Font Size:

as Mom hangs in the waiting area

reading her Kindle.

The usual?Ahmed says.

Yep, just a shape-up, I confirm.

You got big New Year’s Eve plans?

A date?

I laugh.

That I do not. Single as a Pringle.

Not even a party?

You should find a party to go to.

Have some fun.

I shrug.Maybe.

Just as Ahmed is finishing up

the door jingles

and in walksJamison

of all people.

We haven’t really spoken

or texted since Winter Formal.

I’ve been keeping my distance

because of Lyric

and their history.

I’m so not in the mood

for any kind of confrontation.

Juniper, hey!

he greets me

sliding into the chair

next to mine.

Hey, I didn’t know

you came here.

My whole life.