Free Will's Story by Jaye Robin Brown Page A

Plain and Small’s instead.” He raises one eyebrow.
    â€œI called her about practice.”
    â€œAnd threw your phone at the wall?”
    The jig is up but I definitely don’t feel like talking about it. “Drop it, bro.”
    Devon sits up and folds his legs across each other. “No. What’s up? Do you like her or something? I’ve kind of been getting a vibe.”
    â€œI said drop it, Devon. She’s buying a guitar for Sean. She obviously is into him.”
    â€œHuh.” Devon looks off like he’s thinking. “I knew about that. Think she was just being a Good Samaritan. She hasn’t mentioned that she was into him.” Then he looks at me again. “But you’re into her?”
    I lift my shoulders. “She’s cool.”
    â€œYou know, I wouldn’t care. She’s my best friend. And you’re my other best friend. As long as you didn’t get all weird around me, I might actually like the two of you together.”
    â€œYeah, doesn’t look like that’s going to happen.”
    Devon rolls his eyes. “And you people call me the drama queen.”
    He walks back to the house and I wonder. Is he right? Am I overreacting? Again.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN
    The sight of you
    The way you sing
    Block out my doubts
    Make my heart ring
    Monday morning, I decide I’m going to tear a page from Devon’s advice column and take a chill pill. I see Amber when she comes into school and it’s hard not to react in the woe-is-me way. She’s dressed like she’s ready for the stage, not her normal school clothes, but more like she’s got someone she’s trying to impress. But Sean doesn’t meet her. Devon and C.A. swoop in and flutter around her then lead her off to the art room. Good thing, too, because I see Amber Rose looking at her like she’s ready to kill.
    True to her word, Amber Rose doesn’t talk to me. But Sarabeth does. “So, hear you broke my girl’s heart on Friday. Congratulations, dick. What’d you do?”
    â€œNothing, Sarabeth. We just aren’t right for each other.”
    â€œYou’re a dick.” But she doesn’t start yelling about me being a cheater.
    I catch Amber Rose’s eye. She nods once then looks away. I sigh. “Go away, Sarabeth. Make someone else’s life miserable.”
    â€œWhatever. You’re dead to us, you know.” I guess Amber Rose is lucky to have a friend so loyal but she’s making me crazy. I shoo her away with my hand.
    When Sarabeth leaves, I head to class early for some alone time so I can figure out what’s next. Maybe I can talk to Amber at lunch and ask her point-blank about her and Sean. It’s better to know than to assume.
    I sit through first, then second block. As I watch the clock, I’m figuring out my strategy. I’m going to walk right up to her and lay it out. “Amber,” I’m going to say, “I don’t think I was clear yesterday. When I said my girlfriend wasn’t going to be a problem, it’s because I don’t have one. Me and Amber Rose broke up.” Then I’m going to judge her reaction. I’ll swallow a big mouthful of pride and ask her about Sean. I won’t know my next move until I hear her answer.
    The bell rings. I gather my books and my nerve.
    Down the hall, kids are milling and moving about,clanging lockers and yelling to wait up. Me? I’m in quicksand. My throat is dry. My hands are nervous. This is so stupid. I’m not this guy.
    When I get to the first floor, I see Amber huddled with Devon and C.A. outside the library. A group of freshman girls walks by and just as they pass, Amber takes off. Toward me. I want to yell at her to watch out for the book bag on the floor but it’s too late. She hits it and goes flying.
    I jog toward her. Devon and C.A. come running from the other direction. Mrs. Early appears from her office door. We all get to Amber