Chapter 30
Ellie
March, Age 18
Ilove spring break.
After a week spent sunbathing, reading, and flirting with college boyswaytoo old for us, Abby and I lounge contentedly in the back of her dad’s Chevy Tahoe on the long drive back to Larkspur. Abby is laser-focused on her bajillionth college application essay, while I hum along to the song in my headphones, watching Louisiana fly by.
Spring break has sent my excitement for college skyrocketing. Not that I plan on going to college in Florida, but the whole concept of a cliché spring break has me grinning ear to ear every time I think about it. I’ve decided to stay in Texas for college–I got my acceptance letter to UT Austin about a month ago, and up until now I’ve honestly been avoiding it.
All I’ve ever wanted to do is leave Larkspur and see the world, but suddenly even moving five hours south to the state capital makes me feel panicky. How do youleave everything (and everyone) you’ve known for eighteen years, just like that?
Well, you’ve got about five months to figure it out.
Just as we cross the state line into Texas, my phone buzzes.
Jack:When do you get home?
Ellie: Miss me that much huh?
Jack: No.
Jack: Wait yes
Jack:But I need to talk to you.
Jack: Can you hang out tonight?
That’s weird.
Ellie:We won’t be home til like 10 pm
Ellie: I can hang out tomorrow though?
Jack: That’s fine. Can I pick you up for breakfast?
Since when do we do breakfast?
Ellie:Is something wrong? Are you okay?
Jack: Yeah, I’m fine, I just need to talk to you
Ellie: Okay Jack Robbit ;)
Ellie: You canpick me up at 9 - NO EARLIER
Jack: Nevermind, I don’t want to see you anymore.
Ellie: :(
Jack: And tell Abby to quit telling people to call me that. It’s stupid.
Jack:I’ll see you in the morning.
“Jack doesn’t like your nickname,” I say to Abby with a laugh.
A diabolical smile stretches across her face.
