The rest of the school week went by faster than Flora expected. Andy and her tried to stay out of each other’s way, only speaking during Biology when they had too. Flora was beginning to write him off as just like everyone else. Ignorant and dick-ish as all hell.

As she walked down to the grocery store, Biggs, near her building she pondered future concerts she was attending. Always by herself, of course, but she enjoyed them more when she didn’t have to talk to anyone else. It was like her own personal getaway. The next one would be My Chemical Romance downtown. Flora was so excited. They had been one of her favorite bands for a long time now and she couldn’t wait to see them live. That was in a week.

Now Flora, in the midst of daydreaming, bumped into a black haired guy. At first glance she was afraid it was Andy because he looked so much like him, but it wasn’t. His eyes were a brilliant green instead of Andy’s icy blue ones, and his hair was somewhat shorter. He was even skinnier than Andy if that was possible.

“Sorry..” Flora muttered. The boy smiled at her, noticing her Ramones tee shirt, identical to his.

“No problem.” He smiled, a lop sided smile that made Flora weak in her knees. “I’m Bret.”

“Flora.” She nodded at him.

“Flora, short for something?” He asked.

“Florence. Bret short for something?” Flora joked.

“Nope not unless you count last names.” Bret said.

“Which is?”

“You could be a murderer.” He grinned.

“Do I look like I could murder someone?” Flora glanced at her spindly arms.

“I dunno, the skinniest tend to be the most viscous.” Bret said, clawing the air.

“Well, I try.” Flora laughed, a genuine laugh. Something she hadn’t done in a while.

“Von Dehl.” Bret said.

“What?”

“Thats my last name. Bret Von Dehl.”

“Interesting.” Flora stroked her chin, making Bret chuckle.

“Whats yours?” He asked.

“But you could be a murderer.” Flora laughed. Bret rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, “Walsh. Florence Walsh.”

“Pretty.” He said, smiling through closed lips. Bret hadn’t had this long of a conversation with someone other than his shit family in months. Being a home schooled boy, with an awful religious family that didn’t accept him had taken him to a whole new level of the word recluse. He was walking the neighborhood to get some air and boy was he glad he did.

“So is yours.” Flora smirked.

“So where are you off to this fine evening?” Bret asked.

“Grocery store.” Flora bit her lip.

“Would you like some company?” Bret chuckled. Flora was sure she could die happy. Why was this attractive stranger being so nice to her..

“I’d love some.” She was done building up her walls. It was time for her to have fun.

---

A half hour later, Flora and Bret’s stomach hurt from laughing so much. She learned that he was home schooled and lived just down the block from her. They had the exact same taste in music, down to a tee, and both shared the same distaste for too many tattoos and bullies. She never thought she could meet someone so much like herself.

They were walking down the produce aisle and all of the sudden saw a familiar pair of blue eyes glaring at her. Andy was with a group of guys, all clad in black and they were staring at Flora and Bret. Andy whispered to them as Bret helped Flora bag apples.

“Those guys are staring at us.” He murmured to her.

“I know. One of them is an ass, just ignore it.” Flora shook her head, as the whole group erupted into laughter. One of them pointed at Flora’s skinny legs and laughed harder than the rest. Bret had had enough.

He left Flora’s side and walked over to them, “What the Hell is wrong with you guy?”

“What?” The blue-eyed one in the front said.

“Why are you making fun of my friend? I see you laughing at her.” Bret seethed.
“Bret!” Flora exclaimed and ran over. She placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, causing Andy’s insides to light with fury. “Lets just go. I don’t feel like fighting. They’re just like everyone else.”

At those words, all of the group lowered their heads. They were being asses, like the people that made fun of the four older guys in high school and the ones that teased Andy now.

“Your right, doesn’t matter how they’re dressed. Just like they’re wearing a football jersey.” Bret shook his head and the two walked away, leaving all of the boys in their wake.

Notes