Behind The Lies by Mark Beckner (the chimp paradox .txt) 📗

Aaron’s phone buzzes with a new text message. Thank you for the kind words. Really would like to know who you are.

“See, we have her interest,” nods Brad. “Now, you want to stop?”

Aaron thinks about it for a minute. “No,” he says. While Aaron thinks it will be embarrassing once Wendy finds out who he is and rejects him, he is feeling an excitement he hasn’t experienced before. Maybe they can have a “texting” relationship?

Brad takes the phone again and types another message. In good time. For now, let’s just keep it mysterious. Your secret admirer☺

After receiving the text, Wendy and Katy look around the cafeteria to see if they can see anyone who might be doing the texting. Is anyone looking at her? A couple of people glance their way, but nothing seems obvious. Who knows if the person is even in the cafeteria, but strangely, all the texts have come when they happen to be there.

Wendy can feel a sense of mystery and excitement. She isn’t sure what she is getting into, but it is something different from the norm. She isn’t so great at conversing with boys either, so this isn’t so bad. Still, she wants to know who this person is and has some concern someone is just pranking her, which could turn out to be very embarrassing.

That night, the Lincoln Wildcats complete their final regular-season football game by defeating the Westridge Panthers 38 to 7 to finish undefeated (10-0) and on top in their division. McGivens ran the ball 24 times for 214 yards and caught 3 passes for another 63 yards, finishing with 277 total yards. Their next game will be the following Saturday, November 14th, for the Tri-county League Championship against another powerhouse, Ford High School.

Afterward, McGivens and about half his teammates go to the usual after-game party in the corn field behind the country home owned by quarterback Chance Mahoney’s parents. The Mahoney family hosts the bonfire party after most games, weather permitting. So long as things do not get too much out of hand, the Mahoney’s let the boys and their girlfriends have their fun. It would sure be nice if Wendy was here with me, thinks Brad.

Saturday, November 7th

It is about 11:00 am and Aaron is working on his home computer finishing a paper for his history class when his phone rings.

“Hello,” answers Aaron.

“Hey, it’s me,” Brad responds. “Meet me at Johnson’s Café in thirty minutes.”

“Why? I’m busy,” says Aaron.

“Because we have to follow-up on your text,” explains Brad. “You can’t go all weekend without sending a message. You must cultivate these things. You can’t just leave a girl hangin’. You’re bad at this stuff, aren’t you?”

“I, uh…..can’t we wait till Monday?” Aaron asks.

“Hey, this girl likes you, so don’t blow it,” Brad says in an irritated voice. “I’m going out of my way to help you, so meet me at the café. It won’t take long.”

Aaron has never been this close to maybe having a girlfriend, and if she does like him, he doesn’t want to blow it.

“Okay,” says Aaron, “see you in thirty minutes.”

Johnson’s Café is about three blocks from the high school. It is a well-maintained café specializing in typical burgers, sandwiches, salads, meatloaf, and other comfort foods. It also has a good selection of ice cream and desserts. A little convenience store is attached on the west side and four gas pumps are out front. It has 20 tables that can seat 80 people. The café serves the neighborhood, and a number of high school students walk the three blocks for lunch every day, while others drop by after school for a soda or ice cream. Inside, the walls are decorated with Lincoln Wildcat posters and memorabilia from the baseball, basketball, and football teams.

Aaron drives his silver 2014 Toyota RAV4 to the café, arriving around 11:35 am. Brad is already inside seated at a table with two cokes in front of him. When Aaron walks in, Brad waves him over.

“Here, this one’s for you,” says Brad, as he moves one of the cokes in front of Aaron.

“Thank you,” replies Aaron.

“Now give me your cell phone,” demands Brad.

Aaron hands it over and Brad starts typing a text message. Hi Wendy, this is your secret admirer. I could not stop thinking about you last night. The more I know about you, the more I see what a nice person you are. If I wasn’t so shy around girls, I would call you right now so we could talk. I’ve never even had a girlfriend. It may take me some time, but please don’t give up on me. If you don’t want me to text anymore, I will stop.

“Brad,” Aaron says. “Why did you ask her if she wanted me to stop?”

“Because,” answers Brad, “it’s kind of creepy to be texting her anonymously and you don’t want to scare her. You gave her an option to stop if she wants to. This will make her more at ease.”

This makes sense, Aaron thinks. Brad does seem to know a lot about how to talk to girls. I would never know how to do this like he does. But will it work?

Brad and Aaron sit for a bit drinking their cokes waiting for a response. Brad starts talking about the football game from the previous night and how well he did, sharing statistics on his accomplishments. This of course bores Aaron to death and he has no idea about most of what Brad is talking about. His mind starts to drift off when his phone buzzes. Wendy has responded.

Aaron and Brad read the text. I’ve been thinking about you as well and trying to figure out who you are. I’ve never really had a boyfriend, so don’t feel embarrassed. We can just text for now if that is more comfortable for you.

“See,” says Brad. “She is interested in you as well. I told you I know how to get girls. We will have to set a meetup next week.”

“I’m not