Hold Your Breath

Chapter 15

"No way!" Demi screamed on the phone later that night,"Is he a good kisser?"

"Very," I laughed.

"I'm so jealous," she said,"You have like, the perfect summer romance."

I smiled,"I do don't I?"

"You're annoying," She said,"But I miss you. Can I come up next week, Friday night?

"Of course," I said, as I heard some one yelling in the background.

"Oh crap," Demi said,"I forgot to let out the dog, and now my dad's off on a rant. Got to go, see you later."

"Bye," I said before flipping my phone shut.

I flopped back onto my bed, and stared up at the ceiling, unable to stop smiling. I was happy; truly happy, for the first time since the accident. Demi was right, I think Amanda would have wanted this.

But deep down inside, I couldn't help but feel guilty. How could I be this happy when my sister wasn't here to celebrate with me? When I was the reason she was gone?

Suddenly, my good mood was destroyed, and I found my self fighting tears as the sunlight in my bedroom slowly faded.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning I woke up, still in my clothes from the day before, having fallen asleep after I talked to Demi. I felt something hard underneath my back, and rolled over to find my cell phone laying on the bed. It was flashing red, indicating that I had a text. Flipping it open, I read the new message that I had from John.

wat time r we headed over 2 the bbq?

I smiled, typing him back quickly.

cameron said food is served at 5

Less than thirty seconds later I got a text back.

I'll pick u up at 4:45 then

sounds good :)

I set my phone on my nightstand and went to the bathroom to take a shower. The icy cold water helped me clear my head after my breakdown last night. I don't usually let myself go like that, but even after an amazing day with John, I couldn't help it.

But that was behind me; it was a new day, and I had a party to go to tonight.

The afternoon ticked by slowly as layed out on the deck, reading a book. At four, I went inside to get ready for the barbecue, discovering that I had a text form Jackie.

hey, ur going to the bbq tonight rite?

I smiled. I always like Jackie best; she tended to avoid the drama scene, unlike Tina and Charlotte.

of course :)

good, she replied a few minutes later, do u need a ride? me and jake r taking the jeep over.

nah, I typed back, john's driving me over. thanks tho.

yup no problem, see you there :)

That's why I liked Jackie, she didn't pry for information about me and John. I just hoped that tonight wouldn't be awkward, considering my past with Jake...

I grabbed my favorite orange tank top, the one with the four buttons on top, and threw on my dark skinny jeans, since it was kind of chilly out. Deciding that I needed a change, I ran to the bathroom in frantic search of the hair straightener. Fifteen minutes later, my now sleek and shiny hair was falling perfectly around my shoulders. After one last look in the mirror, I ran out into the mud room and slipped on my matching orange converse as John pulled into the driveway.