The Legacy of Kilkenny

I look across the lunchroom scanning the tables to see where Pru and Bryon are. The tables are all turned sideways for senior project lectures. The PTA thought it would be homier if we have fresh flowers on our tables; so every day there are bud vases with a single carnation placed in a line down the center of the tables. Actually, I didn’t have any idea what kind of flower it is, not until Julie went around and told everyone that her mother brings fresh carnations to the school every day. She brags how it comes out of their pocket and not PTA money. Whatever. I spot Shane at a table with the potheads, nice. He gives me a quick head nod. He told me I was boring now that I hang out with Pru and Bryon and didn’t believe me when I told him we are JUST FRIENDS.

  I spot Pru opening up a yogurt with her teeth, she is sitting between Bryon and the new girl in school, some girl who moved here from the Reservation. I fist bumped with Bryon and sit down across from him. “Hey, how’s it going? It took me a minute to find you; I thought I’d have to smell you out if I didn’t find you soon.” I laugh at my own joke.

  Lately I have noticed the same girls I’ve known since our school career started eleven years ago, have all of the sudden started to pay me much more attention since Pru’s been around. I knew that many of them figured that if Pru sees something in me then I must be worth a second look.

  “Abe, I have a question for you.” Pru says to me as she spoons in a mouthful of yogurt.

  “Ah, okay. You never make an announcement that you have a question, so shoot.” I put my chin in my hand and leaned in across the table to hear her better. Giving a more dramatic effect. I catch Bryon holding back a snicker as he looks away from me.

  “Have you looked in a mirror lately?” She asks as she pulls a mirror thingy out of her purse and holds it up in front of my face.

  “What? Do I have a booger or something?” I grab the mirror and start rubbing my nose in embarrassment.

  “You’re dumb, no! You don’t seem to get why the girls are paying attention to you. You’re always saying it’s because I’m around, but you’re wrong Abe. They notice you because you’re hot.” She rolls her eyes at me as I thrust the mirror back at her.

  “Are you high? I’m not hot. Not like that. I’m just me.” I feel my face turning red; I don’t need a mirror to figure that out.

  “No, seriously you are. You’ve been filling out from all of the working out. The wolf in you has cleared up your face, not that it was bad or anything but weres don’t typically get acne. Your hair is really shiny and healthy and you have that animal magnetism about you. I don’t think you ever give yourself credit. You’re hot Abel. Not that you have time for girls right now, but I want you to have faith in yourself. Supernat’s are usually beautiful, kind of like the CW’s TV shows.” She stands and stretches as she takes her tray to the return window.

  I watch her as she bounces across the room taking in the view. The girls at the popular table are pointing my direction giggling to each other. Yeah, those girls don’t think someone like me is hot, they probably can’t figure out why such a beautiful girl sits with me.

  “So, I noticed you looked around, did you see the girls all looking at you?” Pru grabs the carnation out of the vase, methodically pulling off the ruffled petals one by one.

  “Well, I noticed them pointing and laughing. I don’t think it is me being hot, but I do know my gun show is pretty impressive. Whatcha think Bryon, do you think I’m hot?”

  “You’re aight but not really my type.” He laughs. “Maybe if you grow some boobs and let your hair grow out I’ll reassess my feelings.”

  Pru rolls her eyes at him and says, “Never mind him, but you’d be hotter if you changed your choice in clothes though. I know the t-shirt and jeans thing has been working for you since you were what? Four? I think the time has come you start dressing a little more fashionable. After this weekend you and I are going out shopping to spiff up your clothing choices.” She takes a protein bar out of her purse and starts munching on it. “You want one? You need to keep up your strength and you only ate one lunch today.”

  “Yeah I’ll take one. Thanks.”