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Chapter One

Charlene

“I know it’s short notice… I know it’s not how you wanted to spend your vacation…forward to this for utted…”

I feeldown andme feel ill The trip’s off, I just know it I can feel it Dad’s not going, so neither am I

Why does this always happen? Always at the last minute

“I just couldn’t i alone… no way! But with you at her side, Max? I’d feel safe sending her to the moon, let alone New Zealand…”

My heart stops, and butterflies flutter in ht

Max? Max going on the cruise with me instead of dad?

I have to cover ht that try to launch out of ht of hi arms…

My chest stiffens and I feel ainst my thin white cotton tee

I’ve been crazy about my dad’s best friend, Max ever since I can remember Always loved hihts foundthanks to e crush on Max

I just wished I hadn’t raduation party I haven’t seen him since

But a cruise, all alone with Max… I feel a war about it

I e hands, thoseme onto his-

“You will! Oh, Max, I owe you one buddy! Can you o over it then, just have a crazy schedule with this Taiwan business… I’ll have to fly out first thing… alright buddy, I’ll see you in a few”

Dad’s loud relief breaks my reverie It feels like Christmas, ical feeling, a new celebration

So I like to call… Max

I’ve never been one to get physical withabout Max is overpowering,as I think about hi weight creaking the floorboards

“Charlie? That you Can you c’mere a minute?”

Huggingbecause I’m upset