Free Becca by Jennie Taylor Page A

that gun with you. Tasha, go up to bed. I’ll keep watch.”
    “With no gun?” Tasha said. ”Becca, that’s stupid.”
    “I’ll be fine. If anyone shows up, I’ll scream.”
    “I don’t like this.”
     
     
    Friday, April 15 th  
     
I still feel like I could get sick. I’m scared, but it’s mostly gone. It looks like I might be
    okay. Which is great, actually. So I’m making a cake for everyone to celebrate. Believe it or not, this place has a propane stove, so it still works.
     
    “Smells wonderful.” Tasha said.
    “Thank you.”
    “And the cake smells good, too.”
    “Did you sleep well?”
    “I did.”
    “Are you, um, still sure you want to... try to be my girlfriend?”
    “I’m sure.”
    “Good.” I pulled her close and leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. “I don’t think I’m going to infect you at this point.”
    “I like that.” She kissed me quickly. “You’re so much softer than the guys I’ve kissed.”
    “Guys? As in plural? I know about Mike. And Justin, from the play, I guess.”
    “And there was Joey and Robert.”
    “Oh. I didn’t know. You never told me?”
    “I was humiliated about Robert. I mean that was sixth grade, and he really didn’t even ask, he just did it.”
    “And Joey?”
    “That was last year, in school actually. And I was going to tell you, but I got distracted.” She kissed me again. “That’s the day Mom and Dad told me we were moving away.”
    “Get a room.” Amber whined. She came in and sat at the table. She’s been in a really bad mood since she found out Tasha and I were together now.
    “Amber, I’m sorry.” I told her. “I feel bad for you, I do, but I can’t make myself feel something for you. I love Tasha.”
    “I didn’t say anything.”
    “Are you going to be mad at us forever?” Tasha asked.
    “I’m not mad.” she growled. “I’m disappointed.” She started crying. “Maybe I’ll just find someone else, too.”  
    “Good!” I said. “Yes, go for it. That would be great. I promise you, you don’t really love me, Amber.”
    “Maybe I’ll see if I can get Bridget to give it a try .”  
    “Yeah, well, good luck. She’s not even remotely interested in girls.”
    “Neither was she .” she said, shooting a glare at Tasha.  
     
    She got up and stomped out of the room. This is going to be a real problem, I think. I wish she’d see how silly she’s being. But I can’t worry about her feelings.
     
    “Morning.” Bridget said when she came in. “Do I smell cake?”
    “Yep. It should be done soon, too.”
    “Good. Whose birthday is it?”
    “Mine.” I said. “I feel like I’ve gotten past being sick. Like it’s a new lease on life.”
    “Lame.” she laughed. “So Tasha, if you didn’t think she was dying, would you have ever decided that you love my sister?”
    “Bridget! That’s not your business.”
    “No, it’s a legitimate question.” Tasha said. “Bridget, I’ve always loved your sister. As a friend. I don’t know if I ever would have decided I cared about her this way if I didn’t have to face the possibility of losing her.”
    “And how long have you been in love with Tasha?” she asked me.
    “This really isn’t your business, ya know?” I said. 
    “Come on, I’m just curious.”
    “Since third grade.”
    “And you’ve kept this a secret all this time? I couldn’t keep a secret two weeks, let alone seven years.”
     
    When the cake was done, and had cooled enough, we got everyone to come in and eat some. It seemed to cheer people up. It was good too, if I do say so myself.
     
    “Are we going to stay here a while?” David asked me. Glad to see I’m still in charge in their eyes. Sort of glad. I mean at least they’ll still listen, hopefully.
    “Yeah, for a while.”
    “Can I get my own room, then? I’m sick of sharing.”
     
    We’ve been cramming everyone into the same room upstairs. It seemed safer. Plus we were all a little scared. But being on the second