Boyfriend #2
Justin Kimble, age eleven
According to fifth-grade reckoning, Jane and Justin had been “going out” since fourth grade, when he’d shared his Pixy Stix with her during the class carnival.
This meant Justin sometimes looked straight at her before quickly looking away.
Jane gave him significant valentines (I “heart” you), and, at class parties, they might even eat from the same bowl of popcorn.
And then came the fateful day Mrs. Davis went through her class list, letting each boy pick his folk dance partner for the upcoming “Hooray for Culture!” assembly.
Mrs. Davis called Justin’s name.
Jane sat up straighter.
Justin said, “Hattie Spinwell.”
Hattie flipped her hair. And Jane’s heart flipped upside down.
For years after, there were few things Jane distrusted so much as the words guy’s choice.