Page 136 of Steps

It has darkened outside and in my room by the timeI manage to straighten back on my feet to go shower.

My phone rings as I’m about to undress. Augustflashes on the screen. I hesitate to answer, but something compels me to.“Hello?”

“Hey, just calling to remind you about theseminar.”

“Oh. I forgot about that.” I massage my forehead.

August goes silent for a beat then asks,“Everything all right? You sound sad.”

I sigh, realizing he probably hasn’t heard aboutmy mom. “Daniel didn’t tell your parents?” I confirm.

“Tell them what?”

Sitting on the chair at the dresser, I come outwith it, “My mom suffered a miscarriage on Monday.”

He releases a sad exhale. “Oh, no. I’m so sorry.”

“Yeah, it’s pretty gloomy around here.”

“I can imagine. How is she holding up?”

“As best as she can.” I pick at my jeans. “Um, didyou already pay for my spot?”

“I did.”

I rifle my curls, not up for going anywhere thisweekend. “I’m sorry, August, don’t think I can make it. There’s just a lotgoing on. I’ll pay you back.”

“Oh, but maybe you should go, take your mind offeverything.”

A tear escapes. My voice cracks as I speak again.“I just... can’t.”

His heavy breathing fills the line. “Did somethingelse happen, Latoya?”

I sniffle. “Varen and I broke up, and I literallyfeel like the world is crumbling on top of me. It hurts so much.” Tears streamdown my cheeks.

August doesn’t say anything. I realize I’veprobably made him feel awkward.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know why I told you all that.”

“It’s okay,” he mutters kindly. “If you want totalk, I’m here.”

“Thank you. That’s nice of you.”

“I’ll pick you up in the morning. We’ll ride tothe seminar together and then afterward grab something to eat. As friends.Getting out will help a little.”

I consider this while wiping my face with the palmof my hand. “I don’t know, August.” My voice sounds dull.

“If it sucks, promise I’ll bring you straighthome.”

Going quiet, I consider it. I really want toattend.

“Um, all right,” I accept at last. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he replies. “See you in themorning then.”

“Yeah, see you.”

August shows up with a bouquet of flowers thefollowing day.

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