Fall from Love

boyfriend is best friends with Carter, it doesn’t mean that I’ll have to start being friends or anything with him, right? There’s a chance that our paths would’ve crossed at some point and I’m going to have to get over it eventually, right? I open my eyes back up and find Jenna looking at me intently.
    “So on a scale from zero to a shitload, how much do you hate me right now?” Jenna asks, her expression guarded.
    I force out a laugh and shake my head. “Zero. If he makes you this happy, then I’ll deal with it.”
    “Really?” She sounds relieved. “A part of me knows you’re full of shit, but the other part of me loves you for wanting to try.”
    “Can we make a deal?” I ask, still trying to get a grip on my emotions.
    “Sure.” Her voice is hesitant.
    “From now on, no more secrets. No more treating me like I’m some fragile little egg that could crack at any moment. And most of all, no more hiding cute guys you’re dating.” I smile at her. “I need you to be normal and treat me normal, so I can be normal again.”
    “Normal,” she repeats and nods her head. “I think I can do that.”

 
     
    Chapter Three
     
    You cannot find peace by avoiding life.
    ~ Virginia Woolf
     
    Friday’s here before I know it and my first week of senior year is officially over. Even though there were days when I dreaded starting school again, I have to admit that it feels good to get back into a routine and have something to focus on besides my own internal depressing thoughts.
    More than anything, though, I’m looking forward to getting my life back, hanging out with Jenna, and maybe even having a little fun in the process. I overheard a few girls in class talking about a new club across from campus. It had opened this summer and is a great place to go and dance. It has been so long since Jenna and I have had a girl’s night out.
    When I get home, I find Jenna in her closet. She’s kneeling down on the floor with her back towards me and clothes are flying in every direction.
    “What are you doing?” I ask, catching a shirt before it hits my face. I glance around her room, eyeing the clothes and shoes that are strewn across her floor and bed.
    “I can’t find my blue top; you know the one that makes my boobs look really good?” Her voice is slightly panicked.
    “You mean the one with the sequins across the neckline?”
    “Yes! Have you seen it?” She glances back over her left shoulder, her eyes hopeful.
    I nod, smiling. “It was hanging in the laundry room this morning.”
    “Ugh, the one place I haven’t looked.” She sighs and pushes herself up off the floor. “I’ve been looking for that shirt everywhere.”
    “Hey, do you have plans tonight?” I ask, following her back through the living room and into the kitchen. I open the fridge door, hoping to find something remotely healthy to snack on, but as I scan the empty shelves, I settle for a bottle of water.
    “I was hoping we would have plans.” She glances at me over her shoulder. “Now hear me out before you say anything, okay?”
    “Okay.” I answer, my voice cautious. Sure, I wanted to go out tonight, but the look on her face and tone in her voice make me nervous as to what she’s about to propose.
    “Well, there’s a barbeque tonight at Josh’s place, but don’t worry, I’ve already checked and Carter won’t be there,” she finishes all in one breathe. I guess to make sure I don’t give her a resounding no before she can get it all out.
    I take a large gulp of water and swallow. Before I answer, I scan over her features and see the desperation in her eyes. It makes me realize that this is exactly what I don’t want to happen. I don’t want the issue I have with Carter to get in the way of my relationship with my best friend or her relationship with her boyfriend. As much as I don’t want to admit it, Carter not being there is a step in the right direction and, for that reason alone, it increases my chances of going.
    “Sounds fun.” I shrug, taking another sip of water.
    “Really?” she asks, her eyes wide. “That easy? You’re not going to make me beg?”
    I shake my head.
    “Wow, I thought I was going to have to promise you my first born or something.”
     
    ❧
     
    We pull up to a house where a few cars line the driveway and along the curb. It’s a nice house—a really nice house. I look around the neighborhood and wonder how two college students can afford to have a place like