Almost Kiss
an excerpt from Farsighted, chapter 7
Simmi and I arrive at this rally point together from Mrs. Warszynski’s to wait for Shapri. Several minutes go by. I want to suggest we leave without her but don’t think that’ll score me any points with Simmi.
“You didn’t want Shapri to come tonight, did you?” Simmi asks. “Well, I—no, I mean, it’s fine. I’m glad she could come,” I sputter.
“You’re such a horrible liar,” Simmi teases, pushing me playfully. “Hey, that’s not fair. I can’t hit you back. You’re a girl.”
“I’m just teasing you.” Simmi blows a raspberry and pulls her body up onto the circular wall surrounding the flagpole area. I hesitate before pulling myself up too. Simmi scootches over so we touch at the hip. She loops her hand through the crook of my arm and places her head on my shoulder.
“I never would have gotten away with this in India,” she says. “But I’m glad I can here. I’m a psychic feeler. I need to be in touch with others.” She pauses and strokes my arm with her free hand.
“You know, when I touch someone I can make them feel what I want them to, but I can also sense their existing emotions. It’s almost the same as being able to read minds. Everything important has to do with the heart, not logic.” She lightens her tone.
“But don’t tell Dr. Brown I said that, he’d take marks off of my next chem exam out of spite.” I laugh nervously. Is she like Miss Teak in a way? Can she read my feelings for her? If she can, why hasn’t she said anything? I contemplate reaching over and kissing her, so I can know for sure how she feels. But I’ve never kissed anyone before. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to initiate it. Do I take her out for dinner and a movie first? Or make some lengthy speech declaring my intentions? Do I kiss her, just like that? Or do I ask for her permission before making my big move? I decide to ask if it’s okay. Simmi is a classy girl. She needs respect. I swallow, hoping the motion will open up my airway, because right now, I’m kind of having trouble catching my breath.
“Simmi,” I start. “Yeah, Alex?” She lifts her head and links her hand in mine, nudging her slender fingers in between each of mine. “Would it be okay if I…” “There you two are!” Shapri says, running over to us, panting heavily. “I thought we were meeting in the commons.” “No, we agreed on the flagpole,” Simmi says, hopping down from the wall. The moment is gone. I don’t know when I’ll get the chance and the nerve again. My opinion of Shapri transforms from cautious indifference into outright hatred. Why did she invite herself along? Shapri clears her throat. “Did I—Did I interrupt something here? Maybe a little romance?” “What? No, no,” Simmi says shaking her head adamantly. “Nothing like that, Alex is like a brother to me.” Ouch. Pain. Stabbed in my heart. I’m like a brother to her? I guess this means romance is off the table…
