Matt spotted the card poking out of the vase. He snatched it before I could stop him.
Sebastian? he read. Alexanders friend? Why is he giving you flowers?
My horror story was spinning out of control. I wasnt even sure what I was saying anymore.
Uhwere going to be late for class, I said.
Yes, Becky agreed. She took Matts hand and led him into class before our story got any more fictional.
I handed Mrs. Hathaway the bouquet. She was quite surprised and a little skeptical of my gift but happily placed the vase on her desk.
Becky and I glared at the bouquet. Even under normal circumstances I couldnt focus too long on history. Now, with Sebastians roses prominently displayed in class, both Becky and I were distracted. For once, neither of us learned a thing.
The sky over Dullsville was picture perfectbeautifully blue and dotted with bright, puffy clouds. It didnt match the storm I felt brewing inside me during lunch as Matt questioned Becky and me about Sebastian on the bleachers.
I have to meet this dude, Matt said, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. Hes either a real gentleman or a real snake.
Giving flowers to another guys girl? If he did that to my girlfriend, Id have to take him out.
Matt had grown up as Trevors shadow. Now that hed broken away from Trevors clutches and started dating Becky, he showed a confidence I didnt know existed. That said, he still was far from the type of guy to throw the first punchor the last, for that matter.
Why dont we talk about something else? I suggested. I was trying to eat organic peanut butter and jelly on a million-grain roll my mother had bought at some overpriced health food store. Becky fingered her gluten- and flour-friendly roast beef sandwich. She noticed my distaste and happily traded lunches with me.
Does Alexander know Sebastian gave you flowers? Matt asked skeptically.
No, he doesnt, I said.
Are you going to tell him?
UhI guess.
I think its important to be honest in a relationship, Matt said. Becky and I always tell each other everything. No secrets.
Becky hid her face in her hands. Matt, theres something you should know
Did I tell you Sebastian wont be in town much longer? I suddenly asked. Hes just passing through. So surely we can talk about something else.
Becky paused. Yes, she agreed. Lets talk about
Thats a shame, Matt said. I would like to meet Alexanders best friend. I imagine hes pretty cool. Whats he into?
Hes into Becky, I wanted to say.
Gaming, Becky said. He looks like a modern-day pirate, she said, half dreaming. All he is missing is an eye patch and a pegleg.
Maybe I should be the one worried about him honing in on my girlfriend.
Matt gave her a bear hug as she blushed.
How about the five of us hang out tomorrow? he continued. The team is going to Hooligans and you guys can come, too.
Hooligans was a grown-up version of Chuck E. Cheesewithout the oversized rat. Id gone there on a few occasions when Billy was still being called Nerd Boy. My little brother loved the video games and I loved a night out.
I wasnt sure if Hooligans was going to be Alexander and Sebastians idea of fun, but I was more concerned with Becky being in the magnetic vampires presence again.
Id rather spend time with just us, Becky said. I havent seen you
Yeahthe guys have been keeping late nights, I said truthfully. They might want a night off. And more important, who wants to see Trevor?