"You are so lucky to have Jesse for a boyfriend," Jessica complained three minths later in Spetember. We were already into our sophomore year.
"Yeah, but *you* have Zach, and he's an awesome guy, Jessica," I replied. "Ugh, they're fighting again."
"Again? About what?" Jess asked.
I listened to Bo and Melanie's yelling for a minute. "About who left the tub of margarine out on the counter."
I got up off my bed and shut the door to my room. "I swear they fight about the stupidest things. Anyway, you shouldn't complain, Jess. Zach is *so* awesome."
"Yeah, I know, you've told me five million times, Nora, but Zach gets boring and annoying after three months," Jessica said.
"Then break up with him," I said.
"No! I don't want to do that to him!" Jess exclaimed.
"Then don't. Just don't complain about him. He's a great guy, Jess. Be happy you've got him," I advised.
"Geez, if you like him so much, they *you* go out with him!" Jess said angrily and hung up the phone.
I dialed Jesse's number. "Hello?" he answered.
"Jesse? It's Nora. Jess is all mad at me again. I told her she should be thankful for Zach, but she won't listen to me," I said.
"Oh that's too bad," Jesse replied.
"I'm so glad we're going to the carnival tonight," I said. "It'll take my mind off everything."
"Uh, that's just it, Nora. I can't go tonight," Jesse replied.
"Why?" I asked.
"Relatives again," Jesse said.
"*Again?*" I asked.
"Yeah, so I'llsee you at school tomorrow," Jesse said.
"Okay, well, bye. Love you," I said.
"Yeah, bye."
Next I called Audrey. "Hey Aud. It's me."
"Oh hey Nora. How you doin?"
"Not so good. Jessica's mad at me because I said that she should be thankful for Zach but she wouldn't listen to me. My parents are fighting over a tub of margarine, and Jesse says he can't come to the carnival tonight," I said.
"Why?" Audrey asked.
"He says his relatives are in town again, I don't know what to think," I replied.
"That's screwed up. All of his relatives are all the way in MAine, Nora. I think he's messin with you," Audrey said.
"Seriously?"
"Yeah. Zach's been gettin some pretty weird excuses too. If I were you, I'd dump Jesse really quick. I think Zach should lose Jess, too. I think there's something goin on there, Nora."
James burst into my room."Nora! I just saw Jesse with Jessica at the mall!"
"Were they close?" Audrey asked.
"Were they close?" I repeated.
"I'd say so."
"Like how close?"
"like kissing close. Nora, dump him real fast," James advised.
"Okay, Aud, I'm gonna call Zach or something and tell him," I said.
"Be my guest. Bye."
"Bye."
"you're sure it was them, James?"
He nodded. "Yeah, I'm positive."
I drew in a shaky breath. "Oh lord." With dread and a growing lump in my throat, I called Zach. "Is Zach there?" I asked.
"hold on a sec."
"yeah?"
"Zach? It's me," I said.
"Nora? What's wrong?"
"Everything," I said and then I broke into tears
"Nora! Are you okay? What's up?" Zach said, concern growning in his voice.
James yanked the phone from my hand. "Look , Zach. Something really horrible had happened and it affects both you and NOra. I don't think she can get it out over the phone, so you're gonna have to come over. Right away? Great. Just come right in and up to Nora's room. Alright. See you in awhile."
I looked up from my pillow.
"Zach's coming over."
Chapter Five |
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