Page 96 of The Tattered Gloves
“You need a haircut,” I said softly, my fingers still running through his hair.
“Yeah? You think you could hook me up?”
“I might know someone.”
“Does this offer come with food?” he asked, watching my hand softly rest on top of his.
“You and food.” I laughed. “Now, I know you’re a sixteen-year-old boy.”
He shrugged. “I’ve been deprived of Addy’s cooking for five years. I’m making up for it.”
“I’m sure she would love to cook for you. And cut your hair. But only on one condition,” I said.
He waited for my request, looking completely amused and relaxed.
“You walk me home after work.”
His grin grew. “I mean, I guess… if I have to. Want a little practice now? The bell is about to ring,” he warned.
I agreed, grabbing my trash and backpack. Being the gentleman he was, he grabbed my tray the minute I stood up and took care of disposing of everything only to return a moment later.
It was then that I noticed the stares.
And the whispers.
“Have you ever been to the zoo and wondered what it’s like to be constantly on display?” I asked him as we walked hand in hand out of the cafeteria.
His head turned sideways, catching a few lingering eyes, and he laughed. “I’ve always thought it would be fun to be a monkey,” he joked, remembering a previous conversation.
“It doesn’t bother you?” I asked, growing serious, as my voice grew quiet.
He stopped as we reached the hallway. “That they’re staring at us?”
I nodded.
“No,” he said adamantly. “I’m proud to have you here by my side. If I knew you wouldn’t kill me, I’d run down Main, announcing you agreed to go out with me to the entire town.”
“I would definitely kill you,” I replied, shaking my head at his theatrics. “Although you actually never asked.”
“What?”
“You never asked me. To be your girlfriend, I mean.”
“I just figured that was implied,” he said, “with the whole I-like-you, hand-holding, magical-winter-wonderland moment.”
“Hmm…” I smiled. “Allison says you’re supposed to clarify.”
“And she would know how? Oh, fine. Willow Fairchild, would you please do me the honor of being my girlfriend?”
I laughed but immediately sobered the moment I saw the sincerity in his eyes.
“Yes,” I answered.
“Good. Now, get to class before you’re late.”
“I’m never late.”
I could hear his laughter filling the hallway behind me as I scurried off to class.
