Present Perfect(59)

“You will be severely punished later tonight.” An adorable devilish grin slowly appeared that sent shivers through me. He took a few steps back before turning and jogging back to Brooke’s side. She looked back at me with a smug expression that clearly said, “He’s mine”.

I watched them slid their hands down deep into each other’s back pocket. I was shocked. I couldn’t believe they were fornicating right in front of God and everybody. A burning sensation radiated throughout my chest and stomach. I turned my gaze back to the pond. I tried to get the picture of them groping each other out of my head. Looking down I started kicking the gravel with my heel. I felt someone walk up behind me. I turned and saw Emily holding two plates of food. I swung my legs over the bench to face her. She sat across the table and placed a plate in front of me.

“Thanks,” I said.

“What are you doing hiding over here?” she asked.

“I’m not hiding.” I fingered a potato chip before tossing it in my mouth.

“Brooke seems nice.”

“Yeah, she seems nice.”

“You don’t like her?”

“I don’t dislike her. I’m indifferent about her,” I proclaimed.

“Hmmm…”

“What?”

“Nothing, it’s just when it comes to Noah I’ve never known you to be indifferent. You’re usually black and white. There’s no gray area with you when it comes to him.”

“I’m a dark gray about her. Happy?”

“Ecstatic. Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Why isn’t that you?” Emily tilted her chin in the direction of Noah and Brooke. We watched as they sat beside each other several tables away eating. Brooke giggled or kissed Noah between almost every bite of her food.

“It’s not like that. We’re best friends.” My response sounded automatic as I continued to stare. Emily snorted slightly. “What was that for?” I asked.

“Whatever is between you and Noah is more than friendship.”

“Emily, don’t.”

“What? It’s pretty obvious.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Amanda, anyone with half a brain can tell how much you care about each other.”

“Of course we care about each other. Friends do that, you know.”

“Why don’t you want to be with Noah?”

“Why are you asking me this stuff right now?”

“Because I saw the look on your face when you and him were sitting here talking. Then I saw the look on your face when Brooke walked up.”

“I’m going to be honest with you. It’s a little creepy that you watch me that closely,” I said.

Emily shook her head. “Typical Amanda.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” She was beginning to annoy me.

“Whenever you get uncomfortable, you make a joke of things.”

“Well, there’s not enough laughter in the world.” I gave her a smug look. My previous annoyance started to shift to anger. I could feel my body start to tense and stiffen.

“Why are you and Noah not together, Amanda?”

“I’m not his type, obviously. Besides, I would screw it up in a heartbeat. I won’t risk losing him. There, now you know. I have felt like a failure and worthless for as long as I can remember.”

I just stared at her. When the last word left my mouth, I regretted it. I was already in a bad mood because of the PDA between Noah and Brooke, then Emily just kept pushing, I snapped and said more than I should have.

She took in a deep breath. “I know it hasn’t been easy being my sister. Growing up always being compared to me had to be a pain in the ass. Amanda, you’re beautiful, intelligent, kind, and talented. You’re perfect the way you are.” Glancing in Noah’s direction, she said, “You are so beyond good enough for Noah. I wish you believed it.”

“I wish I did too, but I don’t know any other way to be. Noah is with Brooke and he’s happy. That’s all that’s important to me. I’ve just been emotional today reminiscing about things. I’m sorry I snapped at you like that.”

Emily reached across the table and put her hand on the top of mine. “I’m here to listen, Manda, if you need me.”

“I know. Thanks.”

I knew Emily was trying to help, but both Noah and I had moved on. He had Brooke now and I was headed off to start my college career in a couple of months. He and I understood what our relationship was and we were good with it. It wasn’t perfect, but nothing ever is.





I spent the rest of the night talking with friends and family. I tried not to pay any attention to Noah and Brooke. It was a challenge with Brooke’s high pitched squeals of laughter piercing my ears. At times, my curiosity got the better of me and I glanced over at them. They were either kissing or hugging. Brooke always seemed to be sitting in his lap. Always. Like he was friggin’ Santa Claus. I was done. I was tired from the party, the reminiscing and especially watching Romeo and Juliet. I went around and said my goodbyes to some friends. Before I was able to make my escape, I heard one more blood curdling squeal from Brooke coming from the fire pit area. People were standing around the pit roasting marshmallows. When I glanced over, I saw Noah standing behind Brooke with his arms wrapped around her waist, kissing her neck. Yep, it was definitely time to call it a night.