Hi,

Chapter 10

I asked June to come over after class. I'm still reeling from what happened with Nathan this morning. I can't stop thinking about how he made me feel, the way he looked at me, and the way he touched me. It's like I'm under some sort of spell, and I can't break free. I need to talk to someone about it; maybe it will help me sort through my thoughts. Plus, I've been neglecting June lately with everything going on. I know she understands—I mean, we've been friends for so long, we don't take these things personally.

At the end of the day, I walk home with June in silence. I appreciate that she respects my need for some time before I talk. She knows me better than anyone, and right now, I feel upside down. I need to process everything before I can finally let it out. June and I often use what we call the "throw-up method" to get things off our chests. It's our way of fitting all the things that bother us into one single breath.

When we get to my house, we stop in the kitchen, and I prepare cups of juice while June grabs the Pop-Tarts—our official venting snack.

"Hey, Mom!" I call out as she walks into the kitchen.

My mom is an elementary school teacher and is always home before me. She's a great mom. She raised me to be confident and kind, and I hope I don't disappoint her. She truly gave me everything I needed to grow up in a loving environment. I only have happy memories of my childhood. My parents are still together and so in love. I often wonder if I'll ever feel that way someday. My dad loves my mom unconditionally; he always supports her and loves me the same. He may not talk much, but he's a great listener and gives the best advice.

"Hey, hun! How was school?" she asks.

"Meh," I reply, knowing she'll respect my boundaries. She also knows I'm in good hands with June. She pulls me into a hug and kisses my forehead before embracing June as well. Then she grabs a pickle jar from the fridge and quietly leaves the room as serenely as she entered.

June and I head upstairs to my room. We both crash onto my bed and unwrap the Pop-Tarts. June shoves a piece into her mouth.

"Word vomit, now!" she demands, her voice muffled by the chewy pastry.

"Fine. Nathan Collins made me all hot and bothered this morning during the assembly, and I'm confused as hell."

"That was short and sweet," she scoffs, a teasing grin spreading across her face.

"Don't mock me!" I whine, collapsing onto my bed, grabbing my pillow to muffle a scream of frustration.

"What did he do?" she asks, excitement dancing in her eyes.

"He trapped me in a classroom, and you know... he was looking at me. Like, really looking. It felt like he was staring into my soul, and I was so angry at him—argh! So angry because it felt like his little show of attention from Friday night actually worked. I felt so dumb for letting him get away with it. And then I let him kiss my neck, and—" I finally spill it all out.

June nearly chokes on her juice.

"Kiss your neck? That's spicy, Miss Girl!" she exclaims, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Shh, June! Everyone can hear you—ugh!" I hiss.

I slip off my bed and drop to the floor, overwhelmed by a rush of emotions.

"And it tingled," I mumble, barely above a whisper.

"OMG, Mackenzie!" June whispers, joining me on the floor. She lifts my head and places it back on her lap, her fingers soothingly stroking my hair.

"You know this whole thing is exciting, but you've got to be careful. You need to protect your heart. Is this all maybe going too far?" she says gently.