The Stories Stars Tell by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 0000000000000
Published: 2022-01-25T00:00:00+00:00

Senior Year

1 Day to Graduation

“‘I want you to choose me,’ Lucy said.

* * *

In the steady climb toward her, I’d gotten winded, and I wasn’t sure I was going to make it to the peak without battling altitude sickness.”

* * *

-unnamed protagonist, Kaleidoscope Concussion by Saul Annick

Emma

“It’s fine. It’s just my friends,” I equivocate by not delineating which friends are coming over.

My dad shrugs into his blue blazer. “Had I known, we wouldn’t have scheduled this dinner and play for tonight.” He gazes at me with his bright blue stare behind his wire-rimmed glasses, chin dipped a bit. “I’m always home for movie night.”

Mom, looking gorgeous in her little black dress, leans forward to examine her lipstick in the hallway mirror. “Mo.” She presses her lips together and looks at him through the mirror. “The thing is, we don’t need to be here for movie night.”

I nod in agreement. “Yes. I’m eighteen, Dad. I can go to adult prison. I can elect a president. I can fight in a war. I’m going to college. I think I can handle cookies for movie night.”

Dad looks like he’s going to argue, but Mom grabs his elbow. “There’s pre-made dough in the freezer.” She looks at me and smiles, her gray gaze teary-eyed. “I can’t believe my oldest graduates tomorrow.”

“Mom, you’re going to ruin your makeup. I’m fine. Great actually. Go have fun.”

“Come on, Mo. She’s right. She’s trying on her adult shoes in an empty house.”

Dad smooths his peach tie. “Shelby is at Deanna’s. If anything should happen–”

“I’ll go pick her up. I got this. Enjoy the city. Have fun on your date. Don’t worry about anything but good food and saving your tears for Argentina.”

“Clever.” Dad chuckles about my Evita reference since that’s what they’re going to see. He pats down his pockets, which I assume means he’s looking for his wallet.

“It’s inside your jacket, Mo. We don’t want to miss our reservation.”

“Yes. You’re right.” He reaches in to make sure and then pats the outside of the jacket.

Mom stops at the door. “Don’t wait up. Probably not back until around two.”

“Keep the party to a dull roar.” Dad kisses my cheek and disappears out of the house after her.

With my back against the closed door, I let out a deep breath. He has no idea how true that might be. If I’m lucky. Then I smile. The house to myself for movie night deserves a quick dance through the hallway — which I do with great flourish. Then I race upstairs to shower and get ready. By the time I return downstairs and start the popcorn, Ginny knocks. I open the door, and she follows me into the kitchen.

“Wow.” Her eyes narrow behind some fashion glasses she’s wearing. “You look really good. What’s up?”

I twirl for her. I did think about what to wear. Something cute, but I didn’t want to look like I was trying too hard. “Too much?”

“For me and Liam — yes. You’re usually wearing flannel pajama pants and a sweatshirt.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.