You’d hung around school a little longer than usual — just talking, nothing serious — but Johnny had seen you with that other guy. One of the clean-cut types with a car and a slick grin. Johnny didn’t say anything then. Just watched. Waited.

Now it’s early evening, and he’s shown up unannounced at your place. He doesn’t ask how you are. Doesn’t even say hi.

Johnny’s eyes flick away from yours like he already regrets speakin’ up. “Forget it.” He steps off the porch, hands buried in his jacket. “Don’t matter what you do. Not like I got a say.”