Free Barely Breathing (Just Breathe) by Heather Allen Page A

one?"
    She smiles and nods, "Yes, I really do, I love him, Ever."
    I smile back at her, I am so glad they found each other. If anyone deserves happily ever after, it's Gabbi.
    I change the subject slightly, "Have you decided about next year?"
    "We decided we are going to stay here for two years and do the community college thing, then go away together for the last two years. All of our parents are good with it."
    I bring my knees up and hug them to my chest . I couldn't be happier that everything is turning out for her. At least, I know she'll be here if I do ever get to come back.
    She nudges my arm, "Hey you zoned for a minute. Tell me about what's been up with you."
    I shrug my shoulders. My life is definitely not what I feel like talking about right now.
    She stares at me waiting. I know I have to tell her something. She will be hurt if I don't share. We have been sharing since fifth grade. This year is the first year I haven't wanted to share with her. I feel bad for not letting her in. I just don't think she'll get it. But she did seem to understand when I was confused before, about Jack. It didn't exactly turnout too well though.
    "Ever, come on, you're shutting down again, I can see it in your eyes. Is there more to it? Is it more than just a little argument, with you and Jack?"
    I hug my legs tighter and shrug, "Things just aren't what they seemed. I really don't think it's going to work out with Jack."
    Her eyes turn down and she frowns.
    I assure her, "Hey it's all good. I'm...fine with it." I swallow a lump rising in my throat.
    "You do know, you are one of the worst liars in the world, don't you?"
    I glance down at the ground. I am a pretty terrible liar.
    "Ever, what happened, come on, you can let me in. If not I will feel guilty for telling you to follow him in the first place."
    Talk about guilt, she's really laying it on thick.
    I take a deep breath, "When I got there after we talked, I found out he has really been on the Erebus side all along." My voice cracks on the last part.
    She grabs my hand and squeezes, "Oh Ever, I'm so sorry."
    A tear runs down my cheek and I quickly wipe it away. He's not getting any more tears from me.
    I squeeze her hand back and start to stand up.
    Gabbi looks up at me and asks softly, "What are you going to do?"
    I look back at her and firmly tell her, "I am going to fight with the Lior, just like I committed to do."
    I walk toward my jeep, finished with the conversation. Gabbi scurries up and comes after me, "Are you one hundred percent positive that is the right decision?"
    I turn quickly to face her, "Gabbs, I don't know what the right decision is anymore, everything is completely muddled, I just know more than anything that I have to make a decision and commit myself to it."
    I take a deep breath and finish, "I decided to commit to the Lior and that is where my loyalty is."
    She grabs my arm and pulls me into a hug. It gives me strength, that simple gesture gives me strength. I feel some of the immense pressure leak away. I needed my Gabbi.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 17
    James
     
     
    Garrett drops me at home. The jeep is missing. Now that I think about this morning, I don't think it was here when I left. I was just running so late. That would explain the bathroom being locked and oversleeping.
    Ever is going to come home at some point, especially if my parents know she's back. She will have to talk to me, eventually. Sara, on the other hand, I'm just relieved she didn't leave yet. Maybe I can corner her at school and apologize for being such a jerk.
    I head into the house and climb the stairs to my room. I have to get some homework done.
    As I round the corner and enter my room a hand grasps my arm and pushes me across the room. It causes me to lose my balance and fall backwards, landing on the edge of the bed. Glancing up completely shocked, I see Sara standing there with this sexy smile. She crosses the room and our lips crash into each other. Her