I find myself stumped as I stand in the middle of my bedroom. I’ve never been to a football game before. What do I wear? Is my usual hoodie and jeans okay? I’m sure it would be fine.
I switch out my navy hoodie for a black one, and I’m ready to go.
I hop online to the message board I’m in and check in with my friends.
Me: Hey.
Davis: Oh my god, he’s alive!
Me: Haha, very funny. Yes, I’m alive. Just busy.
Rylee: How’s school going? Anyone giving you shit?
I chew on my lower lip, debating if I should mention the football player who was harassing me the other day. I think better of it, not wanting to bring that up right now.
Me: Things are going... I actually have plans.
Davis: Alone, or like, with people?
Me: People.
Rylee: Blake! Did you make friends? Omg that’s amazing.
Me: I wouldn’t exactly call it making friends. There’s this girl at school named Val. She’s got this very lively personality. She’s loud, doesn’t have a filter, and says everything on her mind. And I mean everything. She gave me a ride home a few times and kind of just adopted me. I didn’t get much say.
David: Oh, this is amazing hahaha. I love it.
Rylee: Wait. First thing I want to know is, is she a good person? If she’s making you uncomfortable or forcing you to do something you don’t want to do, you have to stick up for yourself.
Me: No, no, it’s nothing like that. I’m sure if I really didn’t want her around, she would accept it. She would probably be like a kicked puppy, but she seems like a good person. I’ve heard about her and her friends, they’re good people.
At least, I hope so. The last thing I want to do is finally open up and give people a chance, only to be fucked over.
Rylee: Then, I’m happy for you. I think this is a good thing. You can’t hide forever. If you expect everyone you meet to be a bad guy, you’re going to miss the good ones.
I know she’s right. She’s been telling me this for a while now, and it’s the only reason why I agreed to go tonight. Val doesn’t give off bully vibes. Her friend, Cooper, seems different from the guys on his team, but the jury is still out on that one. I don’t know the guy well enough to really judge him. The main reason I didn’t just slap an asshole label on him is because he hasn’t been anything but nice to me so far.
We talk for a little while longer. Davis and Rylee update me on things going on in their lives. Davis got a new job that he’s loving, and Rylee is going out on a date.
That surprised me, but I’m happy for her.
Her best friend, who moved away, came back over the summer, and they’ve been spending a lot of time together. It took Rylee a while to come to terms with the changes in their dynamic. Specifically, her emotions and mindset, and she admitted recently that she thinks she’s demisexual.
When we asked why the change, she said she’s been thinking about her friend in more than a friendly way. It’s new and confusing for her, but she wants to see where things go.
“Blake!” Mom calls. “Val is in the driveway!”
“Shit.” I look at the time, quickly jump to my feet, and head downstairs.
“Where are you going?” Mom asks, a smile on her face.
“To the football game.”
Her eyes widen. “Really?” She sounds surprised, but I can’t blame her. Even I’m surprised I’m actually going.
“Yes.” I sigh. “I gotta go.”
“Is this a date?” Mom asks hopefully.
