The Unwritten Rule
change clothes and come to eat with us. But today, I called her. Today had been trying to think of it, I told myself that I thought about it, but it was not. Not really. Not as it should. I kept thinking about Ryan. I kept thinking of Ryan, and had not called because I wondered if he would call me. If you would talk about last night, or kiss, or both. I have not called because if I do and he is with her, I will not be able to pretend that you might like it. And I want. I pretend that there is a “him and me ?. I pretend that the first time he called Brianna had been different from what it was. What happened the morning after that party at the end of summer was this:
    Brianna was ready, trying on some of the mom’s lipstick and leaving as soon as you put one because he did not like any color,
    SCOTT ELIZABETH THE UNWRITTEN RULE
    PURPLE ROSE FORUM

77
    and the phone rang. I replied, “I said. - Hello? , And Ryan said, “Hi, Sarah? -And my heart pounded in his chest. I felt strangely weak but happy, leaning against the wall when Brianna squinting at me and Ryan said, “Sarah? I said - Ryan? -With your name out as a scream, and then there was silence, a slow, painful silence that I knew I had to say something but wanted him to say what it was because last night we talked, he touched my hand and had had hope, but then he went out with Brianna. With Brianna, who was smiling and smoothing her hair even though I was the only person around. Who was telling me with his hand to pass him the phone. I stared at her and she whispered, “Sarah, called me here! And after just mentioned that you would probably here. Definitely liked. “This, am, Sarah,” said Ryan, and Brianna said, “Tell him I’m not here. No, wait, I’m here. Oh, this is so romantic. Como, romantic movie. He called me here! “He touched his mouth with the fingers of one hand and smiled, lost in her memories, and I knew what he was thinking. They had kissed. I had seen. They had kissed and had been watching her, watching all the guys, all guys want it, how could they not? She was Brianna, was beautiful. That was it. “Wait, Brianna is here,” I said, and swallowed the knot of pain stupid that clogged my throat. And that was it. I stood for a moment, watching Brianna smile, hearing his laughter, and listening to his part of the conversation: - What have you been thinking all night? Me too. What? Want to talk to Sarah now? I do not know if I can afford that. I bet you wonder what I said about your kissing technique and, well, I’m afraid there is not enough information to form a real opinion yet. I need more samples, you know. But Sarah said we were perfect for each other. Yes, I said. Listen, “I grinned and held the phone, waiting.
    “Perfect,” I said, raising his voice a little, so that Ryan could hear me, and Brianna giggled turning to talk to him. I crept out of my own room as if it were not mine at all and I sat on the stairs trying not to mourn. I thought Ryan had called me to me. To me.
    SCOTT ELIZABETH THE UNWRITTEN RULE
    PURPLE ROSE FORUM

78
    I allowed myself to think that once, just once, and then forgot. I did forget. I had to. I had to because I saw my best friend started seeing him. I noticed that she really began to like it. I saw his eyes glistened when he saw Ryan in a way that never did any other guy. I saw them together, not for a week or even two, but for a month. Now almost two. But now Ryan and I had kissed, and said he wanted to talk to me when called. Talk to me. The phone rings and then jump. I hope, encouragement, someone to answer and I hear the voice of my father. I hope that he says my name. But it does not. Brianna finally call in the afternoon. It is preparing to leave and says he has been avoiding his calls but, I took it is you and adore you. ? Do not ask, do not say - Where are you going? ? Or - Who are you going? ? Not want to hear your answers. - See you tomorrow? “He says, and I say. Of course. You want to drive, or

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