Summer in the Invisible City by Juliana Romano

Author:Juliana Romano
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: 2016-06-02T12:27:31+00:00

Chapter 26

Returning the camera to Benji on Monday sucks. As I develop the pictures from the weekend, I promise myself that someday I’m going to have my own large-format camera. Maybe, I’ll even have my own darkroom. A darkroom would be a really fun place to make out with Sam. I push the thought away, but it only comes back stronger.

I rock the tub of developer and watch my picture emerge, the image rising out of the white paper. It’s funny, with all the technological advancements in the world, that I still think this simple, old-fashioned one is the most amazing.

Ever since he texted me on Saturday night, all I’ve been able to think about is Sam. Sam in my bedroom. Sam on the sidewalk. Imaginary Sam in my imaginary darkroom in my imaginary house, pressing me up against the wall. Sam coming up behind me where I’m standing right now and wrapping his arms around my stomach.

Someone pokes my side, interrupting my fantasies and making me jerk so that developer splashes onto my jeans.

I look up and see Izzy, smiling mischievously.

“What’s up?” I ask her, trying not to feel annoyed.

“Want to come with me to Phaedra’s after class?” she asks. “We had so much fun at your dad’s thing.”

This is the first invitation I’ve gotten from Izzy that is a one hundred percent normal hang out. There’s no special occasion, just friends spending time with friends.

“Okay,” I say, feeling better about my jeans.

—

Phaedra opens the door to her house wearing cutoff shorts so tiny the white lining of the pockets hang out beneath the fringe, and an old T-shirt with the collar ripped out.

We follow her upstairs and she collapses onto her bed, starfish-style.

“I’m a waste of space today,” Phaedra says, staring up at the ceiling. “All I’ve done is eat pizza and watch TV.”

Even acting like a slob, Phaedra seems like a princess, with her clean nails and shaved legs.

“What did you do last night?” Izzy asks.

“I went on a walk with Justin,” she replies. “We had to talk.”

“Did you finally dump him?” Izzy asks.

“You broke up with him?” I ask. “I didn’t even know you were together.”

“Oh, believe me, you can totally dump people who you aren’t together with,” Izzy says. “Phaedra does it all the time.”

Phaedra sighs. “I feel really bad. He was so sweet.”

“So, what happened?” I venture.

“I just wasn’t into him in the way that I want to be into someone,” she says. “I was, like, I don’t know . . . I know this sounds awful, but I was bored.”

“Phaedra has this problem where she gets every guy she has ever liked and then she gets bored with them,” Izzy explains.

“All I want is someone to challenge me, you know?” Phaedra asks, looking earnestly wounded. “Do you know what I mean?”

I nod, even though I’m not sure I do.

Then, abruptly, Phaedra props herself up onto her elbows and says, “Sadie. My mom is serious about you and your dad coming to the gala on Saturday.

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