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Show Fair Forever ! * 37 After school I empty books from my locker into my backpack. What is it with teachers, I wonder. Is it a conspiracy? Do they collaborate to make the first week of school as miserable as possible? I close my locker and head for the door, looking at my hands. They're beginning to toughen. I'm surprised when I look up and see Katie, waiting at the school doors. She's still dressed as a cheerleader, holding her backpack. Her legs are long, like Amanda's. . I back up and pause, consider taking another way. The girl doesn't wait. She walks forward, determined. "I'm sorry about lunch, Bradley," she calls out, then lowering her voice, she explains, "I mean, I'm sorry about Lindley." She looks about and points to a bench.; "Can we talk?" I nod and follow, sitting on the far end, feeling awkward, wondering what will come next. , . Katie clears her throat, shuffles her feet. "I've been trying to talk with you, Bradley. That's why I've bugged you at lunch." She frowns, remembering. "I need to apologize. Lindley says the first thing that pops into her mind sometimes. I guess you could tell." She pauses. "I didn't ask her to join me; she just did." I shrug. Students stroll by. , "I should have said something to Lindley," she continues. "I should have told her to mind her own business. To leave us alone." - .'..'-." "No problem," I answer, still feeling awkward. "I told her the truth-my heart does feel good. Really good." " |