do that again; only this time Ive got a schedule all
worked out so that its even every where。” She giggles and says; “Dont tell my mom; okay?
She would have a ka…nip!”
And this; my friend; is how the Tan Wars began。 Miranda told Shelly that she didnt even
notice her tan at the beginning of the year and that the
place to really roast is on a cruise ship。 Shelly told Miranda that anyone with freckles cant
really get tan and since Miranda had freckles everywhere;
the cruise was a guaranteed waste of money。 I choked down my third of the lunch and
looked around the room; trying to let it all flow past me。
Then I saw Juli。 She was two tables away from me; facing my direction。 Only she wasnt
looking at me。 She was looking at Jon; her eyes all
sparkly and laughing。
My heart lurched。 What was she laughing about? What were they talking about? How could
she sit there and look so… beautiful?
I felt myself spinning out of control。 It was weird。 Like I couldnt even steer my own body。 Id
always thought Jon was pretty cool; but right then I
wanted to go over and throw him across the room。
Shelly grabbed my arm and said; “Bryce; are you all right? You look…I dont know…
possessed or something。”
“What? Oh。” I tried taking a deep breath。 “What are you staring at?” Miranda asked。 They
both looked over their shoulders; then shrugged and
went back to picking at their food。
But I couldnt stop myself from looking again。 And in the back of my mind; I could hear my
grandfathers voice saying; “The choices you make now
will affect you for the rest of your life。 Do the right thing…。”
Do the right thing…。
Do the right thing…。
Miranda shook me out of it; asking; “Bryce? Are you in there? I asked; what are you going to
do this summer?”
“I dont know;” I snapped。
“Hey; maybe you can spend some time up at the lake with us!” Shelly said。
It was torture。 I wanted to scream; Shut up! Leave me alone! I wanted to run out of the
building and keep on running until I didnt feel like this
anymore。
“Lunch is really delicious; Bryce。” Mirandas voice was floating around。 “Bryce? Did you hear
me? This is really a spectacular lunch。”
A simple little thank you wouldve sufficed。 But could I e up with a simple little thank you?