Braver Than I Used to Be

Chapter Three

"Who do you keep texting?" Ray asked me as he drove us to the store to pick up groceries for mom.

"Mind your business Ray, I'm texting a friend."

"We have all the same friends!"

"Yeah, by your design, can you focus on the road! You sound like a jealous boyfriend."

I was actually texting Matthew about last night and how I had a good time even though he ruined it by kissing me. He apologized and said it wouldn't happen again.

When Monday came, I found myself itching to get to school, I knew I couldn't talk to him, but I still wanted to see him. Just as quick as I thought that to myself, I realized how excited I was for something that would never work and probably wasn't turning into anything more than a kissing session. Just because he kissed me back, doesn't mean I should expect anything more from it. I needed to remind myself this was all just fun, games and cheesecake with the occasional ice cream. I honestly believed he did all of this because he knew Ray was always busy with his new girlfriend now and he sensed I was lonely.

When I got to second period Matthew was talking to the girl that usually sat next to him, I think her name is Anita, I was bad with names. She was laughing hysterically at something he said and looking at him with flirty eyes, I stayed quiet and sat at my desk minding my own business.

"Hey, a few of us are heading to see a movie tonight, want to come with me?" She had asked Matthew just as I sat down.

He didn't make it obvious, but I saw him glance at me. "Nah, I can't, I have plans at The Cheesecake Factory tonight." He turned around in his desk and I noticed him take out his phone.

You've ruined me for others, thanks for that. Was the message he sent me.

You should go, I think she likes you. I replied.

Maybe I'd rather see you, even if my kissing was terrible, I'd prefer your company.

I held in my laugh behind him. Well don't let me keep you from having any of your suitors.

Maybe I am trying to be suitor for a change.

I don't think you should be in this case, it's the path of trouble.

That is my decision, for as long as you will allow it to be.

Listen, I don't know what is happening here or why, but please remember we aren't dating, that can't happen. I don't want anyone getting into any fights. I think you should go to the movies Anita (I think that's her name). I think she likes you.

No, you listen Rita (and yes Anita is her name) I have had a crush on you since I was in Junior High, I am not going to toss aside what I know I felt on Friday, for Anita, who is just looking for arm candy. Unless you tell me you feel nothing and don't want to hang out anymore, I am not going anywhere with Anita. If you want to hang out, I will be there. I won't give you a terrible kiss, but I will hope that you have a good time.

I sat there for a minute trying to process what I had just read. Matthew Picton liked me, longer than I liked him. I didn't know how to respond to this new development, so I just pretended like it never happened. But Anita likes you.... I replied.

Does that mean you don't?

No, but it would mean choosing between you and Raymond, I can't do that.

You don't have to tell him. I don't look forward to another broken nose, but I will if I must.

Cut it out, I don't want you guys to fight, I don't want him to be upset with me. We just met, its not too late to start taking someone else out. I wouldn't be mad, I promise.