Johnson 1

Lauren Johnson
Mr. Dye
Written Portfolio
31 March 2014
The Dramatic Problems of Natty Carlson
Empty. That was the only word to describe it: this feeling. It had plagued Natty for a
while, but she had been under the impression that it had been physical exhaustion from the tight
schedule she had maintained for the past two weeks. Did it hurt? Natty couldnt tell.
Natty, are you even listening to me? Meg demanded, poking Natty. Natty turned her
head, half-glaring through her tired eyes. Someone raised their hand on the other side of the
classroom to answer a question Natty hadnt heard. Her tummy rumbled and she recalled how
much she hated this class, especially since it was right before lunch.
Hmm? she mumbled, not wanting to talk to Meg, particularly now. She was like a
second, more demanding mother: always wanting to know where she was and what she was
doing, scolding her for little mistakes that teens are supposed to make, and just being miserable
and offendable.
Seriously, Natty, Meg complained, whats gotten into you? You used to be bubbly, but
now all you give me are vacant looks.
I dunno, Natty muttered, half-heartedly. She realized with painful clarity that this had
been her answer to all of Megs questions for the past month or so.
But Meg was right. Natty was different. At the beginning of the school year, she had been
extraordinarily happy. She could light up a room with her attitude. Something changed. Now she

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was morose, on the verge of depression. Her parents had even discussed visiting the doctor to get
medication.
Is it Allen? Meg whispered, glancing around at the young man Natty hated right now.
Nattys eyes filled with tears. Meg must have hit on target. Really, whats going on between you
two? Did you break up?
No, Natty sighed. I kind of wished we had, though. Meg did not reply, to Nattys
relief.
Allen. From the first moment Natty had seen him when she was twelve and they were in
middle school, Natty had liked him. They had started dating about a year ago, and it had been
wonderful. Natty had poured her heart and soul into the emotional relationship, because that was
all it was, and it had made her life awesome until Allen had pulled back. He had stopped talking
to her as often and they began to be involved in other friendships.
Even as the relationship receded, Natty felt more and more for Allen. Her emotions began
to overflow and she began to feel an intense spiritual pain. After two months of big feelings,
Natty was left empty. She no longer felt anything for Allen. But that wasnt all: her heart had
been broken and a steel door had closed between them, changing Nattys feelings forever.
Somehow, he had become annoying.
Do you think you will? Meg asked, once again drawing Natty from her thoughts.
Will what? Someone in front of them opened a pack of gum and the mint smell wafted
backwards.
Duh. Break up with him? Meg rolled her eyes and sniffed.
Probably. Natty had to get Meg off the topic or else it would continue for the next
week. Hows your relationship with Will?

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Wonderful, Meg sighed. Her face took on a queer haughtiness that only reminded Natty
that Megs love life was perfect and hers wasnt. Couldnt be better.
Will had been charming, sweet, and one of Nattys best friends. He had started dating
Meg about the same time Natty and Allen began. He pulled away too and it was really awkward
to talk to him now. She could barely call him a friend anymore.
Yea, thats nice. Natty felt more and more like punching Allen. Oh, that would feel so
good. The bell rang and the class got to its feet. Maybe she could enlist Meg to punch him for
her. She had never approved of him and would quite enjoy it.
Hey, Natty, Allen said. He must have come from the back of the classroom in the
mayhem. Natty returned to the present abruptly and had to stow the violent intentions in the back
of her mind to prevent herself from scowling.
Hi, Natty replied. She had to be civil.
Are you available Friday night? he asked, his face brightening into that adorable, really
cute grin no! She would not focus on that. Cute was overrated. His looks didnt make up for
what he was really like.
Yeah. What had made her say that? She had promised herself never to go on another
date with him again. She had come up with an awesome speech and everything. So much for her
brilliant plan to avoid Allen. It was going to be more difficult to break up with him than she had
anticipated.

Do not kiss me. Please dont kiss me. Natty had once loved the doorstep and the flirting
that followed, but it was just painfully awkward now. She continued to will Allen not to lean in
for the goodnight kiss after their date. The porch light flickered to life as they neared the stairs

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Crickets chirruped and a chill spring breeze danced over the grass and through Nattys
hair. Friday night. It was the same every time. Allen had invited another couple over to his house
and the four of them played video games. After the digital violence had become boring, Allen
chatted with the other couple, revealing more and more displeasing flaws in his character.
Good night, Natty began awkwardly. It was worse than her first date. She might as well
have said, Well, this is me, or I better get going. She began to turn her front toward the door
and scooted her feet in that direction, using her fake excited bounce as cover. See ya later?
Wait a minute, Natty, Allen leaned forward and Natty mentally banged her head against
her minds wall of sanity. Before Allen got all the way in, Natty pecked his cheek and slipped
inside the house with a blurred night.
She peeked through the peep-hole and almost sniggered at Allens disgruntled expression.
This could end up going two ways. Either Allen would take the hint and think twice before
asking her out again, or Natty would have a really awkward conversation on Monday.
Natty peered into the kitchen and whistled, alerting her mom that she was home. Kicking
off her shoes, Natty hiked up the stairs and slipped into her room. She didnt bother changing and
dropped onto the bed.
Her phone vibrated in her back pocket, and she jumped up in surprise. She pulled it out
and groaned. It was Meg. This was just grand. Reluctantly, Natty opened the text and barely read
the tiny details of Megs epic date with Will. Another message appeared on the screen.
Im moving, it said.
No. How horrible, Natty returned, pretending to be upset. It was kind of a relief that
Meg was moving. Where?
Bluffdale.

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Bluffdale was in the next county over. Natty lived in American Fork, so it was a delicious
twenty some odd minutes more between their houses, not to mention they would be in
completely different school districts.
Thats too bad, Ill miss you, Natty lied in her next text. Before Meg could reply, she
continued, I have to go to bed now. Talk to you later.
Natty got off the bed and slipped over to her dresser, opening the top drawer and putting
her phone beneath a layer of t-shirts to muffle any future buzzing in the night. Since she was up,
she might as well get into her pajamas and take off her mascara. Slumping over to her desk and
mirror, she reached for the make-up remover and toilet paper and began to take off the gunk on
her eyes.
Owww! That was just great. This would be the last time she tried to take off her eye
cosmetics in the dark. Her cheek wet from the tear that had emerged from her jabbing, Natty
dropped into bed again. Knowing she had to wash the clothes tomorrow anyway, she felt no urge
to change into anything. She didnt want to brush her teeth either. To do so, Natty would have to
go all the way down the hall to the bathroom and be mercilessly blinded. She could go one night
without doing that, couldnt she?

Am I a horrible person to be glad that Megs moving? Natty asked herself, bright
afternoon sunlight streaming into her eyes. She glared down the slide on which she was sitting,
not really looking forward to descending. As it was, the gleaming metal burned where her bare
skin touched it and she had half a mind to get off. Today was so much warmer than it had been
last night that it was scary. It was only a matter of time before she was reduced to charcoal. On
top of that, it was lunch time and her mom had promised to make ham and cheese sandwiches.

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But it was relaxing here, alone in the park. All that could be heard was the creaking of the
swings and the screeching of the merry-go-round. There was a car horn somewhere in the
distance and the corners of her mouth twitched. That poor person who had to go through the
embarrassment of shutting it off.
Hey, Natty! The sudden interruption nearly startled Natty into falling off the side. She
glanced down once she had regained a firm hold on the railing. It was Meg. That was just great.
Natty had been hoping for a Meg-free weekend, but her wish was not to be granted. How long
have you been up there?
I dunno. Natty shrugged, laughing inside. Same answer, perfect for everything. Why
hadnt she discovered this sooner? I dont have a watch, remember?
You seriously need to get one, Meg sighed. She stepped to the merry-go-round and sat
on the rotatable disk. It groaned as she scooted back and forth.
Then what would you be for? That was mean, but Natty only felt a little remorse.
You gonna come down? Meg asked, folding her arms.
Why not, Natty moaned. She found her limbs had stiffened as she sat and it took an
intolerably long time to scoot down the scorching ramp. When she stood at the bottom, the backs
of her calves stuck to the metal and when she peeled them away, they stung. Why did she choose
to wear shorts today?
Youre sunburned, Meg commented, matter-of-factly, nodding towards Nattys
shoulders. Sure enough, the skin around Nattys tank top straps was scarlet and somewhat
blistered. Though it hadnt hurt before, it ached like the dickens now.
Ow, she cried in a long, drawn out groan.

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I take it you didnt wear sunscreen? Meg got up and examined the damaged area and
Natty used all her willpower not to shy away. She brushed her ankle against the merry-go round
and a woodchip slipped into her sandal. It wasnt the best feeling she had had all day.
Well, whats done is done, Natty sighed. She hated being treated like a child, especially
from someone her age. Ill have to go home and put aloe gel on it, or lotion.
You seriously wore a tank top and didnt put on sunscreen?
Its April, Natty protested. Sunburns arent allowed to come before the end of May.
Grow up, Natty, Meg huffed as she spun away and began striding towards the edge of
the playground area. Natty felt sick inside.
Im sorry youre moving, she lied, using the comment to mask the deepening in her
voice. When are you going?
Well be all moved out by Monday, Meg said, dropping into a swing and dragging her
feet through the layer of woodchips beneath. She began to scrape them away from a spot on the
ground until the black asphalt beneath started showing through.
Thats terribly soon, Natty mumbled, pretending to be worried and shocked. Wouldnt
it at least take another month? She didnt dare hope, lest by some means Meg could stay another
month and plague Nattys life a little longer.
My parents had planned it as a surprise, to all the kids, Meg grumbled, kicking the
heaped piles around the hole back into place. They had already packed most everything up and
had a deal on the house before they even mentioned to us that they were considering moving.
Well, thats too bad, Natty said as her brain shouted, Yes!
Since these are our last couple of days together, Meg continued, wanna go to the
mall?

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Erm, no, Natty did not want to go to the mall, but she needed an excuse. I have a bit of
homework that I had forgotten about. That was true, but it wasnt due for another month or so.
Meg didnt need to know. What class? What Class? What class dont I have with Meg, that she
cant help me on, has homework like that? Its for, eek, Italian. Jackpot. Meg was hopeless at
languages and there was a big project coming up in a month or so that she could get an early start
on.
Oh, Megs face fell and Natty felt terrible about the lie, but didnt try to take it back.
Well, you always have tomorrow.
Were not supposed to do homework on Sundays, Natty said quickly. Although she was
told that consistently, she always did something after church because it had slipped her mind the
day before.
You can make one exception, Meg begged, for me?
I dunno, was all Natty could get in before Meg was out of the swing and walking
home.
Well pick you up at five, Meg called over her shoulder right before she got out of
earshot. Make sure you work hard on that Italian. Youve done the History homework from
Mrs. Granson, right?
Yes, Natty lied, once again. That would be what she would work on instead of Italian.
She didnt want Meg hanging over her the whole time. Just until Monday, Natty thought
wistfully. She only had to survive until then. Boy, was she glad Meg wasnt in her ward.

We shouldnt have boyfriends because the For Strength of Youth says so, the new
Laurel said in a matter-of-fact tone. I understand that may be hard to get settled with.

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Natty heard several girls scoff and saw them pull out their phones. You clearly have not
had any experience with dating, Natty thought, trying not to appraise her less than appealing
features. It is impossibly hard not to fall into steady dating. It was not without a little guilt that
Natty raised her hand to join in the discussion.
It is really hard, she said in the kindest tone she could muster. Since you go to a
private school, this probably isnt so prevalent, but where I go, you cant go on a date with
someone without everyone thinking youre together. Howd you suggest we get over that? The
cold of the metal chair bled through her nylons and she leaned her back uncomfortably against
the rest.
I that had certainly stumped her, I dont know.
Even though the For Strength of Youth says no steady dating, it doesnt specifically say
that you cant have a boyfriend, another girl commented. It was exactly the kind of thing she
would say, but Natty had searched for those same loopholes too when she began dating. And if
it did, why would it say not to?
Well, the girl sighed, looking to a leader for help. What was her name? Cen- Ken-KenKelly- Kennedy- Kennedy! That was it.
Natty had a moment of inspiration and she flipped through her booklet, scanning the
paragraph in debate. She lifted her hand, knowing her comment might bring social doom upon
her.
Though it does not specifically say boyfriend, if you have a boyfriend, it is kind of
implied that youre going steady, Natty said as confidently as she could. Kennedy glanced
gratefully in her direction. Why it would say that? I guess because having a boyfriend at such a
young age can emotionally damage you and make it harder for you to fall in love with your

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future husband. Where had that come from? Natty recalled a statistic and felt prompted to share.
I heard that, statistically, only ten percent of students marry who they dated in high school.
As Natty had predicted, everyone but Kennedy looked at her like she was retarded. They
probably thought that they would be different, that they would last, that their hearts wouldnt be
torn out. Well, Natty had thought that too, and look where that got her.
When Kennedy finished and the closing prayer was said, Natty slunk out the door and
down the hall, avoiding eye contact with the other young women and hurrying to the Relief
Society room where she would find her mom.

Ouch, Natty thought dully as she banged her head against the desk in the dark classroom.
It was only Tuesday and life was horrible. Natty wanted the week to end- no, the year to end.
Though Meg got on Nattys nerves, there was something about having her around that made
Natty happy in little ways that she missed.
Strangely enough, Will had been unnaturally chipper these past couple of days. He and
Natty had talked more than they had in months. That was a happy thought, but it didnt solve her
current problem: Allen. There had to be an easier way of letting go, because Natty still felt
something for him, though perhaps not the same as before.
Her eyes itched and Natty rubbed at them and her hands came away wet. Had she been
crying? Why? There was no reason, at least in her conscious memory. But, it felt good. It felt
good to cry: to shed burdensome tears and release the tension inside.
You cant cry, the logical part of her reprimanded. You have places to go and people to
see. Theyll ask why youve been crying, then- then things will get worse. Youll cry just because
somebody cares. Natty forced herself to stop the sobs and wipe away the congealed salt from the

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corners of her eyes as dignifiedly as she could. But now she had thought of something to cry
about: Will.
The last two days came crashing down around her and the significance of the rebirth of
the waning friendship filled her head. She looked up, blinking quickly and breathing hard. In
hopes that it might just stop her from the onrush, she waved her hand in front of her face in the
way that she had seen other girls do.
Nope, that didnt work. How embarrassing. She felt a large tear slide down her face and
she sniffed, her nose making a horrible slurping sound. She was so glad she was alone.
The door to the classroom creaked and Natty glanced over. It was William. Oh no. Ohhh
no. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. Will was a neat person, but this was a bad time. She couldnt let him
know what she had been crying about. That would be awkward. She wouldnt.
Hey. He sat down in the desk next to her and wrapped an arm around her. Bad move.
Nattys eyes filled with tears again and she forced herself to breathe evenly. Should or should I
not ask whats up?
No, Natty mumbled, leaning forward until her head rested on the desk in front of her.
Will took his arm from around her and rubbed his hand in circles on her back. That was kind of
weird. Though Meg had moved, she and Will were still dating.
Are you okay? Will asked. His voice got continually softer.
That tipped it. The wet droplets rushed from her eyes and it wasnt long before Natty felt
the moisture on her forehead. Asking about it always makes it worse, she thought sullenly. When
will you ever learn that? A bell rang and she heard a muffled chatter and numerous footsteps.
School must be out. Mrs. Granson was going to kill her for sluffing again.

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The door banged open and Natty felt Will withdraw his hand quickly and she lifted her
head from the desk, wiping the tears away. Her hand returned darkened and Natty cringed. So
much for her mascara. At least it was the end of the day.
Oh, did we interrupt something? the girl said. She was holding the hand of a shaggylooking young man. Her voice was high and giggly and it annoyed Natty.
No, Will said in an even tone that Natty applauded him mentally for.
Can I talk to you? Kennedy peeked in behind the couple as Will and Natty squeezed
around them. Alone? Her eyes shifted to Will and he held up his hands, backing away.
Yeah? Natty asked once they had found a quieter corner in the crowded hallway. The
smell of lemon wafted through the hallway and a number of girls screeched as the congested
students surged forward to flee from the janitor on his riding cleaner.
Proms coming up soon and a few of my friends and I were planning on gathering a
number of girls to prep before the dance, Kennedy started, and we were wondering if you
wanted to help.
Proms not for another three weeks. Oh no. Id forgotten. Nobodys asked anybody
yet, and whos to say that Ill be going with anybody?
Youre going with Allen, right? Kennedy inquired, a puzzled expression on her face.
I dont know.
Well, when you get asked, Kennedy continued, you tell me right away and well talk
about it?
Sure. Great. Just great. Natty was planning on breaking up with Allen in her own due
time, but now she had a blasted time limit. She did not want to go to prom with him, but it would
be expected since they were together. She was so doomed.

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Natty slipped into the school gym and crept along the wall until she reached a back table
and sat down. She was late, but nobody could really judge her for that. No one liked the student
government, so a banquet to appreciate them was laughable.
The president was droning on and Natty regretted not bringing a book. Will sat at another
table with a number of friends. Meg wasnt there. That surprised Natty as this dinner encouraged
you to bring a date. The only reason she wasnt with Allen was because he was in St. George for
the weekend.
The stench coming from the serving table dissuaded Natty from getting any food. Her
stomach still grumbled anyhow and Natty was tempted to look at the edibles, if that was what
you could call stuff here, in order to kill her appetite. Never mind. She didnt need to do that. The
decorations covered it.
There were bowls of goldfish as centerpieces on the tables. They werent the crackers
either. They were the real deal- gills and all, probably from Walmart, so, chances were, they
would die before the week was out. The tables had blue cloths and there were matching sapphire
and orange balloons all over the floor.
Hey, Natty. Will had come from his table and stood in front of her, a big smile across
his face. He was too good of a friend. Do you want to come sit over by us?
I just sat down, Natty complained, good naturedly. And Im not easily moved.
You look pretty light to me.
Well, youre one for awkward tonight. Natty smiled, tearing the paper napkin of her
utensils, wadding it up, and chucking it at Will. It missed. Perhaps she should have put a that in

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front of easily or not said the sentence altogether. Dont you dare. You can sit over here
though.
I can. Will shrugged and turned to walk back to his table. He returned in a minute with
his suit jacket over his arm and his plate of food. It looked absolutely disgusting. He pulled out a
seat next to Natty and began to eat. How could he even put that in his mouth? He didnt know
where it had been.
Whatcha up to tomorrow? Natty asked out of curiosity. She was going to have lunch
with her aunt and was kind of excited.
Nothing really, Will replied, his face falling. Boring weekend, pretty much. Arent you
going to eat anything?
Erm, no.
What are you doing tomorrow? Will stuffed a forkful of- was that broccoli?- in his
mouth.
Im going to lunch with my aunt. Natty suddenly had a crazy, yet appealing idea.
Certainly her aunt wouldnt mind. Would you like to tag along, since your Saturday is going to
be so boring?
Sure.

I dont want to date Allen anymore, Natty admitted to Will. It might have been the third
or fourth time shed said it in the past couple of days, but it felt good to actually tell someone
who would care. Shoes squeaked around them as women in heels and men in suits ambled
around the bench she and Will were sitting on. It was really busy in this insurance office building
considering it was a Saturday.

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Can I help you? The woman from the desk on the other side of the waiting room was
standing in front of them, a large clipboard in hand and glasses perched near the tip of her nose.
Her features were rather pinched and ornery and Natty was reminded of Meg.
Im here to see Becky Carlson, Natty replied. Shes my aunt and she wanted me to
meet her here before lunch.
Ill alert her right away. The secretary returned to her seat and picked up a telephone.
Can I tell you something? Will asked as the room got quieter. A large man with a bushy
mustache strode from another room and opened a closet. The smell of coffee wafted from it and
Natty could not help thinking how airtight that cabinet must have been because she certainly
couldnt smell it before.
Sure. Natty was not sure what Will could possibly have to say that hed feel it
necessary to ask her permission to speak. He was generally rather open about his feelings.
I dont want to date Meg anymore.
The comment was as shocking as a slap in the face. According to Meg, the relationship
had been fine. But, then again, Meg often failed to see the feelings of others and value them as
highly as her own.
Hi, guys, Becky came out of a nearby office, pulling a thin jacket over her blouse and
shouldering a purse. Whos ready for lunch?
Will and Natty followed Becky down the elevator and out to the Parking lot. Natty
couldnt pronounce the name of the company. Uaoringatchingas. Who named a company that? It
sounded like a foreign dish, but these people sold insurance.
What car are we taking? Becky asked energetically.

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Lets take yours, Will replied hurriedly. Natty didnt blame him. His car was a mess.
They continued after Becky to a black Honda Civic and clambered into the back seat. Though
Natty knew the car was at least ten years old, it looked like it was brand new. The leather
squeaked against the jewels on the back pockets of Nattys jeans. The smell of pine emanated
from a car freshener tree hanging from the rearview mirror.
Where to? Becky turned the key in the ignition and the car hummed to life. The
gearshift clicked as she put it in reverse and pulled from the spot.
Subway, Natty replied after a moments consideration.
Subway it is. Becky flipped on the blinker and swerved into the small opening onto the
busy street. She pushed the power button to the radio and a One Direction song began to play.
Natty had never liked them. It wasnt so much because the music was stupid, but because she
was annoyed that all boys werent so dedicated.
Beckys cell phone rang and she turned down the volume before tapping the screen and
bringing the electronic to her ear. If Natty wanted to get any kind of a private conversation with
Will, shed have to talk to him now or never.
Have you told her that you dont want to? Natty demanded.
Told who? Will glanced at Natty askance. Natty rolled her eyes dramatically and Wills
face dawned with understanding.
Ah. No, Will returned. Ive been waiting for the opportune moment, but she doesnt
let me have one.
Shell hate you forever, I hope you know, Natty protested. This would break Megs
heart.

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Well who says it wouldve lasted that long out of high school? Will slumped. Shell
find someone who is perfect for her. Besides, I want the opportunity to date more people than
just her. People who are sweet, and friendly, and not ornery.
Im the only one whos allowed to call her that, Natty sighed. Well, perhaps its not
that anymore, she thought guiltily, but thats how it used to be. How are you going to do it?
I dont know. Will looked abashed and he avoided eye contact with Natty. What are
you planning to do to break up with Allen?
As the conversation turned back towards her, Natty felt guilt creeping in. She would
probably break Allens heart too. But she couldnt let that dissuade her. If she didnt want to go
to prom with Allen, she had to remain firm.
The next time he asks me out, Ill tell him no. Then Ill give him a couple of reasons
why.
When did you decide to break up with him, again? Will asked. He looked skeptical.
Erm Now Natty had to admit that her plan had, so far, been unsuccessful. About
two weeks ago.
Whatcha talking about back there? Becky asked. She set down her phone and the car
coasted to a stop at a red light. Natty raised her eyebrows at Becky. None of my business?
Becky got the hint. Subway is just around the corner.
They pulled into the lot and into a tiny space between two badly parked minivans. With
difficulty, they managed to squeeze out and avoid hitting the cars on either side with the doors.
The line snaked around the restaurant and Will, Natty and Becky had the misfortune of being
stuck on the end. It smelled strongly of onion and mustard and Nattys stomach growled. There

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were several people Natty knew from school lounging around, but she didnt try to get their
attention.
You might want to lay low, she hissed to Will. There are a number of gossips, and if
they see us together, theyll assume youre cheating on Meg and then, not only will your
relationship be over, but your friendship too.
Kay.
The three of them waited in line for a decent half hour and, once they had purchased their
subs and bottles of soda, Will volunteered that they go to a nearby park rather than stay in or
around the building.
Dont drop any food in my car, Becky warned as she gingerly handed the bag to Will.
She slipped into the drivers seat as Natty and Will did their best to slide over the leather in the
back without knocking their heads on the low ceiling and doorframe. You know what, Becky
continued once they were on the road again and Will was fishing through the bag to find his
sandwich, I dont want you eating at all in here. She snatched it from him and set it in the
passenger seat next to her large purse. Natty held back a laugh at the look on Wills face. It was
like a heartbroken puppy, or, at least, what pictures of heartbroken puppies looked like. Natty had
never owned a dog.
Becky parallel parked the car between another two minivans and they hopped out onto
the grass. Natty reached into the passenger seat, grabbing the bag. She turned and handed it to an
eager William. They tromped to the swing set and, not wanting to kick any kids off, turned and
sat on a nearby park bench. Beckys phone rang again and Will and Natty remained silent as she
conversed with someone apparently from her work. Will took another large bite of his sandwich,

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flecks of lettuce and drips of various sauces fell into the wrapping on his lap. Natty had never
understood how Will could eat all those ingredients together.
If you could finish up, Becky said as she covered the mouthpiece on the phone, I need
to get back soon. She returned to her conversation as Will and Natty cleared up and they headed
back to the car. It was silent returning to the office building and Becky left them outside to
continue her work. Natty followed Will back to his pickup and boosted herself into the passenger
seat, scooting chip bags and pop bottles out of her way and using a napkin she had kept in her
pocket to clear away a spot of soda.
I really need to clean up in here, Will sighed. Natty wasnt surprised. Becky had that
effect on a lot of people. He shifted the truck into gear and they rumbled out of the lot and back
onto the street. Anywho, he said after they drove through several intersections in silence. To
continue our conversation from earlier, youve wanted to break up for two weeks and hes asked
you on how many dates since that decision?
Only one, Natty said. Wills skeptic and smug expression melted somewhat. He didnt
look at her as he was watching the road. But he hangs around me like nobodys business.
Alright, Will continued. Pretend that Im Allen. And I say, Are you available Friday
night? What do you reply?
Sheesh, Natty began. This was really hard, but she had to try. Maybe. Why?
Good start. Will turned a sharp corner and a pop bottle flew across the seat and hit the
side of Nattys thigh. Now I say, I was thinking we could go out and yeesh. What do you
guys do?
Play video games, Natty grumbled. He talks with the other couple and I usually find
out something nasty about him.

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Okay. Ahem. We could go over to a friend of mines house and play video games, eat
pizza, maybe watch a movie. How do you answer that?
This was the hard part. Actually, I have had something that has been on my mind lately,
she began. Will gave her an encouraging smile as he pulled into Nattys neighborhood. Natty
could see Megs Volkswagen bug convertible parked in her driveway and her voice caught.
Will, she said, I think you should make a u-turn and drop me off the next neighborhood over.
Why? Then he saw it. Oh. Okay.
The made the turn and Will pulled up to the curb next to the model house in the cul-desac the next neighborhood over. Natty thanked him and hopped out. She walked around the
corner, enjoying the slight spring breeze and the warmth of sun on her face. Bounding up the
steps to her front door, Natty pulled her key ring from her pocket and both locks clicked. She
slipped in and braced herself.
Where were you? Meg asked from the front room. She was sitting cross-legged in the
rocking chair by the love seat. I have to go now and you took so dang long. Thanks a lot.
Sorry. Natty tried her best to look shocked. I went to lunch with my aunt. I didnt
know you were coming.
Bye. Meg brushed past Natty and stomped out to her bug. Had Natty not felt so
awkward she might have laughed at Megs two-year-old reaction. The convertible hummed to
life and Meg sped away.

Here he comes. Its now or never. Allen made a beeline for Natty across the crowded
afterschool hallway. The chatter of the crowd almost vibrated more than Nattys cell phone.

Johnson 21
Hi, Natty, Allen said, leaning against a locker next to Nattys. Are you available
Friday night?
About that, Natty sighed. She had practiced it in front of her mirror. If that didnt count
for anything, Natty didnt know what did. I was thinking we should stop dating. It was out.
Now all he had to do was ask why and Natty could give her big speech.
Why? Allen looked a little crestfallen, but not as much as Natty thought he would,
which was a relief.
Well, this was harder than shed thought, Ive come to find that your standards dont
quite fit with mine. Youre a great kid, but I just dont think its a good idea to keep dating as it
has already caused me enough heartache already. Natty slid her sneaker across the floor and
stared at the light smudges it left in its squeaking wake.
I think I can see where youre coming from, Allen said. He didnt sound as sad as Natty
had expected. That was nice. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and started searching the halls.
Were still friends, right? Natty asked, trying to get Allens attention again.
Of course. Allen frowned. This leaves me with a question, though.
Yea?
Who am I going to ask to prom? He bit his lip and looked up at the ceiling. I was
planning on asking you, but now that would kind of defeat the purpose of our whole
conversation. Maybe I could ask Kennedy. That sophomore who is planning that big get together
before the dance?
I bet she would love that. Natty patted Allen on the shoulder and turned to get the stuff
from her locker. She wasnt going to be late to class again. See you later?

Johnson 22
Yeah. Allen took off down the hallway and Natty saw a slight slump to his shoulders.
Maybe it hadnt been as easy as it had seemed. She shrugged and closed the locker, hefting her
bag onto her back and bouncing down the hallway.
Her breakup brought another question. Who was going to ask her to prom? Natty wasnt
exactly popular. Never mind. If nobody asked her, she could just go see a movie, couldnt she?

Natty sipped at the soda though the straw and the tingle of Diet Sprite ran down her
throat, making her eyes water at the sharp taste. She coughed and blinked several times. Will
thwacked her on the back and Natty coughed harder than ever because she was laughing so hard.
Stop it, she complained. Youll make me swallow more.
Sorry. Will drew back his hand and scooted further away from her at the lunch table.
The cafeteria was so loud that Natty could hardly hear him. By the way, howd it go with Allen?
I heard that you two finally broke up.
It felt easier than I had expected it to be,but something tells me it wasnt Natty replied,
still coughing over the soda. Man, I hate this stuff. Why doesnt this school have any real pop?
Its not like youll be any less fat by drinking the sugar free. This junk is more acidic than my
never mind. I wont say. Have you told Meg?
Yea. Will grimaced. It was at least as terrible as you had predicted. She will seriously
hate me forever, just like you said.
What happened? Natty asked, scooting her soda away. It was disgusting. Certainly not
worth a buck twenty-five.

Johnson 23
She came by my house and dragged me downstairs to watch a movie, Will continued.
It was a movie I liked, so I waited until it was done to tell her. I had to counter a lot of pleading
before she stormed off. He flashed a guilty grin.
Wow. Natty chuckled, taking a bite of her sandwich. It had horseradish. Horseradish
and tuna fish. It was gross and spicy. Her tongue burned and she considered some more soda to
wash down the taste. This would be the last time she ever let her brother pack her lunch. She
didnt know if he did it on purpose or just mistook it for mayo, but she would be wary. She set it
down and picked up a carrot. At least that wasnt ruined. I really did have an easier time.
Someone walked in the cafeteria door with an enormous cake. The asking had started. Prom
might be interesting this year. William pulled a Jello box from his backpack and shook several
M&Ms into his hand then tossed them into his mouth.
I dont ever want to be in a relationship again. Will zipped up his lunchbox and stared
wistfully at Nattys sandwich. Are you going to eat that?
Nope. Natty pushed the food towards Will and popped another baby carrot in her
mouth. Enjoy it. Will bit into the sandwich and grinned. Natty hear a mumbled this is good.
Natty raised her eyebrows and coughed to hide a laugh.I dont really want to be in another
relationship either. I didnt have anywhere near as hard a time breaking up with Allen, but I
wouldnt want to have anything like your experience.
Smart idea. Will got up from the table, mouth still full of sandwich. I have to go take
an English test, he apologized. See ya later.
See ya. Natty was left alone to pop the last carrot in her mouth. She stood and threw
away the Ziplock baggies that had held her food and the three-quarters full bottle of sprite and

Johnson 24
headed out of the cafeteria. She strode down the hallway to her locker and the dial clicked as she
opened it. What class did she have next? Math. Fun. Not really.
Natty trudged across the school to the math room. Why did this place have to be so huge?
She entered the class ten minutes before it started and saw a large, colorful box with her name in
big letters across it. She tentatively crept across the tiled floor and opened the flaps. It was filled
with tissue paper and confetti and it took Natty a long time to find the small bottle of green Jello
and the card it was taped to.
Flipping open the envelope, Natty pulled the note out and bit her lip. Someone wanted to
go to prom with her and his name was in the bottle of Jello. This would be interesting.
The End