Strudel walked in, soaking wet. “What are you doing?” he asked, running his fingers through his dripping wet hair.

Tom jumped up, “Working on Spanish” he said.

“Yeah right” said Strudel, pushing Tom. “Waffles is my friend, leave her alone.”

“Are you Smog?” asked Tom.

“He’s not as cool as me” said Strudel, popping his collar. “But almost.”

“Oh!” said Tom. “Your Strawberry’s boyfriend!”

“Yeah” said Strudel. “And your worst nightmare.”

“You don’t scare me” said Tom. “Except you’re getting me all wet.”

“And I’ll get you even wetter” Strudel squeezed his shirt on Tom.

“Stop, man” said Tom.

“No” said Strudel, and he pushed Tom into the wall. “Go home, bitch” said Strudel.

“Waffles, I’ll see you later” said Tom, who was bleeding.

“Don’t get blood on the rug!” Strudel called after him.

“So” said Waffles once Tom left, “what did you want?”

“I wanted to make sure that we were cool” said Strudel.

“Ok?” said Waffles.

“What happened this summer shouldn’t have happened” Strudel said, still dripping wet.

“I’m sorry” said Waffles.

“We were both unfair to Strawberry.” He gave her a hug. “Well, I’ve gotta go” he said, “see you tomorrow.”