Lynn left that evening and Alyssa didn’t know what to do without her best friend. Trista and Alyssa went home and found that their mom had come home early.
“Mom, what are you doing home?” Their mother Jane worked as a hairstylist and would be at work this time of day.
“I haven’t been feeling well the past two weeks. Trista, you’re home.” Trista nodded, and grunted when Alyssa jabbed her in the ribs.
“Um, Mom?” Jane looked at her daughter expectantly. “I got my bellybutton and tongue pierced.”
“That’s nice Trista.” As her mother went upstairs, Trista shot Alyssa a smug look.
“I have to go meet Michael.” Trista grabbed her purse and headed out the door. Alyssa sighed.
“I hope she knows what she’s doing.”
*********************
There was only one week left until senior year. Lynn had called to tell Julie she had made it to Oregon.
“Julie, Josh is here.” Marlene Holland yelled. Julie ran down the stairs and stopped in front of Josh. Julie was wearing a long blue skirt and white tube top, showing lots of tan skin.
“Ready?” Julie plucked Josh’s keys out of his hand and ran to his Neon.
“Go ahead Jules. I don’t care if you drive.” Julie smiled and drove toward the park. Julie wanted to have lunch there and decided to bring Josh along.
“This looks like a good spot.” Josh commented. “Besides, I’m tired of walking.”
“You mean crutching?” Julie said, playfully.
“Yep.” They sat down and Julie pulled out all their food. They talked while they ate and joked around.
“Did you make all of this yourself?” Julie asked. Josh nodded, chewing on a piece of fudge.
“I am such a talented chef.” Josh said as Julie smacked him playfully. Julie was acutely aware of how close Josh was, and after they ran out of jokes, they sat in silence. Josh turned and looked at her. Julie’s heart was pounding as Josh brought his lips closer to hers. After what seemed like forever, their lips finally met. After a few seconds, Julie pulled away.
“I think we should go.” Julie packed up their things and Josh grabbed his crutches. They slowly headed back to the car. When they arrived at Julie’s house, Julie grabbed her bag and went into the house. That kiss had shaken her to the core. Does he feel the same way?
****************
When Josh got home, he was tired and aching from using his crutches all day long. And he was completely confused. Kissing Julie had felt so right, it scared him. Josh sighed as he pulled a stack of notebooks out from under his bed.
Josh,
What’s up? Not much here, just chilling. You? Anyway, I was wondering: are we still going to the dance together? Let me know!
Jules
Jules,
What’s up? NMH. Of course we’re still going to the dance together. Why wouldn’t we?! That’s what best friends are for. We’ll have fun making fun of everybody else there (hehe).
Josh
Josh remembered that dance very clearly. Him and Julie had a good time. Josh even convinced Julie to slow dance with him. It was a night Josh would never forget. It had been more sad than happy. Alyssa had been crying over Brian Klein. As Josh put the notebooks away, he was lonely and confused.Did I just screw up our friendship?
***************
Josh Ridgely
I think I’m falling in love with Julie.
~~~~~~~~
Julie Holland
I am falling in love with Josh. I know I am.
~~~~~~~~
Ryan Brennon
I miss Alyssa.
~~~~~~~~
Trista Morgan
I’m late.
***********************
(Three days later)
“Nothing’s wrong.” Trista said to herself. “I’m late because I’m stressed.”
“Trista? Come down here!” Mrs. Morgan yelled. Trista clomped down the stairs and was surprised to see her whole family in the living room. Her father, mother, Alyssa, and her older sister Mira, home from college, were sitting on the two couches.
“What’s up?” Trista asked, sitting down next to Mira on a pale blue chintz couch.
“I have an announcement to make.” Jane declared. Everyone’s eyes were on her.
“I’m pregnant.”
“OH MY GOSH!” Mira exclaimed, throwing her arms around her mother’s neck.
“That’s great Mom.” Trista said. The question is, will I be joining you?
*****************
Trista Morgan
I hope to God that I’m not pregnant.
~~~~~~
Alyssa Morgan
Something is definitely wrong with Trista.
Chapter Five
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