George's Pov:
"Melvin!" I yelled out as I ran outside the school. I could see Melvin turn around as I ran toward him. The bell had just rung meaning it was the end of the school day. But, all day, all I heard were rumors and people saying they had evidence. "Oh hello, George. Need anything?" He asked. "Are the rumors true?" I asked, worried. I don't want my best friend to defend me for a situation I brought myself into. "What rumors?" He questioned, a tone of nervousness in his tone. "The rumors that you punched Harold in the face and said things about not letting him have me or something!" I explained, quickly. "Oh, George. You know, I'm not athletically in good shape to punch someone. Also, all the evidence that people say they have is just made up. I bet they photoshopped it. Plus, something like that would ruin my chances of getting into a good college." He explained, patting my head. "You make a good point, heh. I just wanted to make sure because that's all people talked about today." I responded, my grip on my backpack's straps tightens. "Hm, well, now you know the truth. Anyway, shall we walk together as usual?" He asked, smiling. "Sorry, Mel but, don't you remember? I'm visiting Mr.Krupp today with Heidi." I replied, chuckling. "George! Over here!" As if on cue, we both turned around to see Heidi waving her hands. "Right, I forgot about that. I'll see you later, I suppose and don't forget about tomorrow." Melvin responded, turning around. "Yeah, don't worry, I remember. 7 PM." I mumbled, nodding my head as I looked down. "Bye, Melvin!" I exclaimed as I looked up to see him walking away. "Bye, George!" He exclaimed as he turned around slightly to wave.

I smiled slightly before running toward Heidi. "Ready?" She questioned with her arms crossed. I panted slightly as I nodded and she giggled. "Then, let's go. I do hope you have spare change." Heidi spoke, turning around. "For what?" I asked as I stood beside her. "Taxi. It's a long walk so, we need a ride." She replied, checking her phone for the time. "Yes, I do. But, is it really a long walk?" I asked. "Trust me, I learned the hard way. It's not easy to convince Krupp to make you leave early unless you got in trouble." Heidi explained, looking out on the street.

"Trouble?" I asked, interested. "I looked up how long the walk was toward your school. Noticed it was a long walk and had to get in trouble to leave school early. Did a prank on Krupp who was furious and I got out." She explained, smirking. "Same old Krupp. May I ask what the prank was?" I asked, curious. "Oh, I put hot sauce in his guacamole," Heidi replied. We both looked at one another and started to laugh uncontrollably. "Boy, does he not like spicy foods!" She exclaimed in between laughs. I continued to laugh until a horn beeped and we look up to see a taxi in front of us.

Heidi opened the car door as she entered first. As I stepped in the car and closed the door, I noticed Harold staring in my direction. "Where to?" The taxi driver asks. "Jerome Horwitz Elementary," I spoke, my eyes still on Harold. "And please, make it quick. I have someone on my tail that I don't want to talk to." I added as I saw Harold running toward us. The driver nodded and started the engine as he began to drive on the road.

"My brother?" Heidi questioned as I stared at her. "Yeah, started running toward us," I replied, chuckling. "Well, whatever, I don't wanna talk to him and he knows that. Why bother trying." I spoke, sighing as I lay back. "Well, Harold is the type of person who never lets go of things." She replied. "Then, why'd he let go of me?" I asked, softly as I closed my eyes. "Oh, well, maybe...nevermind." She spoke. "Let me ask you this, Heidi Hutchins. Why would a boy stop talking to their best friend after a confession?" I asked, opening my eyes again.

"What did Harold say on that day?" She asked, concerned. "He said that he sees me nothing more than a friend. He wants to look for his future husband. He wrapped up all that with a bow of we can still be friends." I explained, looking out the window. Even the thought of it, the mention of it, anything about what happened that day just scares me. Saddens me. Confuses me. What did I do wrong that day that made Harold avoid me? "I see..." Heidi mumbled. "You are his sister maybe, you can decipher those words. Siblings know one another right?" I suggested, smiling slightly.

"Yeah, right. Well, Harold left afterward and never talked to you again, right?" She asked. Her tone is similar to that of a detective trying to find out more about their client's case. Yet, I doubt she would solve my case. I nodded slowly as I looked at her. "Well, most of the times from my knowledge of my brother that means...get out of my way." She spoke, looking down. "What?" I asked, almost breathlessly. "It seems like he wants nothing to do with you and just looked at you like an obstacle." She explained. 

"Oh," I whispered, softly. "That makes sense, actually," I mumbled, a little louder. I bit my bottom lip as I thought about her answer more. It does make sense. Why else does he act that way toward me? He never acts like this toward his friends or Billy. So, why me? "George, are you alright?" Heidi asked, concerned about my sudden silence. "Yeah, I am, don't worry about me but..." I replied, looking back at her. "Why didn't he ask for me to go away or for me to help him find Billy?" I asked.

"I don't know, George. I really don't." Heidi replied.