Exactly Who Oscar Is

I trudged down the alley, through arms and legs that the younger kids

dangled

off the sides of their seats. One of them, a small, blonde boy, even

offered

me a high five. I think his name was Grahm. I smiled and slapped his

hand

as I walked by. I can’t be mean to little kids. I’d hate myself if I was. I

dropped

down beside Tyler, who was talking to Lindsay. “I had a nice

conversation

with Oscar today,” I said. He looked at me. “Who?” “Oscar,” I

repeated.

“He’s a fish.” He smiled and nodded. “Right,” he said. “She talks to

that

fish every day,” Lindsay added. I grinned. Oscar is the only one who

understands

me, I guess. Tyler put on his headphones and turned his CD player on.