Page 117 of You + Me – Against the World

“Cheyenne?” Tim continues.

I take a step back, irritated by his insinuations.

“Wrong,” I retort. “Completely wrong. Why are you suddenly so interested in what Vadim’s up to, anyway?”

“I’m not interested in what he’s doing; I’m interested in what he’s doing to you, Alma. I just don’t want him to disrespect you, that’s all.”

“Stop wasting your time, and go back to playing with your little ball, Tim.”

“Okay, don’t get defensive. I just wanted to tell you that I’m here. And that… I… I still care about you.”

“Tim, I don’t need you to be there for me. I just need you to give me some space.”

He clearly couldn’t care less about what I’m telling him, because he immediately moves on to something else.

“Oh, by the way! I think we signed up for the same spring break program! You and Basile are going to the Santa Catalina camp, right?”

“He is. I’m not sure. Haven’t decided yet.”

Actually, it was settled, signed, and paid for months ago. Clémentine had insisted on it, because she wanted to experience a journey into the wild. A rejuvenating trip where she could connect with nature. Unfortunately, I still haven’t managed to convince Vadim to come along. A week without him is going to feel like torture. And on top of that, I’ll have to spend the week camping in a nature reserve with my ex, my big brother, and my best friend who barely remembers I exist.

Back in my room at home, I use one hand to turn on my computer and the other to send texts from my cell phone, telling Vadim and Clémentine to get online immediately.

Clemy_juicy: What is it? Did you get kidnapped and you’re messaging me from the trunk?

Alma_from_paris: Would that make you want to talk to me?

Clemy_juicy: Just keep it short. I’m in a hurry!

Alma_from_paris: Another mysterious date?

Clemy_juicy: You’re so perceptive!

Alma_from_paris: And you’re still not going to tell me who this guy is?

Clemy_juicy: Nope. But I’ll certainly let you know if I do decide to tell you, Alma.

Alma_from_paris: Clem, I don’t get it. Either you’re dating someone in my family—but I can’t imagine who, seeing as you’re not really my brother’s type and my dad already has his hands full—or your man is, like, ninety years old? Or maybe he’s in jail? Or he a serial killer? Or a thirty-five-year-old male cat lady who still lives with his mom? And you’re too embarrassed to introduce me—is that it?

Clemy_juicy: Oh my, that last one sounds great. But no.

Alma_from_paris: We used to tell each other everything! And we saw each other all the time! Why has that changed?

Clemy_juicy: Look, when you were spending every single second with Arcadi, I didn’t throw a jealous fit!

Alma_from_paris: Clem…

Clemy_juicy: Anyway, what did you want to tell me?

My throat feels tight. Losing Clémentine is like losing a member of my family.

Alma_from_paris: You remember that we signed up for the Santa Catalina camp for spring break, right?

Clemy_juicy: Oh, yeah. But I don’t think I’m going to go. I have other plans.

Alma_from_paris: What? You can’t do that to me!

Clemy_juicy: You know, you can be so selfish! Not everything revolves around the amazing Alma! I’ve got my own life too!