Girlfr---

[nothingisgranted]

The sentences in all caps are my thoughts vs. what i actually said at the time.

It's my last couple months of high school. I'm going to Azle High and working at an Albertson's right down the street. I'm doing bagging groceries, clearing shopping carts from the lots, you know, the starting position at these kinds of jobs. The pay's not much.....but then, I ain't askin for much.

My mom can't take care of me anymore, so I met someone named Penny. Every day after work I go to her saloon where she works. She's not my legal guardian but she's letting me live with her until I can afford an apartment.

So I go to Penny's Saloon one evening, and she's waiting for me outside the door. Says there's someone in there who wants to meet me. Sitting beside Penny's desk is a very pretty, and somewhat familiar girl. Think I've seen her somewhere in Azle High a few times.

Penny: "Tommy, this is Dana, I've been telling her a lot about you, and she's been wanting to get to know you."

STRIKE ONE!

Now, keep in mind I had just gotten off work and was VERY tired this evening.

Dana looks up at me and smiles.

Dana: "Hi, how's it going?"

Hmm......this was a while back, mind you...let me see....I think I got about as far as: "Hi----" before Penny cuts me off. Maybe I didn't respond fast enough...ah well.

WHADDAYA WANT?? I'M FRIGGIN TIRED.

Penny: "Not that you care."

Dana's smile is replaced with a puzzled look. No matter--I can read the unspoken question in her face well enough, especially since I was thinking the same thing:

WHAT WAS THAT ALL ABOUT? :|

Me: "Sorry, I'm just a little...."

VERY.

Me: "....tired this evening. Just got off work."

Dana: "Um, that's okay."

STRIKE TWO!

She's smiling again, but its a polite one this time.

Dana: "Well, I have to leave for work."

Again that polite smile.

Dana: "Nice meeting you, Tommy."

STRIKE THREE! I'M OUT!!

Me: "Nice meeting you too."

JUST BARELY.

Me: "Thanks for introducing me......"

THANKS FOR NOTHING.

Me: "...Penny."