Splinters: Part One

Part One | 15

"Okay," he began. "I'm sorry about yesterday. You know how guys like them are."

"I didn't know you were one of them."

"I'm not."

I gave him an annoyed flat look. When he didn't say anything, I gave him a word of my mind.

"Grady's a good guy just as much as you are, Andrew. I don't see how you guys can be so shallow that you can't see that?"

Andrew sighed. "Grady's different from the rest of us, Brayden."

I shook my head. "You don't know that."

At my words, he seemed taken aback. "I'm sorry, you're talking about the kid you haven't even known for a year and the guy I've known since fourth grade. I think I know what I'm saying."

"Have you ever considered how he feels every single day, Andrew?"

That shut him up. He stood straight and tall, just barely peering down at me.

"You're just like them, Andrew."

I could tell that what I said had hit him hard and even though I kind of felt bad, I didn't care. Andrew bowed his head in what looked a lot like shame.

"I think you're a cool friend, Brayden. You're definitely more of a friend than any other guy here."

He was quiet for a moment and then closed his eyes.

"I think you're good for Collie. I like her a lot, too. I don't want you two to hate me. I've known her since sixth grade and I don't want to lose her."

I stared at him.

"As a friend, of course. A-and I know that if you hate me, she'll hate me, and then Zech'll hate me, and everybody will hate me. I don't want you to hate me. You're a cool guy."

I looked everywhere but him, desperately searching for my words. Finally, an idea sprung up.

"How 'bout this. Thanksgiving weekend, you meet Grady-"

"I-"

"Really meet him. At my house." I finished.

Andrew clenched his jaw. After what seemed like forever, he nodded.

"Alright."

...

School stopped on Wednesday since Thanksgiving would be tomorrow. The Piersons apparently go to their grandparent's house every Thanksgiving and although it seemed fun, it would also be the first time I met them.

"Aunt Beth's the best. She and our uncle Gerald are practically millionaires!" Ursanne boasted in the car. "They always spoil us."

Melissa leaned over to look back at us. "They might not spoil you so much anymore. Brayden's in the family now," she smirked.

"They have enough money!" Odera defended, pulling out an earphone from her left ear. "They're loaded!"

Greg chuckled, glancing back at us from the driver seat. "Do we not spoil you guys enough?"

"Well, I have been in need of some new high-waisted shorts," Ursanne smiled, tilting her head to the side as she peered towards her father

"And I need an iPhone!" Edaline shouted.

"I need the new Get Scared album," Odera said nonchalantly.

"I want another Aurora doll!" Net added.

"I want my own room," Isabeau mumbled.

Our parents laughed together.

"Nice try, girls." Melissa giggled. "Brayden?"