Chapter 12 #2
“What was what?” I work the combination, then open my locker to grab everything I need for homework tonight. The hallway is loud as students bang their lockers closed around us and hustle outside. End-of-day noise always has a lighter edge to it, probably because everyone gets to leave.
“That crazy debate club spiel about banning devices on campus?”
I shrug. “Maybe it would be for the best.”
“You can’t really believe that. You love technology—it helps keep your life organized. And would you really want to end Connection Services?”
My locker slams shut and I snap the lock back into place with a decisive click. “Why is everyone so attached to it? What good has it done anyone? We’d all be better off if it had never started in the first place.”
“Alright,” Jake says, palms raised, and takes a step back. “I can see this is a touchy subject, and I have no idea why. But we don’t need to talk about it right now. I’ll see you tonight?”
I nod and sling my backpack on, already turning away. My skirt twirls as I head for the parking lot. So ready for this day to be over.
Later that night, Jake comes bearing very acceptable snacks: peanut M there’s nothing romantic happening. But—“
“Jake! The very thought—“
He places a finger over my mouth and continues talking. The guy can be infuriating sometimes!
“But,” he over-enunciates, “maybe we’re reminding him what he’s missing. That’s all.”
Jake removes his finger from my mouth and we stare at one another.
His expression is one of challenge—daring me to question his motives.
Or maybe challenging me to dump Braden? I’m confused, but I know he has a point somewhere.
I have to admit, my life has become a lot more confusing this year.
For years it was steady: Braden and I attached at the hip, spending time at the Taylors’, my mom and dad being a (mostly) normal couple and living in the same house.
Now everything is changing, but I can’t say this new closeness with Jake is a bad thing.
He’s actually been one of the best parts of my senior year so far.
“Ok,” I say. What can it hurt?
Jake smiles approvingly. “Great. I’m guessing you will get a text from him within 12 hours.”
He picks up the bag of M&Ms and offers them to me, which I gladly accept.
“And if he doesn’t?”
“Then we’ll get more creative.”
It sounds both fun and dangerous. What have I gotten myself into?