The next morning, it was easy to get out of bed. I was going to the library after school with Justin. Alone. YES

I cursed the bus for going so slowly, but I also had huge butterflies as the school came into view. I went to my locker in a show of normality and began routinely emptying the contents of my backpack into the tiny metal frame. I tired not look around too much, if only to keep my breakfast down. I was wound so tight that when I heard a throat clear beside me, I jumped.

“Hi.”
“You scared me!”
“Sorry.”
“It’s okay. Good Morning!” I couldn’t help but smile.
“So…” he paused. “About this afternoon..”
“Yes?” I queried, worried that he had to cancel. My stomach plummeted.

“I need to drop off my brother first.”
“Oh!” I exclaimed, relieved. “Sure. No problem.” Was I talking too loudly?

“Hi,” said a voice from behind Justin. A blonder and younger version of him stepped around to get a look at me. “I’m Jeremy.” He held out his hand. I shook it.
“Nice to meet you.” I smiled.
Jeremy’s opinion counted.