Choices by Sydney Lane

room.”
    Jenna jumps off the bed, with her hands on her hips, and demands, “Quince, you better get to talking. I need to know if I’m going to have to go kick his ass.” That might be funny if I didn’t think she would actually do it.
    “First, where is Eric?” If we’re going to talk about this, I don’t want anyone to hear us.
    “All of the guys left about an hour ago. Remember they were going hiking? They wanted to leave before it gets too hot.” She finally sits down again. “So, tell me. What happened last night?” Thank God, we won’t be doing the walk of shame.
    “Jenna, it was the most amazing night. I came up here, and the door was locked. I was drinking a little bit, so I just figured I heard Brody wrong. So, I came in this room and fell asleep. I thought I heard Brody say something, but it felt like I was dreaming. At some point, I woke up, and he was lying beside me. I accidentally woke him up. Now, Jenna, don’t go crazy. We kind of made out.” I have to admit that I feel some pleasure when her jaw drops to the floor.
    “Wait. You were drinking? I mean, why?” Of all the things I said, this is what she hears.
    “Jenna! Didn’t you hear me? I made out with Brody! Help me out here.” I know what happened; I’m not that stupid. I just don’t know how to act around him now. I mean, we’ve never even been on a date.
    “Girl, it doesn’t sound like you need any help,” she laughs and pats me on the leg. “You seem to be doing just fine on your own. Let’s get going before the guys get back. I don’t know, but it might be hard explaining where you stayed last night.” She jumps up and leaves the room as if she’s floating on air. I often wish I could be like her, just rolling with the punches. Thinking too much, trying to be in control…. Well, that just isn’t any fun.
    I meet Jenna in the hall, and when we head downstairs, I am again amazed by this place. The cabin was beautiful last night, but it is more stunning in the daylight. I can’t believe Brody doesn’t come up here every chance he gets because I certainly would. I wouldn’t be able to stay away. There is something very calming about the cabin, about being tucked away up here all alone in the mountains.
    It feels weird to be leaving in the clothes I came in. I have never done that before. Of course, I’ve never slept in bed with a guy before either. Maybe Brody being gone this morning saved me some discomfort. I wouldn’t have known what to say to him, and I hate the idea of morning breath or any other embarrassing bodily functions. But I would have loved to see that tattoo. And his eyes. Don’t forget the eyes .
    We get into Jenna’s car, roll down the windows, turn up the music, and enjoy the drive. I’m a terrible singer, but it doesn’t keep me from singing loudly. Lucky for me, Jenna is the only person who never complains.

 
    Chapter 17
     
    I spend the rest of the day studying and writing a paper. Having a job definitely makes me prioritize. I have to work a couple of nights this week, so I’m trying to get ahead while I can. I even try to tackle my laundry on my own.
    My mom has completely spoiled me. To be honest, I never really had chores to speak of. She always said it was because I had a job at a local restaurant, but deep down, I knew it was guilt. There was a lot of guilt being passed around in my family. My parents felt guilty because they were certain they were somehow responsible for Katie’s illness, like she may have been different if they had just been better parents. They felt guilty that they didn’t have enough time and affection left over for me. Katie, when manic, would do things she felt guilty for when she came down from her high. It would feed her depression and rob her of joy. I felt guilty, oh so guilty, for being normal when my sister suffered so much. I am ashamed for wishing that I could hide her away from the world.
    Just as I’m putting my books away, my phone rings. Speak of