Anyone meeting Andrea Birch for the first time would soon realise that there was something not quite right, for she had none of the social graces that one would associate with a young girl. She said what she had to say, and usually nothing more or nothing less. Most kids of her age would find her uncommunicative, unfriendly and not much fun to be around, and therefore shun her at every opportunity. On the other hand, Andrea seemed to accept her treatment without resentment or prejudice, and got on with her life in the way she chose. I guess I was one of the few friends she had, not that you could ever call it a friendship in the true meaning of the word.
I lived two blocks away from Andrea in a small town, its name not even worth a mention. Being of the same age, we went to the same schools and were sometimes in the same class - which means we kind of grew up together. But outside of school, we never socialised or anything like that. Unlike others, I was perhaps a little more sympathetic to Andrea's problems than others. One of my younger cousins was autistic and aspergers, and having been around him for many years, I could identify the associated behaviours. I had no doubt that Andrea carried a few minor asperger traits, the unsocial behaviour to name one. Overlooking that one difficulty, no one could ever doubt Andrea's intelligence, for she had an incredible memory and a wonderful logical manner of working things out that most of us couldn't fathom or match. She was also a talented athlete, but only in solo sports like running and swimming, for she would never be a team player. Her tall lean figure filled out in her adolescent years, and she sure looked good in gym shorts or a bathing suit, but only if one was brave enough to look. And as a young male teenager with raging hormones, I confess to more than a few careful glances.
I guess because Andrea knew me better than anyone else, and the fact that I always treated her with a little dignity and respect, I got away with a bit more than others. Andrea wasn't a girl to trifle with, her scathing looks and sharp tongue kept most at bay. She stood her ground and never backed down from anyone if her cause was just. I can remember an incident in the second year of college when corporal punishment was available to teachers to keep the boys in line. Old Mr Morris was the most feared teacher at the school when it came to wielding the cane, as he had the ability to turn the most staunch boy into a blithering mess after a well delivered six of the best. The scars of such thrashings would last a painful week on ones backside. One of our classmates, Gavin Harris to be exact, had been cruelly tormented for a few days by other boys. It was most unfortunate that it was in Mr Morris's class that Gavin exploded after a little subtle encouragement. Mr Morris waited patiently for young Gavin to wind down, then retrieved his cane from under his desk and asked him to step outside into the corridor.
We all knew that a travesty of justice was about to take place, but it was only Andrea who had the fortitude to stand up and challenge it. We could see the anger in Mr Morris's face at her interference, but each step that he took towards Andrea; she took one towards him until they stood eyeball to eyeball in the centre of the classroom. And there she delivered her version of the facts with the accuracy and conviction of a defence lawyer. To our surprise Mr Morris listened, considered Andrea's argument, and then placed his cane back under the desk. Andrea then turned and gazed scornfully around the room at all of us cowards, and we all looked down at the floor in shame. Later that afternoon, Mr Morris rounded up those tormenters of Gavin and gave them their just desserts; you can be assured that I was glad I wasn't one of them. Andrea earned a lot of kudos that day, but it didn't necessarily make her any more friends.
Over the last two years of college, classes were given more than a few group assignments to complete. Andrea was always drawn to me, as no one really wanted to work with her. To me, this was always a little short sighted of my classmates, Andrea would put hours of hard work into them, and more often that not my contribution was minimal. We had this sort of arrangement; she would do most of the work, so long as I did all the class presentations. Having the gift of the gab, I found this little arrangement no hardship. I should add that our assignments were always amongst the top marks, and Andrea would always let me take the credit for them. Looking back, I reckon the teachers weren't that naive and had us well pegged.
Most times, Andrea would come over to my home to work. The few times I went to hers, she always seemed on edge, and I doubt hers was a happy lot at home. On the other hand, my mum and dad were good people, and both my older sister Jane and my friends were always made welcome, and usually well fed by the time they left. For some reason, my mum especially got on well with Andrea, like there was some bond of understanding between them. Jane on the other hand was a little unsure of Andrea, and usually made herself scarce on her arrival. But at my home, Andrea's behaviour was always impeccable, and I made sure that I didn't upset her. Our time together Andrea was always business like, there was none of the usual banter and chat like my real friends, even though we were in the privacy of my bedroom. We started work on her arrival, and she went home when we were finished, the only interruption was from my mum delivering hot chocolate and fresh baking of some sort. I guess that Andrea was quite a private person, and the more people knew about her, the less she liked it.
Forgive me if I have given the impression that Andrea was unattractive, because this was not so. She had a fine thick wavy mane of fair hair that looked good loose, or in a pony tail. Her skin was blemish free apart from a few freckles around her nose. Her big eyes were an incredible green, and would blaze with fire when angered. Her large lips were just right for kissing, and her teeth provided a perfect smile. She never wore makeup, and jewellery was limited to a wrist watch and small earrings. Her dress sense was simple, colourful tops, tight jeans and flat shoes. A girl like this would usually be chased all over town by the boys, but in Andrea's case, none were so bold; me included. I freely admit to many a schoolboy fantasy about Andrea, but that's all it could ever be.
After the final year of school, I left home and headed for university to study electrical engineering. From a young age I've tinkered with electrical and electronic gizmos, and it was therefore a career dear to my heart. Right from the start I had a fine time at university; the most memorable was losing my virginity in the first week to a girl far worldly than I. Intimate encounters then became a recreational activity of some interest, for there seemed plenty of young ladies who wished to explore their sexuality in their newfound freedom. Amongst the joviality of numerous sex and booze binges, I even learnt a few things; I was bright and interested enough to accomplish good grades. After the end of each year, I would go home to family and friends to spend Christmas, and for well earned rest.
On my arrival at home after the second year, I was informed that there was to be my old schools fiftieth reunion. At first I was blasé about the whole thing, but my bossy elder sister who was between boyfriend wanted to go, and take me with her. Eventually I was convinced, but not without a fight. Two years away from home had taught me to be independent and make my own decisions. Besides, a few days notice didn't exactly give me much time to make a success of myself, if you get my drift. On the night, it didn't take long for my misgivings to disappear, and it was good to catch up with old school mates. Because of the huge range of ages, we were given coloured badges to indicate which decade we attended. Our year congregated close to the bar, which was most convenient.
I was surprised to see Andrea walk in, for she had more reasons than me not to turn up. I had to grin; all the other girls were dressed up to the nines in slinky dresses and smart attire. Andrea turned up in a purple top, black jeans and flat shoes, and still managed to look better than most. I gave her a wave, and a little smile appeared as she made her way to our group. I think the two years since school added maturity to all of us, and Andrea was welcomed warmly by all. Eventually, she sidled up to me and gave me a smile of sorts.
"Nice of you to dress up." I bravely suggested.
Her smile disappeared as she looked me up and down, the fact I was wearing jeans and a casual shirt wasn't exactly lost on her.
"Mind you, you'd look good in anything." I added hoping to redeem myself.
Her eyes lingered on me for a few seconds before heading to the bar for a drink, to my surprise she returned to my side, "So you're home for Christmas?"
"Nah, home for good." I jested. "Got thrown out for being too bright."
My attempt at humour was met with a look of contempt, obviously Andrea hadn't changed that much.
"It's good to see you again. To be honest; I didn't expect you to come tonight."
"Wasn't going too, but my mum told me that I should show my face. I'll have this drink and take my leave."
I slipped a hand behind her and a finger through the empty belt loop of her jeans, "Maybe you should stay for awhile."
"Why?"
"Cause you're the best looking girl here, and I might want to talk to you."
"If you don't take your hand off my butt, I'll break all your fingers." she suggested quietly.
"Only if you promise to stay, for a while anyway."
"Okay."
I removed my finger and Andrea stayed exactly where she was. It was interesting looking at our group. Some of the guys were displaying the first signs of hair loss and beer bellies; some of the girls were looking frumpy beyond their years, more than one was married and one pregnant. Others looked real good, just like Andrea. While she didn't contribute much, she listened politely and provided the odd begrudging smile. Some of our old teachers mingled asking what we were up to in the big wide world. When it came to her turn, Andrea suggested that she working in her family business, but looking at a few different things for the following year. Later in the night, old Mr Morris turned up and chatted amicably for some time, and he seemed different from the old grumpy and fierce teacher I remembered him to be. He took the time to speak to most of us, and he eventually got to Andrea.
