Between The Books-Michael Clifford

Nine

I fall back into my bed and watch as the room begins to spin. Laney and I got a ride almost all the way home, but then made Jax let us out to walk the last few blocks. It's freezing out and there's snow on the ground, but we both felt like we might puke, so we needed the cold fresh air.

"Are you awake, Laney?"

"Yeah. Awake and freezing. Bad idea walking home." She says, from her side of our dark room.

"What exactly happened tonight?" I say, pulling my blankets up.

"Well, I guess Nate and I are over. Max and I are on. Your big crush is the guitar player for your boyfriend's, new bestie's band, and you're still hung up on Wade. Oh, and Scutter's way hot."

Yeah, that's kinda how I see it too.

"You know, you and Max...that's not a good idea, but holy shit do I totally get it." I say, closing my eyes.

No. No closing my eyes. The room really starts to spin out of control when your eyes are closed.

"I REALLY like him, Star." Laney says.

"You say that now because you're wasted, but tomorrow...you're gonna want Nate, Laney. He's the one you love. Jesus, why'd you cheat on him? because he's good in bed? How'd you even meet him? Oh, and Scutter IS way hot....and tall, right?"

"Yesss, and tall. I think we're just hormonal as hell!" Laney says, laughing.

"Just drunk, hopefully."

"I met him at the library a few weeks ago. Remember that night I went there to study for my German test? I didn't get home until after the library closed, and I told you I went and got pancakes with Carla? Yeah...not so much." Laney says.

Even in the dark, I know she's smiling.

"Laney, you know our rule. If you like someone else, break it off with your boyfriend first! How many times have we been cheated on? You know how that feels."

"I know. I don't even know why I did it. Just for something different I guess." She says, quietly.

Damn. Risk losing the guy you love because you want something different. Wow.

I really need some water, but the sink is just so far away.

"If Michael asked you out, you'd say no?" Laney asks, after a few minutes.

I'd say....no. Wouldn't I?

Jax is your guy. You don't even know Michael, except that he was nice when you met him at the library, then an ass tonight with the notebook. Is that worth the risk?

I'm not sure.

"Yeah. See what I mean. It's not so easy is it, Star? How come you'd probably say yes to Michael, but you've never said yes to Wade?"

"Wade's never asked. He always tells me he won't ask until I'm through with Jax. I'm just never through with Jax."

"Maybe you are."