The Soul of Me (Part 9) (standard:drama, 4051 words) [9/11] show all parts
Author: Maya	Added: May 27 2001	Views/Reads: 2600/2009	Part vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Heidi feels something for David. Can she help him?

“Hey Heidi.  You did call me back with about...let’s see...two minutes
to spare.”  Aaron said cheerfully. 

“How did you know it was me?  Your brother said it was your girlfriend.”


“I don’t have a girlfriend.  He was just being facetious.”  He didn’t 
have a girlfriend. 

“I’m sorry.”  I was embarrassed that someone thought I was his
girlfriend even if it was just an immature kid being a jerk. 

“What for?”  He didn’t understand.  Why should he.  Most people probably
couldn’t understand what it was like to feel the need to apologize for 
what other people might think.  I didn’t understand the feeling myself, 
but I felt the need just the same.  I couldn’t explain so I just 
dropped it. 

“Thanks again for the ride this afternoon. ”  I said, ignoring his
question. 

“It’s was no problem.  You wouldn’t have missed the bus if it hadn’t
been for me anyway.”  He paused for just  a moment.  “I’ve been 
thinking a lot about things you’ve said lately.  I think I owe you an 
explanation.” 

“You don’t, really.  I should appreciate people that are nice to me and
not question it.  It’s something I need to work on.”  Aaron would never 
understand how hard it was for me to hear the things he was about to 
say. 

“I do.”  He continued.  “Not only do I owe you an explanation, I also
owe you an apology.  We’ve known each other for eight years, but I’m 
just now taking the time to find out who you are.  I’m so sorry I 
didn’t get to know you sooner.  If I had just cared less about what 
other people thought about me, we probably wouldn’t be having this 
conversation now.  So, I’m sorry.  I’m sorry I didn’t take a chance to 
know you sooner.” 

I was stunned.  Aaron cared what other people thought of him?  Why would
someone as popular and as beautiful as Aaron care what people thought 
about him.  I thought that privilege (curse) was granted only to the 
lesser population – the outcasts – people  like me. 

“As far as an explanation, that is a little harder.” 

“You don’t owe me an apology or an explanation.  Let’s just forget it.” 
I really wanted to forget it.  It was enough for me that Aaron didn’t 
disdain me.  Everything else was so hard to hear and even harder for me 
to understand.  “You’re getting to know me more now.  We’ll just do our 
report together and maybe when we see each other in school we can say 
hello.  We don’t have to act like strangers, but you don’t have to be 
my friend out of some misplaced sense of guilt.” 

“Is that what you think?”  He wasn’t angry.  He sounded distressed. 
“This just isn’t coming out like I wanted it to.  Can we talk in 
person?  Maybe I can explain myself better if we can see each other?” 

“I guess so.  I’ll see you at lunch tomorrow.” 

“I can’t.  I’ve got an appointment with coach during lunch tomorrow.  I
think he’s going to rake me over the coals for being late for practice. 
 I almost didn’t make it at all.”  Great, I thought.  If it wasn’t for 
me, his coach wouldn’t be on his case.  “I know this is asking a lot 
since we don’t really know each other well, but could I stop by your 
house after practice tomorrow?  Hey, better yet.  Why don’t you stay 
and watch us practice, then I’ll take you home and we can talk.”  He 
gave a quiet little chuckle.  “Jody will be watching, too.  I’ll  bet.” 


“I’m not taking that bet.  She seems to really like Clark.” 

“The feeling is mutual, believe me.”  There was silence for a moment. 
“Well...” 



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