Page 56 of Cross My Heart
Pawpaw’s words run through my head,are you really living? It’s not the kind of life you deserve. It’s not the kind of life we want for you. Think about what you and you alone want out of this life and make it happen.
“What do I want?” I ask the silent car, the answer coming to me immediately.
I don’t want to end up alone like my mother.
“It looks like you have some decisions to make, Lanie.What do you want out of this life?” I’m met with silence until I hear the school bell ring, and kids come tumbling out the double doors.
* * *
Dex
MLM Group Text
Dexter: I left her outfit and snack basket on her bed after dinner. She has been up there for half an hour. What if she doesn’t come down? I’m standing here looking like an asshole.
Preston: Did you honestly name this group text the MLM group? When did you become such a pussy?
Dexter: Shut up, asshole. Help me or move along.
Trevor: It’s a solid plan. Just give her time. Julia is on the phone with her now.
Dexter: How do you know that?
Trevor: …
Trevor: …
Dexter: Now who’s being the pussy? Trevor, what’s going on?
Trevor: Ok, ok. Julia and I have been texting in the background, trying to make sure neither of you fuck this up.
Preston: Trevor and Julia sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g.
Trevor: How long did it take you to just text that with all the hyphens, you dick? We are just trying to help.
Dexter: Not to be a pussy, but this is about me, guys. ME!
Julia: Chill out man-lady. She is coming down. Try, I know it’s tough for you, but please try to be cool tonight. Don’t push anything, don’t talk about anything, just be.
Dexter: Got it. Gotta go get set up.
Trevor: Good luck.
Julia: Keep your hands to yourself.
Preston: Completely ignore the advice to keep your hands to yourself. I’ll be waiting with bated breath to find out how this plays out. (Eye roll emoji)
* * *
Lanie
“Lanie!”Julia’s voice comes through the computer screen. We decided on a Zoom call tonight so we could both see better without having to hold a phone in our hands.
“What?” I ask.
“Don’t get snippy. Are you going to go down there? It seems like he went to a lot of trouble to make a relaxed night at home special,” she tells me, obviously still team Dex.
“Ugh, Jules. Why is he doing this?” I say, more to myself than her.
