And He Was Amazing Prt 1

Carl. His name was Carl. And he was amazing.1

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I’ve liked him ever since the sixth grade, when I was a mere eleven. He was in seventh grade, but we are only half a year apart. 3

He’s got this darkish-blonde hair that he, like, runs his fingers through a lot. Gah, it’s so cute. His eyes are a dark, chocolate-brown color, and they’re amazing. He wears glasses, and everyone thinks he’s a geek because of the name and the glasses. The thing is, he’s pretty popular. That shows you my chances with him. 4

So this is my story. Most of it is just a dream … Something I wish will happen sooner or later.5

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It’s Monday, and he’s standing against a locker, talking to his friends, as always. He notices me and gives me a high-five, as always. I melt, as always. I feel like maybe I will faint, as always.7

I notice I’m staring down at my hand like an idiot. I look up, but Carl has already rushed off to class. I think I should get to class, too, if I want to stay on the teacher’s good side.8

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On Friday, he smiles at me.10

That’s all it takes for me to go nuts.11

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The Tuesday after that, my mom gets a phone call, from someone at the hospital. 13

“It’s Amanda,” my mom says between tears, “she’s passed away.” 14

After I bawled for about ten years, I say, “You know, at least she was put out of her misery.” Amanda was my best friend, and had been sick for almost a year with brain cancer. It was terrible. She was in so much pain, she couldn’t talk or think straight. We were forbidden to see her.15

I was late to school on Friday because we went to the funeral. My mom said I didn’t have to go to school, but I said I would be okay.16

I wasn’t.17

I lose it the minute I walk in the classroom. There stands her desk, now occupied by our new student, Sierra. Seeing that desk never bothered me while she was sick, just now when she’s — gone. 18

My other friend Emily walks up to me and says, “Oh my God, Kaitie, are you okay?” 19

“No. Amanda — passed away,” I say between tears.20

Emily gasps and puts her arm on my shoulder, like she’s wondering what she should say. 21

“It’s okay,” I say, sniffling. “You don’t have to feel sorry for me. Feel sorry for Amanda. Just go back to the classroom. I’ll be okay.”22

Then I feel arms wrap around my waist. I don’t care who it is. I lean my head back into the person’s chest and cry quietly. 23

When I finally turn around, my eyes widen. 24

It’s Carl.25

He smiles and whispers, “It’ll be okay.” Then he leaves. 26

Just like that.27

So of course I stand there like an idiot until I realize Carl — Carl ADAWAY — just tried to comfort me.28

And it worked pretty well.29

I was thinking too much about him to think about Amanda.