Page 43 of What I Like About You

Talking about myself with Nash? It’s the worst part of this whole situation.

Yeah.

5:07 PM

you don’t have to be friends with everyone

5:08 PM

You don’t get it. I’ve never been iced like this before. But then I’ll make a stupid joke at lunch and she’ll laugh. I don’t understand anything.

5:10 PM

Idolaugh at his stupid jokes.

pity laughs, prob.

5:10 PM

… Can you at least TRY to be serious?

5:11 PM

OK FINE

5:11 PM

maybe you’re coming on too strong?

5:12 PM

He’s not.

She got a job at Sawyer’s bakery. Sawyer says she’s cool at work. But when I try to talk Shakespeare with her in AP lit, she’s total ice. And she’s supposed to like books! But she’s clearly able to talk to my friends. Why not me?

5:13 PM

Because if we become friends, Nash, I’ll have to tell you the truth. Everything will change, and I’m still too attached to this version of us.

… i can’t answer that

5:14 PM

question

5:14 PM

Answer.

5:14 PM

why do you care so much?

5:15 PM

The typing text bubble appears, and I can see Nash on the other side of the screen, typing and deleting and typing and deleting. The bubbles disappear and I’mdyingto know what Nash is trying to say—but before he can send anything my fifteen is up and kitchen duty awaits me.

I toss my phone back into my tote and make my way towardthe kitchen, toward the cupcakes, but my head is still with the three bubbles, locked up tight.

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