He was genuinely surprised. He hadn’t realized people saw him that way. He cracked
jokes sometimes. He wasn’t quiet, just not loud.
“Maybe they all have me first period. That’s when I sleep. Or sixth or seventh
period,” he said, trying to justify it.
“Don’t worry about it, Will. I like the amount you talk and what we talk about. And
not that I care, they do think you’re nice. They just also think you’re a little
too quiet.”
“I guess I could start talking more,” William suggested, knowing he wouldn’t.
“Will, I want you to just be yourself,” Casey said, stopping. She grabbed his other
hand and gazed into his eyes. “Don’t change because of what some teenage girls
think. Some of my friends talk WAY too much about nothing.”
“I can agree with that,” he smirked. “I’ve heard Abby just blab on about the most
inane things.”
“Why, Will, that’s my friend you’re talking about,” Casey teased with a playful
glint. “If anyone should comment about the inane things Abby blabs about, it should
be me.”
She spotted a bench and led William over.
“This bench is a lot colder than I expected,” she said with a shiver.
“Well, I’m pretty sure the spot I sat in had melted snow,” William replied, also
shivering. His jeans were soaking up moisture.
Casey reached into her purse and handed him a gift bag.
“I know you said that you didn’t want me to get you anything, but I couldn’t help
myself. It’s not a big deal, but I felt I needed to do something.”
William pulled out a framed photo they’d taken at Chuck E. Cheese. He laughed,
remembering the fun they’d had. She had decorated the frame with small shapes and