Page 56 of Something in Between

I don’t know what to say to that.I put on my coat and go outside. I don’t want Mom or Dad to see that I’m totally devastated and not just by the news, but by Royce’s reaction to it. I knew what his dad’s position on the bill was, what Congressman Blakely stood for, and I know that Royce is loyal. It’s one of the best things about him.

Of course he’s loyal to his dad, to his family.

But it still makes me feel ill. Maybe he doesn’t think like his dad does on the issue, but that doesn’t mean he would deliberately choose to be with someone who’s exactly the kind of person his father has fought so hard to keep out of the country. Once he learns the truth, he’ll probably be furious with me for not being honest with him in the first place.

I should have told him when we met in D.C. I should never have let it go this far.

What was I thinking?

My phone buzzes again.

royceb: Jas? Are you there?

royceb: That was rude of me.

royceb: I know immigrants work hard too, but it was an important victory for my dad.

royceb: I’m sorry I snapped at you.

I start typing a reply then hit Delete. I don’t know what to say to him.

I always text him back within seconds, but since I don’t, he knows something’s wrong. My phone rings this time.

ROYCE BLAKELY pops on my phone, with that goofy photo of him crossing his eyes and sticking out his tongue.

I hit Ignore.

I can’t do this right now. I’m scared about what happened with the bill, and I’m mad at him too, even if he did apologize.

So instead, I text Kayla. I need a friend, an old friend, someone who’ll accept me no matter what.

jasmindls: Are you busy? Want to hang out? I need you.

kaykayla: Coffee? I’m here.

jasmindls: I’ve got a better idea. Donuts?

* * *

We’re at the doughnut shop drinking green tea and sugar-free raspberry lemonade. In front of us are four big, fluffy doughnuts, two covered in frosting and sugar cereal, and two slathered in chocolate.

“Coach Davis would kill us if she knew we were about to eat these,” I say.

Kayla has the same terrified smile. “I know.”

“But you’ve taught me something, K. It’s an important lesson I’ve had to learn this year. Something I didn’t really think about until the last few months.”

“What’s that?” Kayla asks, considering the doughnut covered with crispy cinnamon-swirl cereal.

I grab a chocolate one and ravenously tear off a huge bite. “You only live once.”

As if given permission by my indulgence, Kayla dives in to the doughnut she’s been eyeing. I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun eating something I shouldn’t in my entire life. The chocolate is smooth and coats my tongue, and I feel the bliss of a sugar high. These people must make a killing off sad girls.

We devour every crumb within minutes, every bit of frosting and cereal. I point to the corner of Kayla’s mouth where there’s a chocolate smudge, and she wipes it away.

“I’m sorry,” I say.

“For what? Getting me fat?” Kayla jokes.

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