we talk about school
and nothing
and then I say,
“So I wanted to ask you something.”

“Anything,” he says.

“I know it’s kind of silly,
but my friend is threatening me with
bodily harm if I don’t go to
Homecoming this year
and I know you’re busy
with school but maybe if…”

I was hoping he’d jump in here to tell
me that he’d love to take me
but he is quiet on the
other end and
I hate phones
and the lack of body language information it gives you
and because he is quiet I chicken out.

“Oh, never mind, it’s so stupid.” I say.
“So how did that Organic Chem test go today?”

“You’re changing the subject,” he says.

“So?”

“So, I want to take you to your Homecoming Dance.
That is what you were going to ask, right?”

“Forget it. I don’t even really want to go,” I say.

“Well, I can’t have your friend injure you because of me.”

“I’m sure I can get someone to go with me here.”

“I’m hurt. So you don’t want me to go with you?” he asks and
I wish again that I could see his face.

“I didn’t say that.”

“Lucy. I want to, really. I’m sorry I did that,
I just wanted to hear you ask me.”

“Why? Do you have any idea how hard that is
to do?” Anger seeps from my voice.

“As a matter of fact I do. But I can’t really
tell what you’re thinking sometimes
and I guess it felt good that you wanted me to come.
I just wanted to hear the whole thing.”

“Oh.”

“Lucy. Please let me take you.”

“It’s just a small-town high school dance,” I say.

“Please.”

“Okay,” I say.

we exchange the details and say good-bye.
I am more confused than ever.