Brandon

Man, I just wish these guys would knock it off already about Lizzie and I. It's embarrassing. Yeah, she's sweet and extremely pretty, but we're best friends. Nothing can happen. Ever. Full stop. Period. But they're kind of relentless. I lean towards her and whisper in her ear. "Let's get out of here; we've got assignments to hand in by Friday, and I have practice later." I don't tell her I will be seeing Jennie later too. Don't ask me why; it isn't exactly a secret.

She nods; I can see Denver watching us closely. He so wants to be right about Lizzie and I being a couple. It's hysterical. "We're checking out guys," I say and grab Lizzie's hand. It feels warm and soft. It feels comfortable. It feels like it is part of me. We've held hands since we were five years old. The first time ever she grabbed my hand to go and play in her backyard and in the tree house her dad had built for her, I knew I'd have a friend for life, and nothing is ever coming between us. Not ever. No man, no jock who wants to take her to the prom.

Speaking of which. My stomach flipped at the thought of her going with Dexter. He's a top guy, nice, down to earth, even though he's another rich kid like the rest of us, but yeah, well, he's alright. We play for our school, and it looks like we'll end up playing at the same college. Who knows, we may even make it to the big league. That's the plan anyway. I've never thought of doing anything else other than playing ball; I mean, why would I?

I'm a natural-born ball player. Still, the thought of Dexter and my Lizzie together at prom. It sends a shudder down my spine.

"What's the rush, Brandon?" Lizzie whines as I lead her out. "We've only just got here."

"Just had enough of them all going on about us and playing their stupid, childish game about us being more than best friends. You know it wears me down sometimes. What we need is to get properly hooked with other halves. Then they may leave us alone." I feel her stiffen. Now what's wrong with her?

"Well, I suppose Jennie will be going to the prom with you." I turn and look at her. Is she kidding me? Jennie. No way.

"Jennie is just some girl I'm seeing on a casual basis, Lizzie. And I mean casual. She's certainly not interested in anything else other than being seen with me and steamy romps in my pick-up before curfew." I run my spare hand through my hair. It needs a good trim, but Lizzie loves the way it flops forward and into my eyes and well yeah, cause of that I leave it. After all, what she thinks is important to me.

I've always listened to what Lizzie has to say, other than my dress sense. I don't do the whole dress up thing. You will always find me in my black jeans, Converse trainers and some rock t-shirt with my man bangles. It's who I am. My parents would love me to wear chino trousers and smart shirts, but fuck that. I've got my whole adult life to look like a grown-up. I'm definitely not some preppy kind of guy.

Lizzie humpfs. I know that humpf. It means she doesn't believe me. "Look, I don't know what your issue is with me seeing Jennie again, but leave it out. We're just in it for a good time. I can't be getting myself sorted in the shower all the friggin time."

"Ew, Brandon. You are so ick." She says, pulling her hand out of mine. We're now outside the diner, leaving our friends to chat shit amongst themselves. "I really don't want to know about what you get up to in the shower. Pleeeeeassse." I laugh, pull her into me, and give her a hug.

"Sure, fair point. Let's go back to mine and do our assignment. Get it out of the way. I'm going out with Jennie tonight after practise. What are you going to do?" I should encourage her to go and hang out at one of the cool spots where she'll find Dexter, but I don't. I keep my mouth shut. What I actually want her to say is that she's going to stay inside, read a book and chill out. Lizzie is a massive bookworm. So much so, her father has dedicated an entire space in their mansion just for her books. He had a library built just for Lizzie, with a secret door. It is pretty awesome. It's cool.

"I don't know." She says as we begin to walk along the sidewalk, passing Dillie's bakery. Her cakes are seriously the best, especially the chocolate mousse cupcakes. I'm not surprised she's plus-size. So would I be if I lived with her. She's the sweetest woman you could meet, with her cheery smile, plump cheeks and happy, smiley pale blue eyes. Her hair is auburn and she loves to brag that her family came from Ireland once too.

We cross the street at the T-junction. It's about a two-mile walk to where we live. The sidewalks are lined with large trees, maples and a whole host of other varieties. The leaves are vibrant green, and flowers adorn the gardens that are currently in bloom. It's May right now, so it is still Spring. It's Lizzie's favorite time of the year. Personally, mine is the Fall. I love russet colors, Halloween, cinnamon-spice lattes, and all that kind of stuff. I purposely left my car at home today. Who doesn't love walking in the Spring?

"I'm thinking of hooking up with Tammy and Lilly. They know a house party apparently where Dexter will be." She trails off.

"Dexter?" I'm almost choking on the words.

"Sure, you know, for the prom. I need someone to go with." Shit. Dexter? I mean, really, is my best friend for real? I run my hands through my hair and clasp my hands together behind my head.

"What?" Lizzie says, narrowing her eyes. I guess we've got a lot to talk about at some point. Only. Ah, forget it. I'm being a jerk.