Chapter 3

                                    

                                          
You and Wirt went way back in your friendship. You went to the same kindergarten, and your parents started talking. Since then, Greg- and occasionally Wirt -has come over to play with (b/n) and yourself, your families have done dinner together, and in recent years, you've babysat. But along with teenage-hood, those extra hormones, and even just the other kids' gossip, things have gotten weird between you and Wirt.

                          
It used to be so simple just to call and ask to speak with him or come over to play with the brothers, but age changed things. He got more awkward; you got more anxious. So his offer to walk you home surprised you, but it didn't. It felt natural to be walking with your old friend, but the silence clinging to the air was anything but natural.
                          
"So," you tried to shoo away the silence. "What have you been up to recently?"

                          
"I, uh, normal summer stuff, I guess," he answered. "Kind of just trying not to think about school coming up. What about you?"
                          
"About the same," you responded. "What about tonight? I mean, if it's too personal, no need to share it, but if you're okay with it, I'm curious."

                          
"I, uh, I just had a thing planned with a friend. It kind of got cut short though, that's why I got back so soon."
                          
You noticed he was beating around the bush, but you didn't want to pry too hard. Yet, you tried a little. "Anyone I know?"

                          
"Yeah, a classmate," he paused. "You know Sara, right?"
                          
"Yeah," you said, trying not to smile too big. Through Greg's mindless ramblings over the past year or so, you'd gathered that Wirt had a thing for Sara. You assumed he'd finally made a move with her, but by his saying it was cut short, you didn't have high expectations for the outcome.

                          
"Did the weather cut it short?" You prompted.
                          
"No, actually, the wind started up while I was coming back home. She kind of cut it short. Well, her parents I guess. They called her and said something came up and she had to go."

                          
"That stinks," you said. "Did you plan a new time?"
                          
"No," he said. "I wasn't thinking about that."

                          
You racked your brain for a way to continue the subject, but you were coming up on your house.  
                          
"We should hang out soon," you prompted.

"Oh, uh, sure," he answered. "I'm free all week."

"Well, I have to go by your house soon anyway, to get the tape back from Greg," you explained. "I can call before hand, and we can set something up?"

"Yeah, that sounds good," he said.

You immediately realized that you were at your house. "Thanks for walking me home. I'm sure my dad will appreciate it." You smiled.

"Yeah, no problem," he gave a small smile.

"I'll call," you said as you walked to your door. He nodded and began walking back in the direction you'd come.