Read Online Assumptions by C.E. Pietrowiak - Free Book Online Page A

wheat.
Looks like there's even a little lettuce." He took two, tossing one
at Jordyn. "Heads up." The sandwich nearly fell out of her hand,
held up in defense against the flying package. "I'll get some
water," said Will.
    They paid the cashier and found a small table
in the corner of the room. Jordyn unwrapped her sandwich,
rearranging the floppy lettuce and a paper thin slice of tomato.
Will devoured half his lunch, carefully avoiding the bruised side
of his mouth.
    "That looks painful," said Jordyn.
    "I always eat like this."
    "I'm serious."
    "Me, too.” He winced when he tried to smile.
“It’s nothing. It’ll be gone in a few days. Are you going to eat
that?"
    Jordyn re-assembled her sandwich, took a few
bites, and pushed it away. "It took a lot of courage to stand up to
Logan."
    "I’m not so sure about that. Seems more like
stupidity now."
    "You did the right thing. It’s too easy to go
along, to be who your friends want you to be."
    "I wouldn't know."
    Jordyn took a sip of water and screwed the
top back onto the bottle. "You're lucky," she said.
    "You done?" he asked. Jordyn nodded. Will
cleared the table, then returned to his seat.
    Jordyn leaned across the table and gently
touched Will's lip. "I'm sorry. I meant, for me, it can be hard to
separate who I am from everyone else's expectations. Sometimes I
think it would be easier to be alone."
    "Alone." Will sat back in his seat.
    "Sorry. Again. I . . ."
    "No, it's okay. I understand. Sometimes it is
easier to be alone." Will stood. "It's almost time for fifth
period."
    "Where are you going?"
    "Third floor. World Cultures. You?"
    "Same."
    Will extended his hand. "Wouldn't want to be
late."
    Jordyn smiled. "How is it?"
    "World Cultures? You'll like it. Except for
the paper due next week."
    "Next week!"
    "Don’t worry, I'll help. Come on or we’ll be
late."
     
    After class, the students poured out of the
room smelling of tzatziki and wiping powdered sugar off their faces
from the cookies they ate while Mrs. Lafayette discussed the finer
points of Greek civilization.
    Will held the door for Jordyn. "What did I
tell you?"
    "Cool. What's with you and food?" She gently
brushed a streak of white powder off Will's chin. "Still have no
idea what to do for this paper, though."
    "Doing anything tomorrow after school?"
    "I can clear my schedule. Library?"
    "I was thinking my place."
    "Really."
    Will turned pink. "Uh, my father, he has a
lot of books. He does this for a living. I mean, he's an
archaeologist."
    "I see."
    "I'm sure the school library has something .
. ."
    "No. Your place. What time?"
    "Five?" Will looked casually at the ceiling,
then down the corridor, anything but eye contact.
    "Sounds good."
    Deirdre Callaghan wound her way through the
crowd. Will watched as she moved toward them.
    Jordyn kept talking. "Should I bring
anything? Snacks or something? Emerson? Hello?"
    "That girl with the black hair . . . I’ve
seen her before."
    "Deirdre? Yeah, she's a student here."
    "Here?"
    "Would you like to meet her?"
    "What? No."
    "Oh, come on, Emerson." Jordyn called out to
her. "Deirdre!" She turned, waved at Jordyn, and walked quickly
toward them.
    Will crossed himself sheepishly, looking down
at his unpolished shoes.
    "Deirdre, this is Emerson – I mean, William
Emerson," said Jordyn.
    "Nice to meet you, William." Deirdre smiled
softly.
    "Uh, ‘Will’ is fine. You're Irish," said
Will.
    Deirdre and Jordyn exchanged a look. Deirdre
took Will's hand in both of hers and shook it warmly. "Of course.
Will."
    Will felt the pink rise in his cheeks again.
"Sorry, have I seen you somewhere before?"
    "You have."
    Will opened his mouth to speak. The bell
interrupted.
    Jordyn reminded him of their plans. "See you
tomorrow, Emerson."
    "Yeah. I mean, yes. Absolutely." Will
motioned over his shoulder. "I'm headed that way. Nice to meet you,
Deirdre. I, uh, I have to go. See you later, Quig." Will turned and
retreated down the corridor.
    "See you, Emerson,” called Jordyn after