November 21 - 27

He stepped out of the house, and quickened his pace. The bus was almost there, and he was infamous for missing it. As he trotted onto the large yellow vehicle, he chose a seat next to Rory, his best friend.

"That was a close call."
"Tell me about it."
"Hey, did you hear about the test that Brown is plotting for tomorrow? It's supposed to be killer. I've heard that it's on every word that's come out of his mouth for the past 2 months."
"There goes my B."
"Aw, come on. You haven't failed a test since second grade. Hear, help me study."

As they crawled toward the many adults intent on making their lives miserable, Sonny looked out the window and watched the power poles go by in a blur, and as they slowed, become individual again. He wondered if he saw people in the same way. All the same, until you took the time to get to know them and notice all the intricate details. All the knots, gnarls, and ridges. He hardly even noticed when Rory said that the Nazis had tortured the pilgrims during the Civil War, barely making it in time to correct him. Rory was right. Sonny wasn't going to be the one whose grade would drop drastically.

The two boys walked toward their locker, saying hi to almost everyone they came across. They were popular, and for good reason. Sonny had always tried to talk to as many people as he could, hoping that someone had liked him. Turns out his expectations were exceeded.

While loading up their arms with books, binders, pencils, pens, and every other school supply under the sun, Rory noticed someone coming closer.

"Dude, Shar Livingston is coming this way. And, sadly, she's not looking at me. Prepare yourself for a great amount of flirting."

Sonny had gotten everyone to like him, but still hadn't quite gotten over his initial state of being shy. Rory was the one who would start the conversations, Sonny coming in later. He had no idea why Shar Livingston was coming up to him. He was just your average American kid, trying his hardest in this world.

"Hey Rory, Sonny... How was your weekend?"
"Uh, good. You?"
"Pretty boring. Wish you were there."
"Yeah. I was busy. Um, sorry."
"Well then, how about getting together sometime this week?"
"I guess."
"Alright. See ya, Sonny."

Now, just because Sonny was shy, didn't mean that he didn't notice Shar Livingston. Every guy in school noticed Shar Livingston. He watched her walk away with her little troupe of girls, all giggling and smiling. He walked to English in a daze, needing Rory to help him make sure he got to the right class. Shar Livingston. Why him? He wasn't amazingly good looking, smart, athletic, or witty. He just liked to sit at the piano and tell the world his story through music. But even if that is what she liked, how did she find that out? He was still wondering when he saw something outside the door. Rory was outside, holding a hall pass, waving to get his attention. What now?

Sonny asked to use the hall pass, and stepped outside. He was met by Rory, who said to go to the office as fast as he could.