The next day at school, I had some other business to take care of. Before the first period bell would ring, I’d have to break Aidan’s heart. As I walked toward him, I watched him take books out of his locker, placing them into his backpack, looking so innocent. He’s nice and all—mostly just nice to look at—but he deserves the truth. He’s a good guy. Besides, I want to make sure that if anything happens that I’m the one who breaks up with him. Do you know how lame it makes you look when the guy you aren’t even into dumps you? It’s not pretty. I’ve seen it happen to my aunt. Now, that was embarrassing.

“Hi, Aidan,” I said, rubbing my hand on his shoulder.

“Hey,” he said a little distantly.

How do I say this? “So, I’ve been thinking, and what I’ve been thinking is that we should see other people.” By which I mean I already am seeing other people. I waited for the wincing face, the flood of tears—but I got nothing.

“That’s cool,” Aidan said. Phew! That wasn’t so bad. But wait a second…why isn’t he crushed? I deserve at least some public display of devastation! A cry of emotional agony, a sniffle at the very least. Just then the bell rang. “Well, see you around, Lennox,” Aidan said, walking away. He must just be in shock…or maybe dying on the inside? Something isn’t right here. Oh, walnuts!