Page 21 of Grown

“All right, class,” Mr. Amato says. “Let’s begin. Take out your assignments.”

What would happen... if I text him that very thought. Slice myself open so he knows how I really feel? Before I can overthink it, I do a quick search and send him the song via a YouTube link.

The link sits in our chat, a ticking time bomb as a wave of nausea hits me sideways.This isn’t right, my gut whispers. But I’m in a room full of people, and there’s no one here to tell me it’s wrong.

Except maybe him. But he says nothing.

“Miss Jones, phones away please,” Mr. Amato says.

He’s the kind of guy that you give your everything.

You trust your heart, share all of your love.

Till death do you part...

The lyrics dance through my head as I listen with one ear for my phone. Nothing. After bio is lunch, and I can’t just check messages in front of Gab.

It’s a grueling forty-five minutes before the bell. I scoop up my books and rush into the hall, hoping for a spare minute alone.

“Hey, slow down, girl,” Gab says, jogging after me. “What’s the rush? It’s not taco Tuesday.”

“Oh, I... gotta go to the bathroom.”

Gab follows me, talking about Jay’s college roommates, how they all look at her like she’s something to eat. In the stall, I check my phone. No response. My stomach hits the floor.

Did I read this all wrong? Was it too thirsty, too pressed?Stupid, stupid, stupid!

Gab and I grab trays and head to our spot. As soon as I sit, my phone vibrates and I nearly knock over my plate to check.

One message.

A link in response:

Al Green, “Simply Beautiful”

“Who you texting?”

I snap the phone to my chest.

“Um, Creighton.”

“Ew, what does he want?”

“Nothing, just talking about the bus for Cluster. Not everyone is as lucky as you to have a car.”

Gab sticks her tongue out at me. “Yeah, and I’m paying for it with my youth. I’m exhausted.”

I’ve never lied to Gab. Ever.

Chapter 14

When Souls Collide

I feel like summer.

I feel like crashing waves, hot sand, sticky ice-cream cones, smoky charcoal, and fireworks, all wrapped up in skin.

Korey and I volley songs for four days straight...