Love Along The Paperclip novel Chapter 9

"So you're home alone?" I ask. Then I realize I might sound like a hormonal teenage boy (which I am but I don't need to advertise it) so I quickly add, "That must get lonely."

A quiet sigh escapes her lips. "Yes, it can."

Then she looks regretful, as if she's revealed something she shouldn't have. As if admitting loneliness makes you weak.

I stare at the ground, at a loss of what to say. I want to say something meaningful; something that will make her smile and take away her sadness. Unfortunately, I can't think of anything, so I simply examine the cement beneath my feet and slip my right hand into my pocket.

And my fingers make a most remarkable discovery inside said pocket.

Something sharp and slightly pointy comes into contact with my skin and I have to fight down a smile when I realize what it is.

"Do you know what makes good company when you're home alone?" I ask.

Cassidy shakes her red head, looking confused.

"The second use for a paperclip: a friend." I take out the paperclip, which is twisted into a shape resembling a snake with a closed circle for its head and a curling tale.

Cassidy takes it from my proffered fingers and studies it, turning it around in her small hands. "Actually," her brilliantly green eyes meet my own. "It's the third use. I thought up a second one at lunch."

"Which is?" I ask, raising my eyebrows.

"The stick for a grapecicle. You freeze a clump of grapes and use a paperclip to eat them like popsicles."

She looks slightly embarrassed but I just laugh.

"That's very creative. We should try it sometime." Like on a date. Just us, alone. Preferably you wearing a pretty little white sundress dress that makes your eyes shine and your face light up...

"Yes, with my new friend here." She holds up the snake.

I chuckle. "Of course."

There's an awkward silence.

"Hm, I suppose I should open the door." The keys jingle as she searches for the right one and then inserts it into the lock on the front door. It opens a crack and she gives the keys back to me.

"You're still picking me up tomorrow, right?" She asks. Her finger runs up and down the head of the snake and I feel a desperate urge to knock the thing out of her hands and replace it with my own hand. I hurriedly push my twitching fingers into my pocket.

"Of course." I flash her a grin, feeling sad that the night is ending but elated that I can drive Cassidy to school.

"Okay, cool."

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