The new clothes gave Pires a little confidence. But he still did not know how to talk to girls. He could say hello and thank you. But he could not have a real conversation.
On Wednesday, Brain started lesson three.
Today, you learn to talk, Brain said. They were sitting at lunch. Mark was with them.
Talking is the hardest part, Pires said. He felt nervous just thinking about it.
Not if you know the secret, Brain said. The secret is to ask questions.
Pires looked confused. What kind of questions?
Questions about them, Brain explained. People love to talk about themselves. Your job is to get them started. You do not need to talk much. You just need to listen.
Mark nodded. It's true. If you ask a girl about her favorite music, she will talk for five minutes. You just have to listen and nod.
But what if I do not know anything about her favorite music?Pires asked.
Then you say, That's cool. Tell me more,Brain said. It is not a test. You are just being friendly.
Brain pointed across the cafeteria. See that girl? Her name is Chloe. She is in the art club. I will show you.
Brain walked over to Chloe. Pires watched closely.
Hi Chloe, Brain said. I like your notebook. Are you drawing something?
Chloe's face lit up. She opened her notebook and started showing Brain her drawings. She talked and talked. Brain listened and smiled. He looked very interested.
After a minute, Brain waved goodbye and came back to the table.
See? Brain said. I did not talk about myself. I asked about her art. She did all the work.
Now you try, Mark said, grinning.
Pires felt his stomach drop. Right now?"
Yes, Brain said. You will talk to Anna. You already said hello. Now, you will ask her one question.
Pires saw Anna sitting a few tables away. She was eating alone and reading a book.
What question should I ask? Pires said, his voice shaky.
Ask her about the book, Brain said. It is easy. Just go.
Pires stood up. His legs felt weak. He walked slowly to Anna's table.
Hi, Anna, he said.
Anna looked up from her book and smiled. Hi, Pires. I like your shirt again.
Thanks, Pires said. He remembered to look at her eyes. Then he looked at her book. What are you reading?
Anna's smile got bigger. She held up the book. It's a fantasy novel about a magical kingdom. It's really good.
Pires remembered Brain's lesson. That's cool. Tell me about it.
Anna's eyes sparkled. She started telling him the story of the book. She talked about the heroes and the dragons. Pires listened. He nodded. He did not have to say much. After a few minutes, Anna stopped.
Sorry, she said. I was talking too much.
No, Pires said. And he meant it. It sounds like a good story. Maybe I will read it.
The bell rang. It was time for class.
Okay, Anna said. See you later, Pires.
See you, Pires said.
He walked back to Brain and Mark. He felt amazing. He had a full conversation with a girl. It worked. Brain's lesson worked.
Brain slapped him on the back. You did it! You are a natural
He looked like a pro, Mark added.
Pires smiled all the way to his next class. He was not just the boy in new clothes anymore. He was the boy who could talk to Anna. He could ask questions. He could listen.
Brain's plan was working perfectly. Pires was learning the game. He was winning small victories. But a game has winners and losers. Pires did not know that soon, he would have to choose which one he wanted to be.