We do. It’s built entirely on sarcasm, insults, and the fact that you don’t know my name.
I rub my hand over my face, grinning like an idiot.
Me:
I don’t need your name. Texting you is the most fun I’ve had in, honestly, ever.
The second I hit send, I regret it a little.
I like this girl. I might not know her, but I’ve never had this much fun with someone before. But still, saying it out loud feels like a line crossed.
But the thing is, I can’t remember the last time I looked forward to something the way I do with her messages. Can’t remember the last time someone made me laugh this much without even trying.
Cherry:
Please tell me you’re having a better day than I am.
I pause, staring at the screen, noting how she changed subject. My fingers hover over the keyboard.
I want to tell her about today. How much it sucked watching from the sidelines. How I’d give anything to be back out there.But that means telling herwhy. Which means telling herwhoI am. And I don’t want to do that. Not with her.
I like that she doesn’t see me as “the hockey guy.” She doesn’t talk to me like I’m someone who always screws up or can’t get his shit together. She just… talks to me.
Me:
Sorry. Today sucked.
There’s a pause. I picture her reading it, frowning. Maybe sitting in class or curled up in bed somewhere.
Cherry:
Wanna elaborate or keep it cryptic?
Me:
You’re the one who said no details, remember?
Cherry:
Right. My bad. Well I’m sorry about whatever happened that you can’t tell me about.
I lean back against the boards, reading it again. And again. Wishing I could tell her. Wishing I could call her, or see her or just… fuck. Anything.
Me:
You’re the only thing keeping me from losing my mind today.
Cherry:
In that case, do you want to hear another confession?
God, yes. Anything. Anything she’ll give me. I want to know absolutely any shred of information she can tell me.
Me:
Uh oh. Another public humiliation? Don’t think I can survive the secondhand embarrassment.
It takes a few minutes for her to reply. I wonder what she’s doing, who she’s with, where she is. But then her message comes through.
