Bumping into Carl

I folded the note and stuffed it in my pocket, that was something I would have to deal with later. I still had those texts messages from my stalker, also I needed to text Andrea back and ask her when she plans to come over. I guess Gabi and Ivan might want to hang out later on in the day, I haven’t seen Jessica over the weekend and funny thing is a lot has happened since the last time I met her that she probably wouldn’t believe half of what I’d say to her. That’s not even bringing up the party I went to where things go heated in the end between-

Oh.

I paused in my tracks as I saw him turn the corner and lock eyes with me. Speak of the devil I guess. His hair wasn’t as curly as before but still black of course, an odd pair with his blue eyes and lightly freckled face. I guess I haven’t seen him in a few days, or rather we’ve actively avoided each other since the party. In a way it was nice to see Carl again, I had a lot to say but I just hope he lets me say my piece first.

“Hey Carl. What’s up.”

He frowned, shrugging and waving the hall pass sign he was holding. “Hey.” He replied, normally not as happy or cheery as he used to be. Oh boy, I hope this doesn’t take a turn for the worse.

“Listen man, about me and Jessica-”

“It’s fine.” I stopped as he interrupted, holding up his hand to say his part. “I mean, can’t blame you for something ya didn’t know, you know? It was on me for not asking her out earlier I guess.” I lowered my eyes, he’s not wrong but...

“I mean, if I knew I wouldn’t have gone there dude. You should know that.” He nodded, placing a hand on his side. “Yea I know. I didn’t mean to blow you off like that back at Becky’s. It was probably the ****, you know we had a lot to drink and finding that out was... you know it was actually pretty shitty you know? A lot of people know I have a thing for her, I didn’t know that. What’s that all about huh? I mean I only told a few guys that I trusted with my heart, next thing you know the whole school is making fun of you for losing your shot and I’m left wondering how they know about my feelings for her?”

I nodded and looked down, not daring to make eye contact. It was pretty shitty of that one girl to tell him. What was her name again, I think Lisa? “So it was rough then huh?” I asked.

“Fuck yea it was man, I just wanted to forgive and forget but like everyone kept reminding me of that shit. I’m damn sure Jessica probably knows too, she’s probably gotten some shit to deal with herself. Look it sucks that I didn’t get to tell her how I feel, but I at least wanted to be able to move on. But when everyone keeps reminding you daily, it gets to ya. I’m left wondering who told them, was it one friend or all of them?”

Damn. “Don’t think like that man, you gotta have friends you trust to be there for ya.” “Yea well, no one’s been there for me so far.” I looked at him, knowing I should probably be careful of what to say next. “Listen, you’re right I haven’t been there at all. Hey, you know we can hang out later after school if you’re down. We’ll probably go out and find something to do outside the school yea, sounds nice?” He shrugged. “I mean it would be but like... ehh nevermind, just feel free to let me know I guess.” He started walking past me as I turned around. “It’s not all bad man, we’re here for you.” “Yea well, for a private school it really feels like we live a public life!” He shouted back before turning the corner.

I sighed. Damn, hopefully I can turn this around and we can go back to being cool with one another. I didn’t even tell him that Jessica and I aren’t really a thing yet. Not to mention the whole unknown number sending me these texts, then there’s the Principle too. It’s kind of complicated, life really is just complicated sometimes.

Woof.

I turned back and headed off to class, wondering what else today will bring me.