Linus and Etta Could Use a Win by Caroline Huntoon

Author:Caroline Huntoon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

15

Linus

I KEEP MANAGING TO FIND NEW WAYS TO EARN A GOLD MEDAL IN THE AWKWARD OLYMPICS.

Despite my insistence that she absolutely does not need to come to dinner on Monday, Etta somehow manages to finagle a seat at the table with my family at Tiny Thai, a restaurant that immediately makes good on the first part of its name and hopefully makes good on the second part soon.

“You know, I’ve actually never had Thai before,” says Etta, filling the silence that falls over the table after we order.

“Oh, it’s one of Linus’s favorites,” says Dad.

“It’s nice that there are vegan options,” says Etta. “I’m always a little worried when I go to a new restaurant.”

“I’m surprised by that,” says Mom. “I would think most places would be able to handle that kind of a request. It’s pretty trendy.”

“Well, we’re still in Ohio.” Etta’s voice has a bit of a bite to it.

“Etta isn’t doing it to be trendy,” I say defensively. I don’t like the implication that Etta is jumping on some bandwagon. And even if she was, is that such a bad thing? “Some of it has to do with allergies. Some of it is animal rights. You’ve been a vegan for a long time, right?”

“Since third grade,” Etta says mildly, giving me the side-eye. Then she looks down and pulls her phone out of her pocket and begins to type. I look at my parents, who pretend not to notice. We’re all busy being polite when my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out.

Etta: u stood up for me just fine

“Linus, no phones at the table,” Mom says. I look over at Etta, who snickers, but I don’t rat her out because a friend wouldn’t do that. And I’m pretty sure my parents wouldn’t talk to Etta the same way they talk to me. The way they would sometimes talk to Olive—like she was their kid too. Etta is new to them.

“So, how’s school going for you two?” Dad asks.

Etta looks over at me with an expression that plainly says she very much does not want to talk about school. Of course, I’m not entirely sure what Etta would want to talk to my parents about. The weather? The latest sports-ball scores? How long it takes for paint to dry?

“Uh, it’s fine. It’s school,” I say, trying to move the conversation away from this. I’m just not sure what I’m hoping to move it toward.

“Etta, what do you like to do outside of school?” Mom asks. No, Mom. Stop. She clearly isn’t into it. Let’s not drive my friend away, please and thank you!

“Did you tell your parents about student council?” Etta diverts the attention away from her and over to me.

I kick her under the table.

I haven’t told them. I’m not really sure why. Maybe it’s because I haven’t wanted to talk to them as much. Honestly, it seems more likely than not that I’ll say something that they wouldn’t like.

“Are you running for student council, Liney?” Mom asks.

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