Rebel at Spruce High

TJ, however, seems to give Toby a genuine looking over. His eyes are alight with wonder. “Well, that’s pretty amazing. And it’s about time, too. You alright there, Toby?”

Toby drops his hands and puts on a smile. “What’re you still doin’ here, TJ? Aren’t you in college?”

“I am, yeah. But I didn’t go too far,” he confesses. “I only have classes Monday through Thursday. Gives me the weekends off to come back home. Thought I might transfer next year after I get all my basics out of the way, but … haven’t decided yet.” He shrugs. “And besides, didn’t want to leave poor Billy stranded. And having a little extra pocket change sure doesn’t hurt, right?”

Toby slowly nods. “Right …”

“So … why didn’t you tell me about your awesome play?”

Toby shrugs. “I didn’t know we were still friends.”

“Of course we are,” TJ insists with a light laugh. “I even came by Biggie’s the other night with some friends, but didn’t see you there. By the way.” TJ leans in. “Just between us, I think that Mick guy needs some more training. He was just … He had no idea what he was doing. I almost said somethin’ to Mrs. Tucker, but … well, you know how she gets.” He notices someone at the counter. “I’ve gotta get back. Enjoy your weekend, fellas. And I will come to see that play, promise!” He hurries back to help an old couple, one of whom looks like my study hall teacher.

Toby turns to me. “And you did all of that because why …?”

I lean across the table, conviction burning in my eyes. “This whole town is gonna know who Toby is.”

“They already know who I am.”

“No. They think they know you.” I crinkle up my empty bag into a ball. “They don’t know the real you. And when they do, each and every one of them is gonna regret pushing you away.”

The words sink in. Sparks of inspiration enter his eyes.

That’s what I was looking for.

After our breakfast, Toby decides to show me the arcade down the street. Really, it’s just a moment for him to show off how incredible he really is at gaming. He has the high score on nearly every machine. I play against him in a game of air hockey, but lose four times in a row. Toby laughs when I try to beat him at Mortal Kombat II, and I’m treated to his more competitive side, which only further convinces me that he could be doing a sport. Maybe I should bring that up again some other time. We hit up the movie theater afterwards, where we then spend the better part of the day watching back-to-back action films. Halfway through the first movie, I ask, “Is this how Danny and Kingsley would sit, watching a movie?” That revives the mischievous spark of inspiration in his eyes, and at once, he leans into me, smirking. “Better.” I throw an arm right around him and yank him to my side, which causes him to laugh out loud—and a couple near the front to turn around and shush us. I’m so happy right now. If only every day could be like this …

We’re hanging in a nearby park after the movies, me sitting on top of a picnic table with him on the bench part, when he gets a look at the time. “I need to head back and get ready for work. Are you still gonna—?”

“You bet I am. Off at eleven again?”

A smile rushes over his face. “Eleven, give or take. All depends on my closing duties.”

I nod. “Well, I’ll just hang out around here. Maybe get a bite someplace, poke around town the rest of the evening until—”

“Shouldn’t you check in with your parents?”

A cloud passes over my face. When I look at Toby and realize he’s serious, I scoff. “Nah. Doubt they gave a second thought about me since my mom dropped me off yesterday morning for school. I’m the least of their worries.”

Toby smiles, but it looks a bit like pity. “Well, I mean … you do have several hours to kill. Maybe you can join them for dinner, or tell them about the play, or …” He’s really reaching here. “I guess I don’t really know your parents. Can I meet them sometime?”

“No.”

“They can’t be that bad. If we’re going to be spending every weekend together, it’s only gonna be a matter of time before my shed doesn’t cut it. Winter will be here, and by then, I usually start sleeping on the couch in the main house, which … wouldn’t be ideal for both of us, and—”

“Are you inviting yourself to crash at my place?” I ask, half a laugh wiggling out of me. “Toby. You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into with my parents. They’re like vultures. They pick apart anything beneath them. They want me to befriend the Strongs. Or the Evans. Or whoever the hell the McPhersons are.”