When Reason Breaks by Cindy L. Rodriguez Page B

skills, Kev.”
    â€œThanks,” he said. “I mean, I feel weird asking my dads about advice on women.”
    â€œThey know way more about having a successful relationship than you do,” said Elizabeth.
    â€œTrue. Anyway, I convinced Emily I wasn’t flirting, promised her everything would be fine, and we’ve been great since then.” Kevin smiled as he dragged a french fry through a blob of ketchup.
    â€œDo you really like her?” asked Elizabeth.
    â€œYeah.”
    â€œWas it her first time?”
    Kevin nodded.
    Elizabeth looked over at Emily. She sat at the end of a table filled with popular sophomore girls. A paper napkin lay unfolded on her lap, as if she were in a restaurant. She bit off small pieces of her sandwich and chewed with her mouth closed. She listened attentively to her friends but didn’t talk much.
    Elizabeth turned back when Emily caught her staring again. She remembered finding Emily on the bathroom floor a month ago.
If things were so great, why was she a sobbing mess?
    â€œHere’s what I think: Everyone knows you’re a flirt, but if that little scratch bothered her so much, then don’t flirt with anyone in the slightest, especially not her best friends. And if you ever break up, you can never date Sarah or Abby. Cross them off your list.”
    â€œYeah?”
    â€œYeah. Trust me on this. I’m a girl, remember?”
    â€œThis is true,” said Kevin, “but you don’t have girlfriends. I mean, you hang out with guys, so are you sure? Like if we made out and then Tommy wanted to date you, I really wouldn’t care. I’m not saying I want to kiss you, although I wouldn’t turn you away either, and I’m not saying Tommy wants to date you. I’m just saying guys are different and you hang out with guys, not girls.”
    Elizabeth sat quiet while Tommy rubbed his temples.
    â€œThree things,” Elizabeth said to Kevin. “One, shut up. Two, don’t make her any more promises. Three, take my advice.”
    â€œOkay, then … Sarah and Abby are off the list forever, no big deal.”
    Elizabeth leaned over and punched Kevin in the arm.
    â€œDamn, Davis,” he said as he rubbed the spot.
    â€œI’m going to hit you every time you say that,” she said. “You, too.” She pointed at Tommy, who held up his hands in surrender.
    â€œBefore we get off the topic of girls, I must say that Abby is all about you, Tommy Boy.” Kevin playfully punched Tommy on the arm.
    â€œHey, man, cut it out,” Tommy said. He glared at Kevin and glanced at Elizabeth. She noticed but didn’t say anything.
    When the bell rang, the boys turned to face the doors that led to the main hallway. Elizabeth turned in the other direction toward a door leading outside.
    â€œHey, where are you going?” asked Tommy.
    â€œI need a break,” she said.
    â€œYou’re going to get caught,” Tommy yelled at her as she walked away from him. “Teachers take attendance every period. They’ll know you’re missing.”
    â€œI know,” she yelled back over her shoulder. “And I don’t care.”

Chapter 15

“Pain has but one Acquaintance”
    In the nearby wooded area, Elizabeth climbed on a large downed tree. She sat on top of it, carefully placed one leg on each side of the trunk, and leaned back with her hands linked behind her head. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply. The warm autumn sun kissed her face; the chilled wind gently followed with a light caress. This beat P.E. class any day. The detention would be worth it.
    After resting for a while, Elizabeth opened her eyes. White clouds streaked a soothing light-blue sky. The trees’ tallest branches stretched and waved in the mid-October wind. Lush evergreens mingled with their colorful, shedding neighbors. Elizabeth looked a little lower at a branch perfect for climbing.
    She sprang to her feet and