300th post! :)

"What's wrong?" Mitch asked as he sat down at my table, totally uninvited.
"I think Sarah left the performance with someone."
"Hm...it's late. Want to get a drink?"
I shrugged and followed him out and to a bar. When we sat down, Mitch turned his attention back to me.
"Explain. How do you know that it happened?"
I took a drink "Well, there was this orange person near the side of the stage and she was flirting with him. And then they left."
"When you say 'orange person', do you mean it was an Oompa Loompa?"
"No. Gosh, they were wearing orange."
"Okay, fine. But you know that Sarah has a way of flirting or appearing to flirt without meaning to. Maybe she just wanted something."
"I just really have a feeling that I..."
"Do you not trust her?"
"I do. But it's not like we're super serious. So what if she ends up really liking this guy?"
"You don't have any confidence anymore, do you? I'm sure, and you should know, that whatever this guy has-if it's a guy-you can totally compete."
"I wasn't good enough for Sarah to say with me today."
"Wait? Where were you before the show, did you two talk at all?"
That made me feel guilty "No. I was..."
"Off trying to impress Gavin, right?"
I nodded shamefully.
"Well, I'm shocked that she left!" Mitch commented sarcastically.
"Do you think that she would have done something to get back at me?"
He shook his head "I think she might have felt a tad neglected. But that doesn't mean she has any interest in the orange person. It means that you screwed up, but you can fix it easily. Maybe if you ask very nicely she'll fill you in on the details."
That sounded like a plan. But we stayed and drank a little longer. When it was a little darker I made my way to Sarah's place.
I knocked on the door and Sarah opened it quickly.
"Is he here?" I asked a little too aggressively, but I was just nervous that the answer was yes.
"Who?"
"Mr. Orange"
She laughed, which made me feel a dumb.
"No. And don't worry. No one's been here all night."
I wanted to ask her about today, but I couldn't put the words together intelligently.
"Look, I guess I owe you an explanation. What you saw today was nothing."
I wanted to say that they looked more than friendly.
"I know. I admit that I did flirt with him...awhile ago. But that's over because I have you"
I could feel myself smiling a little stupidly. "Where did you go today?"
"A race. That's why he was here. All that time ago I had invited him. I'd practically forgotten until he showed up today. And I probably would have invited you to come with me, but I was pissed that you were ignoring me earlier."
Of course that was part of the problem. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay. It really wasn't that important."
"I should go home." I was feeling a little pathetic.
Sarah smiled and shook her head "It's not safe to walk drunk. Stay here with me."

Excercise

"Come on" Marcus made a puppy-dog eyed face.
Sarah shook her head. "Hmmm. Don't think so."
Marcus grabbed her hand "Ah, come on. Oh, I entreat you to do this!"
Sarah only shrugged.
"I need to work out. And you could make it fun."
"I'm not convinced"
"If you run with me I'll bike with you tomorrow"

A half hour later Sarah walks out the door to see Marcus standing outside stretching.
"Ready?" He asked her excitedly.
She shrugged "Let's just get this over with"
Marcus beamed and started jogging "Be positive."
Sarah sighed and slumped after him.

Not even an hour later, Marcus had his hand deep in the freezer grabbing as much ice as he could. He handed the bag of ice to Sarah who was lying on the bed.
"I'm sorry."
Sarah only moaned sadly.
"Thanks for running with me."
"Least I could do" Sarah cracked a smile. One of her smiles that was so much more than they looked. "Just wait for tomorrow" She threatened.

The next morning Marcus and Sarah woke up close to the same time and headed to the gym together.
"Okay, so I have a special playlist for biking. The goal is to go as fast/far as you can. Person who gets the furthest in the time wins."
Marcus exhaled deeply "Alright."

The last song had come; So Much Better. Marcus was practically slumping on the handlebars as Sarah remained upright and perky. Maybe it was because of the mirrors that gave her a boost, Marcus surmised. At the very end of the song at the huge note, Marcus had gotten completely worn out while Sarah was pedaling her heart out. Finally the song ended and Marcus completely collapsed. Sarah stopped and exhaled enthusiastically.
"That was fun."
Marcus nodded and took a huge breath "Yeah. It was. You totally won."

Something I wrote

Sara: I wish you wouldn't go. You really don't need to.
Jake: (ignores her) Stay out of sight. If anyone comes, hide.
Jake kisses Sarah's hand and walks away slowly. He stops at the door, part of him wants to stay. He opens the door and walks out without turning around. When he closes the door he finally turned around and looked at the door sadly.

Sara looks around the tiny motel room, but still it feels huge. She looks at the door miserable. After a moment she drops her head and cries.

As time passes the dark room just gets darker. Sarah watches the door the entire time. It's completely dark when Jake returns.

Sara: You're back.
Jake: Yeah. Are you okay?
Sara nods
Sara: Come here. Be with me.
Jake walks to Sara and sits down. The side of his face catches the light
Sara: (gasps at seeing his swollen face) My gosh, what happened?
Jake: Nothing. I'm fine.
Sara: Are you sure? (Touches him gently)
Jake: I can be.
A painful pause as Jake looks like he might cry
Jake wraps around Sara. Both of them stay silent, but the quiet eases.

A while later.
Sara: Can I ask you something?
Jake: I think so.
Sara: What was it like when you realized that you did...what you did?
Jake: Oh. Um. I guess I knew what I was doing right when I was doing it. I know it wasn't a good thing to do, but it felt like something fine because she wanted me to do it. I thought she had good reasons and we could be together. But when I found out it wasn't, I couldn't believe myself. I was devastated. Clearly. Then you, I don't even know what I was thinking. I got so messed up. (shakes head) What about you?
Sara: (Sighs nervously) I don't think it's fully sank in. They kept showing me the pictures or I saw them on the news and I feel like that can't be me. I mean, those girls were my friends. Or people I passed in the hallway. Or facebook friends. And now. Now they're not? They're accounts have been deactivated. (sighs heavily)
Jake: It's not your fault.
Sara: But it is.
Quiet again.
Jake: I feel like I should tell you what happened.
Sara: (Forcefully doesn't blink) Okay
Jake: But also feel like I shouldn't.
Sara: I don't know.
Jake: I know you should know. But I know that once you know, it'll be bad.
Sara: Either way's fine. (Holds his arm) Really, either one.
Jake: Okay.
Jake narrates while it happens
Jake: I walked to the hotel, I prayed that nothing would happen. But I got there an he was there at the bar. He grabbed me tight and led me to his room. He gave me a glass. I didn't want to take it, I thought there would be something in it. But he forced me to drink it. There must have been some kind of drug in it because I was slow and wasn't thinking straight. And then, well, lets just say he wasn't bluffing.
Sara: I am so sorry.
Jake: I shouldn't have told you.
Sara: No, it's fine.
Jake: But now I've ruined it. Us.
Sara: (shakes her head) No. You're still, everything. The only thing. I don't know anybody who would do that for me. I don't even think I knew anyone who would.
Jake: You're worth it. Because you're all I have.

Excerpt

Briana was super quiet when I drove her to the airport. It didn't bother me, but I felt like she wanted to say something. I walked her all the way to the gate before she said anything.
"Bye, sweetie." I said right as I was about to leave her.
"Dad, wait." She said abruptly.
"What's wrong?"
"It might not be my place. But if any part of you wants to be with Mitchell, then I think you should be."
I gave her another hug "Thanks, honey."
My nerves were practically jumping out of my skin as I drove home. It wasn't just that I was nervous, I didn't know what to do yet. The house felt so big when I walked in. Sarah always had an ability to make it feel smaller with all of her cluttering and moving. I looked around, worried that Mitch had already taken off and I had missed my chance. Thankfully he walked out and smiled awkwardly at me.
"I hope you don't mind. I felt like cleaning a little..."
I didn't say anything, I didn't know what to say yet.
"...I think I might leave now."
Without thinking I stepped forward and threw my arms around him. After more than a minute he finally spoke "Does this mean you want me to stay?"
I thought about it for a really long time. "Yes. Please." I said while still clutching him.
He nodded "Alright then"
I was filled with happiness that he still wanted to be with me, I was. But how was I going to get completely over Sarah?

Excerpt

All I had done since Mitch broke up with me was mope. I had been broken up with before but I'd really never been so caught off guard. It had always been easier to get over before. The doorbell rang and I ran for the door partly hoping that it was Mitch who had changed his mind. Mitch wasn't on the other side of the door, but Sarah was.
"I came to see if you were okay." She said as I let her in.
"I guess you heard?"
She nodded "Yeah. Mitch told me."
I felt so embarrassed. "What's in the bags?"
"Well, I wanted to cheer you up, but I wasn't sure which you'd be more in the mood for. " she laughed, "so I have milk and cookies," in one of the bags were a container of cookies and a bottle of milk "and the grown up kind" in the other bag was a bottle of tequila.
I couldn't help but laugh at her cheery mood.
"Thanks, Sar. You can stay if you want."
She smiled so brightly and beautifully "Of course I want to stay with you! <3 "

Excerpt

Jackie woke me up with her barking. It was almost noon but I had been up all night watching Sarah on T.V. The rumors about her freaked me out, but they had to be just rumors. I tried to sleep through the barking, but she just kept going. After 10 minutes of no luck, I got up to see what was wrong. Jackie was standing on the couch and barking at the window.
“What’s wrong, girl? Do you see a dog?”
She only looked at and then continued to bark at the window. When I looked out I saw Sarah standing in the pouring rain.
I left the apartment and ran downstairs and to the door. “Sarah, are you okay?”
“Everything’s all messed up.” She sobbed.
“Is it true, then?” I asked.
She nodded “What am I supposed to do?”
“Come inside. Where it’s dry.”
“No. this suits me.”
I sighed, thankfully I had my sweatshirt. I stepped out into the rain and stood in front of Sarah.
“It’s okay. It’s going to be fine.”
“Are you kidding? I’m totally screwed.”
I touched her gently “No. No. Please believe me. You have me.”
She shook her head “I don’t want you to pity me or feel responsible.”
“Then why are you here?”
I caught her as she burst into tears, “Because you make things better?”
“That’s what I’ll always do.”
“Huh?”
I would have gotten down, but I was in my favorite jeans and it was all wet and muddy. I pulled the box out of my sweatshirt.
“Oh no”
“What’s wrong?”
My dad said that this was like a questioning a witness in court. You’re not supposed to ask a question that you don’t know the answer to. But I really thought I knew.
“You shouldn’t” she said
“It’s not just about that.” I promised. “After everything that’s happened in the past few weeks and months I’ve learned that you mean everything to me. I like having you around so much that there is something missing without you.”
The miserable look was failing from her face and I could see her not-so-humble smile appearing. “Really?”
“Yeah. I knew you were awesome awhile ago. But you’re so awesome that there’s this whole without you.”
She smiled evilly “Am I like a drug to you?”
“You wish.”
“I think I am.” She raised her eyebrow.
“Is this your way of saying yes?”
She smiled “I think so.”
I pulled on her hand “Come inside.”
When we were inside I wasn’t sure what else to say. “Do you want anything?”
“Your couch” She laughed. “Come on Jackie! Sit with me.”
Jackie joined Sarah on the couch. I sat down on couch near her. She seemed pretty happy, and that made me really happy.

From: Marcus
Can you come now?
12:15 PM

From: Mitchell
What’s wrong? Are you okay?
12:17 PM

From: Marcus
It’s Sarah
12:18 PM

From: Mitchell
I’m on my way. Is it true?
12:19 PM

From: Marcus
Yes.
12:19 PM

From: Mitchell
Is she okay?
12:21 PM

From: Marcus
Yeah, I think so.
12:22 PM

From: Mitchell
Did you ask her?
12:25 PM

From: Marcus
Yes.
12:26 PM

From: Mitchell
And she said?
12:27 PM

From: Marcus
Yes.
12:28 PM

From: Mitchell
Yay! I’m almost there.
12:29 PM

Excerpt

It was nice to help Marcus, because he really needed it. But I shouldn’t have left Marcus alone, but I didn’t know what else to do (I can be impulsive, I just need to think about it first!) I thought maybe I could talk to Sarah; she could put me to work and get Marcy off of my mind. As soon as I was on the elevator I started feeling even worse about ditching him. When Sarah saw me she looked confused.
“Why didn’t you stay?”
I faltered “I thought…I thought…I don’t know, it would be weird.”
Sarah looked upset “No. He needs a friend and you are his friend.”
I did want to help, but “Sarah, I don’t know if I can”
“Please!” She shouted loudly, getting a few strange looks “You have TO!” and she was practically shaking.
I grimaced, but I knew she was right. The most important thing I could do was be with my best friend, BEST FRIEND, I reminded myself. Not my ex, not my lover. I got back on the elevator and went back up to where I was.
I opened the door slowly and saw Marcus was sitting completely still. He looked so miserable, and I was next to him in a second.
“Is everything okay?” I asked gently.
“I really fucked up” he cried.
The first time I touched his shoulder, he pulled away from me, but the second time I tried he let me comfort him.
“No you didn’t” I assured him
He shook his head “How did I not?”
“Because you are going to be fine. Everything’s going to go back to normal”
“Thanks.” He responded hushedly “Are you leaving again?” he asked.
“Nope. I’m with you.”
“Where’s Sarah?”
“She’s working…”
His expression immediately turned to sad.
“You know how she feels about you. How she feels about this. Stop being stupid.”

Excerpt that will not be for much longer

Mitch held me against his chest as he carried me up the stairs. His arms felt so good and that made me feel terrible and so guilty. Once we got into the suite, he set me down on the bed. A second later he had left, and I felt sort of lonely. Part of me had hoped that he would stay with me. I cursed myself for feeling that way. That’s what got me in this mess in the first place. And this was what it had come to, I was on my own. I had managed to lose both of my best friends at the same time. Now I was all alone. I looked out the window, the whole city was all lit up and there were so many people. People who hadn’t ruined their lives, people who had people to be with them

Excerpt

When Sarah and I met only occasionally, I first saw that there were more sides than I would have thought. I had expected that living with her I would get to know her. Rather than just know there were many sides, I could actually know the sides. I remember when Mitch and I first picked her up at the airport and instantly noticed how timid she was. It was quite unexpected, she seemed practically unwilling to speak unless it was of the utmost importance. I felt awful that the house was so cold for months, and she never complained. She didn’t even ask for an extra blanket or a heater or anything. When I eventually gave her a blanket, she had it practically every moment, and I just kept feeling worse. She was southern, she was probably used to the warmth. Being here must have been just awful for her, probably didn’t help that her housemate was acting like a jerk. I was certain that she was miserable, every time I woke up in the middle of the night to go to the kitchen, she’d be awake. But she never said anything, not about moving home or not being happy. It wasn’t like I wanted her to act like a spoiled brat

Excerpt

“We haven’t talked in awhile” in fact I was slightly surprised that she was calling at all, “What’s up?” I asked.
“I don’t know how to say this but you have a new coworker.”
“That’s great Sarah, are you moving here?”
She laughed “no, I’ll be onstage via webcam”
“I take that as a yes?”
“Well yes. But I’m not really sure what I should do until I find somewhere to live.”
“You can stay on my couch if you need it.”
“Ha, that’ll work. I won’t be in the way, will I?”
“No, not at all.”
When I hung up, I realized that I had forgotten that as Mitch was living with me I should ask him as well. But there was no reason for him to say no, she’s a friend in need. I decided it would be a good idea to ask him later.
“Do you remember Sarah?” I asked somewhat hesitantly.
“Of course.”
“Well, she’s moving here, but she needs a place to stay for awhile. I told her she could stay here, but…is that okay?”
He nodded “Oh no problem. But she is, you know, alright with us?”
I wasn’t actually sure, but I said yes anyway.
“Then I can’t wait to see her again”

Excerpt

“I can help you rehearse.” I heard above me, I took my eyes away from my imaginary lover and looked up. Mitch was standing above me.
“Need a cute German boy to seduce?” he smiled craftily. I nodded nervously and he laughed and sat down in front of me.
I was more nervous now than I had ever been even onstage. I started from the beginning and proceeded to ramble through the lines, missing words here and there along with nearly sounding robotic.
“Are you okay?” he asked me.
“I’m sorry. Usually I don’t screwing up so much”
He put his hand on me, “You’re supposed to be trying to get into my pants. Is that really so hard to think about?”
I turned red almost immediately. I was just afraid of the bad impression I was making on him, I wanted to seem perfect but not like a jackass. But he was right, if I tried to think about him more it helped. When we were done with the lines I started to get up, but Mitch stopped me
“Aren’t you supposed to kiss me?” he asked, smiling slightly.
I couldn’t help but smile a little as well at that, I leaned in and kissed him, he leaned in as well and kissed me back. I didn’t want to stop kissing him, but after awhile I pulled away.
As Mitch was helping me off the ground he said “I didn’t just come here to freak you out and interrupt your practice.”
I smiled hopefully “Really?”
“Do you want to go out sometime? A movie or something?”
I only hesitated as to not sound desperate “Yeah. That would be great”

Excerpt (sorry Jesse Swenson! Thanks for letting me interview you!)

I had trouble believing what Sarah told me, but I knew that it was probably true. The apartment seemed empty when I came in, but I knew Marcus was probably home. I didn't see him anywhere until I noticed that the bathroom door was open. When I looked inside I saw Marcus sitting on the floor. He had this look that I'd never seen before, but I knew what was going on.
"What has gotten into you?" I asked, totally bewildered.
Marcus looked ashamed "I'm sorry."
I crouched next to him "No...tell me you won't do this."
He nodded. "I wasn't...are we okay?"
I smiled and stroked his hair "of course."
His smile back was so endearing, he seemed almost fine.
We walked out "Will you tell me what happened?" I asked
Marcus looked down sadly "Well, you know about the Hair audition"
I nodded.
"Well, I saw Jesse. And he got all in my head. Talking about how a big part of getting cast is getting, well, naked. Made a not-so-subtle comment that I gained weight"
I sighed sympathetically. "Why did you letit get to you? You knew what he was doing."
He shook his head "I didn't exactly believe him, but I thought it couldn't hurt to fast until the audition was done with"
"What about you? Didn't it hurt you?"
"Yes." he shrugged "it did."
"Well that's been over, what was that in there?" I nodded toward the bathroom.
He shrugged again "When it was over I couldn't stop. When Sarah took me to lunch, I felt better at first. But when I was alone..."
"You're not alone anymore."
"Thanks" he smiled
A second later the phone rang, I could tell by Marcus' expression when he picked up that it was the Hair casting director.
I listened as he talked "Yes, yes...okay...yes, thank you"
"So...?" I asked nervously after he hung up.
He shook his head "I didn't get it."
I wrapped my arms around him "I'm so sorry"
I felt him cry against me "Now I feel really stupid for what I did."
"It's okay. You know that it's just minutes until you're in a different show."

Excerpt

Today was my 3rd time this week wearing this outfit. Marcus clearly noticed.
"Let me take you shopping" he suggested.
No. "Hell no."
"Sweetie, you need clothes."
I shook my head.
"Sar, let Marcus take you. He's really good at shopping" Mitch encouraged.
"Fine. But I hate shopping"

Mere hours later, Marcus and I were on 5th Avenue.
"I can't do this." I protested "This isn't right for me. Especially not places like these"
He smiled and held my arm tighter "This is perfect for you. You need something as sophisticated and awesome as you"
He pulled me into Sacks and my stomache sank.
The first thing he picked up was this absolutely gorgeous mini-dress. A piece of me wanted it. Like really wanted it. But it wasn't the type of thing I could pull off and my god it was expensive. My eyes widened in shock at that label.
"I can't pay for that!"
He laughed at me "First, you can pay for it. Second, I'll pay."
"I can't..." I tried to protest
"Just try it on. I'll get you some other stuff."
In the dressing room I practically had a panic attack.
"Sarahhhh. Let me see you"
I crept out.
"You look gorgeous."
I shrugged. It didn't feel like me.
"Something's wrong with you." Marcus shook his head and grabbed my wrist. He pulled me in front of the mirror. "Seeee? You look beyond pretty."
I shrugged. "I guess. It's kind of cute. We'll see."
"Well, we're getting it. And I'm going to get you some other things that we'll look this gorgeous on you."

Excerpt

exNot long after I had gotten to my dressing room, Lexi was standing by me looking very cross.
"Where were you?" she asked angrily.
I didn't want to answer, so I only said "Sorry!"
"That's all I get?" Do know know all the trouble your not showing up caused?"
I nodded "Probably alot. I'm sorry."
"Where were you?" she yelled viciously.
"At the library?"
"Does it have to do with the movie?"
"Nope." I was reluctant to say more.
"Then what was so important?"
I sighed and pulled out everything that I checked out of the library and put it on the table. Lexi looked confused as she read the titles.
"You have an eating disorder?"
"No." I said firmly. "But can you think of anyone who might?"
"I don't!" She said defensively.
I shook my head "I'm not saying it's you. I know you're not the one who just spent hours researching signs and situations, but just think..."
And then it dawned on her.
"Oh my gosh. What are you going to do?"
"Everything said that just talking is the best idea. So I'm going to do that, see where it goes."
"Mmkay" she nodded "let me know if you need help."
And then she left

New Years Excerpts

OUR FIRST KNOWING EACH OTHER

It was a pretty low key party, if you'd even call it that. Everyone was now sitting, just watching the TV. My eyes were hardly staying open, but I tried as hard as I could to stay up. The ball finally went all the way down. I didn't have anyone to kiss, but I did have something to put my mouth on. Oh, doesn't that sound dirty. I drained all of my half-full drink...it would have been a lot better if it had been alcoholic. All around me people were kissing, I was jealous but I didn't miss George. Across the room Mitch and Marcus were having quite the celebratory kiss. I was practically red in immature jealousy. I gave myself a second to act normal and then head off to the kitchen. A hand grabbed me and Mitch turned me around and kissed me.
"I know you don't like being alone," He said comfortingly "but it's my resolution to find you the perfect guy"
I smiled back. "Okay. You have good taste, I trust you"

FIRST YEAR TOGETHER

We were among the only people still dancing, I was getting quite tired but Sarah seemed pretty much wide awake. The song slowed down which actually made me more tired, Sarah noticed immediately and grinned and put my arms around her.
"Time for that New Years kiss!" The DJ announced.
Sarah looked so gorgeous, I almost didn't want to kiss her-just keep staring seemed like a good idea. Finally I kissed her, oh worth it, and seemed like it lasted almost forever.

MANY YEARS LATER

I couldn't believe Disney Channel still did the same marathon countdown thing that they had when I was a kid. Marcus was fast asleep and the girls were almost there. When it was midnight I leaned over and kissed Marcus. It just wouldn't be special if I didn't.

Excerpt. -- This takes place after Marcus was discharged from the hospital

Who was the lucky one who gets to be the getaway driver? Me. Yay. But honestly, I knew how much Marcus hated being in the hospital. And without me he would be stuck there until he could walk out on his own. I glanced at the backseat quickly. Marcus was lying across the backseat and Mitch was sitting next to me. Every time I hit a bump or stopped suddenly Marcus groaned, which was pretty much agonizing to hear. When we got to the hotel Mitch took over, promising to get Marcus upstairs and stay with him so he’d be okay.

Another Christmas Excerpt

"There's gotta be someone who's not seeing Bare for the Christmas movie" Sarah said desperately.
Her grandfather only shrugged "No, there really isn't."
Sarah sighed and turned "Grandma, can we help you cook?"
Her grandmother laughed "Sorry doll-face, I'm seeing the movie with everyone else."
"Gah!" When everyone had turned away Sarah picked up a fork and mimed stabbing herself with it.
"Aw." I laughed. "My Christmas wish almost came true."
Sarah shot me a dirty look.
"What's the big deal. Why won't you see it?" Rochelle asked.
Sarah rolled her eyes "It would be awkward"
"Yeah" I nodded in agreement "very."
About a half hour later every one had gone downstairs, after the consensus was that Sarah and I would see some stupid G rated movie.
"So we'll just sit in the back?" I confirmed
"Yep."
"It's still going to awkward. Seeing you have sex with my ex is something I'll never get used to" I pointed out.
"I know. But this is our chance to nitpick." She said with a smile. "We couldn't get away with it at the screening"
I laughed "Can I throw popcorn at the screen?"
She smiled "Not the face!"

Christmas Excerpts

I tentatively walked behind Sarah as she opened the door.
"Hello?" she called.
"Ah!" a small woman ran out of the next room and threw her arms around Sarah.
"It's my funny face!" She squeeled.
Sarah smiled, "Hello shorty." she responded, but she didn't hug back.
"Ow!" Sarah suddenly screamed "you pinched me!"
The woman fake frowned "you didn't hug me."
Sarah turned slightly towards me, "Grandma, this is my boyfriend Marcus"
She smiled and nodded "Very nice to meet you." she turned back toward Sarah "at least someone's making good decisions"
Sarah looked surprised "Grandma, what do you mean?"
Grandma scowled slightly "Your sister and your cousin have made some less good choices, my dear"
Sarah looked over to the next room, two girls were holding their cell phones and chatting like teenagers. But they looked hungover or stoned or something. The innocent happiness that Sarah had they clearly didn't. It made sense how that could disappoint a grandmother. More so than having a slightly bisexual boyfriend.
I helped Sarah set up the quiche in the kitchen and then we sat on a couch as she informed me of the rest of the day. I also had the delight of helping her unwrap her presents. It was interesting watching the way her sister and cousin unwrapped theirs in comparison. When either of them got something they liked that said "Yes!" and then went into a long story about where they saw it, with what friends, and what they thought it would go with. When Sarah got something she liked she squeeled, hugged the present and thanked the giver. When Sarah got something she didn't like she smiled and still thanked the person, but then quietly put it away. If either of the others got something they didn't like they pretty much bitched about it. I couldn't believe how spoiled they acted. You could tell what they got cost far more than what Sarah's did and they would complain about how it's the wrong size or wrong color or it's a knock off and they wanted the real thing. I'm an extrovert and I can see why Sarah can't stand them.

Excerpt

I could just imagine someone--anyone--hearing what happened and assuming that I had done it all on purpose. Clearly, they would have thought, I wanted Marcus back and knew that sleeping with him was the way to make him see how right we were together. No, that’s not it. I admit I still kind of liked Marcus, but believe me, when you’re gay you learn to not act on crushes. That night really was just an accident. When I was woken up the next morning but Marcus’s terror I myself was truly terrified. I may have lost both of my best friends in only a half hour. I was too numb in distraught to offer any decent amount of help, advice, or consolation. As Marcus was running out I was pretty sure that would be the last I’d see of him, but I heard him turn around.
“Mitchell” he said.
Don’t try to talk to me, I expected him to say. Or something along those lines.
“You’re still my best friend.” He said instead. And then ran out.
For a moment I was utterly shocked. Then I lost it.

Excerpt

This excerpt is the pick-up of the last one.


It amazed me that I had kept so calm when Marcus told me what happened. I think it might have been because I thought that Marcus might love Mitchell again. But I was really happy that wasn’t the case. Marcus had fallen asleep almost immediately. I got up and took off his socks and shoes and then got back into bed. He was warm from his run and it felt good to me. Somehow I wasn’t furious at him, although maybe I should have been. In my mind he hadn’t completely cheated on me. But he’d still have to pay me back, of course.