Each of us had long ago decided we came from different planets. But Lanny was another story. It’s been me and him against the world ever since I can remember. I see him under the school tree, trying desperately to do his maths homework in the five minutes before class. Same as always. This time I don’t offer to help. ‘Hope I gave you a real good laugh.’ I snarl it without stopping or looking at him. ‘Aw, don’t be like that, Dave. You know we were only muckin’ around.’ I don’t slow down. ‘You would have done exactly the same to me.’ I march back to him. ‘No, I wouldn’t. You know why? Because you’re supposed to be my friend. Friends don’t do that.’ I take off again before he can return fire. Not that there is anything he could say in his defence. I don’t need friends. In class, Lanny sits behind me. He whispers my name but I ignore him. ‘What’s up with you, Dave? You can at least talk to me, can’t you?’ I stare at Grogan’s back as he scribbles on the board.
