Page 79 of Romeo

My chest tightened the way it always did when he answered that way.

Me: That can’t be true.

Jasper: It is tonight.

I hesitated, then forced myself to type the truth instead of some stupid joke.

Me: I got another scholarship rejection.

Jasper: I’m sorry.

Me: It isn’t a big deal.

Jasper: Don’t do that.

I frowned.

Me: Do what?

Jasper: Decide you aren’t allowed to be hurt because something could be worse.

My thumb stopped over the screen. I hated that he knew me so well. Hated it even more because he was right.

Me: I hate that you notice that

Jasper: No, you don’t.

My mouth twitched because he was right. I loved it more than I was willing to admit.

Me: Maybe a little.

Jasper: What do you need?

I stared at the question.

What do you need?

Not what are you going to do now? Not have you applied for others? Not you shouldn’t be upset.

What did I need?

People had spent years telling me what I needed. A foster home. A social worker. A safe place to sleep. Adoption papers. Therapy. Perspective. Time.

I couldn’t remember the last time someone had simply asked me.

Me: I don’t know.

Jasper: Distraction, advice, or someone to be angry with you?

A laugh escaped before I could stop it, watery and embarrassingly close to another cry.

Me: The third one.

Jasper: Then whoever rejected you is an asshole.

Me: You don’t even know why they rejected me.

Jasper: Irrelevant.