Page 11 of Faking Forever 1
“Paisley, it’s notaboutme.” I assert, “We can’t always do it all together, y’know..” I contend.
The wallowing silence said everything I needed to know.
That’s not what she wanted to hear. Even still, I wasn’t going to sugarcoat it. It was the truth, whether we liked the idea or not.
“Bullshit, Josh. I see how passionate you are. You’d be a total beast. You’ve held a banquet for at least every family at Seaside. That’s gotta be enough credit.” she implies.
Though it’s hard to tell her no, she was doing her damnedest to convince me, and I wasn’t going to let it slide this time.
“So haveyou, Pea. What’s your point here? I’ll let you know that I did most of that for you. Soyoucould have a chance to 30
HEY LOVER
get credit.”
“My point is that being without you is a huge reality check, okay? It’s harder than I imagined.”
“And whatever happened to the girl who loved herself a challenge, huh?”
“I guess she got herself a real one this time.”
She looks at the beach, watching people pack their bags for the evening.
“The only one that can hold you back is yourself,” I suggest.
“Yeah, but why’s it gotta be this oddly horrific experience?
I’m not sure how I can even begin to cope with another year and a half or more. Why can’t I wake up and things be normal again?” she whines.
“Well, having some optimism would be a great start, right?”
I lightly punch her arm, chuckling.
“Ha-ha.” she slips a sarcastic smile, pointing her tongue at me.
“Seriously though,” I run a hand through my hair, “You should do what makes you happy, Paisley. Look how far you’ve gotten already. I swear, it’ll be over before you know it.”
Her smile fades to an unsure, worried expression.
“Paisley. I’m right here with you, okay? Even miles away.”
I tell her, trying to convince her of my loyalty.
Pinky promises were the real deal to each of us. I can’t recall us ever going back once it came into play.
I extend my pinky finger, wagging it around as I bite my bottom lip.
“Jesus, you’re so much more of a loser than I remember.”
she lets out a breathy laugh, linking her tiny pinky with mine.
We both kiss our hands and then let go.
She lets out a big sigh now, exaggerating it to the fullest.
31
FAKING FOREVER
