Poison -10- by Melanie Brown

Melanie Brown
Copyright © 2024

Part 10

I climbed into the back seat of Zach’s car, since Corey called shotgun, and took a deep breath. I wouldn’t tell Mom about Zach’s driving if he promised to not run stop signs anymore. As Zach backed out of the driveway, I looked Corey directly into his eyes.

“Corey, how about a deal?” I asked, leaning forward a bit

Corey looked at me suspiciously. “What kind of deal?”

I swallowed hard. “If… if Gene, Mr. Rock or whatever passes his math test and graduates to high school, that you will stop calling me and treating me like poison.”

Narrowing his eyes at me, Corey asked, “Why?”

I took a deep breath, and as gently as I could, I said, “Because, dear brother, I tutored him on Algebra so he could pass. Otherwise, he would flunk and stay a Horned Toad for another year, possibly forever.”

Corey looked thoughtful for a few moments while Zach cruised down the street toward the school. Rubbing his chin, he said, “I don’t know…”

Zach turned towards Corey and said, “Take the deal, doofus. If Diane saves the Rock, she deserves some recognition for that.”

Corey nodded. “You’re right.” He extended his hand towards me. “Deal.”

I smiled and shook the little rat bas… I mean, I shook my dear brother’s hand. “Hopefully, we’ll know by lunch.”

I leaned back in my seat. I wonder how long that will last?

                    *

Everyone was strangely quiet as we entered Ms. Snodgrass’ classroom. Gene was in his usual seat at the back of the room. His expression was neutral. Ms. Snodgrass stood up, holding a manila folder.

“Mr. Miller. It’s time to take your test,” said Ms. Snodgrass. There was a pall of foreboding hanging in the air. “Please follow me to your testing room. You’ll have two hours to complete the test. There will be two teachers sitting in the class to monitor you.” Gene followed her out the door.

When they had left the room, a boy turned to me and asked, “Well?”

I shrugged. “It’s his test to lose. He’s about as prepared as he could get.”

Lunchtime rolled around with still no word on Gene’s fate. As I sat down next to John, I asked, “Any word?”  He just shook his head.

About ten minutes later, Karen poked John and said, “Hey. Here he comes.”

We turned to see Gene walking slowly into the cafeteria, his head hung down. Everyone turned to look at him. The football team fell silent. Gene took a seat right next to me.

He took a deep breath and looked at his feet. He then lightly punched my arm and exclaimed, “I made an eighty-two!” The whole football team jumped up and cheered.

“You did it!” I exclaimed with a grin. “I knew you would.”

Smiling broadly, he said, “Thanks to you, girl.” He leaned over and surprised me with a kiss full on the lips. I sat stunned. He grinned at me and then got up to high-five his teammates.

Oh my God! I was kissed by a boy! It was against the school rules. But his lips definitely pressed into mine. A boy. Kissed me. I lightly touched my lip. I was kissed by a boy. I couldn’t believe it.

Gene, along with the coach, approached me. The coach wiggled his fingers, indicating I should stand. He lightly touched my shoulder and turned to face the team.

“Guys, let’s have a big cheer for this little girl…”

Gene whispered, “Diane.”

Continuing, Coach said, “Diane, for saving the Rock’s bacon.”

Gene put his arm around my waist while the team cheered, and my face turned twenty shades of red.

                    *

Corey caught me off-guard by running up to me and then hugged me. “You did it, Diane!”

Zach shouted from his car. “I just got the news! The Rangers have a chance at state now!” He was holding his cell phone.

Corey pointed at Zach’s car. “Today, you get to ride shotgun.” I almost fainted. Well, not really.

As I opened the front door, Corey turned and pointed behind me. “Here comes the Rock. What’s he doing?”

Gene ran right up to me. Is another kiss coming? Catching his breath, he said, “I’m glad I caught you before you left. My mom wanted to ask you to come to dinner Saturday night. It’s her way of saying thank you for helping me.”

I held on to the car door for support. “Seriously? Your mother is inviting me over for dinner?”

Gene grinned. “For reals. How about it? Can you come?”

Flattered and embarrassed, I said, “Uh… well, that’s something I would need to ask my mom.”

Still grinning, Gene said, “Well, ask her and call me later tonight.” He then shared his phone number with me.

                    *

I was in my room watching videos when there was a knock on my door, and then Mom entered. She asked, “Well, how did Mr. Rock do on his test?”

Facing Mom, I said, “He’s graduating.” I’m not telling Mom about the kiss.

Smiling, Mom said, “Good job, honey. It’s great you were able to help him. I’m going to change and then relax for a few minutes. Then I’ll need your help in the kitchen.”

“Oh, Mom. Before you go, I have a question.”

Mom stood just out the door. “Sure, hon. What is it?”

“Mrs. Miller, Gene’s mother, invited me over for dinner Saturday night as a thank you for helping Gene. Should I go?”

Mom’s smile brightened. “Of course, you should go! You should be delighted. Hmmm. Saturday night gives us time to get you a new dress and maybe some shoes.”

I wrinkled my nose. “Do I have to wear a dress? I don’t think it’s some formal event.”

Mom shook her head at me. “You’ve been invited over for dinner. You wear a dress. When do you have to let him know?”

“I’ll call there in a minute. I’m just not sure I want to go.”

Mom tilted her head. “Why not, honey?”

I shrugged. “It just feels funny. Going over to a boy’s house for dinner…”

Mom chuckled. “I’m sure Mr. Rock’s parents are nice people. Is that what you’re worried about?”

Shrugging again, I said, “A little. But also…what…what if Gene thinks of this as um, more than just dinner? What if he asks me out?”

Mom looked thoughtful for a moment. “I doubt he will. But if he does, just tell him the truth. I’m not allowing you to date yet. He has to accept that.”

“Okay.” I shuffled in my chair. “You know, Mom. It’s still hard to accept that level of authority from you. I mean, we used to be equals.”

Mom shrugged. “Like it or not, honey, you’re only thirteen. And I’m responsible.”

                    *

“Gene. Hey, yeah. Mom says I’m delighted to come to dinner.”

End of Part 10