Chapter 18: New Friends

A BETTER SOLUTION PRESENTED itself when Bobby ran into me on my way to the library. He looked sharp today, just jeans and a t-shirt, but he was still like a different person. For one thing, he looked like he actually cared what he looked like. His hair was neatly styled with gel and his clothes weren't dirty or wrinkled. He also radiated positivity, the kind that made you want to join him wherever he was going. He was plain 'ol confident. Good for him, I thought. After we briefly caught up on his family, he invited me to sit with him and some old friends for lunch. I was so pleased to hear that he was hanging with other people again, and I wanted to support the new him, so I agreed. Plus, it solved my little lunch dilemma. I doubted Ruthie would care. She and Val would be all over each other anyway. I sent her a quick text so she wouldn't wonder and give me crap about it later.

Bobby's friends huddled around a table at the far edge of the quad, which was completely opposite my regular