What was the deal with that odd boy?
And why did his oddities make me feel so flustered?
***
The next day, I placed the Nerds Clusters candy that was left for me back onto Ash’s desk.
He frowned. “That’s top-tier candy.”
“I don’t like the gummy feeling.”
“You’re a strange human, Karla East.”
I turned back to face forward. A tiny smile came again.
“Don’t worry.” He leaned toward me and whispered. “I’ll try again tomorrow.”
***
Thursday was Kit Kats.
I returned to sender.
Ash leaned forward after I turned away from him. “I’ll try again tomorrow.”
***
Friday was Jolly Ranchers.
“Too hard on my teeth,” I told him. “Try again come Monday.”
He smiled. “Can you give me a clue?”
I shrugged as I turned to face forward. “Where’s the fun in that?”
“Oh? So we’re having fun now?” he questioned.
I felt my face heat up as those words left his mouth.
“Before I know it, you might consider eating lunch with me,” he added.
“Don’t hold your breath,” I told him.
“Can’t help it. Holding my breath until we share a nasty chicken patty.”
***
On Monday, he brought me Reese’s Cups.
I kept those ones.
He grinned big when I looked back to him.
He dusted invisible lint off his shoulders. “I knew I’d figure you out, Karla East.”
“Why do you say my whole name like that?”
“Because it makes you a whole person.”
