another piece, as promised! I need a Ramona perspective drabble to come up soon, though...
THEME: #17 ~ Permanent Marker
Six times four was twenty-four, divided by two was twelve, plus three was-
"Howie."
He frowned, train of thought interrupted. "What?"
"Monday is Valentine's Day."
"...so?"
"What do boys- if I... are you doing something for that day?"
He looked up. Ramona's gaze was intently directed at the space on the coffee table that wasn't covered in homework.
"Why?"
"Just answer my question!"
He leaned back. "Valentines are serious stuff in middle school."
"I know that!"
Howie half-grinned. "Really? Do you even know what love is?"
"I-"
"Do you remember Davy? Chasing him around the playground is not love. Neither is Henry Huggins pulling you out of the mud. And neither is calling Danny a yard ape."
Ramona's ears turned red. "You don't know the first thing about love!" she snapped furiously.
Howie raised an eyebrow. "Wait a moment. Are you doing something for-"
"I'm going home!"
Ramona snatched at the scattered sheets and, dashing around Willa Jean playing with her dolls, ran out the door. Howie glanced at the trail of papers she'd left behind.
Sometimes she was so obvious, it was though someone wrote her thoughts in permanent marker on her forehead.
"She's in her room," Beezus called to him from the living room as he stepped inside, arms full.
He strode purposefully toward Ramona's bedroom and knocked twice. "Go away, Beezus!" was the instant reply. Bracing himself, Howie pushed the door open.
She was perched on her bed, fingering a pink stub of an eraser. Looking up in surprise, her face hardened. "What?" she asked.
"You left these."
"Put them there," she said icily, indicating toward her desk. He lingered by the door.
"I didn't mean to make you mad before."
"...I don't call him Yard Ape anymore," she murmured, eyes downcast.
He forced himself to say the words.
"I'll read it when you're done. If you want. You know, to make sure it isn't lame or anything."
friend zone. Happy (early) Valentine's Day.