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This is not what I want people overhearing I interrupt, "Let’s just wait until we’re off school grounds, okay? Why don’t you walk behind s easier"

I feel like a jerk asking this But I also feel I need space Just a little space

I take her to the Philip Diner, which is like an old-age home that serves food Nobody from school except the ure I can take h problems of their own to care about mine

The waitress treats us like we’re spies about to take away her Social Security It’s not until she’s gone that we can talk

"So how is everything?" A asks

"I can’t say Justin seeirls ant to comfort him" Thank you, Lindsay "It’s pathetic Rebecca’s been awesome I swear, there should be an occupation called Friendship PR--Rebecca would be ace at that She’s getting my half of the story out there"

"Which is?"

"Which is that Justin’s a jerk And that the "

"I’o down like that"

"It could’ve been worse And we have to stop apologizing to each other Every sentence can’t start with ‘I’ this out I just don’t have the energy Especially with soirl who’s a boy?" I ask

"Soreat Now A’s snappish, too

"And how far did you drive?"

"Three hours"

"And what are you irlfriend"

I can’t help it I ask, "Do you think that’s fair?"

"What do you mean?" A asks

"Look," I tell A, "I’et ht, and I’ot your eht: Is all of this really fair? Not to me or to you But to these…people whose lives you’re kidnapping"

"Rhiannon, I’m always careful--"

"I know you are And I know it’s just a day But what if so completely unexpected was supposed to happen today? What if her girlfriend is planning this huge surprise party for her? What if her lab partner is going to fail out of class if she’s not there to help? What if--I don’t know What if there’s this huge accident, and she’s supposed to be nearby to pull a baby to safety?"