Coming Up for Air by Miranda Kenneally

Author:Miranda Kenneally
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
Published: 2017-04-26T16:00:00+00:00

Wildflowers

Later that night I’m forced out from under the covers because Georgia texts me, saying she’s coming over.

When I let her in my house, the skin under her eyes is puffy and pink.

I give her a hug. “You okay?”

“My mom was being terrible, as usual. She pointed out everything I did wrong in my routine today.”

“You did great! And the team came in second. That’s all that matters, right?”

“Not to Mom. I didn’t smile enough apparently.”

“I saw your whole performance and you were totally smiling.”

Georgia shuts her eyes. “I don’t know how to make my mom happy so she’ll leave me alone.”

It’s hard to relate because my parents aren’t controlling at all. They want whatever I want, and I want to swim. I can’t imagine doing it because someone else demanded it of me, like how Jason’s father gets pissed when he comes in second, or the way Georgia’s mom critiques her every move when it comes to cheerleading.

“You love cheering, right?” I ask.

“More than anything.”

“Then doing your best and having a good time is all that matters.”

“It sucks having to listen to Mom tell me I’m not good enough.”

“You should tell her that.”

Georgia makes a guffawing noise. “As if she listens to a word I say.”

I don’t know how to respond. “We need ice cream.”

“Oh my god, yes. I’m starving. Mom’s still on the no-sugar diet.”

Georgia helps me raid our fridge and then we climb the stairs to my room. There, I kick the clothes littering the floor out of our way, and move my gym bag, clearing a spot for her on my bed. Once we’re settled and listening to music, she doesn’t beat around the bush.

“What’s going on with you and Leaves?” she asks through a mouthful of chocolate chip cookie dough.

I wrap my arms around my shins and prop my chin on my knee.

“You can talk to me.”

“I know.”

“So go ahead. ‘Levi and I…’” she starts.

I take a deep breath. “Levi and I… I asked him to teach me how to fool around.”

Her eyebrows shoot up toward the ceiling. “You just came right out and asked him that?”

“Yup.”

“And he said yeah?”

“We talked about it first, but eventually, yeah, he said yes.”

“That takes courage… How long have you been doing this?”

“A few weeks.”

She squeals. “Are you guys dating?”

“No.”

“And you’re okay with that?” Georgia cocks her head. “Don’t you want more?”

Am I supposed to want more? I don’t know if I do. Why does my relationship with Levi have to be one thing or another? The way Georgia is questioning me, it’s like I’m doing something bad. But it’s my body, my life, my needs. And I’ve been happy.

“I like what I had going with Levi.”

“Had?”

“Today after Hunter found out, Levi said we should probably stop.”

“That stinks.” Sighing, Georgia scoops a big bite of ice cream into her mouth.

“Hunter’s probably right. One of us will end up hurt.” And I’m afraid it might be me.

“Seriously though. How was it?”

I smile, remembering what it’s like to curl up with Levi.

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