“Oh! Stay and visit with us first,” said Jade. “You need to give them a better story than you simply brought us food. Maybe Alina will give you a kiss on the cheek to make it really juicy.”
“Jade!” Alina exclaimed, but she laughed.
“You know what’s funny,” said Oliver, sitting down as if Jade’s invitation was exactly what he planned on, “I told some of my friends last night that you” —he looked at Alina— “are no different from the other girls in town. You just look better, that’s all. They’re all nervous about talking to you. I told them to pretend you’re the ugliest thing they’d ever seen, and they’d do fine. ’Course now I see that’s easier said than done.”
“I see. So, right now you’re pretending I’m ugly. That’s why you talk so easily with me,” Alina teased, not knowing whether to be flattered or offended.
He laughed. “I put my foot in my mouth, didn’t I? Well, if you want to know the truth” —he leaned in toward her— “I talk easily with you because I’m not dumb. I know you’re not going to fall for me. I’m a bit of a realist, you see. Reality doesn’t bother me; I prefer it, actually. Give me reality over dreams any day. I can do a lot more with it.” He grinned and took a sip of her drink with such self-assurance, it astonished and lightened her.
“I was drinking that, you know,” she said, laughing.
He dropped his jaw and reddened. “What? I thought you don’t eat or drink!”
“I don’t have to. But I like to sometimes.”
“Oh wow, I’m sorry,” he said. “I’ve had really bad manners.” He stood up. “I’d better go now, please excuse me. My mom needs my help this afternoon. But, Alina, come hang out with me anytime you get tired of those back-biting girls or tongue-tied boys. I’m over on Wheaton Drive, third house on the left. It’s blue. Or come here. I’m here just as often, it seems.” His eyes lingered on her for a moment before he turned and headed for the door.
Jade watched him go, then gave Alina a knowing smile. “There! You’ve got a friend!”
Alina beamed. She had a friend. He was fun and easy-going and made her feel normal. She didn’t care if it seemed forward. She’d call on him as soon as she could.
The next morning Alina waited impatiently for the sun to rise. She enjoyed the night outdoors, relaxing on the back deck and completing the farm chores, but went inside at the first sign of dawn. She changed into simple clothes, hoping to downplay her beauty, but it was no use. Even jeans and a t-shirt flattered her. She never needed to brush her hair or put on makeup and wondered why so many in Pria used it. She pulled her hair into a ponytail, then looked in the mirror and sighed. She wanted to fit in but looked far from normal.
She went downstairs and found Jade in her farm clothes, eating breakfast. “Did you leave any chores for me?” Jade asked.
“Yes, the eggs. I know how much you like the chickens.”
“Thanks! Where are you going?”
“To Oliver’s, of course.”
Jade broke into a grin. “Have a good time and don’t fall in love,” she teased. Alina rolled her eyes as she went out the door.
The morning was calm. Maxwell’s neighbors were outside tending animals, and Alina smiled and greeted them, even the girls who pretended not to see her. The sun appeared close in the sky, and she suspected the day would be hot, though she couldn’t feel it.
She found Wheaton Drive and the blue house but hesitated, rubbing the back of her neck. She looked so eager, calling this early in the morning, which likely broke some social rule. But her time in Millflower had been unbearable, and there was no more time to waste. She skipped up the porch steps and rang the bell.
After a few minutes Oliver opened the door. He was bare-chested, wearing only plaid flannel pants. His eyes widened and he shoved a hand through his tousled hair.
“Alina!” he exclaimed. “I just woke up—uh—will you give me a minute? Come in.” She went pink, wishing she’d been more patient that morning. But he smiled at her as she stepped inside.
She stood in the entryway as he ran up the stairs. His shoulders flexed as he gripped the handrail, skipping two steps at a time. Alina stared after him for a moment then looked away. She didn’t want to like him like that. She only wanted a friend.
After a few minutes she heard a door open and close. A pretty woman with Oliver’s same dark hair stepped into the hallway from the kitchen. She smiled warmly at Alina.
“Alina, how nice to meet you!”
“Thank you,” she answered. “You must be Mrs. Brook.”
“You can call me Linsie. I hoped you might stay with us, but having a teenage son, it wasn’t permitted. I suppose that’s wise. Ollie told me he met you yesterday and you might get together. I’m glad he has someone to keep him out of trouble.”
Alina smiled. “Well, I’ll do my best. I’m glad to have a friend.”
Linsie’s face softened. “He told me how the girls have treated you. It’s awful. How interesting; you are the most popular girl in town and yet no one will be your friend. Give them time and I bet they will change.”
“I hope so, but I don’t have much time left. There are many kind people, though. Max and Christine are wonderful.”
“They are, I know. Christine and I are dear friends.”
Oliver pounded down the stairs and gave his mom a kiss. “I see you met Alina.”
“I did. She’s charming.”
Alina blushed. “Thank you.”
Oliver beamed at her. In the short time upstairs, he
