For the Heart of Phillip

Excerpt

The teens met up at their favorite park a week before year-end finals. Andy saw his friend approach.

“Dude! What’s up Philly?”

“Hey, Andy. Not much.” They hugged for a long moment. “My history class about killed me, thank goodness it’s over! Junior year was hard.”

“I know what ya mean. Hey, Singer’s been a real ball-buster for English this year. Was the final a nightmare?

Phillip groaned. “Yeah, he’s a real ass, isn’t he? I got through it though. Hey, you need any last minute tutoring?”

“Nah. I’m good. Thanks, though.”

“Anytime.”

Silence. It was peculiar for such a long respite between the two. They looked away from each other. Finally, Phillip spoke up again.

“I hate to cut this short, but I gotta get home and study. We’re leaving right after finals. Finally, vacation!” Phil chirped.

Andy rolled his eyes. “I know, you’ve been yakking about it enough. My dad’s driving me in, so no bus for once.”

“Speaking of the bus, my parents don’t want me driving to school yet, even though I got my license. Not even my senior year.”

“That sucks. Guess they don’t want ya getting in an accident.”

Phillip scoffed. “Whatever. I guess I’m stuck on the bus ‘til I’m outta high school.”

Andy frowned. “Yup. Stuck on the same old bus…with me.”

Phillip’s mouth gaped open. What was this tone? Sarcasm? Jealousy? “What? Andy, what is it? Is there something wrong and you’re not telling me what it is? Are you jealous of my vacation?”

Andy looked down for a moment, and back up with a plastic smile. “What? I’m hardly jealous. I wish like hell I could go, but my summer is booked solid. Besides, you guys all need this trip, it’ll be fun! Just remember to try and have fun there, don’t hang out in the cabin all alone, ok?”

Hopping off the picnic table, Andy walked towards his bike. “Look, don’t worry about me, there’s nothing wrong. Just chill out. Have a great time. Guess I’ll just hang out with Rachel. Guess she’s my new best friend for the summer!” Andy finished with a pout.

Phillip reached for his arm. “No she’s not; you’re my best friend, only you! Look, I wish you could come. Maybe next time, huh? Besides, I’m sure she’ll be happy to get a lot of time alone with you while I’m out of town.”

Andy’s eyes grew wide. “What the hell does that mean?”

“Oh please, she’s totally got a crush on you! She wants me out of the way. Well, forget it, I was here first.”

Andy leered at him. “Nice to know I’m some damn prize to be won!” He mounted his bike and looked back at his friend. “Have a nice trip. See ya later.”

Phillip ran after him, but couldn’t keep up. “Whatever.”