Disconnected by Lisa M. Cronkhite Page A

should.” The words stumble out. “I mean, I don’t even really know you, ya know?”
    â€œOh, come on. We’re not that far, just thought you might want one since I’m headed that way too.”
    He looks sincere, confident, and yes he looks amazingly hot too. The whole scenario is dangerously inviting. Especially in that cool black car of his. Milly, don’t, I’m warning you. When Amelia says that, I decide to go against her wishes. What does she know anyway? She’s always usually wrong. She is going to get her way with the Matt party; why can’t I have a little fun?
    â€œOkay then, thanks!” I open the passenger door and slide along the vinyl seat. But after I get in the car, I start to feel uncomfortable, like maybe it was a bad idea. Maybe this time Amelia is right. But for once I don’t really care.

Chapter Nine
    Things are silent for a while. Then I try to make small conversation as he drives.
    â€œSo do you go to school then?” I say to him as I shift in the seat a little, placing my book bag down beside my legs. I think he told me when we talked before, the first time, but I can’t really remember, and I can’t think of anything else to ask.
    â€œI’m a senior at Willard’s High.”
    For a split second I am taken aback. It’s surprising to hear that since he looks a bit older.
    â€œIt’s just a couple of blocks away from here,” he continues. “Ever heard of it?”
    â€œYeah, I have.” I say in response as my gaze drifts out the passenger window. Monee is pretty scenic in through here. In this part of the area, none of the houses look the same. There’s everything from small ranch-style homes to huge Cape Cods. It’s strange to see such vastly different houses.
    We’re silent for a while again, and it feels like an eternity of awkwardness. He asks me if I want the radio on. I of course nod my head “yes” and smile back, a forced smile. My nerves are getting the better of me, but I try to act cool about it. “So what kind of music are you into?” I ask him as he’s turning the channels.
    â€œWell I like all kinds really, ’cept country. Can’t stand it. What about you?”
    I can see he gets a kick out of bouncing it back to me. Yet I hesitate. I begin to wonder why he is being so nice to me. What’s the interest?
    â€œSo?” he asks.
    â€œSo what?”
    â€œSo what about you?” he says again. “Do you like country or no?”
    Instantly I feel a flushing on my cheeks. I hope they’re not too red. I’m embarrassed I let my mind wander a bit too much, so I quickly answer. “Yeah, me? Nah…I can’t stand it either.”
    I feel oddly at ease with him now. He sounds genuinely interested in what I have to say, even if it’s mindless chatter. But it’s inviting enough to want to continue the music conversation. “It really isn’t my kind of taste. You’re right. It does kinda suck, actually, if you think about it. But everything else I can listen to. It’s cool.” I stop, thinking I’ve been rambling on a bit.
    â€œYeah, I’m going to an August Januarys concert soon with my brother and a few friends of mine. Like them?” he asks, pulling up in Aunt Rachel’s driveway.
    â€œOh, yeah. I love them too.” Great! So you and mister mysterious have something in common, how good for you two. Amelia’s sarcastic comments weasel into my thoughts. I can tell she’s getting jealous.
    He puts the car into park, gets out and walks around to open my door.
    â€œOh, uh, you don’t have to do that,” I tell him through the glass window as I wave my hands “no.”
    â€œNo problem, I want to.” He opens the door. I’m impressed with his gentleman-like demeanor. Blake doesn’t look like that type of guy, the courteous type I mean. He seems more like a bad boy. Or