“I can’t believe you’re wearing a black hoodie, man. It’s so hot today,” Mel observed.

Black was the only colour I felt comfortable wearing. Everything else turned see-through when I began to sweat, and I didn’t like feeling exposed. But it was pretty hot, and I saw a bench nearby.

“Can we take a break?” I asked, feeling embarrassed.

“Yeah, sure. You tired?”

“The heat’s getting to me.”

We sat down, and I began taking breaths. I was so out of shape and hated having to do that. Mel probably thought I was weird and gross, but she sat there with me.

“So . . . that’s really shitty that Lewis told the entire cafeteria how much you weighed,” Mel mentioned as she picked up the box.

“I know,” I replied. “That’s why I’m selling all this stuff. I’m trying to lose weight.”

“Oh yeah?” she asked in an excited voice. “How are you going to lose weight?”

“I’m joining a kickboxing gym.”

“That’s . . . pretty sick,” Mel told me.

“Thanks?” I laughed.

“No, for real. That takes guts, dude. Losing weight is hard. I know this because I’m focusing my studies on healthy eating and living. If you need help with anything, let me know, okay?”

“How can you help?” I was curious.

“Well, I know a lot about nutrition and a lot of good exercises to help strengthen muscles. I’m also a black belt in Karate.”

“I mean . . . I think that would be pretty cool.” I would have never guessed that Mel was a black belt in Karate, but it sounded awesome and having someone who knew what they were doing would be a major help. And I guess it would be cool to spend time with Mel.

“Cool. I’ll give you my number once we get to my place — which is behind this bench.” She giggled. “C’mon!”

I turned around and saw a street sign that read Queen’s Avenue. I frowned and followed her. She sat down on the front steps of her house, took out a notebook from her jeans pocket, ripped out a page, and wrote down her number.

“Here ya go, Adrian.” She smiled. “Also, before I forget.” She reached back into her pocket and gave me two twenty-dollar bills.

“Thanks for the records, man. When you posted the picture, I saw some goldies I’ve been trying to get my hands on for a while.”

“No problem. I’m just happy they’re going somewhere where they’ll be played properly.”

“Awesome. Come over for a chill session sometime?”

There was no way I would refuse that.

“Yes! Of course,” I told her.

“Well, you have my number. Don’t act like you don’t.” She stuck her tongue out at me. “See you soon.” She grabbed the records and went inside.

I was forty dollars richer and had a beautiful girl’s phone number. I felt a lot better than I had yesterday. I stuck her number in my wallet and made my way home.