The Songs in Our Hearts: A Young Adult Romance(42)

He was right about that, at least. The cold was starting to seep through my clothing. I heaved a relenting breath and walked over to the passenger side of the car. I slid into the seat and waited for Micah to start the car.

We were both quiet as he drove, winding back to Main Street. Josh’s car came into view as we turned the corner, into the parking lot. Josh opened his door, glowering at Micah, giving him a silent warning. I didn’t say anything as I scrambled out, though I thought I heard Micah mumble something about texting me later. I didn’t say goodbye. I didn’t say anything to Josh either as I clambered into the Jeep.

When we pulled into our driveway, I nearly ran into the house, grateful to see that both of my parents had already gone to bed. I slipped into my room and shut the door, listening only for Josh’s footsteps as he walked by. I scrubbed my face in the bathroom, removing the stupid makeup I had put on, and changed into pajamas. I was thankful I didn’t have to go to school the next day. I had forty-eight hours before I’d have to see Micah again.

I ignored the vibration of a text message as I slipped into bed.





“Secrets”

OneRepublic





JOSH GAVE ME A RIDE to school on Monday. He had been waiting for me in the kitchen when he took in my still-somber face. I had pretty much hidden in my room the entire weekend, ignoring my texts. I didn’t want to talk about the dance and I certainly didn’t feel like rehashing our fight after the bonfire.

“She lives,” Josh teased me, scooping up his keys. “Figured I’d give you a ride to school.”

“Can’t I just stay home sick?” I exhaled, pulling my hair back into a ponytail.

“Nope. Come on, swamp monster. To school we go.” Josh picked up his backpack and patted my shoulder. “I’ll meet you in the Jeep.”

I grabbed an apple from the counter and pulled on my sweatshirt. I felt sloppy and looking the part was fine with me. Ben, J, and David didn’t say much to me on the way to school either. They must have noticed my messy ponytail and shoddy clothes. Josh gave me a solemn frown as I climbed out of the Jeep and headed into the building alone.

When I saw Jennifer and Rachel waiting nearby, I did my best to avoid them, blending in with a group of students walking past. But Micah was leaning against the wall in the hallway, and I knew he had seen me. My cheeks warmed as I quickly maneuvered away from him. I pounced up the staircase to English, glancing over my shoulder once to make sure he wasn’t following me.

By the end of class, I knew I should have stayed in bed. Samantha stared at me with a calculated smirk. I wished I knew the hair curse Sara Crewe used in the movie The Little Princess. It would be amusing to watch clumps of Samantha’s hair fall out. As I turned my attention back to Mrs. Tenner, who was giving homework, I noticed Micah staring at me.

“Have a great rest of the day, everyone!” Mrs. Tenner encouraged us as the bell rang. I started to gather up my things when Micah came to stand beside me.

“Paul got some sets built this weekend. Can we start filming after school this week?”

“Sure.” I shoved my notebook into my backpack and moved away, out toward the hallway.

“I don’t want the cold shoulder,” Micah said, following me. “I apologized. I don’t know what more you want from me.”

“Nothing. I don’t want anything from you.” It was too awkward to look at him, so I didn’t.

“So you’re going to be all distant with me now?” In my periphery, I saw him tilt his head. “Are you going to do that thing girls do? Just pretend I don’t exist when you’re angry?”

“I might be annoyed, but I’m not like that.”

“I’d say you’re exactly like that,” Micah jabbed. I glared at him.

“I’m not pretending you don’t exist. You make it too much of a challenge.”

“At least I’m good for something, right?” he snapped. I rolled my eyes.

“I didn’t say that. All I’m saying is that I’m not ignoring you, Micah.”

“So, it’s safe to say we’re still friends, then?” Micah tested, shifting his weight on his feet.

“Yeah…just friends,” I mumbled.

“Just...” Micah echoed with a hint of understanding in his voice. We both knew what I was saying. It shouldn’t have mattered anyway. I clearly wasn’t Micah’s type, and he wasn’t mine either.

“See you later.” I turned and left.

The rest of the day dragged on. At the lunch table, Jennifer turned to me excitedly, wanting all the juicy details of the dance, but I couldn’t have that conversation.

“Are you all right?” Jennifer looked suddenly concerned. “Did something happen between you and Micah over the weekend?”

“I really don’t want to talk about it,” I murmured, as I took a bite of the homemade chili in front of me.

“It’s probably because Charlie ran away from the bonfire Micah invited her to,” Samantha snickered from down the table. “She doesn’t have anything to talk about, because nothing happened!”

I gaped at her, shocked, and then irritated. How did she know?

“You don’t have to look so surprised, Charlie,” Samantha said, sickeningly sweet. “Everyone knows about the bonfire. Kate McMann and Jadie Burns, who were there, can’t stop talking about the girl who thought she was better than them. Apparently, you really made a scene and walked off. Poor Micah had to go chase after you in his car.”