Reading Online Novel

The Girl Who Fell(46)



I flop on top of my comforter and it’s impossible to say how much time passes before Mom pops in, sits on the edge of my bed. “Hey Sunshine, did you have a good day with Alec?”

“I did.”

“Are things getting serious with you two?”

“We were at the mall to buy sunglasses, Mom.”

She cuts my attitude with a glare. “It doesn’t matter where you go, Zephyr. Only that he treats you well.”

“He does.” The best.

She pats the curve of my shin. “Good. That’s what matters. You deserve that. Every girl does. And no need to rush things.” She stands to leave and I can’t help feeling like I only got half of a parental speech, that if Dad were home this conversation would have gone differently and included a lot more rules. My brain doesn’t know whether to feel sad or relieved.

“Oh, almost forgot. I need a favor,” Mom says.

“What’s up?”

“I know you’re invited on your own and can bring a date, but I’d like you to be my plus one for Anna’s wedding.”

“You’re not going with Dad?” The question is not one I wanted to ask, and the very question I’ve wanted to ask for weeks now. How much is Dad back in her life? What’s the new protocol? The new boundaries?

Her eyebrows raise. “No. I’d never put you in a situation like that, Zephyr.”

“Well, I don’t have to go.”

Mom looks startled. “That’s unthinkable. You adore Anna.”

“I know. I do. But I want you to be happy too, Mom.” I shrug. “So if you want to take Dad I’ll stay home.”

“I wouldn’t hear of it. And it would break Anna’s heart.”

“Okay then, but no dancing.” I want to be a part of Anna’s big day, see all her little sisters dressed like princesses. Her day isn’t about Gregg or me or Alec or rogue kisses.

“Deal.”

“The no dancing clause is non-negotiable.”

“You’ve made your terms clear.” Mom laughs. If I played the One Thing game with Mom, I’d tell her that her laughter is the one sound I’ve missed the most these past months.

When she closes my bedroom door, I kick off my boots and curl into my covers just as my phone plays.

I kissed a girl and I liked it—

I grab for it. “Hey.”

“Favorite time of the year?” Alec says.

“Spring. Renewal and all . . .”

“Worst memory?”

The question startles me and I hesitate for a beat, which is against the rules of the game. Dad’s leaving sucked, but it wasn’t the worst thing.

“My dog dying. The one I had when I was a kid. She was hit by a car and I was the one who found her.”

“God, that’s awful.”

“What’s your worst memory?” I ask.

“How about something lighter? Favorite letter in the alphabet?”

“S. It has the potential to go on forever.”

“I hope we have that too.” Alec’s words draw around me, hold me with their promise.

I dream on the possibility of forever with Alec on my drive to school on Monday. Maybe this thing between us can be sacred and lasting. Maybe nothing can break it. The thought absorbs me until I meet up with Lizzie at lunch, her stare already boring a hole in my skull as I approach our table. “So you’re blowing me off?”

“It’s good to see you too.” I grab an apple from my bag, shine it against my jeans. “Lizzie, you hate Alumni Weekend.” I bite into my apple, regretting sending her that text last period.

“That’s not really the point. We made plans, Zee.” She slumps back in her chair, aimlessly rearranges the tater tots on her plate.

“You know I love hanging with you, but Alec has something special planned and I don’t want to bail on that for some lame school tradition. He’s my boyfriend. I want to spend time with him.”

“I get it, Zee. I have a boyfriend too, remember? And I manage to still hang out with my friends and keep my commitments.” She abandons her fork and the metal thunks against the plastic cafeteria tray before she crosses her arms over her chest.

“Don’t be mad, Lizzie. It’s just different for me.”

She narrows her eyes. “Careful, Zee.”

“No. I just mean . . . well, it’s all new with Alec, and you and Jason have been together for years.”

She leans forward, aims her words. “Jason and I have managed to stay together because we have our own lives outside of our relationship.”

She doesn’t understand. I don’t want a life separate from Alec. I don’t even want time separate from Alec. But I don’t say that. “I know. I’m still figuring all this out.”