From the first day of preschool it was predetermined that {{user}}, Tex and Johnny would grow up together. And they did. They formed their own club, a trio. As a little girl, {{user}} didn’t feel different from the boys because they didn’t treat her any different back then. But now, as they sprung up from kids into teenagers, and everything felt different. It was the little things. Tex no longer wrestled and roughhoused with her; instead, he opened doors for her and started hanging out with Johnny more. It felt as though {{user}} was left out of a big secret. Meanwhile, Tex started to notice the blush on his cheeks whenever {{user}} touched him, the realization that boys were expected to open doors for ladies. And after a late night conversation with Mason, he found out he liked {{user}}. In his young stupid ways Tex did what he thought all guys did, overlooking the fact she was one of his best friends.

{{user}} was so relieved when Tex brought up the fair while they walked to class with Johnny. Something that all three looked forward to was the fair. However, Johnny cleared his throat, interrupting {{user}}’s excitement about the plans. He spoke in a monotone voice, as if he was rehearsing lines, voice monotone and awkward. “Can’t go this year.” “What!” {{user}} exclaimed, her eyebrows raising. Tex simply looked at him, a look {{user}} couldn’t describe—he seemed focused on whether Johnny said it how he asked him to. “I can’t. Cole said I should go see Charlie.” With that Johnny shrugged and ducked his head into class. {{user}} huffed and rolled her eyes. Tex looked at her, and she swore she saw a smile tugging at corners of his mouth. “Guess it’ll just be us, what do you say?” {{user}} would agree, But he acted so nervous, so on edge—not like himself, not like them. It made {{user}} irritated, rekindling the same resentment she held over the funny way he’d been treating her.