I go to every class I can. On the days that Mom has to go to work, I have to stay home to keep an eye on Dad. But I don't mind, I'd do anything for my family. Anyway I still get to go to the school pretty regularly.
My favorite thing about school is the people. I spent enough hours stuck in the house with nothing but my own reflection to keep me company when I was a kid. Mom was very protective -- with good reason, but still it wasn't always fun. I'm glad things have changed now.
I get to spend more time with Macie than anyone else. That's because we walk to school together. She passes my house one the way, so it seemed natural to keep each other company.
While we walk, she sometimes tells me about her dad's latest attempt at starting a garden. And she has some interesting ideas about doctoring up the rations with something herbs and vegetables if he is ever successful. Her family once had a stockpile of pre-disaster preserved foods, some of which lasted through her early childhood. Thanks to that, she can remember eating a small variety of things that I've only ever heard of: rice, dried fruit, and canned vegetables. She describes the flavors so vividly. It must have been amazing. It would be incredible if her dad was able to grow just a few small herbs. She says she could use them as seasonings that would make the rations taste entirely different. She promised to share some with me if she's ever able to do it.
I usually talk about my training regimen. I don't think that nearly as interesting as the things she has to say, but she never lets her boredom show.
Macie has become my best friend.
But as the weeks go by I can't help but wonder why she hasn't mentioned anything about Cyrus being her boyfriend. I guess they want to keep it a secret for some reason. I wonder if her dad doesn't approve. I try not to be nosy, but really want to know. It makes me kind of sad to think that she doesn't tell me, and I don't know exactly why.
A couple of days ago I finally worked up the nerve to ask her about it.
"Macie, we're friends, right?" I asked her.
"Yeah, that's not all I was going to ask, though." I hesitated. She waited patiently for me to continue.
"What boyfriend?" She said, and she looked genuinely confused.
"C'mon, I've known about you and Cyrus for weeks. I waited for you to tell me yourself, but you never did. Instead I heard it from Sienna."
I just nodded.
"I don't know why she told you that - well I have my suspicions - but it's not true! I don't have a boyfriend. Cyrus and I are just friends." She said.
Then there was an awkward little pause.
"Yeah.... just like you and me." Macie said. After that we changed the subject. Plus it was kind of time for her to head home.
They both stay for a while outside my house after school today.
"Actually I can stay for a little longer, if Jay doesn't mind." Macie answers.
"Sure, it'll make Dad's day." I say.
"Of course you do." Macie says.
"Say, Macie, I've been meaning to ask you... why don't you grow your hair out a little? You'd look so pretty if you did." Sienna says.
"Hey, I like it too. But, Jay, don't you think long hair is more feminine, and pretty?" Sienna insists.
"That's not what I m--" I start to say, but Macie interrupts.
"Yeah. I think he's right too. I'm sure even you could be a beautiful person if I looked hard enough, Sienna."
Yep. There's no doubt about it. These two girls don't really like each other very much. I just wish I knew why...