“Something wrong?” I asked.

“What?” They asked and looked over at me before shaking their head. “I was just thinking… I’m glad you were able to sleep.”

“Yeah, I was able to listen to the first few songs before knocking out… Hey, I almost forgot. I know I was rushing to see my girlfriend but don’t think I forgot about inviting you over to my house. I might have to see her later than I thought,” I said and closed my book.

“Yeah, I’ve been looking forward to it,” Millie said and pointed a finger at me. “Don’t forget my condition.”

”I could never forget,” I smirked and began to put my notebook in my backpack. “Since school is over, I say we should go eat somewhere. Is there a pizza parlor around here?”

“There’s one that I know of,” Millie said thoughtfully.

“Alright. Let’s go then,” I said and grabbed the book I checked out. “I’m hungry.”

It was a short drive to the place that Millie suggested and it seemed very known around the area. The workers were busy preparing their orders and once we paid we sat down at an empty table. Millie didn’t look too comfortable and I didn’t see anyone I knew from school. Maybe there is someone they don’t like who I haven’t met.

“Are you okay? If you don’t want to be here, we can take it to go.” I offered.

“No, it’s fine. I don’t really have good memories here,” They replied and sat back in their seat. “It’s popular here so I avoid coming and get away from anyone that wants to make fun of me. Last year, someone pretended to accidentally bump into me and spill their soda on my clothes. It was embarrassing.”

“I’m sorry,” I looked down at the table and understood why Millie would be uncomfortable. “We can still take it to go-”

“No,” Millie raised a hand and motioned for me to stay seated. “I feel safer with you around then being here alone.”

I gave a small nod and saw the worker bring over our pizza. “Thank you,” I told them as they left us paper plates and napkins then walked away. I reached for the plate and hand one to Millie. “Let’s eat.”

“I owe you,” Millie said after taking a bit and covering their mouth as they chew. “You didn’t have to pay.”

“It’s fine. I wanted to,” I said as I took a big bite and spoke again after I finished chewing. “I also wanted to tell you that I’m not going to try out for the football team.”

Millie quickly looked at me and seemed shocked. “Are you sure? You should try out if you really want to.” Millie said, reaching for a napkin to wipe their hands. “You shouldn’t listen to me. I’m the bad influence between us two.”

I smiled and reached for the can of soda we had bought. “You are a bad influence, but it wasn’t about that. I agree with you. The people here aren’t the best, and I doubt I will enjoy their teamwork,” I said and took a sip, then looked back at Millie. I wanted to use football, or even baseball, as a way to distract myself until graduation, but I don’t think I was thinking about it in the right way.”

“Because of your parents?” Millie asked quietly.

I took a bite before answering and shrugged my shoulders. “I guess. They were always proud of me when I played sports and I thought I could at least do this for them, but I wasn’t thinking about myself. I think it wouldn’t have worked out if I couldn’t even care for myself.”

“Because of your insomnia?”

I looked around the restaurant to see the people eating and the workers in the kitchen moving around. “Yeah,” I answered and cleared my throat. “It’s still not easy talking about it.”

Millie reached for their soda and held it in their hand. “I’ll listen once you're ready to talk about it. I’m a good listener.”

I smirked and realized the atmosphere changed. “I will,” I replied and continued eating. “Let’s finish this and grab some ice cream before we head home.”

“Alright,” Millie smiled.