Chapter 44 Junie
Junie
Junie gets to her feet when Eddie and Georgia head out to the parking lot. She watches them through the glass door pretending
so well that they can be just friends. Junie knew Georgia was capable of difficult things, and she knew Georgia loved her
with a massive depth, but this is tangible evidence of just how much.
When Georgia draws closer to hold the cup, Junie wonders if she’ll stay. In her head, she cheers for her to stay beside him.
But of course, her responsible big sister shifts back down the curb.
The disappointment that rattles inside at the sight is enough. Junie has the power to make this right, and she’s ready to
step up. Or at least to make a start at it.
The clatter of the bell behind her as she steps outside makes it feel more real. She’s about to confess to Georgia that she
and Eddie aren’t dating, that she’s sick, and now there are only steps between them.
She could dart back inside and put it off another day.
But she’s past that now, and she’ll do what she came out here for.
To tell Georgia, then beg her to stay here at home.
For herself, yes, and also to help lead June’s.
Junie knows she’ll be upset with her, about the diagnosis, but she wants—for the love of everything good—to sound like she at least, a little bit, has her stuff together.
“Junie,” Georgia says. “What’s wrong?”