I took another sip and swallowed very slowly and I watched them over the lid of my chocolate milkshake because Christian said if I went any further in I might wind up in the line of fire.
They've squared off in the center of the field and I'm watching Lochlan stand with his fists clenched, his whole face contorted into the friendliest rage ever. Because he couldn't look scary if he tried but oh, boy is he trying. I kick the toes of my All-Stars into the sides of Christian's feet and ask him to stop them but he said it wouldn't do any good, they've done this at least once a week forever and they've been best friends for such a long time now everyone just waits them out.
But why?
It doesn't really matter, Bridget. Maybe you should go home. Your mom will be pissed at us if she finds out we let you stick around and watch a fight.
I've seen fights before. I try to sound non-committal. I try to sound older than eight. Of course I fail. I'm eight years old.
Right, Bridget. Run home. You'll probably see everyone later on our street. Please, go before we get in shit.
And then Lochlan throws a punch and Caleb wasn't expecting it and down he goes. I find this suddenly fascinating. Caleb is a head taller than Loch and he definitely looks scary when he's mad. I think it's his hair. It's brown and barely wavy and he's got future-movie-star looks happening. Lochlan's red-blond springy curls are going to be his downfall. That's totally what it is. That and the fact that he's the shortest of the boys means I don't expect anyone to take him seriously but for some reason he seems to run the entire neighborhood. Caleb is two years older and resents Loch for that in a way that burns but he doesn't let on to the others. I can tell though. I'm really good at figuring people out already.
Lochlan backs off and lets Caleb stand up again. There is blood on his lip and he wipes it off on the back of his hand. He says a swear word and when he looks up he sees me and points in my direction. I can't hear what he's saying but Christian whispers Thank God under his breath. Lochlan turns and looks at me and shakes his curls and then motions for Caleb to go ahead. I guess the fight is over so I take another sip of my milkshake and wait for them to come to me.
Caleb reaches me first and puts on a softer expression. Sorry you had to see that, Bridget. Everything's okay. Cole snorts from somewhere behind me and Caleb shoots him a look that only a big brother can exact. See you later, he tells me and they leave, walking home or probably anywhere where Lochlan isn't, right now.
Lochlan comes over and the others sort of fall in around him. A natural born leader who doesn't want the role but takes it anyway. He stops directly in front of me and holds out his hand for a sip of my milkshake. It's a test so I pass it to him. He takes a long sip. Then another. I hold his gaze.
You sure don't act like any girls I know, Fidget, he tells me.
I'm not like any girls you know. I'm like no one you've ever met before or will ever meet again.
Lochlan laughs as he considers my words. I'm going to hold you to that.
Fine by me. You could have left me some of my own milkshake though.
We turn and start walking back to our street. How about I buy you another one?
Not right now, I'll puke.
No, not right now. How about on Saturday afternoon?
It's a deal. Do you have any money?
Yes, I have money. I help out at the plant. It's not allowed so they pay me in cash.
Why is it not allowed?
You have to be fifteen to work there. I have another year left to go.
Where are you going to get a job once you're old enough?
I don't know.
Well, what do you want to be when you grow up?
I don't care, I just want to make enough money to live a simple life. But it won't be around here. I don't want to be near Caleb.
I thought he was your best friend.
Well, he is. Lochlan shrugs, I just don't like him and he doesn't like me either.
That's weird, Lochlan.
Yeah, I know.
