Chapter 28
TWENTY-EIGHT
Patrick
So, two things are clear. One: I have a secret admirer. And two: I have no idea who they are, hence the “secret” aspect.
But I’m going to find out.
After lunch I get to class early to do some sleuthing. I’m at my desk, rapping my fingertips on the flat surface, trying my best to surreptitiously glance around the room.
Who the heck would leave me love letters?
My eyes flit to Mari, but no. Unlikely. She’s Rose’s best friend, and if Rose doesn’t approve of me, Mari certainly won’t.
What about Jessica? Hmm, doubtful. Yesterday she told me I was ugly.
Tammy? Nah, she totally hates me. I mean, she’s been nice to me at lunch, but that’s only after I apologized for trying to kiss her. Mostly, I think she feels bad for me because Sara and I aren’t talking.
Is it Hannah? Right now she’s giggling at something Marcus said, leaning in closer. The likely observation is that she’s into him, not me.
And that’s when Sara Lin walks into class, head hung low and shoulders slouched. Her mouth does that little wavering thing, which only happens when she’s really upset.
Could Sara be my secret admirer? Is this her way of trying to apologize? But if so, why does she look so down in the dumps?
Instead of heading to her desk, she approaches Joe.
He greets her with a friendly wave—why is that guy always in a good mood?
—before registering something’s wrong. And now Sara’s revealing something to him, talking with her hands.
I can’t make out what she’s saying. All of a sudden, she covers her face and begins to cry.
Oh snap. Is she crying because she put all those love letters in my locker and I haven’t even acknowledged her grand gesture?
Joe lays a comforting hand on her shoulder. Sara’s tears only come faster.
What on earth? Sure, we’re in a little fight over some stupid bet, but what did I miss? Maybe I’ve misinterpreted things. Sara’s not my admirer. Clearly, she has a crush on Joe, and what if she told him about her crush? Now he’s turning her down in the middle of class. Right in front of everyone!
Ugh, if he hurt her, I’m going to make sure he pays.
I march over to them just in time to hear Joe say, “It’s okay, we’ll figure something out. Why don’t you come over tonight and I can—”
That’s it. I slam my palm on his desk. The motion startles them. Sara’s head snaps in my direction, confusion playing behind her eyes.
Apologies don’t matter right now. She needs a friend, and I’m her best friend. I’ll make this right. Move over, Joe. She doesn’t need you, anyway.
“Everything’s fine, Sara. Stop crying. I’ve decided to forgive you for everything you’ve done.”
She gives me a watery smile. “Patrick?”
I raise my eyebrows as if to say, Um, yeah?
And then she throws her arms around me.
“You’re finally talking to me again! I’m so sorry for being a total jerk—you have no idea what I’ve been through. I wanted to call you yesterday but I didn’t because I know how you can get, and then I freaking failed my calculus test because I suck so bad.”
She squeezes my torso tighter and—what is happening to me?
All I can smell is the sweet scent of her peach shampoo and, for some reason, it makes my heart beat faster.
My hands fold around her, passing along comfort before I realize we’re hugging in the middle of the classroom—something we’ve never done before—and push her away from me.
“Okay, okay. Calm down. I got it. I forgive you, okay? I just wanted to know why this guy”—I gesture at Joe—“is making you cry? Unless you were actually upset about me, which is totally cool—”
“Oh, no! She wasn’t—I didn’t—” Joe stammers. He collects himself when her head swivels toward him. “Sara, I was just about to suggest that you study at my place tonight. Do you think that would help?”
Sara lights up like a comet in the night sky. “Really? You’d do that for me?”
“Of course,” Joe insists. “Whatever it takes to get your dad’s permission to come to the festival.”
I’m so confused. What is happening?
“Wow, thank you so much. I’ll come tonight.”
Then Sara reaches out and shakes his hand in this oddly professional way. I think she’s just nervous.
But now I’m really confused. I thought Oliver was her tutor?
Now Joe’s tutoring her? What happened in the time we weren’t talking?
Surely Sara didn’t tell Oliver about the subway incident.
If she did, it would explain why she’s now avoiding him.
Maybe he took it badly and told her he couldn’t tutor her anymore. Ugh, that little punk!
As Joe slides into his seat, turning away from us, Sara blinks up at me.
“I guess I have a lot to fill you in on.”