6
For some reason, Ben’s black mood—the one inspired by Julie’s reappearance—lifted. Maybe it was because she was so obviously flustered every time she laid eyes on him. It was fairly adorable to watch her hide behind red balloons and non-functioning earbuds. Whatever was going on in her mind, it wasn’t thoughts about what a loser he was, and how glad she was that she’d left him behind.
Meeting Felix had put things in an entirely different light. Was he special needs? Or simply a challenging, eccentric kid? A little of both or neither? In any case, they obviously had a close relationship. Watching her with Felix changed everything. It softened him toward her. He wanted to know more now, not from a place of hurt feelings, but from friendship. What had her life been like since she’d left J
