Charlie (from Charlie "Mad Dog" Madson) Post #1 No-man's Land

The first time I heard Pete’s voice, honestly, I freaked out.  I mean the kid’s been dead since July.  So, it seems logical that Pete’s my main problem right now.  And he is.  For real, every time I hear Pete's voice I freak out, even when he isn’t actually saying anything, but singing along to the music I have blaring from my earbuds. 

But my problems go so far beyond hearing a dead kid’s voice, I don’t even know where to start.  

I guess not having a best friend is up there near the top of the list.  No, Pete was not my best friend.  He was my best friend’s little brother, and he died right in front of me when he got hit by a car.  How that stupid car missed me is beyond the explanation of the laws of physics.     

So, with Pete gone, I no longer have his brother, John, for a best friend.  And without a best friend in 8th grade, lunch can be a problem.  I’d never sat in no-man’s land before this year and now I cringe if anyone even looks like they’re heading toward me in the cafeteria.  I figure sitting in no-man's land and not having a best friend are just part of the penance I pay for Pete’s death. 

I have two methods for making sure no one sits by me at lunch:

First, I'm pretty sure I’ve mastered the art of giving the stink-eye to unassuming kids, who really don’t give a crap where they sit.  Because if you're a kid who gives a crap about where you sit at lunch, you steer clear of me and no-man’s land. 

Second, I’m working on just being invisible.  Middle school is actually a great place to practice.  And it gets easier the longer you do it. 

But today my guidance counselor made me sit with Pearl, the new girl. Not cool.  So, now Pearl is another one of my problems.