"So, I was thinking about doing a music theme in the yearbook." Said Kimberly Baker as the two girls walked down the hallway. Alyson ignored what Kimberly had said because she was busy staring furiously at her younger brother's tormenters.
"Alyson, hello, Alyson Davis?" Said Kimberly, waving her hand in front of Alyson's face.
"Sorry, Kim." Said Alyson.
"Don't you hate it when people make fun of others?" Asked Kimberly as she opened her locker.
"Yes. If Kevin had one friend, just one, it'd be so much easier on him. I swear, I'd buy him a friend if I had to," Alyson stopped.
"Gosh, my braces kill." Said Kimberly before registering what Alyson said,"What? Alyson, don't be getting any ideas. Paying for someone to befriend your brother? That's crazy."
"But if he had a friend, then it'd be easier to get more friends. This friend wouldn't have to be friends with him forever." Said Alyson.
"Alyson, that is the stupidest idea since, well, since ever!" Sputtered Kimberly. Alyson looked at her blond friend.
"Kimberly, I'll be in the library." Said Alyson, walking away.
"Just wait until it backfires in your face!" Shouted Kimberly, slamming her locker.
THE FRIEND
"Hey, Caden, can you lend me some cash?" Asked Kyle Rogers.
"Sorry, I'm broke." Said Caden.
"Man, you're always broke." Said Drew Olsen.
"Yeah, what do ya do, spend all of your allowance the day you get it?" Asked Kyle.
"Yeah right, Kyle." Laughed Caden. Caden didn't have an allowance.
"I'm so hungry. Drew, you got any money?" Asked Kyle.
"Like I'd give it to you." Said Drew.
"Hey, look! June's coming over here." Said Kyle.
"Hi, guys." Said June, handing a red sheet of paper to them.
"What's this?" Asked Drew.
"It's from Alyson. She asked me and Lacey and Kimberly to hand them out." Said June.
"Five bucks a day to pretend to be her brother's friend? Dude, that guy's a freak!" Laughed Kyle.
"June, what are you doing?" Asked Kimberly.
"What?" Asked June.
"You can't give this to these guys!" Said Kimberly.
"Why not, it was a good laugh. Like we're really gonna take Alyson up on this." Said Kyle. Caden crumpled the paper up and shoved it into the pocket of his jeans.
"Fine! Whatever. Let's go, June." Said Kimberly. The two walked away from the lunch table. Kyle shook his head, still laughing.
"That's the gayest thing I ever heard." Said Drew.
"Yeah." Said Caden. Becca needed shoes, and food. This was the perfect way to make money without stealing it. So what if he had to befriend a dork? At least he'd be able to take care of Becca, his little sister. He'd have to talk to Alyson.
UNPROFESSIONAL RESUME
"Alyson." Whispered Caden during English class. Alyson didn't respond, so he proded her with his pencil. She whirled around.
"What?" She whispered. Caden pulled the paper out of his pocket. Alyson's face instantly colored. all day, everyone had been laughing at her crazy proposal.
"Is there something you two would like to share with the class?" Asked Mrs. Nortin.
"No." Said Alyson, turning back around. Kimberly glared at Alyson, with a look that plainly said, Why are you talking to him? He's below you.
So, Caden scribbled a message on a piece of paper, folded it, and tapped it against Alyson's back. Alyson turned around enough to take the note. She opened it and read;
Allison, is your offer still good?
Alyson quickly wrote a response and tossed the folded note over her shoulder. Caden quietly opened it and read;
Yeah, are you interested?-Alyson
Caden passed the note back.
Yes
Alyson passed it back.
D'you have any classes w/ Kevin?
Caden passed it back.
Yeah, math.
Alyson caught Mrs. Nortin watching them, so she dropped the note on the floor, hid it with her foot and scooted it closer to Caden. Caden covered it with his black shoe, dropped his pencil, then picked both of them up.
You're hired. Start today.