Pires felt strange after talking to Chloe. Part of him was excited. She was pretty and popular. But another part of him felt empty. He missed the easy talks with Anna. He missed how she would smile at his jokes.
He told Brain about these feelings later that day. They were sitting in Brain's room after school.
That empty feeling is normal, Brain said. He was playing a video game. It just means you are growing. The old Pires is gone. The new Pires is stronger.
But what if I liked the old Pires? Pires asked quietly.
Brain paused his game and looked at Pires. Did the old Pires have a girlfriend? Did the old Pires know how to talk to girls? No. The old Pires was lonely. Do you want to be lonely again?
Pires looked down at his hands. No.
Good, Brain said. He started playing his game again. Then trust the plan. Chloe is perfect. She is popular. If you date her, everyone will see you differently.
Brain explained the new plan. It had many steps.
Step one, Brain said. You talk to her every day this week. Just for a minute. Make her notice you.
Step two, Brain continued. You find out what she likes. Does she like a certain band? A certain food? You remember these things.
Step three, Brain said. You ask her to do something with a group. Not a date yet. Maybe go to the mall with me and Mark. Make it seem casual.
Pires listened carefully. He wrote the steps down in his mind. It felt like studying for a big test.
The next day at school, Pires saw Chloe at her locker again. His stomach felt tight. But he remembered the plan. Step one: talk to her for a minute.
He walked over. Hi, Chloe.
She turned around. Oh, hi... Pires, right?
He felt happy she remembered his name. Yes. I was wondering what music do you like?
Chloe's face lit up. I love pop music! Especially the new album by Skyline.
Pires had never heard of them. But he nodded. That's cool. I should listen to them.
They talked for a few more minutes. Then the bell rang. Pires had completed step one.
For the rest of the week, he did the same thing. He asked about her favorite movies. Her favorite place to eat. He learned she loved pizza and hated math class. He was doing step two.
By Friday, talking to Chloe felt easier. She always smiled when she saw him. She seemed to enjoy their short talks.
After school, Pires found Brain at his locker.
I did it, Pires said. I talked to her every day. I know she likes pizza and pop music.
Brain smiled. Perfect. Now for step three. This weekend, we will all go to the mall. I will invite Mark. You invite Chloe. Make it sound like a group thing.
Pires felt a rush of fear. What if she says no?
Then we try again next week, Brain said. But she won't say no. She talks to you now. You are friends.
Pires took out his phone. His hands shook a little. He typed a message to Chloe.
Hey. Some of us are going to the mall tomorrow. Do you want to come?
He held his breath. A minute later, his phone buzzed.
Sure! Sounds fun. What time?
Pires showed the phone to Brain. Brain gave him a high-five.
See? I told you. The plan always works.
Pires smiled. The empty feeling was still there. But it was getting smaller. The excitement was getting bigger. He was following the plan. And the plan was working.