Project Hero

by Briar Prescott

There’s something about Andy that is addictive. On the outside, he’s so damn awkward, but he’s also sarcastic and fun and just genuinely nice, and I can’t even remember the last time I enjoyed just hanging out with somebody this much.

You’re a good person, Andy Carter, and as far as I’m concerned, that makes you a hero in my book.”

Think about it, if you let me go into the world with the knowledge I have right now, I might go in for a blowjob and start to lick somebody’s elbow or something.”

My parents have raised me to be independent. They have never coddled me. Whatever the opposite of helicopter parents is, they’re it, and I haven’t minded.

He doesn’t make me feel like I’m a hero either, but the thing is, with Law, I don’t really care about being a hero at all. With Law, I’m just me. Just Andy. And with Law, it’s enough.

I haven’t eaten a candy bar in days. Something inside me must be broken.

Andy gesticulating wildly as he talks about the probability of the existence of dark energy. Andy trying to debate with himself about who should receive the Nobel Prize this year. Andy completing a 5K run without stopping once and the dorky victory dance that followed the achievement. Andy yelling at the TV when he happened to come upon a game of Jeopardy that had questions about National Marine Sanctuaries.

“I have feelings,” I repeat. “Feelings that are not entirely friendly anymore. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I have unfriendly feelings for you?”

“I’m in love with you. And I know I promised there wouldn’t be any feelings and shit, but I failed. So… oops?

“What?” Andy asks. “I’m only with you because of your money.” “Oh good. I’ve always wanted a gold digger of my own, so you’ve made another one of my dreams come true.”