CH 1-10

Summary

A Modern Sleeping Beauty. Rhea never thought she’d be reading to a coma patient. Especially not HIM. Oh god. What has she gotten herself into?

Chapter One

Despite the fact that the air conditioners were turned up to the maximum, Athens City Memorial Hospital was sweltering from the humid weather outside. Everyone inside the building was slowly growing hotter, being boiled in their own sweat.

Or at least, that’s how I felt.

I’d given up long ago on folding linens and carrying boxes of files around to read to the patients in the Children’s Ward. It was easier and also closer to an actual air conditioner. Amy, the little girl in need of a kidney transplant, had dozed off a little while ago, her blankets kicked to the end of the bed. I glanced around the room and noticed all the children were fast asleep, so I gently closed the book and left the room, making sure to ease the door shut behind me. It was hard to sleep in hospitals due to the constant beeping of machines and commotions so I didn’t want them to be disturbed any further. I rubbed my own eyes tiredly and glanced at the clock. I had been here all day helping out. I suppose I could go home now that the children were all asleep.

“It’s so nice of you to read to them.” Ashleigh said from behind the desk. She was the receptionist and a nurse. She introduced me to the volunteer program here. “Especially since it’s out of your own time.”

“I like helping out. Lord knows you lot are all busy around here and I love seeing their little faces light up.” I put the book down on the desk and leaned against it. “Besides, it looks good on a college application.”

“Shouldn’t you be heading home?” she asked, typing quickly and without looking up at me. “You’ve been here since eleven this morning and it’s past midnight. Aren’t you tired?”

“Yeah a little bit, but it feels good to be doing something productive on my holidays.” I reached under the desk and got my bag, checking that I had everything.

“You don’t want to go to the beach?”

I snorted and swung my back over my shoulder. “You’re kidding right? I’d burn to a crisp.”

Ashleigh smirked, “I suppose that is true. You are very fair.”

I smiled and flipped my hair over my backpack so it wouldn’t pull and get caught when I walked. With a little laugh I waved to her and began walking out, “See you Ashleigh. Don’t work too hard tonight.”

“I never do!” she called after me, a little laughter in her own voice.

Shaking my head, I turned towards the elevator and waited. It was taking an awfully long time and I was about to press the button again when it opened with a soft ding. I got in and pressed down. I noticed that the music wasn’t on and that just made the whole experience eerie. I reached the bottom floor and the doors opened to chaos.

Nurses, paramedics and doctors were running through the Emergency Room. A crowd of police officers stood at the entrance, looking ruffled and impatient. Blood splattered the usually pristine floor and the collective voices of dozens of people rose up in a desperate roar.

Immediately I ran to the front desk, leaning over to peer down at Lennie, a male nurse who was holding a phone in one hand and a clipboard in the other. I couldn’t quite make out what he was saying over all the noise but I could tell he was angry. It was only when he finally hung up the phone by slamming it down onto the receiver that I finally got his attention.

“What are you doing down here? Shouldn’t you have left hours ago?” he demanded, standing up and started ruffling through files.

“I was on my way out and I saw the commotion. Lennie what’s going on? I’ve never seen the E.R like this.” I had to shout to be heard.

“Car accident a few blocks over. A bunch of kids got drunk. It was nasty. Your dad’s on call and is operating on one of the kids now. They’re from your school apparently.” He looked at me sadly, “That’s all I know, I’m sorry. You’re welcome to stay and help out. Lord knows that we’re short staffed tonight. You got your basic first aid training here right?”

I nodded.

“Then get to work!”

I watched as he rushed off, scrubs swishing loudly as he went. I threw my bag under the counter and tried to make myself useful in helping the nurses. There were a lot of injuries. From what I gathered during talking to patients, three boys had been at a party, drinking, and lost control of the car. They swerved into other cars on the road, severely injuring three people while the rest had cuts and bruises. Apparently the passenger in the drunk car had the worst of the injuries, but that wasn’t confirmed.

“Stay still!” I snapped at the man, who glared at me with beady eyes, his long beard tickling my forearms. I was trying to clean and patch up a small cut on his bald head but for a tough looking guy, he was a wuss. I tried again and before I even touched him he winced.

“Ouch!”

“I didn’t even touch you!”

“Yes, you did!”

I rolled my eyes and continued my work, ignoring his overdramatic exclaims of pain as I put a small bandage over the cut. “There. All done.”

He grumbled and crossed his arms, sitting back against the chair. He reminded me of a sulking child. I smirked at him but looked around when the curtain was pulled back. My dad stood there, looking a little frazzled but otherwise alright.

“Mind if I borrow her?” he asked the grouchy man.

“Take her!”

I sighed and pulled my rubber gloves off, throwing them in the trash, yanking the curtains back into place again. I followed my dad through the emergency room, which seemed to have calmed down a little bit but was still busily buzzing like a beehive. He led me to the elevator, but he still hadn’t said anything to me.

“What’s wrong, dad?”

He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Doctor Alevin wants to speak with you up in the ICU. Something to do with one of the victims apparently.”

I went pale, “Not Felicity?”

The lump in my throat disappeared when my dad shook his head. “No. I thought she went away for the summer?” The doors opened up and we stepped in. Dad pressed the fourth button and the elevator slid shut.

“She was leaving today.” I told him and he nodded. We stood in silence for a little while as the elevator rose up through the building. “Crazy night tonight, right?”

“Not really. I’ve had crazier.” He grinned, looking at me. We shared the same pale blue eyes and the same dimpled smile, but otherwise I looked nothing like my father. “Have I ever told you about the time Uncle Ash and I went on a road trip to Miami?”

“Yes. Multiple times.”

He shook his head, still grinning. “Those were the days.”

The doors slid open and we stepped out. I felt a little nervous because dad only said Doctor Alevin wanted to talk to me. He didn’t hint whether or not I was in trouble or if I’d done something wrong. I started to get a sick feeling in my stomach and I tried to stop my breath from hitching. We rounded the corner and I saw Doctor Alevin there, looking through the glass at a patient. He turned when he heard us coming and smiled at me. It immediately put me at ease. He was an older man, in his late fifties, but he wasn’t grouchy or mean. He was really lovely and treated me like the granddaughter he never had. He only had grandsons.

“Hello there Rhea. Thanks for bringing her Steve.”

My dad nodded and leaned down to kiss my cheek. “I’ll see you at home. Love you.”

“Love you too.” It was an automatic reply and I smiled at him as he left.

Doctor Alevin looked down at me with a smile. Everyone looked down at me. I was shorter than everyone around me it seemed. “You must be wondering why I asked you up here.”

“You could say that.” I replied, “Did I do something wrong sir?”

He laughed at me, “You? Do something wrong? You’re kidding me. And how many times have I told you to just call me George?” I smiled sheepishly. He jerked his head towards the glass room and turned the handle on the door. “Have a look at this.”

He held the door open for me as I went into the room, confusion being overtaken by curiosity. Lying in the hospital bed, surrounded by machines and IV-drips, his arms, chest and head wrapped in bandages, was Phillip Kingston.

I recognised him immediately. He was well known around school for being attractive, although he didn’t look so hot right now. His brown hair was barely visible under the bandage that wrapped around his head and his eyes were closed. His broad shoulders were slumped and around his wrist hung the typical hospital admissions band, but also a leather bracelet, the dragon charm winking under the harsh hospital lights.

“You know him, don’t you?” George asked. “He goes to your school?”

“Yes. His name is Phillip.” I replied, wrinkling my nose. “He’s not very nice.”

“He’s also in a coma.” George replied, walking around the bed to stand beside my classmate, staring at his face. “And he may not wake up.”

I felt a wave of sadness for Phillip. I didn’t think he was a very nice person, but nobody deserved this. I couldn’t imagine what his family was going through. I felt sorry for him very suddenly.

“But maybe you could do something to change that.” George said, looking around at me, a devious glint in his eyes.

I blinked. “Excuse me?”

“I have a proposition for you, Rhea.” He said. “Comas are like people. They’re unpredictable and unique. Every single one is different. The patient may wake up, but they might not and that all has to do with the case. Now Mr Kingston here suffered a bad blow to the head. We put him in a coma to reduce the swelling in his brain, but we can’t tell when he’ll wake up or if he even will wake up. But there is a way that perhaps waking up may be a possibility.”

I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes in suspicion. “I’m listening.

“In some cases, some coma patients can hear what is going on around them. There have been cases where family members or friends come in and talk to coma patients, reading to them even, and sometimes, when that coma patient has woken up, they remember everything that their loved ones have told them.”

“What are you asking me, George?”

George clasped his hands together like he was praying. “Would you be willing to perhaps come in and read to Phillip? His parents are both very busy and can’t take the time and I doubt his friends would be open to this. And since you already read to the kids I thought it would be a good fit. The nurses can’t spare the time but you could.”

I bit my lip. “I don’t know, George. The kids keep me busy enough as it is and all the other volunteers have quit because of senior year. If somebody could take my place there I’d consider it but…it seems a little creepy too. Talking to someone who looks…well…dead.”

George nodded, puckering his lips in thought. After a moment he licked them and took a deep breath. “How about I make you a deal?” I lifted my chin in interest. “If you do this, I will write you a letter of recommendation for college.”

I gaped at him. “Are you serious?”

George nodded. “You do this for me until the end of the summer. If he doesn’t wake up by then you don’t have to keep doing it. I’ll still write the letter for you.” I bit my lip and George held his hand out for me to grasp and shake. “What do you say? Do we have a deal?”

A recommendation letter from George would almost guarantee an acceptance to whatever university I applied to, if I could back it up with my grades. It seemed like a fair deal. I glanced at Phillip, the only sign of life in him shown on a monitor and the slow rise and fall of his chest. I turned, looked right into George’s eyes and shook his hand.

“Deal.”

Chapter Two

September – Two Months Later.

The only person who had ever knocked me off my feet was my best friend Felicity and today was no exception, especially since my balance was quite lacking. She was a whole head shorter than me, but that didn’t stop her from being strong, or fast now that I think about it.

Felicity had long dark brown hair, ice blue eyes and lips that were always painted with a dark red lipstick. I had no time to notice what she was wearing that day, which is something I usually did because she always manages to look amazing – I was too busy trying not to fall to the ground and keep my books in my arms.

“Whoa! Watch it, Felicity!”

“Sorry!” she said with a sheepish grin, plucking a sheet of paper out of the air as it fell to the ground and then she handed it back to me. “I just have the biggest news ever.”

“Uh huh?” I replied, not really listening as I tried to shuffle my notes into some kind of order. My bag slipped from my shoulder to my elbow and I groaned, heaving it back up and blowing stubborn hair out of my face irritably.

“You look terrible.” She stated, staring at me.

I glared. “Thanks.”

It was the first day back after summer vacation and I hadn’t even made it to my first class without something going wrong. That had to be a new record or something.

“Did you go out in the sun at all?” she asked, “You look whiter than before I left.”

I ignored her. “How was your trip to California?” I asked, walking with her towards the front entrance. I had to get her talking about something other than my appearance because once she got going it was quite hard to get her to stop.

“Absolutely amazing. The weather was incredible and I went to the beach every day. The shopping was incredible and I took some amazing photos too.” She pulled the door open and we stepped into the busy building. “I didn’t get a lot of chances to write anything for the school paper.”

“That’s a shame.” I said and I meant it. She loved that bloody newspaper. It’s all she talked about sometimes, but I suppose there were worse things that she could be doing with her time than writing articles about the school gossip.

“Speaking of the news, did you hear about that accident over the break? The one with Phillip?” she asked. We reached my locker and I began dialling the combination to unlock it.

“I was there when everybody came into the hospital. I had to patch up a grouchy old man who was part of the collision.”

“It was a pretty brutal crash. The police were amazed that nobody died. The car was totalled but I suppose it’s better that a piece of metal got destroyed and not a person.” She said, then glanced at me curiously. “So are you still volunteering at the hospital?”

“This is my last week.” I replied. “I’m leaving so I can concentrate on this year.”

“Have you…” she glanced around and lowered her voice, “Have you seen Phillip?”

“I have. They took the last of his bandages off last week. He’s completely healthy, except for the fact he’s still in a coma.”

I had read to Phillip every day for the entire summer since the accident. I read my school text books, the summer reading list, the local newspaper, even some of Felicity’s work from the school newspaper. Eventually I had run out of material and just started talking to him. Telling him about my parents, my life, Felicity, basically anything that came to mind. I even put my iPod on for him to listen to, some of the latest stuff but also some of my ultimate favourites.

But nothing. He wouldn’t wake up. Nothing I tried had worked.

“You reckon he’ll wake up soon?”

I shrugged, uncertain.

“So what did you do all summer?”

“Volunteered. Mom, dad and I went to see my grandma for a few days but nothing all too exciting. It was kinda boring without you around.”

“You spent your entire summer break at a hospital?” Felicity asked, sounding disgusted. “That’s pathetic! You should have been going to parties, meeting boys…being normal for once in your life!”

“Hey! Volunteer work looks good on college applications.” I reminded her. “Besides boys don’t want to talk to me. They want to talk to girls like you.”

“Girls like me?” Felicity asked, crossing her arms. I closed my locker and leaned up against it, looking at her. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

I looked at her pointedly. “Pretty girls. Outgoing girls.”

“What are you talking about? You’re pretty!”

I scoffed. “Yeah. Right. Everyone in this school knows that out of us two, you’re the pretty one. I’m just…average.”

Felicity rolled her eyes. “You’re so full of it.”

I grinned, “Full of what?”

“Bullshit.

I stuck my tongue out at her.

We pushed off from the lockers and made our way through the busy corridors, which were loud with excited chatter, friends catching up after two months were exchanging gossip and news about the accident. I heard the same story repeated four times before we reached the stairs to get to the second floor.

“So you didn’t meet any boys? At all?” Felicity asked, trying not to sound like she was deeply upset and failing.

“Nope.” I replied. “Did you?”

Felicity was silent for a moment, then, “Well now you mention it…”

I raised my eyebrows at her, surprised, “You met somebody in California? Who?”

She pulled out her phone and began scrolling through her photo gallery. “His name is Matt. He’s in college and he’s really nice. He’s on a football scholarship at the moment.”

She finally handed me the phone and I gazed at the photo while we walked. He was really cute. He had big blue eyes and short brown hair. He looked a little boyish but I could see the appeal.

“Cute.” I nodded. “So are you guys dating?”

“Well, no.” she said, walking backwards as we turned into our homeroom, towards our seats on the left side of the room near the back. “We kind of agreed it would be one of those fleeting summer romances, you know?”

“Not really.” I laughed, dumping my books on the table and taking my seat. “So you’re not going to see him again? Ever?”

“I don’t think so. We live in different states and he’s older than me…it’s just easier this way. Besides, we had fun while it lasted.” She winked at me cheekily. It took me a moment to realise her intention.

I gasped, “No way! You didn’t! You lost it?!”

Felicity grinned at me, “I sure did.”

“Wow.” I put my chin in my hand, turning sideways in my chair to fully face her. “You had sex.”

“I sure did. And it was awesome. I see what everyone raves on about all the time.” She told me, inspecting the ends of her hair critically. “Although, nobody ever tells you how messy the whole thing is. And how awkward sometimes. Don’t even get me started on how freaky looking that thing is – “

“OKAY!” I interrupted loudly, holding my hands up to stop her. “That’s enough. I really don’t want to know.”

Felicity grinned, “Everybody wants to know. It’s just girls are taught to be ashamed of that kind of thing instead of curious.”

“Please don’t start ranting about social expectations and feminism please. It’s nine in the morning.” I laughed.

“But damn was he a good kisser.” She went on, pretending to ignore what I said. “And he had really big arms so hugs were always really nice.”

“I’m…happy for you?” It was supposed to be a statement but came out like a question.

She shook her head at me, “I still can’t believe you haven’t kissed anyone. I mean, it’s fine if you want to save that stuff for marriage but kissing is harmless. And you’re eighteen. It’s almost unheard of.”

“Please. I bet a lot of people haven’t been kissed and they’re eighteen.” I replied, feeling my cheeks grow how. Felicity didn’t mean to make me feel embarrassed or upset, she was just a really blunt person.

“I dunno. I think you might be the only one in the school…and I’m including the freshmen.” She grinned and I fidgeted in my seat, turning around to face the front again. I knew she was joking but now I was really starting to feel uncomfortable. I was almost thankful when the bell rang to begin the start of the day.

---

When the school day ended, I was almost ready to punch Felicity in the face. Now, I’m not a violent person usually, but she just would not stop teasing me about having never kissed anyone. I refused to let my temper get the better of me, but she was always very good at pushing my buttons.

I decided to head to the hospital. I wasn’t supposed to be in tonight but as it was my last week and so I thought that perhaps one extra night wouldn’t hurt.

I made my way in, none of the nurses or doctors questioning me or even bothering to stop me. I practically lived here anyway. I thought about going up to the children’s ward, hoping to see some happy faces, but as I saw the button to the floor that held the ICU, I stopped. Licking my lips I decided to go up to level four. When I got there, I walked into Phillip’s room, closing the door behind me. The room was dimly lit by a warm yellow lamp and the machines beeped consistently. I slowly walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge, near his left hand and sighed, studying the line of his heartbeat on the monitor. It felt strange to be sitting on the bed and not in my usual visitor’s chair, but also kind of nice. Like I was more than a stranger to him.

“First day of school today.” I told him. “Everyone was talking about your accident. I didn’t see any of your friends, but maybe they’re still getting used to everything and didn’t want to come. Felicity was being her normal self today. She started teasing me about not having been kissed. I don’t really get what the big deal is, but I felt really embarrassed about it. Isn’t that strange?”

I paused, looking into his face for any sign of movement or consciousness, but there was nothing. Just his strong, even breaths. “I won’t be coming to see you anymore.” I said sadly, “I’m stopping my volunteer work here this week so that I can concentrate on school. Exams aren’t very far away and I need to start applying for college. I think I’m actually going to miss you. I mean, it’s been strange sitting here and essentially talking to myself, but I’ve enjoyed trying to help you get back to your old life.”

I slipped off the bed and gathered up my bag again, sighing. “I hope I get to see you back at school, even if you are a bit of a jerk.”

And then I did something so completely out of character for me.

I leaned over and without thinking, without hesitating, without stopping to contemplate just how absolutely ridiculous this was, I pressed my lips to his and kissed him.

His lips were soft and full, very pleasant and I couldn’t help thinking, ‘This is it? This is what gets everyone so riled up?’ But that very thought snapped me out of whatever it was that had possessed me to do this and I jumped back in surprise, covering my mouth with my hand, staring wide eyed at Phillip.

Without another word I turned and fled from the room, running all the way to my car. I yanked the door open and sat in the front seat, breathing hard from the effort of my escape. With a groan, I let my head fall forward to bang against the steering wheel, closing my eyes in misery.

“Stupid.” I muttered, “Absolutely stupid. What were you thinking?!”

Sitting up straight again and still grumbling to myself, I inserted the key into the ignition, started my car, and went home in order to crawl into bed and try to forget what I’d just done. I was only thankful that nobody had been around to see it.

---

I was awoken by loud, obnoxious ringing. It took me a second to wake up enough to realise that it was my phone that was making the noise, the loud ringtone hurting my ears. I glanced at my alarm clock and groaned: 3 a.m. Rolling over and unplugging it from the charger, I answered the call.

“‘Lo?” I said, voice cracking with sleep and rubbing my eyes.

“Oh my god, Rhea! Guess what I just heard!”

On the other line was Felicity, her bubbly voice excited and way too full of energy for this hour. “Flick, it’s three in the morning.”

“I know, I know, but listen! You are going to die when you find out!”

“Find out what?”

“Okay so,” I heard her take a deep breath and imagined a beaming smile on her face, “Phillip Kingston woke up a few hours ago!”

I sat up in bed. “What?!”

“I know!” Felicity squealed, “Apparently he’s walking around and talking and remembers who he is and everything! He’ll be back at school on Friday.”

“Friday?” I frowned, “So soon? Shouldn’t he rest? Get back on his feet?”

“Doctors say he’s completely healthy.” Felicity said, “Apparently he started ranting on about how some angel kissed him and saved him from death. He was a bit delirious but he’s fine now! Isn’t this great?”

My expression dropped from my face and I sat in shock. He was awake. And he remembered a kiss.

Chapter Three

It’s fair to say that I didn’t sleep well after Felicity called me, so walking into school that morning was the same thing as imitating a zombie from The Walking Dead. I had a free period and decided I would go to the library to study for a little while, just to enjoy a little quiet time.

The news had already spread through the school that Phillip was coming back, which had everyone in a stir. He was captain of the football team, and our school was in with a chance to go to finals this year. Everyone was more excited because of that fact rather than thinking that he was awake now and going to be able to live out the rest of his life when before that wasn’t even certain.

I sighed and kept writing, taking a moment to rub my tired eyes. Somebody sat down in the seat across from me and I didn’t have to look up to know it was Felicity. I’d recognise her perfume anywhere.

“So guess what?”

“You’re getting your tongue pierced?” I said, looking up her. He face morphed into an expression that was a mix of horrified and impatient. She also looked quite pale.

“Ew! No!”

I shrugged, “You said guess.” I returned to my writing.

“Anyway, I was up all night writing an article for the paper. It’s being printed right now. ‘Sleeping Beauty Awakens.’” She said, grinning. “What do you think?”

“A fairytale reference? Really?”

“What?” she asked, defensive. “It fits! He was in a coma and had a dream about an angel kissing him. The next minute, POW! He’s awake. Coincidence? I think not.”

“I think you’re full of shit.” I stated.

“Yeah well. It’s going to sell really well at least.” Felicity smiled. I nodded, not really as enthused as her. Something was off about her. She seemed…tired. Which was unusual because she practically bounced when she walked.

“Flick?” I asked, her nickname since we were six.

“Mm?” She raised her eyebrows.

“Did you get any sleep last night?”

“I went to sleep after I called you. I wanted to finish my article. Why?”

“You just look really pale. Are you feeling alright?” I asked, reaching over to feel her forehead with the back of my hand.

She brushed it off, “I’m fine! Relax! The only thing wrong with me is that my boobs don’t fit into my favourite bra anymore.”

“Which one is that?”

“The one with the polka dots.” She pouted. I grimaced for her. Felicity and I were pretty close when it came to private things such as these. There weren’t a lot of things I didn’t know about her. “I must have gained weight or something.”

“I haven’t noticed anything.” I said, setting my pen down. I was trying not to look at her breasts now that she had said something about them.

She shrugged. “Oh well. Gives me an excuse to go to Victoria Secret.”

I groaned. “I’m not going with you again. I hate that shop! Why can’t you buy your bras from Target like everybody else?!”

“Because I like the way they make me feel.” She replied with an impish smile. I shook my head at her, picking up my pen again to finish off the last of my biology questions.

A few minutes later, just as I was about to finish, a shadow fell over our table and I hear Felicity make a small gasp. I looked up and I had to control the urge not to let my jaw drop. It was Melanie Ofaleval and Dustin McLean. She was Phillip’s girlfriend and he was one of Phillip’s closest friends. It was fair to say that they sat a whole lot higher up on the totem pole than Felicity and I did. I don’t think I’ve ever had a conversation with either of them that lasted more than a minute and I’m certain that they have never been into the library the entirety of high school. They looked a little nervous but were smiling all the same.

“Hi,” Melanie said, brushing back a piece of perfect long black hair. “You’re Rhea Keem right?”

“Yeeeees.” I replied, drawing out my answer, a little suspicious. These were popular people. They didn’t often talk to people like me and Felicity unless they wanted something. Not to mention that despite the fact that Melanie seemed nice most of the time, there were various rumours detailing just how nasty she could be when you crossed her.

“I’m Melanie, this is Dustin.” She introduced the boy next to her, even though she didn’t need to. I knew who they both were. Melanie was easily one of the prettiest girls in school with her ice blue eyes, long black hair and legs for days. She was our class president and was running the Prom committee this year.

Dustin on the other hand was a Pakistani boy who moved here when he was eleven. He was a brilliant photographer as I’d seen some of his work at school exhibitions. He was very shy and sweet, but when he did open his mouth he showed off his incredibly sharp wit and humour.

“We just wanted to come and ask you to pass on a message to your dad, if that’s okay?” Dustin asked, hesitating until I nodded. “Can you just tell him thanks? For looking after Phillip so well? We really are grateful for his help.”

I was very surprised and couldn’t speak for a moment, simply staring at them until Felicity kicked me in the shin under the table.

“Ouch! Oh! Um, yeah, I can tell him. I’m sure he’d be happy to hear that.”

Melanie smiled widely and I instantly felt deflated at how pretty she truly was. “Awesome. Thanks so much!” she said before she wound her arm through Dustin’s and led him away, smiling and chattering happily.

“Wow. I can’t believe they talked to us.” Felicity whistled.

“I can’t believe they even knew our names.” I shook my head disbelievingly.

“Do you know what this means? You’re on your way. If people like Melanie and Dustin know who you are, then you’re climbing your way up the social ladder! Because of your dad you’re going to be so much more popular! This is great!”

“Is it?”

“Yes! Oh I never thought this day would come!”

I threw my pen at her.

---

After a long day of dodging people trying to talk to me about my dad and asking if I knew anything about Phillip, I was finally driving home with nothing but a good night sleep on my mind.

When I finally got home, I parked at the curb in my usual spot. I got out and locked the doors to my car as I walked up the paved pathway to the front door, my backpack weighing me down.

The door was painted red, with a shiny gold doorknocker and a WELCOME mat that was worn down and ragged. I put my keys in the door and turned the knob, stepping inside to a blast of cold air that carried the smell of garlic. I kicked the door shut with my foot and slipped off my shoes, padding into the kitchen in my socks. My mother was standing next to the sink, chopping up a cucumber to add to the salad bowl resting on the bench.

She looked like an older version of me. My hair was long, where hers was cut to sit just above her shoulders. My hair was blonde with dark roots, whereas hers was platinum perfection. We shared the same blue eyes and pale skin though.

“Hi mom.”

“Hey!” she chirped, turning around and smiling at me. “How was school?”

“It was alright. Everyone was talking about Phillip.” I set my schoolbag down and sat in a chair, picking a banana from the fruit bowl and beginning to peel it. Mom’s face lit up.

“Yes, I was talking to Joey and Henry this afternoon. They’re both very happy.” Henry and Josephine Kingston were the power couple of this town. Both studied at Harvard after graduating from Athens City High School, the same one I now attend. Mr Kingston runs an advanced technology business and Mrs Kingston is one of the best prosecuting lawyers in the state of Georgia. Mom and Mrs Kingston had been best friends since they were little, and while my mom was model student, Mrs Kingston was the popular girl. Despite them being so close, Phillip and I never saw much of each other outside of school.

“I also heard that you’re stopping your volunteer work at the hospital. Why?” Mom sounded both sad and curious.

“So I can concentrate on school.”

Mom rolled her eyes. “You don’t need to concentrate on school any harder. You practically eat, breathe and sleep your studies. It’s not natural. You should be going out and having fun, like Felicity.”

My mom loved Felicity. “When you were my age did you go out and do things that Felicity did?”

Mom hesitated in chopping. “Well…no. But I still went out!”

I threw the banana peel in the bin and brushed my hands together. “I rest my case.”

Mom frowned at me and cocked her hip out, chopping vegetables savagely. “Why did you have to be so stubborn? Just like your father.”

“Because she’s beautiful? Intelligent? Witty?” My father’s voice chimed, as he walked into the kitchen and winked at me before going around and kissing my mother quickly. “Charming?”

She shoved him away with her hip, a smile on her face. “More like annoying.”

I laughed and dad chuckled. “How was the hospital today dad?”

“Interesting. Some poor fella came in today with a fish hook jammed into his bum.” I snorted with laughter and clapped a hand over my mouth to stifle anymore giggles. My mother looked horrified and my dad ploughed on after plucking a piece of cooked chicken from one of the plates. “He left with six stitches and bruised ego.”

“Literally.” I chortled.

“What about Phillip Kingston?” Mom asked and dad sighed.

“He’s getting discharged tonight. I’ve never seen somebody recover so quickly from a coma. It’s almost like magic.” He mused. He was silent for a minute before shaking his head, snapping out of it. “Anyway, where’s my hug, munchkin? Huh?”

Smiling I got up and gave him a hug but backed away a moment later, coughing. “Wow dad you reek! You need a shower.”

“Oh really?” Without any warning, my dad lunged forwards and got me in a headlock, my nose pressed right up against his armpit. I screamed and tried to wriggle away from him whilst my mother berated him for acting like a child. Laughing, my father eventually let me go and I lifted my shirt to wipe my face.

“My face!” I cried, “It burns!”

“Honestly! It’s like I’m raising two children!” Mom called after my dad as he ran up the stairs, laughing. I shook my head. Mom turned back to me. “Set the table for me, would you?”

Chapter Four

For the next two weeks the entire community seemed to hold its breath in anticipation of Phillip’s return to school. Apparently he was taking some time to get back to himself and reconnect with his family, but that didn’t stop the rumour mill from working. Word was that he refused to see Melanie. She could be seen around school, sulking and sniffling and snapping at anyone who talked to her. I felt very sorry for her. I couldn’t imagine having somebody I loved refuse to see me, especially when they’d been so close to death.

Felicity on the other hand was absolutely ecstatic. The newspaper article she had written about Phillip had sold very well and a local newspaper had even asked to buy the story she wrote about drink driving. She practically skipped around campus for three days straight.

“Rhea are you paying attention to me?”

I snapped to Earth. I glanced at Felicity, who was drumming her fingers on the table top and frowned at me. I grimaced.

“I’m sorry.” I said, “I was off with the fairies.”

Felicity rolled her eyes and looked back down at her lunch, picking up the final half of her sandwich and biting into it. “Anyway, I was saying that I’m planning a trip to the UK after graduation. You know I’ve always wanted to go and I was asking you if you wanted to come with me.”

“Yeah, because I can totally afford that.” I rolled my eyes, picking at my salad.

“Yeah. You can. Your dad is a doctor.” I heard the unsaid and obvious ‘duh‘ in her voice.

“I’m not going to ask him for money, Flick.” I said, “It’s bad enough that he’s offered to pay for college.”

“Ugh. What is it with you and taking money from people!”

“I just don’t think it’d be a good idea. Besides we have to get ready for college and there may even be an early class that starts that you might want to attend.” I reminded her.

“Why are you always thinking about school?” she groaned, slumping against the table. “It’s so boring. I don’t know why you bother.”

“Because it’s important? If I get good grades I could get a scholarship and go to a good school so I can get a good job and have a good life. Did you hear all the good bits? That is why school is important.”

Felicity glared at me, “You’re such a buzzkill.”

“I prefer realistic.”

“Yeah,” Felicity said, pointing her matte black nails at me, “And it’ll be realistic when I kick your ass.”

I smirked and leaned forward. “Are you sure you can reach my ass, shortie?”

Felicity’s jaw dropped, “You little – “

Felicity was interrupted by a loud roar of cheering. The entrance to the cafeteria was crowded with people who had just come in or had risen from their seats, clapping and cheering. I peered around, trying to catch a glimpse of what was going on and Felicity stood up on top of her chair to see. The crowd quickly parted like the Red Sea and I saw that it was Phillip.

He was back.

He was walking this way, heading for the line to get his lunch. I blushed, thinking of the last time I’d been in a room with him.

He looked healthier, although he had lost a lot of weight during his coma. His t-shirt was a little too loose over his arms and chest, and his jeans sagged a little bit, but there was colour in his cheeks and his brown eyes looked bright. His best friend Josh had his arm slung around him looking triumphant while Dustin stood on the other side, his smile shining. Josh had black hair and brown eyes, with tanned skin and broad shoulders. He was an athlete like Phillip, but was a track runner. Seeing the three of them back together as a complete unit was nice; it felt normal.

They were getting closer and I started to panic a little bit. What if Phillip had heard me? What if he remembered that I read to him for months? What if he thought I was a total freak? Oh god. Oh god, oh god, oh god…

The oxygen in my lungs became scarce. I licked my lips and twisted my fork around in my hands. Felicity had dropped back down into her seat and was watching with hungry eyes, no doubt looking for any hint of a story in his posture alone. When they reached our table, Phillip turned his head just in time to see me staring at him. Blood rushed to my cheeks and I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear as I looked away. When I glanced upwards again he was in line ordering his lunch, the crowd following like a horde of fangirls at a One Direction concert.

“Oh. My. God. He smiled at you!”

“What?!”

Felicity was positively beaming. “He was totally checking you out. It was like, one of those soft, hesitant, shy smiles.”

“I think you’ve been reading too many romance novels, Flick.” I raised an eyebrow at her. She rolled her eyes.

“There’s no such thing. But I’m telling you. He thought you were cute.”

“He has a girlfriend.”

“So? You’re allowed to look.”

“No, you’re not.”

“Yes you are. Just don’t look for too long.”

“So if you were dating a guy and you saw him checking out another girl, you wouldn’t mind?” I asked her, crossing my arms and confident I’d won this argument.

“Depends.”

“On what?”

“How hot she is.” She shrugged. “So long as she isn’t hotter than me, I’m good.”

I shook my head and stabbed a piece of cucumber. “You’re impossible.”

“You love me.”

I sighed and looked at her for a second before admitting, “Yeah, yeah.”

I ate my salad while I listened to Felicity talk about why I should come to the UK with her and all the places we’d go and how amazing the shopping would be. She even tried to convince me that I could learn about all the boring historical stuff while we were there. I didn’t say anything because there was no time to. I’m fairly certain she had practised this entire speech for days.

“Flick?” She stopped to look up at me. I grinned, apple poised and ready to munch down on. “The key to a good monologue is breathing.”

She scowled and I bit into my apple, smirking.

“Are these seats taken?”

I looked up and my apple nearly dropped from my mouth and into my lap. Phillip Kingston and his friends were standing there, holding their trays and looking expectant. Words failed me, but luckily Felicity didn’t.

“You must be lost. Your table is over there.” she pointed to the other side of the cafeteria, where Melanie was watching this unfold, looking sad, confused and a little bit frustrated. I felt bad for her.

“It’s a free country.” Josh reminded her but Phillip simply looked at me. I blinked and removed my apple from my mouth, realising that I must look absolutely ridiculous. I blushed and set it down on my tray.

Felicity gestured around the table. “Sure. Take a seat.”

They did. I glanced around and saw that there was more than one person looking at us, whispering and taking photos. No doubt starting rumours. I knew that he was probably only here to request that I pass on his thanks to my father, just as so many people had. I didn’t know why he chose to actually sit with us, instead of just passing by and asking to pass on a message, like everyone else had.

Phillip pulled his potato wedges towards him and glanced at me. “It’s Rhea right?”

I wasn’t sure if my tongue was working so I simply nodded. The table was silent after that and I sure felt uncomfortable. I just wanted to slide down in my seat and disappear from the staring eyes of the student body and from the gaze of the most popular boy in school.

“So how does it feel to be back in the land of the living?” Felicity asked and I kicked her under the table.

“Ow!” she cried.

“Felicity! That’s rude!” I berated. But Phillip only chuckled.

“No, it’s fine. Really. I’m just glad to be back to normal.”

“Are you going back to football?” Felicity asked, leaning forwards curiously. I kicked her again and she swore under her breath. “Stop kicking me, woman!”

Josh laughed and Phillip grinned at me. I felt a little flustered.

“I’m planning on going back. The doctors have given me a clean bill of health and encourage me to get back to doing the things I did before. Coach said he has to whip my ass into shape all over again, but it’ll be worth it.”

“The Giants won’t stand a chance.” Dustin said, earning a fist bump from Josh. “The first game is in two weeks.”

“Isn’t that cutting it a little close?” Felicity asked. “I mean, you won’t be able to play that well by then.” She said, looking at Phillip. I was astounded by how comfortable she was and how easily she was maintaining a conversation with these guys.

He shrugged. “I’ll be fine. I can always just get my sub to go on for me if I’m not in good enough shape by the game. .”

“Have you guys started looking at colleges?” I asked, trying to change the subject.

“Nah not yet.” Josh dismissed. I nodded. Well that was a waste of breath. I decided I may as well eat my apple if all I was going to do was make pointless conversation. I got six bites into it when Phillip leaned closer to me. I tried to keep myself from freaking out. What… the hell… was he doing?

“Listen, I’m having a little welcome back party at my house on Saturday. Nothing major. A barbecue, music, the pool. I was wondering if you’d like to come.”

I stared wide eyed at him for a few seconds. Then I realised he was waiting for an answer. “Uh…sure.” I blinked.

Phillip grinned and he was so close that I could see how long his eyelashes were. I blushed and looked down at my tray. The bell rang for the next class to begin and the cafeteria exploded with activity, peoples chatter growing louder in order to be heard over the noise of the herd of teenagers trudging off to their next class. I had a free period next so I didn’t need to move. Phillip did, however, and when he had pushed his chair in and slung his bag over his shoulder. He placed a hand on the table and leaned down. I was quite a lot shorter so it probably would have been easier for him to just sit down again.

“Seven o’clock. Alright?”

I nodded, blushing more. I knew he was only doing this because of my dad, but that didn’t stop me from feeling a little flattered that he invited me to a party. I don’t remember being invited to party since freshman year, when Melanie had this huge Welcome to High school bash. Felicity got invited to parties all the time, but she never took me along because she knew that I would rather be at home.

Phillip smiled but then turned and left to go to class. I turned to Felicity.

“What the hell just happened?”

“I’ll tell you what just happened.” Felicity was practically buzzing with joy. “Phillip Kingston not only checked you out in the hallway, he came over here and sat with us for lunch and invited you to his party on Saturday.”

“And that’s…good?”

Felicity patted me on the arm and looked at me seriously. “It’s brilliant! Oh this is wonderful! I’m so coming over beforehand to pick what you’re going to wear because Lord knows there’ll be boys there. I can’t believe you’re actually going to a party! I’ve been waiting for this for ages!”

I ignored Felicity’s enthusiasm. “He was acting different.”

Still smiling, Felicity asked, “You mean not a complete ass?”

I nodded. “It’s so weird.”

“Maybe that car accident knocked all the douchbaginess out of him.”

I frowned at her. “That’s not a word.”

“It is now.” She said, but her voice sounded strained. I narrowed my eyes at her.

“You alright?”

“Just a stomach ache. I’ll be right. It’s been happening for a few weeks now. It’ll pas in a minute.” She waved a hand. “So can I come with you to the party?”

“Why are you even bothering to ask? You’ll come anyway.”

Felicity got up from the table and pouted her big red lips at me. “You’re so mean, Rhea.”

I watched her pack her things away. She was late for class but that never seemed to bother her. “I prefer honest.”

“You prefer a lot of things.” She stuck her tongue out at me and slung her back over her arm. She went very pale but didn’t say anything. She ruffled my hair aggressively and walked off. “See you babe!”

I grumbled and tried to flatten my hair, wondering if she was feeling alright.

Chapter Five

I was a nervous wreck by the time Saturday rolled around. I don’t know if I was more nervous about being around Phillip or going to my first party in years. Felicity was handling it well, but then again, she was used to this.

With my heart pounding, I pulled up to Felicity’s house, turning the radio down and honking the horn twice. The door opened and Felicity came out. She was wearing a sequined emerald green dress with a low cut back and shiny blood-red pumps. Her hair and makeup looked like it had been done by a professional. I immediately felt under-dressed. My eyes narrowed on her stomach, which looked bigger than normal. Felicity had put on weight. Strange.

She climbed into the car, saw me and stared. She was still looking a little pale but maybe it was just from horror. “What – exactly – are you wearing?!”

My stomach sank even lower and I frowned. “But I thought you liked this outfit.” I said, gesturing to my black skinny jeans, collared blue top and knee length boots.

Felicity nodded, “Yeah, I do. But for the movies! Not a party!”

I sighed and sat back in the seat. “Oh well.”

“Did you even put makeup on?!”

“Uh…no.”

“And oh my god. Your hair!” she groaned miserably, touching one of the curls I had attempted to organise in a stylish way.

“Flick! Stop! It’s just a small party! It’s not like the Queen is coming.”

Felicity grumbled and I pulled away from the curb. We drove in relative silence, the only sounds were from the radio and my best friend muttering under her breath. We drove through the town and it was abuzz with Saturday night activity; people going out for dinner, the movies, meeting up with friends and going on dates. I sighed. I’d never been on a date before.

Before I even turned into the street I heard the pulsing of the music and as we got closer my teeth started to chatter in my mouth. I parked a few doors up and we walked up to the house, Felicity walking confidently in her six inch heels towards the door. The front garden was filled with people, all wobbling when they walked. Flick and I passed a group of boys smoking, but I could determine from the smell that it was not tobacco.

Phillip’s house was huge. It was modern, but classic as well. There was a grand staircase, a chandelier in the foyer and the floor was covered in wooden floorboards which shone. I saw people in the living room watching a football match, snacks sitting on the coffee table. The house seemed to be packed with people all holding the same red cups filled with beer and other assorted beverages.

“I thought this was going to be a small party.” I yelled over the music. Felicity gave me a strange look.

“This is small.”

“And there’s alcohol?” I gasped.

“Most people here are eighteen.”

I glared at her. “Felicity. We live in America. The drinking age here is twenty one.”

“Yeah and it’s bullshit.” She stated. She came to stand in front of me, putting her hands on my shoulders. “Listen to me. This is supposed to be fun. Have a drink. Talk to people. Meet some tall handsome prince charming. Or a girl. I don’t judge.”

“I’m straight, Flick.”

“Hey, I’m just saying. Dance like we do in your room at sleepovers. You do that, you’ll get some guy’s attention.”

“I am definitely not doing that.”

Felicity scowled. “Just try not to be a buzzkill for once in your life, Rhea.” She said before she stormed off.

Left to my own devices, I grabbed a can of creamy soda from a nearby cooler, the outside slick with condensation and ice. If I was going to drive Felicity home, I was going to be sober.

I searched the house until I found Felicity again. She seemed to have gotten over our little spat from before because she looked totally in her element. I watched her most of the time, dancing and drinking and talking to a lot of people from the school newspaper. I noticed that a lot of boys from our year and even a few older looking ones were shamelessly checking her out whenever she walked past or was in their line of sight. I’d never been vindictively jealous of my best friend, but it was hard not to envy her. Not just her looks but her confidence, her style, this ability that she has to make people like her. Like now, she was happily and easily flirting with a guy that looked like he was in college, whereas I was standing awkwardly at the side of the room, holding a can of soft drink and not dancing.

“You look as awkward as I feel.”

I raised an eyebrow and turned to the left. It was Phillip. He was holding a bottle of something and I took note of how I had to crane my neck to look at him. “Excuse me?”

“Ah, she speaks!” he laughed. I blushed. “You were so shy earlier this week that I thought you might be mute.”

I laughed and watched him sip his drink, though he didn’t take his eyes off me. “Yeah right. You’re just…intimidating.”

He almost choked. “Oh?”

“Well, have you seen yourself? You’re a giant.” I gestured up and down. “Not to mention you’re popular, smart, on the football team…do I need to go on?”

“Please do. This is doing wonders for my ego.” He grinned. Phillip looked like he was getting better every day. His face didn’t look as thin anymore. He offered me the bottle. “Want some?”

Surprise forced an answer before I could think it over. “Oh, no thanks. I’m driving and I don’t like alcohol.”

“Neither do I.” He grinned. “It’s root beer.”

I was surprised once again but still refused the drink. He shrugged and kept drinking. I pursed my lips, unsure as to what I should say. Phillip was tapping his fingernails on the glass of his bottle in time to the song that was playing loudly through the house.

“Your friend looks like she’s having a good time.” Phillip stated suddenly. I was yanked from my thoughts and I looked around for Felicity. She was dancing with some guy, who had his hands on her hips and was holding her very close to her body. She had a plastic cup in her right hand and her other tangled in his hair.

“Yeah. She’s likes to cut loose.” I mumbled.

“You don’t?”

“My definition of cutting loose is a little different to hers, I’m afraid.”

Phillip frowned. “Is that a bad thing?”

“No. Just different is all.” I replied. I looked around, “Shouldn’t you be with your girlfriend?”

“Melanie?”

“Is there another girlfriend?” I laughed. He went a little pink.

“I’m kind of avoiding her.”

“How come?”

“We had a big fight last night on the phone and it wasn’t pretty. I just would rather she didn’t say anything now. I threw this party so that we could all kick back and have fun before school starts getting too serious. I don’t want it to be ruined.”

Okay, I needed to know that. Thanks for sharing.

“You don’t look like you’re having much fun.” He stated.

“This just isn’t my scene.”

“Then why did you come?” he asked, leaning against the wall.

“Well, you invited me. And Felicity is quite insistent.”

“So, you don’t really want to be here.”

“What’s with all the questions?” I demanded, feeling a little flustered.

Phillip help his hands up in defence. “Hey, I’m just making conversation.”

I didn’t reply, simply watching Felicity dancing in the dimly lit room. She looked a little drunk but she hasn’t fallen over yet, which is a good sign. The silence between Phillip and I was deafening though.

“Oh crap.” Phillip cursed. I glanced up.

“What? What’s wrong?” I asked, setting my drink down. “Are you okay?”

“It’s Melanie. She’s coming this way.” He said, ducking down so she wouldn’t be able to see him. Smart. He was easily spotted because of his height.

I craned my neck to see around the people that crowded the makeshift dance floor, but I didn’t have to wait for long. She had found Phillip.

She looked very lovely in a blue skater dress and high heels, her long black hair looking shiny and perfect. Her facial expression, however, was annoyed and flustered.

“There you are!” Melanie exclaimed, looking at Phillip who seemed to be in pain. “I’ve been looking all over for you!”

I shrunk back, feeling awkward. I slipped away from the scene that was no doubt about to unfold and went out the back door. The backyard was as crowded as the house. The pool was glowing under the lights and people were swimming despite the cool night air. I shivered a little and glanced around for something to do.

“Hey! Rhea! Come here!” I turned towards the voice and saw Dustin and Josh waving their arms in the air trying to get my attention. They were standing by a small fire pit and seemed a little tipsy. I wasn’t sure if I should go over there but they looked so eager and I was a loner right now. So I shrugged and walked over to them. My feet were starting to hurt from the boots I was wearing and I could feel the pain slowly creeping up my legs. Why did I choose boots with heels? Ugh. When I got close enough, I sat down near the fire and the heat from the flames instantly warmed me.

“Hey,” Dustin smiled, “You looked a little lost.”

“Oh I was just escaping.” I said, pointing over my shoulder with my thumb. “Phillip is kind of getting ripped into by Melanie, or at least I suspect that’s what’s happening. It didn’t look good when I left.”

“Crap.” Josh hissed.

That instantly concerned me. “What?”

“Melanie and Phillip…they’re heading towards splitsville.”

“They’re breaking up?” I gasped. This was unbelievable. They were the power couple of the school. Phillip was popular and hot, Melanie was popular, gorgeous and class president. They suited each other so well that it was impossible to imagine them breaking up. They had been together so long it had become a way of life during high school. Sort of like the crappy cafeteria food.

“They were falling apart before the accident.” Dustin explained, “But when Phillip found out she hadn’t even been to visit him because she was away over the summer, damn was he mad.”

“Well wouldn’t you be mad too if your girlfriend didn’t visit you for weeks because she wouldn’t get on a plane? I’m fairly certain she could have found some time to check in on him. Hell. I was doing my community service and I still visited the poor bastard every chance I got.” Josh said.

“You were there a lot too, weren’t you Rhea?” Dustin asked, turning towards me. I nodded.

“I did volunteer work at the hospital. Mostly in the Children’s Ward though, but I would look in on Phillip every now and again.” I lied. I hate lying, but it was less embarrassing than the truth.

Dustin looked very impressed and Josh grinned at me. We each turned around at the sound of a glass breaking and shouting. Melanie burst through the back door and climbed down the steps, storming across the yard and out the gate that led into the street. I saw she was crying, but mostly she looked pissed.

Phillip came out after her, flustered and angry, scanning the crowd for Melanie. I watched as he stood there for a few minutes, looking through the crowds of people for her but when he realised that she had disappeared, his shoulders slumped. He trudged his way over to us, not saying anything. I could feel the tension in the air right away. I jumped when Phillip suddenly kicked a plastic chair over before turning to stare into the fire, his hands on his hips. I bit my lip.

“I think I’m just going to go.” I whispered to Josh who nodded. I turned to go in search of Felicity. This wasn’t the way I thought that this night would go.

Chapter Six

After locating Felicity, listening to her moan about her lost summer love before dragging her into her room so she could sleep off the alcohol she had ingested, I finally made it home, just before one in the morning. I spent the entire next day doing the homework I had put off the day before, too anxious about the party.

Suffice to say the party had not gone well. Felicity had ditched me, Phillip and I had that…interesting conversation and then that whole Melanie thing had happened. Damn that had looked ugly. It was all over Facebook. People wondering what had happened, what they had fought about, if they were even still together. Phillip and Melanie weren’t saying anything or responding to the gossip, which in a way was making it worse.

I felt very sorry for Phillip. He had been in an accident, almost died, then woke up and seemed to be a completely different person, only to have to catch up on all the things he’s missed and deal with girlfriend drama.

It seemed that the poor guy just couldn’t catch a break.

I stopped typing up my chemistry homework when I felt my phone begin to vibrate on the desk nest to my left hand. I saved my work quickly and picked it up. It was an unknown number and, biting my lip hesitantly, I answered.

“Hello?”

There was a small pause, then, “Rhea?”

I turned around in my chair, facing away from the desk. “Yes?”

“Oh good! It’s you. I was hoping this wasn’t a bogus number.” The voice was male, but I still had no idea who it was. “It’s Phillip.”

Oh.

“Oh. Hi there. How did you get my number?”

“Well, don’t think this is weird, but I may have asked my mother to ask your mom for your number.” I raised my eyebrows. That was kind of strange, but, I had to admit it was resourceful.

“Okay, well, what’s up?” I asked. I noticed my bedroom door was open and I got up quickly to close it.

“I wanted to apologise for last night.”

I stopped in shock. He what?

“Huh?” I asked stupidly.

“Well I think I was being a bit weird, but also because of the whole Melanie thing. She and I had a bit of a fight. We’ve been drifting for some time and I think Melanie had just had enough of waiting for me to make up my mind on what we were going to do and then we both started saying some really horrible things and…” he sighed. “I’m not sure why I’m telling you all this. I just wanted to apologise for making the night awkward. I wanted to hang out and get to know you better.”

Well where the hell did that come from?! “Oh. Well. That’s okay. I’m sorry about you and Melanie. You two always seemed really happy.”

“We were. But people change.”

“I guess.” I replied. I wasn’t sure what to say. I’d never been in a relationship so I couldn’t exactly relate. I moved over to my window and sat on the cushioned seat that adorned the sill. I looked out at the gloomy weather.

“How’s your friend today? Not too hungover I hope?”

“I actually haven’t heard from her all day.” I replied.

“And from your tone I’m guessing that’s unusual?”

“Very.” I replied. I took my phone away from my ear to quickly check if I had any messages, but nothing.

“So, um, I was also wondering if I could ask you a favour?”

“What’s that?” I tucked my knees up to my chest and rested my chin on them.

“Well I’m a little behind on school work and word is that you’re the best in biology. I was hoping that maybe you could tutor me?”

Spend time? Alone with him? Again? I already spent two months reading to him, what more does this guy want?

I sighed, “I guess I could help you out.”

“Brilliant!” he said, sounding excited. I wondered if him being on the football team required good grades as well. “So, tomorrow? Before lunch? You do have a free period then, right?”

I narrowed my eyes. “Yes, but how would you know that?”

“You must think I’m not observant or something. You keep sounding surprised to find out that I know things about you.”

I shrugged, “I just didn’t think you’d care.”

“Ouch.” He said, and I could hear the humour in his voice. “Way to make me seem like an insensitive prick.”

“Sorry.” I giggled. “Fourth period it is. Do you think the library would be best? It’ll be quiet and nobody cool will be around to see you hanging around with dorky old me.”

“Ha ha ha. You’re so funny.” Phillip replied sarcastically. I could practically hear him rolling his eyes. “I’ll let you go now. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay.” I smiled. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He hung up and I took my phone, turning it over in my hands again and again. That was completely out of the blue. I’m still getting used to this new Phillip but so far, I’m pleasantly surprised. He was in no way the douchebag he used to be. He even remembered to ask about Felicity.

Speaking of which…

I unlocked my phone and hit speed dial on Felicity’s contact. It rang five times before it went to her voicemail. I didn’t leave a message and hung up instead. I tapped my phone on my leg, pursing my lips. Felicity always picked up her phone. Even when it was the middle of the night. Something was really wrong.

Without a second thought, I snatched up my coat, keys and slid my feet into old blue tennis shoes. I ran down the stairs and called to mom that I would be back for dinner. I drove straight to Felicity’s house, her mom in the garden trimming back a hedge. I parked in their driveway and got out.

“Hello Rhea. I didn’t know you were coming over today.” Mrs Normandy said, wiping her dirty gloves on her leggings.

“Hey Mrs Normandy. I just thought I’d better check up on Felicity. She wasn’t answering her phone.” I replied. Mrs Normandy smiled at me, although it looked a little strained. She always liked me, I think because I looked after her rather wild daughter.

“She’s in her room. She isn’t feeling well, afraid to say. Go on in sweetie.” She waved me inside the house. It was cosy, it being only Felicity and her mom here. Felicity’s dad had left after he found out that Mrs Normandy was pregnant at nineteen. Felicity had a stepdad once too, but he died when she was six from lung cancer.

I stood outside her door, which was closed so I knocked. “Go away mom!” She sounded like she had been crying. “I don’t want to talk to you!”

“Flick, it’s me.” I said through the door. “Let me in.”

There was a pause and for a second I thought that she would tell me to go away too, but then I heard a small and soft voice that sounded nothing like my best friends tell me to come in.

Felicity’s room was chaotic at best. Clothes everywhere, the walls a collage of posters to her favourite bands and celebrities over the years. Her desk looked like it was used for anything but studying, and the matching chair was toppled over. She was sitting on the bed, her knees pulled up to her chest and rocking back and forth a little bit. I immediately went over to her and put my arms around her. This wasn’t a hangover.

“Flick? What’s wrong? What’s happened?”

She just shook her head, continuing to cry for a little while and I let her, rubbing her back in consoling circles. Eventually she pulled back, wiping underneath her eyes which was stained black from her mascara.

She sniffled. “Just, let me explain, okay?”

I frowned. “Flick, what have you done?”

“Just listen!” I flinched at her harsh tone, but sat on the bed with her, legs crossed lotus style. I slipped off my coat and waited. “You know how I told you my boobs hurt and wouldn’t fit into my bras anymore?”

“Yes.”

“Well I’ve also been feeling a bit sick lately and I’m super emotional all the time and Rhea…I realised this morning that I’m late.”

I went pale.

“How late?” I croaked.

“Almost three months late.” Felicity said before bursting into tears again. I felt as though the very air from my lungs was sucked from my body and my stomach twisted painfully.

“You and Mark – ”

“Matt.” She automatically corrected.

“Whatever. Did you and Matt use protection when you two…?”

She glared at me with her puffy pink eyes. “Of course we did. Do you think I’m an idiot?”

“No of course not. What did you use?”

“A condom.”

I bit my lip, hesitating before I gently said, “You know they don’t always work.”

“I know that, but I thought that it would be safe. I mean, a three percent fail rate isn’t much…” Her lip started wobbling. I didn’t really know what to say or do to console her.

“Did you take a test?”

“Two.” She said. “Both positive.”

Well shit.

“Does your mom know?”

Felicity scoffed. “Are you crazy? Why on earth would I tell her? You know what she’s like when it comes to these things! She’d kill me!”

“You don’t know that.” I reminded her, flattening out her hair neatly. “She had you really young. She may be sympathetic.”

Felicity rolled her eyes. “Yeah. Right.”

I sighed and we sat without speaking, the only sound made was Felicity’s occasional sniffle. I glanced around the room, trying to figure out what to say. Felicity was playing with the drawstrings of my coat.

“You know that I don’t care right? It doesn’t matter to me that you got pregnant at eighteen, or whether you keep this baby or not. It’s your choice, it’s your body and you have the right to do what you feel is right. But if you keep the baby I’ll be there. Sure this isn’t the best timing, but you’re going to do really well this year in school. I’ll help you. I’ll go to all the doctor’s appointments with you, birthing classes, crib shopping, everything. And if you decide you want to get an abortion, I’ll be with you holding your hand. Whatever you need, I’m here. I promise. Okay?” I put my hand over hers and Felicity’s eyes filled with tears before she threw her arms around me, crying softly into my shoulder.

She didn’t have to say anything. I knew what she meant.

“I think I’m going to keep the baby.” She said, her voice muffled by my t-shirt. I nodded. “Matt doesn’t want to be part of its life, but he said he’ll pay child support.”

“He doesn’t want to be part of his own kid’s life?” I gasped. Felicity pulled away and got up to go into her bathroom. I followed her, perching myself on the countertop next to the sink. She grabbed a packet of facial wipes and began removing the ruined makeup from her face.

“No. I mean, we had a no-strings-attached thing in the first place and he’s older and has a life in another state for crying out loud. It wouldn’t be realistic to expect him to uproot his entire life for a summer fling who got herself knocked up.”

I threw a toilet roll at her. “Don’t talk about yourself that way! It was an accident yes, but think of it this way. You’re going to bring a person into this world and you’ll love that little being more than life itself. The way I see it, that’s a gift.”

“It’ll be difficult. I’ll have to get a job and start saving.” She mumbled.

“I’ll help.” I said, “I know I can’t do much, but I’ll help where I can.”

She stopped and stared at my reflection in the mirror. “How did I get so lucky to have a best friend like you?”

I shrugged and said simply, with no hint of doubt whatsoever, “You would do the same for me.”

Chapter Seven

I stayed with Felicity until well after dark, but when my mom asked what had kept me so long, I just said that Felicity wasn’t feeling very well and she needed me. Mom believed very strongly in friendship, so she didn’t push the matter. Dad looked a little curious, but he wasn’t one to push things. It was one of the things that I loved about my relationship with my parents. They didn’t nag when it came to my personal life unless they thought it was absolutely important.

“Rhea? Are you okay? You look pale.” Phillip whispered to me. I shook my head. My thoughts had wandered while I had been waiting for him to finish some Biology questions.

“Oh, sorry. Just have a lot on my mind.”

Phillip twisted his pencil around, brown eyes warm and earnest. “Want to talk about it?”

“No, thank you. That’s sweet of you to offer, but I think I prefer to suffer in silence, you know?” I attempted to joke but I was never a really funny person. He nodded.

“Hey, that’s cool. You don’t want to talk, that’s your business.”

“Thanks.” I smiled. He just nodded and went back to his work. I corrected him on a few things and helped him with a few questions, but otherwise he had a pretty good idea of what he was doing. Phillip was a lot smarter than people gave him credit for.

The bell rang for lunch and we both gathered up our things to head to the cafeteria. It was strange, walking around campus with Phillip like we were friends. People were staring, that’s for sure, but Phillip didn’t seem too bothered by it. He must be used to it by now.

He nudged my shoulder, “Come on,” he said, “We’ll go out for lunch. My treat.”

“You don’t have to do that.” I said, stopping.

He grinned and it was charming. “I know, but you’re going to give up valuable time to tutor my idiot self. The least I can do is take you to lunch.” He said, walking away to his car. After a moment of pause, I followed him. I think I knew deep down that there was no point in arguing.

He had a shiny black jeep that looked like death compared to the bleak surroundings and weather around it. Phillip opened the door and held it for me, while I clambered inside, mumbling a thank you. He got in after me and drove away from school while the students milled around, heading to the cafeteria or pulling handmade lunches from their bags. We were heading into town, and soon enough Phillip pulled into a little diner.

“You’ve been here before?” I assumed.

“Yeah. Best burgers in the whole city.” He grinned.

The diner was small, with a big sign that flashed in the window and a collection of parked motorcycles out front. The roof was missing a few tiles and the walls were covered in old, white, cracked paint. When we went inside, the first thing I noticed was how warm it was. It smelled like cherries and bacon, and the inside was in much better condition than the outside. We sat in a booth facing each other, and I picked up the menu, scanning the options. I felt very shy all of a sudden. Maybe it was because this was the first time that he was awake and properly alone with me. Here there were no classmates, no teachers, nobody that knew us around. It made me nervous. He was just such a huge presence, it was intimidating.

“So what are you planning on doing after high school?” Phillip asked suddenly.

“I’m sorry?” I asked, not lowering my menu so he couldn’t see my face.

“Well I realise that I don’t know much about you. Seems a shame to waste such a good opportunity.”

“Oh.” I said, staring at the reflection on the plastic top of the menu. A shadow fell across us.

“Ready to order?” the waitress asked, smiling at us both.

“I’ll have a hamburger.” Phillip said. I closed the menu and handed it to her, still not looking at him. “And a milkshake.”

“What flavour?” she asked, blushing.

“Surprise me.” he grinned and I could see her eyes widen a little bit and she giggled.

“And for you?” she asked.

“Nachos and a lemonade please.” I said. She nodded and wrote it down on.

“Shouldn’t be long.” She said, leaving. I shook my head, trying not to laugh. Phillip noticed.

“What?”

“You.” I said, “You have no idea what you do to girls. Or maybe you do and enjoy seeing women fawn over you.”

“What are you talking about?” Phillip asked, leaning forward.

“You were flirting with her.” I laughed. I couldn’t help it.

“I was being nice.” Phillip said. “You know it’s kind of sad that we live in a society where being nice is often confused with flirting.”

“Touché.” I smiled and tapped my fingers on the tabletop. “A veterinarian.”

He blinked. “What?”

“You asked what I wanted to do when I finished high school. I want to be a vet.” Phillip chuckled and I blinked. “What?”

“It’s just, well, I didn’t exactly picture you as an animal lover.”

I sat back, crossing my arms. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Just, well…you’re so studious and you’re always indoors and you volunteered at the hospital. I can’t picture you running around playing with a dog or having a pet or anything.” He said. “It just doesn’t seem very you.”

“Because I’m some bookworm with no social life and up to my ears in studies?” I presumed, raising an eyebrow. Phillip waited a moment before responding, perhaps weighing up whether he should say whatever it was that he was thinking.

“Well, yeah in a way.” He shrugged his amazingly broad shoulders. “But from your reaction I assume that’s not true.”

“My grandfather owned a farm.” I told him. “He had sheep, cows and goats and a bunch of dogs. If an animal was sick or injured, he would just put them down, not wasting time and money on treating them. I always thought it was so cruel and ever since I was a kid I wanted to help those animals. They don’t have voices like you or I, so if I could help ease their suffering a little, I would.”

Phillip looked a little, well, impressed. I stared at him and damn it, I had to admit he was attractive. I remembered that moment when I kissed him in the hospital, when our lips met and I thought back to how soft they were. I wondered if he was a good kisser.

Whoa. Where the hell did that come from?!

“Here you are.”

I was broken out of my thoughts and staring at Phillip (pretty obviously too, ugh) as that waitress from earlier returned with our order. She placed the food on the table for us, gave Phillip a dazzling smile and left us to eat.

“Is that how you got those scars on your fingers?” Phillip asked me suddenly. I frowned.

“What scars?”

“On your fingers.” He said, pointing my hands. It was true that on the tips of my fingers there were pink and white scars, little lines and dots that looked like Morse code. I had always thought that they were invisible to most people, but Phillip was proving more observant than I initially thought. “Did you get the scars from the farm?”

“My grandpa liked to spin the wool from his sheep. He would force me to do it for hours but I was never very good at it and the wool would get tangled or I would prick my fingers – hence the scars.” I explained, munching on a nacho chip. Phillip’s eyebrows rose but he didn’t comment. “Anyway, what about you? What do you want to do after school?”

“Well, I did want to go into professional football, but I’ve had a recent change of heart.” He replied, biting into his burger. I waited for him to elaborate, but I suspected he was holding me in suspense for a dramatic effect. After he’d swallowed he continued, “I want to be a doctor.”

“A doctor?”

“Yes.”

“How come?”

“Well, I always wanted to be a doctor when I was a kid, and then I had my accident…well, it got me thinking that what they do is really amazing. The doctors and the nurses and the volunteers. They help people for a living. It’s really awesome and I thought it’d be a good way to give back.”

I stared at him, mouth slightly agape and eyes wide. He squirmed after a while. “What?” he demanded.

I shook my head and sipped my lemonade. “It’s just, well, I didn’t exactly picture you as the medical type.” I parroted from earlier. He smirked.

“Very clever.” He said. He pointed a finger at me, still clutching his burger in his other hand. “I’m not what you think I am, you know.”

“And what would that be, pray tell?”

“Some arrogant, rude, conceited rich boy who doesn’t give a damn about anybody but himself.” Phillip droned.

“I thought that before your accident because you were like that.” I said, “I’ve known you for years, don’t think I don’t know about the things you’ve said and done.”

“And now?”

“If I’m honest you keep surprising me.” I said. He looked quite proud of himself. “Don’t looks so smug. It’s so weird. You’re like this entirely new person. Yes, you still like football and you’re popular and still hang around your friends, but you’re different now. It’s freaky really.”

“Different how?”

“You aren’t drinking anymore. You’re taking your studies seriously. You’re conscious of other people now. You want to be a doctor to balance things out with the universe. You’re not being an ass.” I smirked at the last bit, eating some more of my nachos. He laughed.

“I didn’t realise you were paying that much attention.” Phillip said, finished his burger and starting on his fries. I looked away and blushed to the roots of my hair. “Wow you look pretty when you blush.”

I looked up at him. What. Did. He. Just. Say?

“Huh?”

He cleared his throat. “Sorry.” He looked awkward.

I bit my lip and didn’t say anything until I’d finished my nachos. I pulled my lemonade towards me and sipped.

“What college are you thinking of going to?” Phillip asked after a while. I sighed at the change of topic. I was feeling more and more nervous with every passing second. He pushed his plate of fries towards me in a silent question and I took one.

“Not sure. Boston University possibly. Maybe even Stanford. I haven’t really looked into it thoroughly.” I replied. “You?”

“I was thinking Stanford too.”

I nodded. “Cool.”

“So what’s your favourite colour?”

“Purple.”

“Red.”

“What’s your favourite movie?”

“Remember the Titans.”

“Great movie.” I nodded my approval. “What do you like about it?”

“Well it’s about football and tolerance and it’s just really well made. And it’s based on a true story, so…” he shrugged. “You?”

“Ah, Hercules.” I said. “The Disney one though. It was my favourite when I was a kid.”

“Is that the one with the talking goat?”

“He’s half goat. A satyr.” I replied.

“Like a faun?”

“No. Hercules is set in Greece, not Rome. Easy mistake to make. Although technically the Greek version of Hercules was Heracles, and so it should really be called Heracles instead of Hercules if they’re going to set it in Greece.” I smirked and Phillip rolled his eyes.

“Know-it-all.” He teased and I laughed. “You’re pretty cool, you know that?”

I blushed and giggled awkwardly. What do you say to that?! “Ah, thanks. You too.”

Phillip glanced at his watch and made a face. “We better get back. Lunch will be finished soon and I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be late to English.”

“Me neither.” I replied, getting up. We split the bill and made our way back to his car. I was surprised that he wasn’t afraid of cars. If I’d been in terrible wreck like he had, then I would have been terrified. But he seemed so calm, so at ease driving.

It was more comfortable on the way back to school, chatting to each other about school and getting to know one another a little better. He made me laugh so much when he started singing along to the radio in a rather terrible voice. When we walked into school together, making our way to class, I was having a hard time not noticing the stares people were sending our way and in particular, the look on Melanie’s face.

Uh oh.

Chapter Eight

The rumour mill was working overtime but for once, it wasn’t just about Felicity. People did find it a little suspicious how she was starting to look a little different and her mysterious absence from school on Monday hadn’t helped. She had a baby bump, being almost a full three months along, but nothing that she couldn’t just pass off as bloating or a little weight gain. She was feeling a little better now and I was determined to be there with her. She had a doctor’s appointment scheduled for next weekend and I was going to go with her.

But what really got the school buzzing was this newfound rumour that Phillip and I were dating. It was ridiculous. I mean, I tutor him, we hang out and talk, but that’s it. We are just friends. Sure, I think he’s sweet and funny and definitely attractive, but I don’t think I’m his type. Besides. It’s only been a week since Phillip had broken up with Melanie. He couldn’t have moved on that quickly, and certainly not with me. Apparently arriving together on Monday had caused quite a stir. I didn’t normally pay attention to rumours, but then again, they’ve never been about me.

“You know, you shouldn’t sneak up on people,” I smirked, “It’s rude.”

I glanced sideways at Phillip and he was leaning against the locker next to mine. Over his shoulder was his football jersey. There was a big game tonight and the excitement was evident throughout the school. Everyone was excited to see Phillip back in action. I just hoped he didn’t get hit on the head.

“I thought it’d be interesting to see you scream. You don’t frighten easily I see.” He grinned. Wow, that grin was attractive.

“Nope.” I said. I jerked my chin towards the jersey. “You about to head off to practise?”

“We all get together, have dinner and warm up before a game.” Phillip explained. I shut my locker, zipping up my bag and slinging it over my shoulder. “You coming tonight?”

“Of course. I wouldn’t miss your comeback game.” I punched him on the shoulder lightly, mockingly.

He chuckled. “You going home first?”

“Yeah.” I said. “Then I’m picking Felicity up.”

“What’s going on with her anyway? She’s looking a little…I dunno. Different lately.”

I hesitated. I knew everyone would find out eventually, but I didn’t know whether I could trust Phillip with this just yet. Anyway, it’s Felicity’s job to tell people, not mine.

I decided to play it off cool. “She’s probably just adjusting to the cold weather.”

“At least it doesn’t snow here.” Phillip said. Was his hair always styled like that? It looked good. “You ever seen snow?”

“Yeah. My parents took me to New York when I was little.” I replied. I leaned against the locker too and held my elbows.

“I’ve never seen it.” He said. “We always go somewhere warm over Christmas break.”

“Maybe this year you should try something different.” I suggested. Phillip sighed with a smile.

“Good idea.” He said. We stood there for a few seconds, totally silent, but he looked like he wanted to say something. In fact he looked like he was in pain.

“Phillip, whatever it is that you want to say, say it.” I urged. “I want to go home and I don’t think I’ll be able to unless you tell me whatever it is you need to.”

“I don’t need to tell you anything.” His reply was automatic. I blinked.

“Okay. Well, I’ll be off then. Good luck for tonight.” I said. I turned and walked towards the nearest exit to make my way towards the parking lot. I heard hurried footsteps and Phillip was soon walking backwards next to me, looking at me with his hair dishevelled, like he’d run his hands through it. Surprisingly it looked better than before. Damn it.

“Okay, well, I didn’t want to tell you anything, I wanted to ask you something.” He said. I stopped dead in my tracks. Oh no.

“Okaaaaay,” I appraised him, “What is it?”

“Well, every game the guys get their moms or sisters or girlfriends to wear their jerseys as a sign of support. Well my mom hates this thing and Melanie never wanted to wear it. And I thought since we’re friends that maybe you would wear it for good luck.” he said it in a bit of a rush and looked a little embarrassed, but hopeful too. I raised an eyebrow at him. I knew for a fact that only girlfriends wore the jerseys and I’m not sure why he told a little white lie. I was about to tell him I didn’t think it was a good idea because it would only make the rumours about us even worse, but I made the mistake of looking in his eyes.

Puppy dog eyes. Not the puppy dog eyes. That really was unfair.

I sighed, “Okay.” I said. I knew I would regret this, but the way Phillip’s whole face lit up made it almost worthwhile. He handed me the jersey. Number thirty seven.

“Thanks Rhea. You’re the best!” He was positively beaming. I smiled back at him. I got the shock of my life when he leaned down and pressed a swift kiss on my left cheek. He grinned at me once again and then left. I turned to watch him leave, a dumbfounded expression plastered to my face.

“See you tonight!” He called, waving. I waved back weakly, still shocked.

What the hell was that?! Phillip kissed my cheek. He wants me to wear his jersey, he took me to lunch…holy crap. HOLY. CRAP.

---

“Holy shit where the hell did you get that?!” Felicity practically screamed when she saw me wearing Phillip’s jersey. It was huge on me, but it was quite comfortable. After explaining to her what had happened, she looked as astounded as I felt.

“He kissed you?”

“On the cheek. But yeah.” I said, leaning against the railing bars, looking out at the field that was gleaming in the bright white lights surrounding the football field. The two teams were still warming up and stretching, getting ready to play in a few minutes. I saw other girls wearing jerseys too, and even one guy. Felicity managed to get really good seats close to the field so we could see everything that was happening.

“Holy crap. He’s into you.” She gasped loudly, “I bet that’s the real reason he broke up with Melanie! Because he likes you!”

“How could he, Flick?” I asked, “He doesn’t remember anything from his coma. He doesn’t remember that I read to him or anything like that and before his accident, we didn’t speak much. It seems a little…strange to me.”

“Maybe he does remember you from his coma and just doesn’t want to tell you.” Felicity suggested, checking out the boys from the other team.

“Why would he do that?” I asked. The whistle blew for the game to begin and the commentator began speaking whilst the crowd surged to its feet as one and began clapping. After the noise died down a little bit Felicity answered my question.

“Maybe because he doesn’t want to remember the coma.”

I didn’t have a chance to respond because the game began and I turned my attention to that. I saw Phillip on the field, close enough so that I could see he was looking at me. He waved and I waved back, smiling a little bit.

The game began and I watched avidly, cheering and booing where appropriate. Felicity was assessing the hotness of the opposing team’s players and I listened to her, making comments where appropriate. Around an hour and a half later it was half time and a lot of people exited the stands to go to the bathroom or get snacks.

Felicity stopped talking all of a sudden and nudged me in the ribs. I turned my attention to what she was looking at and I saw Melanie standing with her usual group of friends, but she was staring at me with what I could only describe as loathing.

“That’s Phillip’s jersey.” Was all she said.

“Yes.” Was all I said.

She dragged her eyes away from the jersey and up to my face. “Why are you wearing it?”

“He asked me to.”

“Are you two dating now?” she demanded. Her voice was getting louder with every sentence.

“No.”

“But only girlfriends wear the jerseys. It’s tradition, it’s a rule!” Melanie’s blue eyes blazed and a few people looked around at the raised voices. Her face went slack with realisation. “It’s you. It’s your fault. You’re the reason he dumped me!”

“The way I heard it, you two broke up.” Felicity said dryly, inspecting her nails.

Melanie glared. “Stay out of this, preggers.” She snarled. Felicity’s neck must have suffered whiplash because she snapped it so quickly towards Melanie.

“What did you just say?” I asked, standing up. I noticed with some annoyance that Melanie was a lot taller than me.

“She is, isn’t she? That’s what everyone is saying.” Melanie said, sneering at Felicity. “Rumour is that the little slut went and got herself knocked up.”

Felicity screeched. “You little – !”

“What’s going on here?” I heard Josh’s voice and thanked god. He turned a cold gaze on Melanie. It was very intimidating. “Ladies?”

“Nothing.” Melanie said innocently, glaring at me. “Fair warning, girl to girl. If he threw me aside after years, he’ll do the same with someone like you.”

Melanie stalked away and Josh’s eyes followed her, piercing and alert. Dustin touched my shoulder. “You alright?”

“Yeah,” I said, “Fine. Good thing you came. Felicity was about to tear Melanie’s head off.”

“Was? I am going to tear her head off.” Felicity growled.

“What did she say to you?” Josh asked curiously.

“Nothing important.” I said quickly. “She’s just mad because Phillip wanted me to wear his jersey.”

“Melanie was never the vindictive type.” Dustin mused, looking after her. “She’s probably just bitter and angry. I wouldn’t pay attention to what she says.”

I nodded.

“I don’t know about you,” Felicity said, turning to me, “but I’m not feeling like watching the rest of the game.”

“Are you sure?” I asked. Felicity nodded. I fished around in my pocket and handed her my keys. “You can stay at mine for a bit if you don’t want to go home, but I’m going to finish the game. My parents went into the city for the night so you’ll be alone.”

“How will you get home?” she protested.

“I’ll get a ride.” I shrugged.

“I’ll drive you home if you’re stranded.” Dustin offered with a smile.

“See? I’ll be fine.” I said. I was worried about the effect Melanie’s words had on Felicity. The fact people knew, or at least suspected, that she was pregnant already worried me. She needed to get away from the stares of our classmates and out of sight for a while. Not to mention she needed to cool down.

“Are you sure?” she asked.

“Of course. Go. I’ll meet you there.” I said. She grinned, hugged me, then walked past me and disappeared.

Josh and Dustin decided to stay with me, cheering alongside me when the game resumed. They kept making me laugh by turning Beyoncé songs into cheers. They were quite funny guys. Josh was more outgoing than Dustin, but they both had a great sense of humour. Dustin was witty when it came to humour and Josh was more sarcastic. I wondered what it would be like to see Felicity and Josh go at it in a battle of sarcastic bitchiness.

“And Kingston lands a touchdown! The Leopards win!” the commentator yelled into the microphone and I screamed my happiness. I clapped as hard as I could and really that’s when it hit me like a snowball to the face.

I liked Phillip Kingston.

I shook my head and looked around. The team was retreating to the locker rooms and I followed Dustin and Josh out of the stands and towards the parking lot. The slung their arms around me at some point and we started doing the loop walk where our feet crossed over one another. We made it to Phillip’s Jeep and I jumped up to sit on the hood. The speakers from the field was playing songs from the radio to help people stay in a celebratory mood. Josh started trying to do an Irish jig and I couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled up inside me.

“What are you lot doing?” Phillip called when he came into view. He had showered and changed but looked elated and happy, his gym bag slung over his shoulder.

“Hey! Congrats man! Well done!”

“There’s a party at Leo’s house if you guys want to go.” Phillip asked, looking around at us.

“Actually I can’t. Felicity is waiting for me back at my house.” I said.

“How come?”

“She wasn’t feeling well earlier.” Josh said and sent me a covert wink. I felt a sudden rush of affection for him.

“Oh fair enough. Well, how about I drop you home and then I meet you guys at the party?” Phillip asked Dustin and Josh. They both nodded.

“Sounds good man.” Dustin said, clapping Phillip on the back as he passed.

“Yeah we’ll see you later, alright?” Josh said.

“Yeah cool.” Phillip grinned. Josh clicked his tongue in goodbye and hurried after Dustin. Phillip turned to me and shoved his hands in his pockets.

“Well done.” I said to him, sliding off the hood of his car.

“Thanks. It was a good game.” He said, walking around to the driver’s door.

I opened the door to my side at the same time Phillip did. I clambered in and shut the door. “Did it feel good to be back?”

“Definitely.” He said as he started the car. I buckled myself in. “I saw Melanie as I was leaving.”

“Oh?”

“She said she talked to you. What did she say?”

I took a deep breath and replied on the exhale, “Nothing worth repeating. She was angry that I was wearing your jersey.”

“Yeah I thought she might be.” Phillip muttered, leaving the school parking lot and pulling out onto the road.

“Then why did you ask me to wear it? Phillip I know what it means when girls wear a footballers jersey. I’m not stupid. You broke up with Melanie last week and now I’m wearing your jersey, we’re hanging out, we went out to that lunch, we talk every night – ”

“So?” Phillip demanded.

“So, people have started wondering why.”

“Does it matter what they say?”

“No, but it matters why they’re saying it.” I countered. Phillip sighed, pulling into my street and soon, parking outside my house. He turned the engine off and sat there, staring at the steering wheel. I imagined the cogs in his head turning a million miles a minute. He wrinkled his nose, something he did when he was uncomfortable.

“Rhea…I…I remember.”

I froze. “What?” Shit, shit, SHIT.

“I remember. My coma. I remember you coming to visit me, talking to me, reading to me.” He still wouldn’t look at me and I’m glad he didn’t. My face was crimson. “I remember all the stories you told me about your childhood, about how Felicity is your only friend, about your family and your hopes and dreams. I remember you reading our god-awful summer reading list. I remember it all.”

Now he looked at me and I swallowed thickly. I’d never seen him look so open and honest before. My heart started racing in my chest and I suddenly found the car far too warm.

“I remember that you kissed me.”

I looked away then. I couldn’t bear the embarrassment.

“And I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since. You’re so different from Melanie, who talks to me, yeah but it’s never a conversation. It’s almost entirely one sided. But with you I always wanted to say something to you while I was lying there. You got me so excited about certain topics that I was frustrated with my body for not doing what my brain told it to do.” Phillip hesitated. “I guess, what I’m saying, Rhea, is that I like you. I really do and I’d really like it if I could take you out some time.”

My breath hitched. “What about Melanie?”

He leaned closer to me, looking puzzled. “What about her?”

“Won’t she be mad?”

“I don’t care.” He said, getting closer. Oh god.

“What about what everyone will say?”

“I don’t care.”

“But what about – ”

He shook his head and sighed exasperatedly, “Shut up.” he said before leaning forwards that little bit more and pressing his lips to mine. My eyes widened and I sat there, too shocked to move for about three seconds before I realised what was happening and my brain reacted accordingly. I closed my eyes and (hopefully) kissed back.

I’m not entirely sure how long we sat there for but we jumped apart when Phillip’s elbow landed on the horn and startled us. I giggled a little bit as Phillip ran a hand through his hair.

“So, can I take you out?” he asked, eyes wide and hopeful.

I bit my lip. “Sure.”

He grinned and I opened the door, slipping down from my seat. “I’ll call you.”

In a moment of surprising boldness I simply replied with, “You better,” Before closing the door. I jogged up to the house, opened the door and hurried inside, leaning against the back of the door, my head resting against the smooth wood. I look around and saw Felicity standing on the stairs, smirking at me.

“You two were parked there for a long time.” She stated. “Want to tell me what happened?”

I grinned at her.

Chapter Nine

“I still can’t believe it.” Felicity said for the umpteenth time. I rolled my eyes and sighed. After I had told her what had happened in the car with Phillip, Felicity started asking all sorts of questions, as well as squealing and grinning like a fool. It had been cute for the first twenty minutes but after three hours I got a little tired of it. Even now, over twelve hours later, she was still processing what had happened.

“I know it’s exciting and all, but can you please pipe down? It’s starting to get annoying.” I asked. I knew she was only trying to distract herself from this prenatal check-up, but it was starting to grate on my nerves.

“Okay, okay.” she defended. She was quiet until we arrived at the clinic and when I shut the engine off, I turned to her.

“Do you want me to stay in the car?”

“No.” she replied immediately, her face white and scared. I nodded.

“Okay.” I got out and together we walked into the clinic. The inside was clean and plain, with posters on health, as well as support group advertisements and a sign to please be quiet in order to not disturb other patients. Felicity took as seat while I spoke to the receptionist and then sat with her, taking her hand in both of mine in a show of support. We waited for ten minutes before her name was called. She looked to be in a daze, so I pulled her up and pushed her in front of me, smiling at the doctor on the way into her office. She was a nice looking lady, with greying brown hair and hazel eyes behind her glasses. Her office was the same as the hospital; sterile, white and devoid of any personality.

“Now, it’s Felicity, yes?” she asked me. I blinked.

“Uh, no.” I said, “I’m just the best friend.”

“I’m Felicity,” Felicity said, a tight smile on her face. Dr Baxter nodded, a clipboard in her hand. She began asking Felicity all these questions about her menstrual cycle, if she’d ever been pregnant before, if she was allergic to anything…it was hard for me to keep up really. She had Felicity do a few tests, did a physical examination and asked loads of questions.

“Now, you’re around thirteen weeks along from what you’ve told me. So, you’ll need to fine tune your diet, skip alcohol, sushi, soft cheeses to name a few. There’s a full list, here,” Dr Baxter said, handing Felicity a sheet of paper with a list on it. “Of the dos and don’ts. Now, there are vitamins that can help you maintain balance in your dietary needs without harming the baby. Try to cut back on caffeine. In addition to coffee, caffeine is found in teas, colas, other soft drinks, cocoa, and chocolate. I recommend that you switch to decaffeinated brews and sodas instead.”

“Jeez Flick.” I whistled, trying to lighten the mood. I could see the tension in Felicity’s shoulders. “How are you going to survive without coffee?

Dr Baxter laughed at me while Felicity glared.

“Now, as you know, you’re going to gain some weight,” Dr Baxter said. “But there is such a things as gaining too much weight. You’ll want to exercise, non-extremes such as walking or yoga are good choices. Yoga helps to build core strength that could be beneficial to you during birth.”

Felicity nodded and listened to Dr Baxter talk about safe travel and sex during pregnancy (to which I blushed and Felicity snorted) and asking if we had any questions.

“When do you think the baby will be due?” Felicity asked.

“Well,” Dr Baxter began, “There’s no way to know for certain, but I would guess around late January to sometime in February.”

Felicity nodded, but didn’t say much. I could tell she was nervous and scared by all the questions she’d been asked and all the things she needed to do. She wasn’t behaving like her usual self.

“I’d like to do a quick ultrasound. If you could please…?” Dr Baxter gestured to the bed that sat near the back of the room. Felicity walked over to it quickly, sitting down and taking a breath. She swung her legs around and lay down and I followed, crouching next to her and watching. Dr Baxter had her lift her shirt up and squeezed blue gel on it. Felicity hissed and muttered, “It’s cold.”

“Don’t be such a wuss.” I told her. It’s what she would have told me. She smiled at that and I didn’t feel so useless anymore.

Dr Baxter began the ultrasound and Felicity and I stared at the screen. It was black at first, but then came into fuzzy picture. I squinted, trying to make out a shape, but all I saw was a mixture of black, blue and white lines and blotches. Dr Baxter moved the equipment around a little until she found the right spot.

“And…there’s your baby.” Dr Baxter said with a smile. I didn’t expect the rush of emotion to hit me so hard.

You could see the little head and the small arms, the outline of the legs. The room was filled with the fast thwumpa-thwumpa of the heartbeat and I licked my lips. Tears welled up in my eyes before I could stop them. I suppose that’s when it really hit me that my best friend was bringing life into this world.

“Are you crying?” Felicity asked me, looking astonished. I wiped under my eyes.

“No.”

“Don’t be such as wuss.” She scolded and both Dr Baxter and I laughed.

Dr Baxter soon turned off the machine, printing off a little picture for us to keep and concluded by scheduling a next appointment. We left, Felicity staring at that little person that was, right now, growing inside her.

When we got into the car I just sat there, hands on the steering wheel and feeling a little overwhelmed. “Wow.”

“I know.” Felicity nodded. She then frowned. “Am I doing the right thing?”

“What do you mean?”

“Keeping this baby.” I looked at her. “Am I doing the right thing?”

“Well…I don’t know if there is a right or wrong when it comes to situations like this. I guess you have to just go with your gut. But whatever you decide, I’m with you.”

“Thanks sunshine.” She said. I rolled my eyes and started the car.

“Don’t call me that.”

“What? It’s your name.” she giggled as I reversed out.

“Shut up.”

---

I walked into Athens City Memorial later that afternoon, shivering at the realisation it wasn’t much warmer inside than it was out. Lennie was sitting behind the desk at reception, filing paperwork. He smiled at me when he saw me.

“Aw, hon, did you bring me something to eat? You’re so sweet.” He placed a hand over his heart and pouted. I laughed and pulled a sandwich from the bag, handing it to him. He looked surprised.

“Why so surprised, hon?” I laughed before moving on to find my dad. I always brought Lennie a little something when I came to visit my dad.

I found my father in his office, writing furiously and surrounded by files and papers. I knocked before entering, smiling at my exhausted looking father. He glanced at the bag in my hand and slumped in relief.

“Baby girl, you’re the best.” He said as I handed the bag to him. I flopped down into one of the chairs facing his desk, sighing. “You alright, Rhea?”

“Yeah, just looks like you’ve been working a lot today.”

“You have no idea.” He mumbled opening the lunch bag and peering inside. “At least I get tomorrow and Monday off.”

“No work on a Monday.” I grinned. “I’m jealous.”

“Oh! Apple juice! Thanks.” My dad lit up like a little kid. My mother often said she felt like she was raising two children with my dad around. I think she secretly loved it. “What have you been up to this morning?”

“I was out with Flick. We went for a drive.” I said. It wasn’t a lie. We did drive to the clinic and I was with Felicity. But I still felt guilty. It was a half-truth.

I watched as my dad’s whole demeanour changed, shifting from his previous jolly mood to a more serious one. My dad was rarely ever serious so I knew something must be up. Maybe he’d heard the rumours floating around about Felicity. I felt uneasy at once.

“Yes…I’ve heard a few things about Felicity lately.” He began slowly. I think he was choosing his words carefully. “There’s a rumour going around that she’s…well…”

“Pregnant?” I finished for him.

“Yes.”

“I’ve heard the rumours.” I stated coolly. “Since when do you listen to gossip?”

“Rhea, I don’t think it’s just gossip.” My dad fixed his pale blue eyes on me. “The medical community in this town is pretty close knit and one of the nurses informed me that her sister in law was visited by Felicity this morning…and you.”

Well shit.

“So I have to ask. Is she pregnant? Or was it you that needed the appointment? Because it doesn’t matter, you’re not in trouble, I just want the truth.”

“Dad!” I gasped. My face flushed. “I’m not pregnant! I’ve barely even kissed a boy! Oh my god!” I felt embarrassment rise up and colour my cheeks brightly.

“So it is Felicity.” Dad sat back sadly. I decided not to answer that. I promised I wouldn’t tell, so by not saying anything I wasn’t breaking my promise. Although I knew my silence confirmed what my dad said. “I was going to find out eventually, Rhea.”

“I know, it’s just…I’m the only one who knows right now.”

“What about the father?”

“He doesn’t want to be involved. He agreed to pay child support though, which is something I guess.”

“Her mother doesn’t know?”

I raised an eyebrow. “You think Felicity would still be living at home if her mom knew?”

“Fair point.” He said. “I never would have thought Felicity would make such a mistake.”

“They used protection dad.” I frowned. “Sometimes these things happen.”

“I suppose so. She’s keeping the baby?”

“Yes.”

Dad nodded, silent and thinking for a while. I felt like such a traitor, talking to him about all this. My dad got up from his seat and walked around to the other chair, turning mine and his so that we sat facing each other.

“Here’s what we’re going to do.” He said. My eyebrows shot up at the ‘we’ bit. “You’re going to bring Felicity here for all her prenatal care. I have a friend, Natalie. She’s probably one of the nicest people on the planet. I’ll ask her to take care of Felicity. There won’t be any charge, it’ll be on me.”

I gaped at him. “Dad…”

“Normally I wouldn’t do this, but I’m aware of Felicity’s home situation and I know that this was a complete accident, one that beat the odds and I know she tried to prevent pregnancy in the first place. Those are the only reasons. If she had just not bothered to use protection I wouldn’t feel so generous.”

I hugged him. “You’re the best dad.”

“She should tell her mother though.”

I sighed and pulled back. “I know.”

“She’s going to find out eventually.”

“I know. I’ll work on getting her to tell her mom.”

Dad pinched my cheek. “That’s my girl.” I rubbed my face, mumbling as my dad laughed. “Well, at least I don’t have to worry about you now. You know you’re not allowed to date until you’re forty right?”

I bit my lip. “About that…I’m sort of dating Phillip.”

“Kingston?” My dad’s jaw dropped.

“Yeah.” I said. “He asked me out yesterday after the game.”

“But I thought he was with that Melanie girl?!”

“He was.”

“Jeez you kids.” My dad ran a hand through his hair then pointed a finger at me. “Alright then. If you’re going to date him, then I want to meet him.”

Oh god. This will go down well.

Chapter Ten

School was very awkward to say the least.

Felicity and I earned quite a few stares for an entire week and I know it’s because rumours of her being pregnant had circulated the town. She was wearing a baggy shirt today to hide her almost four month baby bump, but that didn’t stop the staring or whispering. She seemed uncomfortable, but Felicity was a confident, outgoing person and I knew that despite what people thought of her right now, she would keep going. When I told her about what my dad had offered to do for her, she’d broken down crying and I had to spend the next hour on the phone consoling her. The thing about Felicity and I is, our friendship extends past us and into our families.

As we walked through the halls to go home for the day, I felt someone grab onto my hand and I jumped, trying to yank my hand away but they held firm, but I was met with the cheeky gaze of Phillip and I relaxed. He laughed at me.

“So jumpy!”

“I am not jumpy, just hyper-vigilant!” I defended. Felicity laughed at me. Phillip just held my hand a little tighter and I let him. It felt nice.

“Hey, check it out.” Felicity said, pointing ahead of us. Some students were hanging a banner over the cafeteria entrance that read, SENIOR PROM TICKETS NOW ON SALE.

“Wow. Prom. I completely forgot.” I stated. Felicity glared at me.

“The biggest event of the year and you forgot?”

“Wouldn’t graduation be the biggest event, technically?” Phillip asked. Felicity laughed and patted his chest.

“Silly, silly boy. Prom is the one night where we can all get dressed up and look amazing and dance and have a great time! We get to let our hair down after such a long time of hard work.”

“It’s a dance, Flick.”

“It’s a tradition!” she hissed.

“It’s lame.” I said.

“I don’t care what you think. You’re going.” Felicity crossed her arms.

I rolled my eyes. “Whatever.”

Felicity glanced at her phone screen and sighed. “I better get going if I’m going to get the bus.” She said, blowing me an air kiss. “See you!”

I shook my head at her and Phillip chuckled. “She’s certainly spunky isn’t she?”

“You have no idea.” I sighed.

“You didn’t drive to school today?”

“No my dad had the morning off so he offered to drop me off and Felicity had a free period this morning.” I said.

“So how are you getting home?”

“I was going to walk.”

“In this weather?” Phillip looked shocked. I shrugged.

“It’s not that far.”

“Yeah, okay, you’re not doing that.” He said, dragging me out to his car. I got in and he started the car. We drive from the school, but he went straight past my street and I pointed over my shoulder uselessly.

“You missed my street.”

“I’m kidnapping you.”

“Oh okay.” I said, sitting back. “Where are we going?”

“We are going on our first date.”

“Are we now?” I smirked.

“Sure am.”

“You’re extremely confident.”

“Part of my charm, my dear.”

I laughed outright. “So where are we going then?”

“Well, I like a girl who’s a little competitive so I thought I’d test that.”

“And how are you going to do that?” I asked, looking at him while he looked at the road.

“Bowling.”

I grinned. I loved bowling. Felicity hated the very idea of rental shoes so refused to go with me, and my dad had very bad memories of the place. He broke a toe once. So it’s fair to say I hadn’t been bowling in a while.

“Sounds like fun.” I smirked evilly. We had to drive a fair way to get there, but eventually we pulled up to the glowing bowling alley, lights flashing and loud music playing from the inside. It was dark and the fluorescent lights lit up our lighter clothing. We paid for one game and our rental shoes. I went to go pick a ball while Phillip set up the screen with our names. When I sat down, Phillip got up to go pick his own ball.

“Prepare to be amazed.” He said when he got back. He really was so confident. Sometimes it was arrogant. But right now it was just charming.

I watched as Phillip stepped up to bowl and he knocked down eight pins. He bowled again and missed the last two. He sat down next to me and gestured for me to take my turn. I heaved my ball up, and took a breath. I walked towards the lane, lined the ball up and let it go. My green ball rolled down the lane and stuck all the pins down.

“WHOO!” I stuck my hands up in the air and turned around to face Phillip. “Striiiiike baby! Oh yeah!”

I skipped over to him, a big grin on my face. He looked a little surprised, but got up to take his turn. He got a spare and we continued on. I think that Phillip was under the impression that he would have to go easy on me, expecting me to suck at bowling. How very wrong he was.

“I just don’t understand this.” Phillip said, dumbfounded but also awed after I got my fourth strike. “Melanie absolutely sucked at bowling.”

“I’m not Melanie.” I said simply. “Not all girls are the same you know.”

Phillip grinned and pressed a kiss to the tip of my nose. “You’re really something, you know that?”

I giggled and blushed. Then I mentally smacked myself for being such a girl.

We finished the game (I won) and then went for ice cream. We decided to sit inside the parlour because of the cold November air. Phillip and I were playing the question game again.

“Okay, tell me something that not a lot of people know about you.” I said.

“I speak fluent Spanish.” He replied casually. Wow. Didn’t expect that.

“Really?”

Phillip nodded, licking his lips to catch the ice cream there. “My mother is half Latina.”

“I knew that, I just didn’t know you could speak another language.” I smiled. “That’s so cool. I wish I could do something like that.

“You don’t have a secret talent?”

“No. I don’t think so.”

“Everyone is good at something.” He said.

“Well I’m quite good at sewing.” I said. “My grandmother taught me before she passed away. I used to sew little doll dresses for the girls in the hospital. And I’d make superhero capes for the boys. I haven’t been able to do it in a while though.”

“How do you do that? Find the time to be so generous?” he asked as he finished his ice cream.

“Well…I don’t want to look back on my life and wish I had done something more to help people. I figure, by helping these kids then I’ll have contributed to making the world a better place because, God willing, those kids will grow up and remember what I did for them and pay it forward. Kindness breeds kindness.”

Phillip put his chin in his hands, leaning his elbows on the table. “You’re amazing.”

I blushed. “Thank you.”

“My turn.” He said. “Where did your parents get the name Rhea?”

“They didn’t.” I replied.

“What do you mean?”

“Rhea isn’t my real name.”

Phillip blinked. “But, I’ve known you since we were little! You’ve always been called Rhea.”

“For short, yes. I legally changed my name when I was sixteen. I got my parents’ permission.”

Phillip sat back, slumping against the seat but that didn’t make him any shorter. He still towered in the chair. “Well, what’s your real name?”

I chuckled. “Does it matter?”

“Yes! I’m curious.”

I just laughed at him and didn’t answer his question. “Why did your parents name you Phillip? It’s an old fashioned name.”

“After my grandfather.” He replied simply. “My father and he were quite close. Are you going to answer the question?”

“No.” I replied simply, grinning cheekily. Phillip glared at me and I laughed.

“Dogs or cats?” he asked.

“Dogs. They’re kind and loving and loyal. Cats seem like snobs to me.”

“You had a dog when you were younger didn’t you?”

“Yeah, Toby. He got cancer and we had to put him down.” I said.

Phillip scrunched up his nose. “Jeez I’m sorry. But I guess he went peacefully, right?”

“Yeah.” I nodded.

“Sometimes I think we’re kinder to our pets than we are to each other when it comes to disease.” Phillip said suddenly. I picked up my spoon and started fiddling with it.

“How do you mean?”

“Well, when a dog gets cancer or starts to get too old or is hit by a car, we don’t want them to suffer through surgeries and procedures that may not work.” He explained. “But when it comes to humans we have to suffer and die on our own. We don’t get that option of a dignified and painless death.”

“You support legal euthanasia then?” I assumed.

“Yes. I think we have all the right to do what we want with our own bodies, and that includes letting ourselves die.”

“Some people believe that euthanasia could be abused.”

“That’s why I thought perhaps if they create a law saying, I don’t know, that before someone can obtain a legal euthanasia they have to have a proven medical disease that is terminal and have a psychological exam before to make sure they are aware of the decision they’re making.”

“You’ve thought about this a lot.”

“Yes, I have.” He said. “My grandfather, the one I’m named for, died of lung cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation didn’t work. We watched him waste away to nothing. He couldn’t breathe on his own, he hardly ate…he just wasn’t himself anymore. He died a broken man and I don’t think others should suffer the same fate if there is a better option.”

I stared at Phillip. This was an entirely new side to him and it was a surprising as it was lovely. It was nice to see him care about something so deeply. If anything it made me like him even more.

“I’m sorry about your grandfather.” I said gently. Phillip smiled tightly and sighed.

“This isn’t really something we should be talking about on our first date.”

“It’s fine. We’re getting to know each other. People aren’t all happiness or all sadness, but a mix of both. It’s unrealistic that people have had all good experiences. Besides, I’ve known you for years. I know a lot about you anyway.”

“That’s true.” Phillip said, smiling genuinely now. He glanced at his watch. “I better get you home.”

“Okay.” I said, getting up from my seat. We listened to the radio on the way back, fighting over when to change the station to avoid a particular song. He pulled up to my house and walked me to the door, which made me nervous. What did I do now? Invite him in to face my father? Say goodnight and then just slip inside? Should I kiss him? Give him a hug? Oh god, oh, god, oh god…

“This was fun, but just so you know, next time we go bowling I’m totally going to kick your ass.” Phillip said, hands in his pockets. I laughed.

“Keep telling yourself that, Kingston.” I said. We were silent then and I looked at my shoes, tucking some hair behind my ear. “Do you want to come in?”

“I have to get home. Mom will kill me if I’m late for dinner.” Phillip said sadly. I nodded.

“A mother’s wrath is a terrible thing.”

“Tell me about it.” Phillip shuffled his feet and I shivered in the cold air. I felt hands slide over my cheeks and tilt my face up. Phillip kissed me and I really enjoyed the feeling of his hands sliding into my hair. He was so tall that I couldn’t pull myself against him, so I just wound an arm around his waist and used the other to grip his jacket. He smelled like cologne and tasted like mint ice cream. This was probably the most blissful moment of my life.

After a few moments he pulled away and smiled down at me, kissing my forehead and saying goodnight. He retreated to his car and I slipped inside my house, a dumb smile on my face. I wandered into the kitchen and sat on the bench. My mother was washing the dishes, trying to act casual.

“Mom, didn’t you forget something?”

“What?” she asked. I pointed to the sink.

“Water. You forgot to put water in the sink.”

“Oh.”

I snickered. “Busted.”

“Okay! I took a peak! But it’s just too cute! I couldn’t help it!” she cried defensively. I continued to snicker. “He’s so handsome now. I bet he’s a good kisser.”

“Mom!” I cried, scandalised.

“What?! You’re not going to tell me the details?”

“No! God no!”

“At least tell me if it went well.” She said, putting her hands on her hips expectantly. I smiled.

“It went really well mom.”

“Good. That’s all I wanted to know.”

I shook my head at her.