“I’ve seen you around school but I don’t think we were in any classes together.” She grabbed her phone. “What’s your number? I can text you the info.”

I recited it and she plugged it in. We left each other with a promise to chat, and I enjoyed the hum of excitement when I thought of taking an art class with her. The thought of something new and challenging made me think of this past summer, and I decided to walk instead of take the bus. It seemed to be an afternoon to linger with my thoughts.

I hadn’t gone too far off school grounds when I recognized a familiar figure coming toward me. I squinted, then realized it was David. I watched him draw closer, preparing myself for that familiar flare of nerves and anticipation. But when he finally stopped inches away, I realized that sharp reaction had dulled.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hey. How are you?”

He shifted his weight and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I’m cool. Freda ended up having to transfer this year, so she’s not around. And Connor got into this new crowd so we haven’t been hanging out as much.” His gaze raked over me. “You look good.”

“Thanks, so do you.” He did. He’d cut his wild hair and now it was a bit spiky, making him look less surly, which probably translated to sexy for some girls. He gave off the same chill vibe but didn’t seem as distant as before. Today, he seemed to be really looking at me. “I like your hair like that.”

“Oh yeah, I got a gig and they asked me to clean up a bit. You never called me back when you got home from Italy.”

I winced. It had been awkward. He’d texted a few times, but I didn’t know what to say. I kept thinking about Ian, and how David with his weed habit and lifestyle made me feel uncomfortable. I wasn’t really wild and rebellious at all. I was still just a nerd. And I liked it. I didn’t want to be smoking pot and hanging out late at night. I finally felt interested in parts of my life that had once been flat. “Sorry. My mom wasn’t cool with me hanging out with you after the incident.”

“Yeah, I figured. Parents are always trying to cut out our freedom. We gotta be brave and do us.”

I nodded, taking a step back. “Yeah, but the thing is, I kind of understand where she’s coming from. I didn’t really like smoking anyway.”

“No shit? I hope you didn’t think we made you. That’s not cool.”

I shook my head. “No, it was my choice. I don’t blame anyone. I just realized it wasn’t me.”