Free Waiting for Something by Whitney Tyrrell Page A

low.
                  “You’re so sweet,” I smiled lightly.
                  “You’re not so bad yourself.” His eyes gleamed.
                  After he dropped us off, my parents were already home. Luckily Dillon came with so I wouldn’t get in trouble. We walked in and Dillon started going off to my dad about how fun it was and how cool Jake was. I walked upstairs to my room and plopped on my bed. Someone came and knocked on my door just when I was finally relaxed.
                  “Sweetie, can I come in?” my mom stuck here head in.
                  “Yeah, of course. What’s up?” I sat up.
                  “Well it’s just that you or Dillon didn’t tell us where you were. That can’t happen anymore. This isn’t Colorado.” I knew she was trying to lecture me but I could tell she had concern behind her voice.
                  “I know. I’m sorry. The plans were last minute. We just went and got ice cream with a friend of mine,” I sighed.
                  “And who would this friend be?” she raised an eyebrow.
                  “He’s Carter’s older brother Jake,” I shrugged.
                  “Oh, and why weren’t you with Carter?” She was curious.
                  “Because Carter wanted to hang out with friends. Jake stopped by and invited us. We’re just friends,” I rolled my eyes.
                  “Okay. Well goodnight, sweetie. I love you.” She kissed my forehead.
                  “I love you too,” I sighed again.
                  I grabbed my phone and texted Marlie everything that happen. After the first text my phone lit up. She was calling me.
                  “Ali, Jake kissed you?!” she shrieked.
                  “Yeah, twice. What I’m going to do?” I winced.
                  “Ali, stay away from Jake. It’ll end in heartache. You know that. He’s going away to basic training soon, too. Carter is the safe choice for you.” Marlie sounded so matter of fact.
                  “I know Carter is safe. But what happened tonight was screwed up. Also, Carter doesn’t make me burn with passion like Jake does. Fuck, Carter forgot my own brother’s name!” I was definitely annoyed.
                  “Calm down. Delete Jake from your life. No more talking to him or hanging out with him. Focus on you and Carter. Things will be fine. Trust me.” She sounded calm.
                  “You’re right. Hey, I’m going to bed. I’ll talk to you later,” I situated myself on my bed.
                  “Alright, I’ll see you on Monday!” She sounded so cheery and hung up.
                  I know it was the right and safe choice to go for Carter. But to delete Jake from my life? That sounded so harsh and difficult. But it was what I had to do. I’m a junior in high school and I felt like I was a 25-year-old woman. What is life all about? I know a deep question for such a young girl but again I felt like I was 25 not in high school. I threw my head down on the pillow and drifted off to sleep.
                  The secret? I didn’t want to get rid of Jake at all. The truth was that I wanted him more than I’ve ever wanted anything. And that scared me to death.
     

Five
                  The morning it was time for him to leave I woke up with a heavy heart.
    Carter asked me to come by and support him as he said goodbye to his brother.  Jake and I haven’t so much as talked since the night I told him that nothing would ever happen and I wanted him out of my life. It was the Friday after Marlie told me that it was for the best. I thought I broke him but of course he recovered quickly. When I go over to their house I never see Jake. It’s almost like he knows I’m coming over. So I never see