. Unfortunately, I seem to be stuck. I feel like my shoes were glued to where I'm standing. I just stared at her. Stared at them.

When I thought Juli turned around and walked away, I feel disappointed. I could've done something just to talk to her. Now is my chance. And I ruined my chance again. I got my books and put it in my backpack and marched towards my next class.

ooo

When I got home, I decided to spend my allowance. For Juli that is. I spent my money on this beautiful necklace with a "J" on it. If I were a girl, I'm sure I'd love this. I knew Juli would love this. The only problem with me? I can't give it in person. I'm too shy! Well, you could say I am a coward. Still, I'm too shy to face her.

I bought the necklace and I found this black box on the drawer. I think it was Lynetta's since it has her name on it. Instead of giving Juli a black box, I gave her a white one. I painted it white. And I have this ribbon. I used this ribbon on something. I don't remember what and when.

I put the necklace neatly inside it and closed the box. I put the ribbon and I wrote a note. A short one. The thing is, I don't want my name to be suspected. I want it to be a surprise. When I see her at school and she's wearing the necklace, I promise everyone that I will go over to Juli and smile at her like there's no tomorrow.

I promise that I will say, "Hey Juli... I know I didn't give it to you personally... but I wanted it to be a surprise. I wanted you to know that I'm the one who sent that box. I gave it to..." Where do I give it?

It's either one of Juli's parents. I'm just going to say that I'm the one who gave it. I didn't want you to know that it was from me when you opened this. I wanted it to be a surprise.

I don't know if it'll work but let's just see. I finished my note saying,

"I'm sorry for everything, Juli.

I hope this could help as a sorry gift.

I picked it out for you."

It sounds perfect. I'm happy with this one.

ooo

At night, after dinner, I told my Mom and Lynetta and Granddad about my plan.

"Honey, I think it's a good idea." Mom said.

"I'm not sure if it is, Patsy... I mean, why don't you just give it to her personally? That way she'll be more surprised." Granddad added.

"No, Dad. I think it's a good one. I just hope it would be a good idea to her."

Lynetta frowned and said, "Bryce, I don't think it is a good idea. I even sense that Juli's going to be mad. It really depends on the person anyway. If Mike does that to me, I would appreciate it, yes. But still, I want him to give it to me in person. Good luck though."

Lynetta and Granddad were not happy with my plan. Mom is. I don't have anything to think of now. I got out of the house and went straight to the Bakers'.

I really expect Juli not to be there. I don't want her to see me. When I rang the doorbell, Mrs. Baker opened the door.

"Good Evening, Mrs. Baker... Is Juli here?"

She smiles. "She is. But she's helping her Dad with the painting. Do you want me to get her? Or you could just come in?"

"No Mrs. Baker it's fine. Uh, listen. Can you please do me a favor?"

"It depends Bryce."

"Can you just put this inside Juli's room when she's not there? And could you please tell her that it didn't come from me... And that you don't know anything."

"Bryce, why don't you give it to her in person?"

"Mrs. Baker, please. She might be back in her room. Just please don't tell her I was the one who gave it to her. Please?"

I begged and begged until Mrs. Baker finally said yes.

"Alright Bryce. But if anything goes wrong..."

"It's not... Thanks Mrs. Baker."

After that, I went back home. But I'm not lucky when I got there because Dad's sitting on the porch staring at the Bakers' house.

"Bryce where have you been?"

"To the Bakers' Dad. I had to give Juli something."

"What?"

"Uh... Her necklace. She forgot to get it from me."

"I thought she's mad at you. And why would she give her necklace to you when she could wear it? That's what necklaces are for, right?"

Both of my fists clenched automatically and I was about to argue. Granddad came out and interrupted.

"Bryce, desert's on the table..." he called. He also called Dad. Dad didn't stand up. He waited for me to go inside before he got in.

I was frowning. My fists were closed tightly and they were shaking. I didn't go to the kitchen but to my room. I stayed there.

Someone knocked on the door and said, "May I come in?" I didn't answer. Granddad came in without my answer. It was okay.

"Bryce... what were you doing?"

"Did you forget the plan I said to you awhile ago?"

"Ah. That plan. Of course I didn't."

"Then why ask?"

"Bryce, arguing with your dad is going to cause a whole lot of trouble between the two of you. I'm – even your mother is trying to stop you from arguing."

"If I can't take it, then what's the point of not arguing?"

"I know Bryce. It's still best if you don't argue. Look what happens when both children argues on a toy... they never learn to share. They always fight for a toy. Who gets it first and who doesn't. Who gets to play with it first and who gets to play it the second? Look at Lynetta and your Dad. I don't like to say this but their relationship is ruined. They don't get along and they always fight. Would you like that to happen?"

Wow. He had a point. I love my Granddad for giving advices. I thought of it. He is right. So right. I need to be calm. I love my Dad don't get me wrong. But I don't love him for criticizing the Bakers' or anyone.

I want that to change.

"You're right, Granddad. Thanks."

He smiles at me. "Think about what I said. Be calm, Bryce. Goodnight."

"About the desert..."

Granddad laughed and stood up, "If you want some then you better go down."

"Maybe tomorrow. I just hope everything's going to be fine."

I just hope.

"It will Bryce. Goodnight."

Having Granddad... is the best. He seems okay. He's not okay... He's awesome. I turned the lights off but I didn't sleep. I wondered what will happen to Juli when she finds out about the necklace.