The note landed back on Randy’s desk. He felt encouraged when he read Ben’s support of his plan. Even though Randy figured Ben liked Laura too, he knew Ben wouldn’t have the guts to do anything about it.

Besides, Randy was only popular by default, and so his girlfriend options were limited. He was friends with Mr. Basketball himself, Tim, and so girls would talk to him, but not date him. He hoped Laura, the new girl, would be different. She hadn’t been here for the awkward elementary years like the other girls. He might actually have a chance with her.

After all, Ben had his writing, just like Tim had basketball, and Tyler had skateboarding. Randy didn’t have anything. It was hard to be involved when he had to be home every night to help with his dad. After the divorce, when his mom took off, his dad promised everything would be ok. Now, five years later, he hadn’t heard from his mom, and his dad’s alcoholism was getting harder to hide. But maybe Laura, with her sad eyes, was someone he could talk to.