Chapter 4: Summer Heat and Suburban Moms

This summer was especially scorching.

The air in suburban Ohio was thick with humidity; you could almost see the heat rippling off the blacktop. We were about to start our junior year of high school. Some kids were at Kaplan test centers, others had private tutors in their parents’ finished basements.

Only me, wandering around every day, leaving before dawn, coming back reluctantly at dinnertime.

Today was no different.

I kicked pebbles along the sidewalk, my resentment radiating five feet out.

The moment I saw Derek, I got nervous.

I liked him.

The first person I ever liked—sweet and painful at the same time.

But he’d rejected my confession.

His face wore a distant smile. He said he only wanted to study, didn’t want to date.

I was embarrassed, angry, sad—holding back tears as I ran away, swearing never to like him again.

But when he slowly walked toward me, I still couldn’t help my heart pounding as I stood there.

He said, "Want to give it a try?"

I barely thought before nodding like crazy.

This humiliating, spineless, lovesick behavior became the biggest shame of my life.

If I got another chance, I’d sneer and flip him off behind my back!

Derek licked his back teeth, tossed the flowers in the trash, and turned to leave.

I watched the blue petals hit the dumpster, and something twisted in my chest. Ten minutes later, at my front door, we ran into each other again.

Mrs. Carter looked suspicious and on guard, blocking the door, glaring at Derek.

"Who are you looking for?"

She wore a faded Yankees tee, arms crossed, radiating that no-nonsense suburban mom energy—the type who’d call the cops if your music was too loud. Derek, usually cool, was actually a bit nervous!

"Ma’am, I’m looking for Natalie! Can I see her? I have something to say!"

"Why are you looking for Natalie? Who are you?"

Mrs. Carter’s hostility was obvious, eyes wide and fierce.

Derek seemed scared, stammering to explain.

I clicked my tongue impatiently.

"Didn’t I say I don’t like you? Why are you at my house again? Think finding Natalie will help you? Don’t you know I hate her most? Come with me!"

Under Mrs. Carter’s suspicious gaze, I dragged Derek downstairs.