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Like everything in my life, it was a hopeless situation There was no way she would allow Claire and I to be together I winced because she kneas drug dealer, not of my own accord, but ultimately that wouldn’tis ready Claire, would you go tell your dad that dinner is ready?" There it was Her way of getting s with her daughter

I watched Claire walk out of the kitchen and I waited for her instructions "I will not tell Claire you were hter I don’t care what you have to tell her I won’t have her tied up in the things you are involved in and I know you knohat I ht I should have never considered the possibility of having sohter"

"I believe you, but it doesn’t change things I won’t allow you to be a part of her life," she promised

Our private conversation was interrupted when Claire and Dr Deveraux entered the kitchen "Sreat, DeeDee," Claire’s dad co rooin eating, Deandra said, "Claire and Warren tell me you are quite the quarterback Warren says you’re so talented that you’ll have college scouts buzzing all around East Franklin before the season ends"

There was no need in pretending I didn’t need a scholarship for college "I sure hope that happens because I’rades if you’re in the advanced placement class with Claire You could be offered an acadeested

"I have a 40 GPA, so I guess it’s a possibility," I proudly offered

"I didn’t know that," Claire said

"It never came up," I defended

"Looks like Brad isn’t your only competition for valedictorian" Deandra said as part of the facade so she didn’t co like the culprit when all of this ended

"Sounds like I hed

I didn’t sayas up and I would have questions to anse were alone later

When we finished dinner, Claire said, "Jessie and I are going up to ht," and I waited for Deandra’s dispute

Claire’s dad gave his approval before Deandra could make a dispute "You know the policy Keep the door open"

"I know, Dad," Claire said and I wondered if ould get the saht in his daughter’s bed the previous weekend

I followed Claire to her rooe of her bed She leaned over and buainst mine "Hey, do you still feel bad because you were so quiet at dinner?"

"I guess I’ainst me with her head tilted toward me "You shouldn’t be nervous because they love you just like I do I knew they would so all this nervousness was for nothing"

She shovedme on my neck "Whoa, Claire Your parents are downstairs," I whispered

She looked down at"You never call me Claire, so you must really be nervous, but don’t worry about them Their bedroooing to catch us"

She went back to kissing ave her a gentle nudge away and said, "I don’t feel right about doing this What if one of them came up and we didn’t hear them They would freak if they walked in on us like this"

"You’re right and I’ you feel unco me want you so badly I’m not always in control with you and I’lehad thrown me for a loop and I wasn’t sure I would ever be nor to do "I think I’ood No more make out sessions I promise" She clihtstand "We can watch television See? It will be very innocent"

Even if I stayed, I wouldn’t be with her becausehow to handle this situation-how to end things with the one that o," I said, not offering a reason why

She was so disappointed and I was sick with the thought of hurting her, but I had things to sort out and being with her in this house wasn’t the way to get it done

"Can I see you toood idea "I have a lot to do tomorrow, so I don’t think it ork out"