| Nov 8, 2005 |
| 11/8/05, 2 PM, 5,128 Words |
Dr. Adkins-Garnett called Dianne into her office. After Dianne walked in the office and sat down, Dr. Adkins-Garnett said, “Bro. Sheard is bringing his daughters over here today at 3:30.” Dianne smiled, “Cool. I hope they like it. How old are they?” Dr. Adkins-Garnett responded, “They are 10, 8, and 5. I want you to be their mentor.”
“Who me?”
“Yes, you.”
“You joking, right.”
“No, I am not joking. You are they reason that they are coming to the ministry, so you get to be their mentor.”
“There is no way that I should be mentoring anybody’s child. I didn’t get them here. I just gave them the information.”
“Dianne, you did get them here. You will be a good mentor for those girls.”
“Ain’t no way. All three of them? Naw, ain't no way. Doc G, I cannot do that.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett frowned, “Why do you call me that? You have people around here calling me that? Ya’ll make me sound like I’m a rapper or something. You got all kinds of things around here changing.
Dianne knew what Dr. Adkins-Garnett was talking about. Every since she had started working at By Example, the staff had started dressing better, trying to keep up with her. Dianne looked at Dr. Adkins-Garnett, “Quit distracting me. I can’t do this.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett smiled, “Yes, you can.”
“What am I supposed to do with them?”
“You call them; check up on them, like Monica did with you.”
“Oh my Lord. Why me?”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett laughed, “You need to quit being so melodramatic. You can do it.” Dianne stood up, “Yea, right.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett smiled, “You will need to do the interviews with them. I will come in there with you, but you’ll have to conduct the interviews. Charlotte can get you the paperwork.” Dianne sighed as she walked out of Dr. Adkins-Garnett’s office.
Dianne made it home after a long day at work. The interviews with the Sheard girls took forever, especially the one with the five year-old. She wouldn’t be still. She kept trying to see what Dianne was writing. Dr. Adkins-Garnett was out of her mind to think that Dianne should be mentoring that man’s children. Dr. Adkins-Garnett was out of her mind.
After Dianne had changed from her work clothes, she picked up the phone and called her best friend Ariel. Ariel’s husband, Greg answered the phone. A few minutes later, Ariel voice came over the phone, “Hello.” Dianne said, “Hey girl.” Ariel sarcastically said, “What, you are talking to heathens these days?” Dianne sighed, “Do not start Ariel. I just want to talk to you.” Ariel could tell that her friend of 26 years didn’t sound like her usual self. Ariel replied, “Sorry. What’s up?” Dianne said, “Can you come over here?” Ariel said, “Give me twenty minutes. See you when I get there.” They said goodbye and hung up the phones.
Dianne had been friends with Ariel every since she was 6. Dianne didn’t know what she would do if she couldn’t be friends with Ariel. They had been through everything together. Ariel was her biggest supporter when she decided to leave her controlling ex-boyfriend. Dianne didn’t know if she would ever find another friend like Ariel. Dianne had to lead Ariel to Christ. There wasn’t any other choice, it had to be done.
There was a knock on Dianne’s door. She walked over to the door, looked through the peep hole, and saw that it was Ariel. Dianne opened the door and hugged Ariel after she walked in the door. Ariel looked around Dianne’s house. Ariel hadn’t been over since Dianne had gotten saved. Dianne looked at Ariel, “What are you looking for?” Ariel smirked, “Your big old Bible.” Dianne made a face, “Would you quit?” Ariel laughed as the two of them sat down on the sofa. Ariel tapped Dianne on her arm, “So, what do you need to talk about?”
“Things are crazy in my life.”
“Oh, so being a Christian ain’t all it’s cracked up to be?”
“Naw, that ain’t it. Being a Christian is cool. You should try it. It’s just a lot going on.”
“Like what?”
“It’s the job, church, and MaClandon.”
Ariel looked dazed, “Hold up, who’s MaClandon?”
“The pastor’s son. I already told you about him.”
“Oh yea, the boy you kissed on the jaw. What does he have to do with you?”
“I will tell you that later. Dr. Adkins-Garnett wants me to mentor these three little girls. She is out of her mind.”
“Dr. Adkins-Garnett, that’s your boss right?”
“Yea, she’s nuts.”
“Yea, she is, if she thinks little girls should be looking up to YOU.”
Dianne made a face, “You ain’t have to say it like that.” Ariel laughed, “Do they make two inch heels for little girls? I can just see those little girls trying to be like you and dress up all the time.” Dianne laughed with Ariel, “You need to quit. They are some cute little girls.” Ariel shook her head, “What does their daddy look like?” Dianne made a face, “He looks ok. He is married, but his wife is sick.” Ariel smiled, “If you say so.” Dianne smirked, “You need to quit.” Ariel said, “Mr. Morris keeps asking about you.” Dianne smiled, “Really?”
“Yea, he almost had a fit when he found out that you had a job. He seemed a little upset that you didn’t come work for him.”
“I couldn’t work for him. I’d have to sue him for harassment.”
“Girl please. He has a man.”
Dianne looked shocked, “Quit lying. He is gay?” Ariel nodded her head, “Yea, Dude came by there the other day. None of us knew. I tripped out. Mr. Morris’ man kissed him right on the lips in front of all of us. Girl, we all had our mouths open. After Mr. Morris introduced him as his lover, Margaret got up and left the office. She doesn’t work there anymore.” Dianne looked dazed, “Ariel, stop lying.” Ariel shook her head, “I ain’t lying. I swear for God, I could not make anything like this up.” Dianne put her hand over her mouth, “Woe. That’s deep. I can’t believe that.” Ariel stood up and walked into the kitchen. She looked in the refrigerator. She stuck her head from behind the refrigerator. She held up a box of conversation hearts, “Di, who gave you these?” Dianne looked in the kitchen. Ariel was holding up the conversation hearts that MaClandon had given her. Dianne blushed, “MaClandon.” Ariel closed the refrigerator door and stormed back over to the couch. As she sat down, she said, “How you going to go to a church and start messing with the pastor’s 25-year old son? They are going to put you out of the church.” Dianne made a face, “I am not messing around with him. We are just friends.” Ariel started dancing and singing, “But you say he just he just a friend. You say he just friend.” Dianne hit Ariel on her arm, “You are going to quit.” Ariel laughed, “Have you all been out on a date?” Dianne shook her head and told Ariel about the adventure at Happy Way. Ariel almost fell off the couch laughing. Ariel howled, “Girl, you were not at a bowling alley in some heels.” Dianne laughed, “Girl, yes, I walked up in there in some 2 inch sling backs.” Ariel laughed hard. Dianne told Ariel the rest of the story. Ariel was laughing so hard that she was crying. Dianne could hardly talk because she was laughing, too.
Ariel said, “You and your friend.” Dianne smiled, “Yea, he is sweet.” Ariel made a face, “Sounds like you might be falling for him.” Dianne made a face, “No, I am not. We are just friends.” Ariel smacked her lips, “if you say so.” Dianne was quiet for a second then she said, “I may have gotten him into trouble with his father, though.” Ariel said, “How did you do that?” Dianne told Ariel the story.
***
It was the Saturday before Valentine’s Day. Greater Buelahland Interdenominational House of Rest was having a Valentine’s Day banquet. Dianne wasn’t sure how she let Dr. Adkins-Garnett talk her into going to the banquet. It was a chance for Dianne to buy a new evening gown, so it wasn’t going to be that bad. Mac was supposed to sit with Dianne, but his father had told him that he couldn’t sit at the table. Dianne pushed all of that out of her mind as she walked into the hotel where the banquet was being held. There were men that Dianne recognized from the church standing in the foyer of the hotel. When she walked in, they stopped talking and stared at her. An older man almost fell over trying to turn around and get a look at Dianne. She smiled at them and walked pass them. She looked around the hotel. There were people all over the place. Some were dressed up. Some weren’t. There were couples, single men, and single women walking around. There was a long winding stair case in the middle of the foyer. The sign at the bottom of the stairs read, “GBIDHOR Valentine’s Banquet, Upstairs.” Dianne looked at all those steps. She didn’t want to walk up all those stairs by herself. She looked up at the top of the stairs. One of the Adkins’ twins was leaning over the railing looking down. When the Adkins’ twin smiled at her, she knew that it was MaClandon. She thought about motioning for him to come down the steps, but she didn’t. She started walking up the long flight of stairs. A man caught up with her on the stairs and walked up the stairs with her. He was talking about something. Dianne wasn’t paying him much attention.
Mac was leaning up against the railing. He was looking around the hotel. He looked down and saw a woman dressed in red walk in the door. The woman looked up. It was Dianne. Mac smiled at her. She smiled back. Mac watched her as she walked up the stairs. Min. Dawkins caught up with her and walked up the stairs with her. Mac got upset as he thought, “Why is this fool talking to my woman?” Mac stopped thinking about Min. Dawkins and focused on Dianne. She had on a long fitting red dress. She had ruffles on her shoulders that were dark red. The skirt of her dress was dark red. The blouse portion of her dress had light and dark red in it. She had on long dark red gloves. She had on satin dark red shoes. In her hand she had a satin dark red purse. Mac watched her long pearl necklace move slightly as she walked. The necklace matched the rest of her pearl jewelry. Mac thought Dianne was a movie star for a moment as she walked up the stairs because men were staring at her like crazy.
Dianne had finally made it up the stairs. She walked up to MaClandon and said hello. He said hello back. Before she could walk in the banquet room, MeClendon walked over to her and said, “Girl, you are going to make me forget I am supposed to be saved.” Dianne scowled at him, “Why don’t you go somewhere?” Mac laughed as Mec sulked off.
Dianne looked at Mac and said, “Have you been in there yet?” Mac said, “Yea.” Dianne twisted her face, “Do you know where your aunt is sitting?” Mac smiled, “Yea.” Dianne looked in the room, “That’s cool. You look nice.” Mac smiled, “But not as nice as you.” Dianne smiled, “Thanks. You wanna walk me in there.” Mac smiled big, “Girl, yea.” Dianne extended her arm to Mac, who grabbed it quickly. Mac looked in the direction that his brother and friends were standing. He made a face at them as he started walking Dianne towards the door.
Bishop Adkins looked at the door. He made a face when he saw his son escorting Dianne Roberts across the room. His wife, Darlene Adkins, looked at him, “What is Mec doing?” Bishop said, “That ain’t Mec, that’s Mac.” Sis. Adkins looked at her son again. It was Mac. Her eyes almost popped out of her head. She grabbed her husband’s arm, “Has he lost his mind?” Bishop frowned, “Don’t worry about it. I will handle it.” Bishop walked away from his wife, towards his son.
Dr. Adkins-Garnett looked up. Dianne was walking in the room with Mac on her arm. Dr. Adkins-Garnett smiled as she thought, “Oh Lord. This is going to be trouble.” Eld. Garnett smiled as he watched his nephew struck like a peacock with Dianne on his arm. Dr. Adkins-Garnett hit Eld. Garnett on his leg. He made a face. Mac and Dianne reached the table where Dr. Adkins-Garnett was sitting. Dianne spoke to everyone at the table, and then thanked Mac for walking her to the table. As Mac turned to leave, Dr. Adkins-Garnett leaned over to Dianne and said, “You are crazy, you know that.” Dianne smiled.
Mac smiled as if he had just won a political office by a landslide. He knew that the church busybodies were probably talking about him and Dianne like crazy. A couple of men gave him a “Go head, Dawg” with their chins. Mac stuck his chest. He was feeling good. Mac looked at his mother. She made a mean face at him. She had never made that kind of face at him before. Before Mac knew what had happened, his father was standing next to him. Bishop grabbed Mac by the arm and ushered him out of the banquet hall. Dianne saw Bishop push Mac out the door. She felt bad.
Bishop ushered Mac to the men’s restroom. Bishop pushed Mac through the restroom, using Mac to open the door. Mac rubbed his chest after he got in the restroom. His father glared at him, “Boy have you lost your mind? What did you think you were doing parading around in there hugged up with that woman?” Mac looked innocent, “Daddy, she asked me to walk her in the room. She grabbed my arm I didn’t do anything.” Bishop blew a hard breath, “Don’t give me that innocent look. I thought we talked about this. You better be glad that I got to you before your mother did. She almost had a fit.” Bishop blew another breath. Mac looked down, “I didn’t do anything. Was I supposed to tell her that I couldn’t walk her in?” Bishop glared at his, “You didn’t have to walk in the room like she was your woman or something. Lord, I know everyone up in there is talking about you. Your mother is going to kill you, if she gets hold of you.” Mac smiled, “Sorry.” Bishop somberly said, “I bet you won’t be smiling once your Mama gets you.” Bishop turned to leave. Mac stopped him, “I looked good walking in with her on my arm didn’t I?” Bishop smiled at his son, “You don’t quit, do you?” Bishop shook his head and walked out of the restroom.
Mac was looking in the mirror fixing his tie when his brother and his friends, DeWright and MacArthur walked in the restroom. DeWright walked over to Mac and high-fived him, “Dawg, you the man.” Mac smiled. MacArthur said, “I wish I were you.” Mec said, “Ya’ll need to quit. It wasn’t all that.” MacArthur bumped Mec arm the arm, “You need to quit hatin’ on your brother. He out did you Dawg. He just walked the finest woman in the building up in through here. You gotta give him props. I ain’t mad at ya.” MacArthur high-fived Mac, who was grinning. Mec ignored his brother.
The banquet was over. People had starting leaving. Mac walked over to the table where Dianne was. He pretended to talk to his uncle in the hope that Dianne would ask him to walk her out. Dianne acted as if she didn’t see Mac. His uncle made a face at his nephew to let his nephew know that his plan had been discovered. Finally Dianne looked at Mac and asked, “Will you walk me out?” Mac grinned, showing all of his teeth and said, “Yes.” Dianne extended her arm. Mac took it and they walked out of the room.
Sis. Adkins was watching her son as he made his way over to the table where that hussy was sitting. Sis. Adkins thought, “If she doesn’t stay away from my baby.” She didn’t let herself finish the thought. Sis. Adkins almost became livid when she saw the woman give her arm to Mac. Sis. Adkins couldn’t believe how quickly Mac took the woman’s arm. Sis. Adkins twisted her lip as she watched her son walk out of the door arm in arm with that woman.
Mac and Dianne finally reached Dianne’s car. Mac didn’t let Dianne’s arm go at first. Dianne looked at him and he finally let her arm go. Mac asked, “You going home?” Dianne responded, “Yea, where else am I going to go?” Mac smiled, “Can I go with you?” Dianne looked stunned, “Did you just ask me what I think you just asked me?” Mac didn’t respond. Dianne shook her head, “I hope getting to walk me a round makes up for not getting to sit next to me.” Mac excitedly said, “Yea, it does! My father is probably going to kill me, but I am going to die happy.” Dianne laughed hard.
***
Dianne finished her story. Ariel was looking at Dianne like she was crazy. Dianne started laughing. Ariel said, “That boy’s mama is gonna come looking for you.” Dianne frowned, “Yea, I know. She frowns at me, every time she sees at church. I don’t care though.” Ariel shook her head, “girl, they are going to put you out of that church for corrupting the pastors’ son.” Dianne giggled. Ariel said, “Where’s my other story?” Dianne looked funny, “What other story?” Ariel said, “The candy.” Dianne said, “Oh yea.” She smiled before she told Ariel the story.
***
Dianne looked up. MaClandon was walking in the door with some bags in his hands. As he walked towards her, he said, “Happy Valentine’s Day. Lady in red.” She smiled at his corny attempt to be cute. He smiled back at her as he walked by her and towards the desk where Charlotte was sitting. He handed a bag to Charlotte and said, “Happy Valentine’s Day, girl.” Charlotte smiled like crazy as she said, “Thanks, sweetheart.” Dianne made a face. She didn’t like the way Charlotte had called Mac sweetheart. Charlotte sounded a little too sweet when she said it. Dianne shook her head after she realized that she was getting jealous.
Mac smiled at Dianne as he walked by her again. He walked into Dr. Adkins-Garnett’s office. Dianne heard him say, “Hey Aunnie. Happy Valentine’s Day to my favorite girl.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett said, “Thanks. Sweetie. You make an old lady feel special.” Mac responded, “Aunnie you ain’t old. You just better.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett laughed at her nephew as he walked out of his office. Mac walked out of his aunt’s office, smiled at Dianne, and then walked out of the building with a bad still in his hand. Dianne stared at the door after it closed. She thought to herself, “I know he did not walk up out of here without giving me something for Valentine’s Day. I can’t believe him.” Dianne watched the door for a few more minutes. When Mac didn’t walk back through the door, Dianne turned to Charlotte and said, “Ill be right back, Charlotte. Can you watch the phone for me?” Charlotte responded and then Dianne made a mad dash out the building. She looked around for Mac, but she didn’t see him. She looked puzzle as she thought, “I can’t believe that he just left.” She paused for a moment and then snapped her fingers. She started waking towards the back of the building. As she turned the corner, she saw MaClandon sitting on one of the benches. He started laughing when he saw her.
Dianne made a face at Mac when she walked up to him. He stood up and said, “I didn’t think you were ever going to come out here.” Dianne folded her arms and stared at Mac. Mac smiled at her, “Why are you staring at me like that?” Dianne rolled her eyes and her neck at the same time. Mac blew a breath, “You are one mean looking woman.” Dianne bit her lip and then said, “I know you walk up in there passing out bags and didn’t bring me one.” Mac laughed, “Was I supposed to bring you one?” Dianne made a face, “Forget you.” She smacked her lips, turned around, and started to walk off. Mac caught up with her and blocked her path, “You are so impatient.” Dianne retorted, “You play too much.” Mac smiled, “I know. I can’t believe you are mad a t me.” He laughed. Dianne made a face, “I am not thinking about you.” Mac danced, “Yea you are. Cause you are out here with me.” He licked his tongue out and danced some more. Dianne laughed at him. Mac stopped dancing and grabbed Dianne’s hand. She shook her hand from his hand. He smiled as he made his eyebrows go up and down. Dianne made a face, “I am going back in the building. I got stuff to do.” Mac smiled, “That’s cool, but I still got your present.” Dianne acted as if she didn’t care, “So what.” Mac smiled and handed her a bad, “I can never have any fun.” Dianne looked in the bag as she said, “You need to learn how to talk.” In the bag, there was a card and a box of Brach’s conversation hearts. She looked at Mac and smiled, “Thanks. How did you know to get me these?” Mac smiled, “I have ways.” Dianne thought for a second. She said, “Oh yea. Charlotte.” Mac smiled. Dianne put the bag at her side and turned to go back into the building. Mac said, “Are you going to read the card?” Dianne stopped and turned around. She opened the bag and took the card from the bag. She read it. It said, “I hope your Valentine’s Day is as wonderful as you have made my life.” Mac had signed it, "Thanks for letting me walk you in and out of the banquet. Mac.” She looked at Mac and smiled. He was grinning so hard that she could see all of his teeth. She turned and waked back into the building.
When Dianne walked back into the building, Dr. Adkins-Garnett and Charlotte were sitting in the chairs in the lobby. They both stared at Dianne when she walked in. Dianne looked at both ladies and walked by them to her desk. They watched her as she sat down. Dianne stopped moving, “What?” Dr. Adkins-Garnett and Charlotte smiled. Charlotte said, “What did you get?” Dianne raised her eyebrows and then let them drop, “Some candy.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett asked, “Is that all?” Dianne titled her head, “No, he gave me a card, too.” Charlotte laughed, “I'm surprise he didn’t bust up in here with two dozen long stem roses.” Both she and Dr. Adkins-Garnett laughed. Dianne looked annoyed, “What is that supposed to mean?” Charlotte looked at Dr. Adkins-Garnett, and then at Dianne, then back at Dr. Adkins-Garnett, “Why is she acting like we don’t know that Mac is crazy about her?” Dr. Adkins-Garnett shrugged, “I don’t know.” Dianne made a face at Charlotte, “Whatever Charlotte.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett laughed, “What does the card say?” Dianne looked at the bag, “Nothing in particular.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett looked at Charlotte before she said in a deep voice, “Dianne, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” Dianne rolled her eyes, “You tripping. The card didn’t say that. Am I the only one that has some work to do?” Dr. Adkins-Garnett laughed. Charlotte sung, “Dianne got a boyfriend. Dianne got a boyfriend.” Dianne bawled up a piece of paper ands threw it at Charlotte. Charlotte caught the piece of paper as she stood up. Dr. Adkins-Garnett and Charlotte headed back to their desks. They bother sung, “Dianne got a boyfriend. Dianne got a boyfriend,” as they walked away. Dianne shook her head and laughed.
MaClandon walked in the building. Dianne ignored him. Charlotte started laughing. Mac sat down in a chair in the lobby. Mac looked at Dianne, “Why she laughing like that?” Dianne looked at Charlotte and said, “She needs Jesus.” Charlotte laughed and then started humming. Dianne made a face. Mac looked at Charlotte and then back at Dianne.
After a few minutes of being silent, Mac walked over to Dianne and said, “Can I have some candy?” Dianne looked up at him, “Huh.” Mac smiled, “can I have some candy?” Dianne made a face, “Some of what candy?” Mac smiled, “some Valentine candy.” Dianne frowned, “No.” Mac leaned on her desk he poked his lip out, “Please.” Dianne laughed, “Naw. Move out the way.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett walked out of her office with all her stuff in her hands. She announced, “I’m going home so that I can see my husband.” Charlotte said, “Bye. Don’t have too much fun.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett smiled at Charlotte, “Stay out of grown folks business.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett looked at Dianne, “Can you lock up?” Dianne smiled, “Yes Mame.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett smiled at her nephew, "You be nice while I’m gone.” Mac smiled, “Always, aunnie, always.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett smiled, “See ya’ll tomorrow.” Charlotte and Mac said, “Goodbye.” Dianne said, “Wear the black one.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett turned bright red, rolled her eyes at Dianne, and walked out of the building. Dianne laughed. Mac looked at Dianne like she was crazy.
Charlotte got up from her desk. She said, “I am going to go turn the computers off.” Charlotte left before anyone could say anything. Mac made a sexy face at Dianne. She smiled. Mac asked, “Where are you going for Valentine’s Day?” Dianne smiled, “Wherever you are taking me.” Mac lost his balance and almost slipped off the desk. Dianne said, “Be careful.” Mac said, “Uhh yea.” Dianne said, “Where are you taking me tonight?” Mac coughed and mumbled, “What?” Dianne scratched her face with her French tipped nail, “You heard me.” Mac stood up, “You are killing me. Why you gotta mess with me like that?” Dianne looked at her computer screen, “What makes you think I am messing with you?” Mac blew a breath, “You shouldn’t toy with me like this.” Dianne looked at him, “I’m serious.” Mac stared directly into Dianne’s eyes, “You would go out with me tonight for real?” Dianne stared back at him, “Yea, maybe. If you asked me.” Dianne was actually serious. Not that she wanted to go out on Valentine’s Day; she just didn’t want to be at home. Mac sighed, “This is not happening. I want to so bad, but I better not.” Dianne said, “Ok, that’s cool.” Mac looked lost. He wished Dianne would have begged or something, but she didn’t as quickly as she had said, that she would go out with him, she acted as if he had never mentioned it. Mac looked disheartened, “I’m going to go see if Charlotte needs some help.” Mac left as Dianne said, “Ok.”
Mac helped the two women lock up the building. He walked them outside. Charlotte got in her car and drove off, leaving Mac and Dianne standing in the parking lot. Dianne asked, “You want me to give you a ride home?” Mac’s heart was screaming, “Say yes, fool. Say yes.” Mac brain was telling him, “If your parents find out, they are going to strangle you.” Mac looked down at the ground, “Naw. Ill ride the bus.” Dianne walked close to Mac, “You sure?” Mac sighed without looking up, “Yea, I’m sure.” Dianne touched Mac’s face with her hand and titled it up so that he was looking at her, “As cute as you are, you shouldn’t look so sad.” Mac nuzzled his face into Dianne’s hand, “I know.” Dianne let Mac’s face go, “What’s wrong?” Mac sighed and drooped his face, “I can’t do what I want to do.” He hoped that Dianne would touch his face again. Dianne didn’t. Instead, she asked, “Why can’t you do what you want to do?” Mac blew a long slow breath, “it’s hard to explain.” Dianne smiled, “Could you lift you head up?” Mac complied. Dianne smiled at him, “Thanks for the candy and the card. You sure you don’t want me to drive you home?” Mac sighed, “Yea, I'm sure.” Dianne unlocked her car, got in it, and started it up. Mac walked up to her window and knocked on it. Dianne rolled the window down, “Yea.” Mac smiled, “Happy Valentine’s Day.” Dianne smiled back at him, “Thanks. Happy Valentine’s Day, to you too.” Mac smiled and walked away from Dianne’s car. She pulled out of the parking space and then the parking lot. Mac was left alone to walk to the bus stop and ride the bus home, where he would end up spending Valentine’s Day with his brother and their friends. This was going to be a horrible day.
***
Ariel stared at Dianne after she finished her story. Ariel asked, “Why didn’t he ask you out?” Dianne said, “I don’t know.”
“Sounds like he really wanted to go out with you.”
“Yea.”
“Would you have gone out with him?”
“Yea, I would have. I don’t know why he didn’t ask me out. Maybe he didn’t want to get into trouble with his parents or something. I don’t know.”
Dianne looked off into space. Ariel looked at her friend, “You wanted him to ask you out didn’t you?” Dianne looked at Ariel, “Yea, a little.” Ariel started singing, “Dianne got a boyfriend. Dianne got a boyfriend.” Dianne hit Ariel on the arm, “Quit it.” Ariel stopped singing, “Tell the truth, for real. Do you like him?” Dianne looked away from Ariel and then back at Ariel. As much as Dianne didn’t want to admit it, she liked MaClandon a little bit. Dianne said, “What if I don’t want to answer that question?” Ariel responded, “You don’t have to, but I am going to make an assumption from your non response.” Dianne didn’t say anything else. Ariel talked for awhile about her husband, Greg. Ariel left Dianne’s house after 10:00. Dianne was left alone with a lot of thoughts, most of them involving MaClandon. |
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