Page 253 - The Life of A Teenage Girl (Stories About Finding Your Way)

IT WAS NEVER JUST SUMMER

I couldn’t even talk; I was so angry at myself and Caelum. Then I
heard Celia whisper something to Jessie, and she nodded.

“We’ll see you later, Aliss,” Jessie muttered.

I honestly didn’t know why they left. Maybe it was because they
thought I needed a break and some alone time? Or maybe they thought

I needed to think about my feelings and how Caelum betrayed me? I
actually didn’t know if that was why.

School ended with the kind of sunset that made everything feel
still—soft streaks of gold and orange painting the sky. I couldn’t stop

looking at it. But then I felt a hand on my shoulder. I didn’t even have

to turn around—I already knew it was him. Caelum.
And honestly, the nerve. He had no right to think he could just

walk up to me like we were still friends. Like I’d talk to him. Like I’d
forgive him.

But I still had something to say.
“Seriously, what do you want now? Can’t you just leave a girl

alone for about… a day?!”

“No, because we need to talk,” he said, his expression unreadable.
Before I could respond, he gently took my hand and led me toward

a nearby building. I didn’t know what was going on, but I didn’t pull

away either. We climbed the stairs—floor after floor—until we reached
the roof.

248