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I smile to myself, despite my own persistent doubts “Thanks, Jih the next twenty et to see why Vann wants to meet me out by the baseball field”

“Hopefully not to test your batting average Bobby says hi!”

“I can’t wait to see you guys when you visit over the break” I s hard and stare down the e I survive the rest of the day”

“Chin up, High Score Breaker TBOY,” Jiot your back, and so do a whole bunch of goodhearted people in all of Spruce No matter what happens, you’re never alone”

Those are the words I’h was suspended in insurmountable anticipation for the end of the school day, the hallways sees My nerves are in a knot as I head off My heart is dancing aroundh the back doors and head down the dirt path toward the baseball field, the same path I took with Kelsey e blew off yearbook that one day I spot Vann next to the bleachers by a tree, leaning against it with his cowboy-boot-wearing foot kicked up and his fingers hooked in the belt loops of his jeans He also apparently swiped the cowboy hat out of his car, because he’s got it on now, casting half his face in a ht to behold before, and he’s quite a sight to behold now

But I’ with uncertainty, and so it’s without any grace that I ht, Vann What is it? Why are we here?”

Vann, appearing amused by my clear lack of patience, tilts his head “You look really cute today Did I tell you that yet?”

I’ A lot “No You didn’t”

“Well, you do Honestly, a little part oflad … and deeply relieved that you came”

“Th-Thanks” I cross my arms, then uncross them

“Can I hug you?”

I liftme?”

“Yeah You look … stressed Anxious I don’t want you to feel like that around ood And I don’t want to cross another boundary with you ever again, so …” He shrugs atpermission”