Page 1 of And Then There's You

PROLOGUE

Maci:I’m sad we didn’t have time to throw you a bachelorette party.I text my best friend, as I wait for the rest of the plane to board.

Avery:We should turn our current Australian plan into a girls trip next summer instead. Maybe by then it can be a joint bachelorette.She adds a few wink emojis.

Maci:Yeah, we’ll see about that. Let’s focus on getting you married first! I can’t believe your wedding is in two days!

Avery:I can’t believe I get to see you in less than that! It’s been way too long. Thank you for being here for this, Maci. It wouldn’t be the same without you.

Maci:I wouldn’t miss it.

After replying, I switch my phone to airplane mode and slip it into the pocket of my leggings.

I feel like a bad friend. Yeah, I planned the end of my trip specifically around my best friend’s wedding, but as much as this weekend should be all about her life changing commitment, all I can think about is how it will be just as significant for me.

The decision I made before I boarded my flight will change everything. That probably sounds dramatic. I know I’m only 22 and have plenty of time to make mistakes or take a different path if this one doesn’t work out, but I don’t want to go into this with one foot out the door. That being said, this choice will ultimately determine every aspect of my life forever. It’ll impact what jobs I apply for, where I live, who I’m surrounded by. On top of that, it doesn’t just affectmylife. 22 or not, there’s a lot of weight to that.

I’ve spent the past few months considering what is most important to me. Leaning into excitement and passion can be just as satisfying as a life that provides safety and comfort. I know I would love the story I’d create from either path, as well as the version of myself I will become as a result of it. But I have to choose one or the other, and I have. Despite the emotions I feel about it, I’m confident I’m making the right decision.

CHAPTER ONE

1year8monthsearlier

“Maci, you know you’re going to have to leave our apartment to go to all these places, right?” Avery teases as we sit on the enclosed patio overlooking the swampy lake at my parents’ timeshare. It’s so cliché they got suckered into timeshare in Florida, especially since unless you’re at the beach, it’s not as pretty as advertised. Though, we’ve only been a couple times because we trade for other resorts. There’s too much of the world to see to return to the same destinations.

“I know, I’m the worst. I want to be better this year.” I sigh.

Anyone looking in on Avery and me would probably think we are sisters. We have the same long, brown hair falling over our shoulders and have been complimented more than once on our similarly bright smiles when we are excited. That’s happened a lot over our nearly decade long friendship.

My deep, brown eyes contrast to Avery’s jade green ones, but both are now focused on a piece of torn notebook paper on a frosted glass table in front of us. We’ve been passing it back and forth, creating a list of countries we want to explore.

Places We’re Going Together:

Costa Rica

Greece

Thailand

Australia

Croatia

Ever since we met in 6th grade, we’ve constantly daydreamed about traveling the world. I’m not sure how it started, but in the nine years between when we met and now–two weeks before our last year of college–we’ve spent a lot of time talking about it. Neither of us have ever been out of the country, but each summer before the school year starts, my parents plan a trip somewhere in the U.S. Since I’m an only child, they let me bring a friend, and I choose Avery every time. We’ve been to eight different states now, a new one almost every year.

The summer after our high school graduation we worked hard filling out as many scholarship applications as possible–even ones we didn’t think we’d be awarded. By the time we heard back from most of them, all four years were paid for at the University of Oregon–including enough to cover our small two bedroom apartment near campus. It was more than we ever expected and exciting because any money we’ve earned since then has been able to go straight to our travel fund.

We’ve always planned on adventuring the summer after we graduate, but now that it’s approaching, I have a feeling it’s not going to play out how we imagined as kids. Avery’s boyfriend, Miller, is a year older than us. He transferred to UO freshman year to be closer to Avery, and their unfolding love story leads me to believe she might be more settled down soon. I’m so happy for her, even though I’ll be a little sad if I have to travel alone. I’ve promised myself I’ll still go no matter what.

I add “Spain” to the list after responding to my best friend’s harsh but true remark about my reclusiveness. I’ve been using her spending so much time with Miller as an excuse to focus on school and keep to myself. It doesn’t help that I get nervous introducing myself to people.

“Seriously, Mace. It’s our last year before we have to live in the real world. You have to take advantage of it so you don’t regret it later.”

“I just don’t know where to start.”

“Okay, let’s devise a plan. What do you want more of this year?”

I contemplate my response, resting my chin on my fist. “Maybe we can be better about weekly taco Tuesdays? I miss you.”

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