Scraps of fabric (yoya)

It's getting cold out, and I don't have a watch. What time is it? I am sure it is later than it should be, but not by much. Being fashionably late, isn't that a thing? And what does it have to do with fashion?...
"Hey, you. Are you Bea? Is it short for Beatrice? Hello. Nice to meet you. I'm Fischer. Bobby Fischer. I don't care what you call me. So how come you called me out here today? Trade? Gossip? What?"
I jump at the sudden voice, and quickly stuff the scraps and threads into my pockets before I turn around to face the guy. He is my brother's age and I have seen him around before, but this is the longest we have ever talked, and I haven't even said anything yet. I clear my throat, pulling the scarf down to smile at him.
"Hello! No... it's just Bea. And you're Bobby." What am I doing? He knows that. He just said it. Try again, Bea. He's my brothers' age and he looks friendly. "No it's not gossip. But trade, maybe? I hear that you know how to sew..."

I can see the confusion on his face as I ask about the sewing. Was I not supposed to know about that? I didn't think it was a secret... Does he not want others to know? My family works with yarn and cloth, and I never thought about them as girly things, but maybe someone else does... Did I embarrass him? I sink deeper into my scarf, my nose poking out and I feel my cheeks turn pink. Uh-oh.
"Your sources are correct. What do you want sewn? Need repairs? New clothes? I can do it all. However, nothing is free. It would have to cost you something."
I sigh a sigh of relief. He is not angry at me then. I smile at him.
"No, I don't... I don't need clothes. But my family does yarn, and we don't have a sewing machine, and I really want to learn to make things, you know, clothes and stuff, nice ones, and well, I was thinking, that maybeyoucouldhelpmelearn?"
It comes out all jumbled, and my cheeks are pink again. People, where I come from, are very protective of their personal possessions. If he asked me to help, I would say yes, but Ma tells me I am very kind-hearted. I don't think she always means it as a compliment?...
"I don't really have money... but maybe we could make a trade?"

"What would you be giving me if I said yes?"
He might say yes! It would be so cool if he said yes! Of course I would have to talk to Mom, and find time to meet with him, and convince my brothers that it is okay to hang out with this guy, but still, he might say yes!
... Wait, what would I be giving him for teaching me?
Uh-oh.
"Umm... well, my family makes yarn and thread... and wool, we have wool. I mean, I don't own all of it, but I can make a trade for you..."
Well, that's not exactly an offer. Of course I did not expect him to teach me just for the puppy eyes... but I smile at him anyway, secretly hoping he will not negotiate too hard.
"Or, I can, I can help you with your work maybe? I have school, but I have most of the afternoons. I can... you know, run errands or something."

"So in exchange for me teaching you how to sew, you'll do my errands. That seems fair. When do you want to start? I can do whenever I'm not in work." 
Yess! He said yes! That is so cool! I'm going to learn how to sew. I'll get really good at it, and only tell my parents and my brothers when I am already great at making clothes. Maybe I'll make them something for their birthdays! It would be such a nice surprise...
I beam at the boy and nod my head repeatedly. I want to look as excited as I am, and I hope he doesn't change his mind and take back the offer. My brothers used to do that all the time when we were younger. Mom called them brats for it.
"Yes!... I mean, yes, that sounds good! I can start tomorrow after school? When you are out of work? Or if you need me to run errands while you are at work, I can do that too. Where should we meet?"
Now I'm just going to have to come up with a good reason to spend some time away from home. 

"So we have a plan now. Good. How about we meet up... how 'bout here again? Would it be okay if I brought you to my house? My parents should be home. For a time, would 6 work?" 
I am trying really hard not to bounce on my feet. This is really happening! His parents will be home that's good too, although I'll have to somehow get them not to accidentally tell my mom. It is supposed to be a surprise, after all! But apart from that, I am very excited. It almost feels like I got my first job! Or something like that.
I nod to his suggestions. I should be able to work with that. 
"Yes, that's perfect! I mean... I'll see you here. Tomorrow!.... Umm. Is that all?"
I am not sure if there is anything else to discuss. Or if he wants to give me an errand to run right away. 

She thinks about it for a moment, and I almost think he might be changing his mind. Maybe I shouldn't have asked. Maybe I should run away before he can say no....
"There isn't anything else. Oh! Make sure to bring your own supplies for sewing, except for a machine. I'll provide a single machine... Are you good with everything? Can you provide your own stuff?"
Oh. That.
I nod with a smile. I am sure I can rustle up some scrap fabric to practice on... after that, I'll just have to play it by ear. But he doesn't need to know that just yet. The details will work themselves out, I'm sure of it. I beam at him and wave as I start walking away.
"Yes, I'm good! I'll bring my stuff. Thanks! See you tomorrow!"