I stared at Otti as I thought about what to say.
I could tell her the truth. I could tell her that I haven't stopped thinking about her since I laid my eyes on her in second grade. I can tell her that I want to be her friend more than I've ever wanted anything in my life.
What would Otti say? Would she be flattered? Would she want that too? Would she be creeped out? Would she even believe me now?
Screw it. I'm just going to tell her the truth. If she doesn't believe me, maybe I can prove it somehow.
"I don't want a way out," I said. "I wanted a way in."
"Huh?" Otti asked with her face scrunched up again.
I leaned forward in my chair, looking Otti right in her eyes.
"I said, I wanted a way in," I repeated before continuing. "Otti, I really lik-"
"Pierce."
The sound of my name rui
