“Wanna take it out for a test drive?” Mom had asked.
That day was one of the best memories I had of her. She later moved to Vermont to be closer to her family, and last time I heard, she’d met a new guy. We still spoke on the phone, but I was mad at her for leaving. My parents never told me why they split up, but I think it had something to do with my father’s work schedule. Emma was always working, which was probably why Dad and she were a better match. I’d never met two people who liked to work more than they did.
“Hello, old friend,” I greeted my car, running my hand over it. “Time to get you running again.”
AMY
I was glad to escape the overwhelming mushiness of my mother and soon-to-be stepfather, but I was especially relieved to be away from Ashton. I found it hard to relax around him—he was just too sexy and infuriating. I slipped up the stairs to my new room and took a better look at it.
In the corner of the room was a white vanity with plenty of places to put my brushes and makeup. In the center was my bed—it looked king-size—with a white comforter and big, puffy pillows. There was a small, white desk with a bulletin board above it. I had a big walk-in closet, and the white carpet was almost covered with a light purple rug. Ashton did a good job painting the room. There were no inconsistencies in the color at all.
The bathroom loomed in the corner, threatening. I took a step in, noting the normalcy. There were two sinks, one his, I assumed. It was covered in razors, hair, and man-hygiene products. I wrinkled my nose. At least my side was clean.
There was a door at the other end of the bathroom, and I was so damn curious. I peeked in carefully to see his room, dark as evening set in. He had a single light on. His room was mostly red with a bong in the center of it—Lord knows for what. He had a strobe light in the back, posters of naked women and cars all over his walls, and his bed was giant and unkempt. I laughed to myself—he was such a typical dude.
I took another step in and saw lots of photographs on his desk. There was a woman there, smiling with light blonde hair. She stood with Gary and Ashton, so I assumed it was his mother. I felt a pang of sadness for him. This must not be easy for him, either. I closed the door to his room, feeling guilty for snooping. I returned to my room and began unpacking when my phone rang.
“Hey girl, what’s going on?” I greeted Sarah, pressing the phone to my ear.
“I just got home. We unpacked, and my dad is getting dinner ready,” she replied.
“I just ate. There’s so much I have to tell you,” I said.
“Tell me more about the guy,” she urged.
“Okay…Well, he’s tall, and he’s a jerk,” I began.
She laughed, the sound partially muffled by the phone and her breathing. “What else?”
“We share a bathroom,” I said.
“What? No way!” She gasped.
“Seriously, I don’t know what to do. It’s so awkward.” I groaned theatrically.
“Well”—she giggled—“make sure you’re shaved and prepared at all times.”
“Ugh. I mean, I feel ready to lose my virginity and all, but he’s my stepbrother-to-be,” I contested.
“I know, I know. I’m just teasing. That is weird, though. I feel for you.”
“Amy?” I heard my mother say from outside the door.
“I gotta go,” I told Sarah.
“Okay, talk to you tomorrow?”
“Yes, definitely. Love ya.”
“Love ya, too!”
“Come in, Mom,” I called, sitting on my bed.
My mom entered the room, looking around with a smile. “It’s beautiful here, isn’t it?”
I smiled. “Yeah. It’s great.”
She sat next to me and patted my arm affectionately. “Thank you for being so mature about this. I know it was hard for you when your dad and I split up,” she said gently.
I breathed deeply and looked down, trying not to get too emotional at the mention of his name. “I’m glad you’re happy, and Gary is a pretty cool guy so far,” I said, trying to reassure her.
She gave me a hug, and I hugged her back tightly. “Good. I just wanted to say goodnight. I’m gonna get changed and get ready for bed,” she said.
“All right, goodnight then.”
She stood up and walked to my door. “Goodnight.” She closed it behind her.