Ok. So yes, I did meet someone on that run with dad. But seriously, what is going to come of it? He lives a freakin’ 10 hour walk away. We do have a couple of cars but they are for emergencies, not hormonal teenagers.

We got thrown together while Dad talked trade and stuff. His little sister was always with us, chattering away, but he would catch my eye over her head and I would feel like there was not enough air in the room but too much in my lungs. His eyes told me he wanted to know everything about me, but his smile seemed like he already did. I can’t lie – it was intoxicating. But as if I was going to fall for someone just like that. I mean, the only time we really spoke was when he accidentally barged in on me changing. I turned with a gasp to catch his wide stare before he backed out of the bathroom.

Sorry! So sorry! His voice was muffled through the door. I’m not used to guests. I always know when Stacey is in there from the incessant noise.

That’s okay, I replied walking out with my dirty clothes. Two red spots stood out on his cheeks. Woah – I backed up as his hand reached towards me.

Oh – I – he mumbled, cheeks flaring again – your collar is crooked.

Don’t think the Zombies care much, I said, raising an eyebrow. Shit. Too mean?

He groaned. Sorry! I forget how to function like a semi-normal human quite often. He resolutely tucked an escaping strand of hair behind his ear and gave me a half smile. It was a sweet smile but I also saw the challenge there.

That was pretty much the limit of our conversation, and that was it. I was gone. Yeah, I know what I said before, and maybe my feelings have grown in the constant replay in my mind, but whatever. Here lies the beginnings of the story about how Jay met yet another boy that she couldn’t have.

Yay.