State of Grace: The Sequel
Chapter 10

Monday morning found Teddy doodling in his notebook during a boring history class. His notebook was full of drawings that ranged from cars to city skylines to city streets. However, Teddy realized he was drawing a person. A girl, as a matter a fact, and he blushed as he realized the girl he was drawing was sitting two rows down. Austin Ray Moore. She looked lovely, he thought, as he watched her scribble down the notes. Teddy needn’t worry he was missing important notes by staring at Austin. He was naturally intelligent- his report cards were always straight As and he never missed the honor roll.
            As the teacher droned on, Austin looked up and caught Teddy staring at her. She smiled at him and he grinned goofily back. She was wearing a t-shirt and jeans and Teddy thought she couldn’t look better. What was he doing torturing himself? She was with Bo; it was the biggest news this morning. But then again, why was she smiling at him? Who does that? It was clear he liked her; why did she have to torture him?
            A ball of paper hitting his desk interrupted his thoughts. As he unrolled the note, the bell for the end of class rang. The note, written in a girly script, said one word: Sorry. As he exited the room, Austin gave an apologetic smile but before Teddy could make his way over to her, Bo came and stole her away.
            “You look terrible,” said Hank, as he walked up to Teddy with Jonah at his side.
            “Come on, Hank, leave him alone. He really likes her, don’t ya?” said Jonah. Teddy shrugged and Hank laughed.
            “I liked her too! Why don’t you feel bad for me?” he asked, but he faltered near the end as Teddy’s face darkened.
            “Man, you got it bad. What are you gonna do?” asked Jonah. Teddy felt relief. His friends, his very best friends, understood what he was going through. He didn’t have to go through this alone.
            “I can’t outshine Bo, especially here. He’s the role model of the country boy’s life. No offense, Jonah, but I really hate him for being so darn perfect.”
            “None taken. I feel that way everyday. If you think Bo’s great, you should meet my older brothers. They’re superstars compared to this guy.”
            “At least you don’t have to see him except school, right?” asked Hank.
            “Don’t you remember? My Uncle Luke hired him to work, so I’ll see him everyday,” sighed Teddy. Just then, Bo was coming closer to their group, Austin nowhere in sight.
            “Teddy! Hey, I got a question for you,” he called.
            “Uh oh…” muttered Hank, as he and Jonah disappeared into the rushing crowd around them.
            “Look, this is gonna sound dumb, but I didn’t drive to the party the other night. I wasn’t the designated driver, if you get what I’m saying. Where exactly is your family’s land?” Teddy was so relieved. He gave instructions on which back roads to take to get out to his uncle’s farm and got to his next class before the bell.