Free Barely Breathing (Just Breathe) by Heather Allen

my next class, biology, yet another reminder of Jack.
    ***
    As soon as biology is over, I go straight to the parking lot. I need to avoid James as long as I can. Whatever he knows about Jack, I just can't handle it right now. Of course if I do talk to him, I won't be able to avoid asking. So I'm just not going to cross paths with him for as long as I can. I know I'm crazy, I think I proved that a few months back though.
    The jeep's engine comes to life as I turn the key. I look up feeling a pair of eyes on me and spot a girl across the lot leaned up against a white Cabriolet with her arms crossed. If looks could kill, I'd be dead right now. I glance away uncomfortably. She must be new or younger, I don't recognize her. I back out and forget about her as I drive away. My mind is focused on forgetting everything for the moment. The best way for me to forget is to swim. I glance back behind the seat as I stop for a red light. Yep, extra suit, still in the car. I don't even need to go to the house.
    I drive straight to the lake with my music as loud as it will go. Forget, forget, forget , I repeat this mantra through my brain the whole ride there.
    ***
    I climb out of the jeep and look around to see if anyone else is currently using the lake. Deserted, exactly the way I like it. I climb into the back seat and change into my suit. Wading in proves that the water is on the chilly side as it should be, it's March after all. My body regulates my inner temperature as I wade in further. Unfortunately, my mind won't stay focused. I keep remembering all the times I was here with Jack. Some, not so good memories... but some... incredible ones. I shake my head, they were really all just a lie. He was never truthful with me .
    I dive in and skim the bottom not coming up for air for a little while. I use my hands to light the bottom and I lose myself in following the fish through the soggy bottom grasses.
    When I do surface, I start the laps I know so well. The same sounds, and movements my body recognizes from so many times here. I lose myself in the routine and speed up. The familiarity feels so good. I can feel some of the pressure I've felt, washing away.
    As I reach the far bank, movement by my jeep catches my eye. I look over and see a car pull up on the other side of the jeep. Oh great, with my luck it's probably James. I brace myself for the conversation I know I can't avoid. Suddenly, all that pressure has found it's way back. Great!
    I watch as feet that are not boy feet walk around the back of the jeep. Then I see red hair peeking over the back of the jeep. Ah, Gabbi. I smile and dive back in the water heading for the opposite bank. As I pull myself out of the water, Gabbs is standing there with her arms crossed and a frown on her face.
    She starts in on me, "I thought you would see me after school! huh? When are we going to catch up? Haven't you had enough of the water lately?" She smirks at the end of her rant. I know she isn't really upset.
    I walk over to the jeep and grab my towel, "Of course, we're going to catch up. I just had to clear my head a little."
    She smiles and sits in the grass pulling at what is left of the long, brown grasses. She starts pulling them apart in her hands and they crumble from being so dry.
    I pull my clothes on over my suit and plop down next to her.
    "Okay so fill me in on Reggie, I want to hear all the juicy details."
    A huge grin spreads across her face, "Well, I don't know what's to tell." And she's blushing.
    I nudge her, "Obviously you have something to tell, spill it."
    "Well we didn't go all the way or anything...just..."
    I smile surprised, "Really...What happened to, I'm saving myself for marriage...?" I imitate her whiniest voice.
    She gapes at me,"I just said we didn't go ALL the way...I am saving myself..."
    I laugh, "Gabbi, I'm thinking you went close...right?"
    She shrugs with her hands splayed up, smiling.
    "I'm just giving you a hard time."
    I get serious, "Do you think he's the