Page 133 of The Way the Heart Breaks: Jade’s Story

Jade

By the time I get home from practice, I’m not just tired; I’m exhausted, physically.

My legs ache, my shoulders hurt, and I seriously considered leaving my field hockey bag exactly where I dropped it and crawling straight into bed. But tomorrow’s our first game, and I want everything white, sparkling, to match… life.

I knew senior year would be different but never expected to have a boyfriend, especially not one like T. Lane.

I fall backward onto my bed and stare at the ceiling, thinking of the game, Tessa's birthday, and the fact that she too has a boyfriend, and Lucas asked her out the same night Tommy asked me. Singing at church and Tommy standing up and clapping, not caring that no one else did, because… well church. And today, holding hands in the hallways, and yes, getting kissed in make out hall.

I roll onto my side and look at my nightstand, at the bright red tulips Tommy brought me, saying he should have had them at church, but since he didn’t know, he just didn’t have time. He said they reminded him of my lips.

I run my finger over the deep red petal, their long stems bending slightly toward the late afternoon light coming through my window.

I reach over and touch one of the petals.

They're beautiful.

I still can't believe he gave them to me.

I grab the piece of paper beside my radio and look over the list I've been working on.

Jade — “Friday I'm in Love” by The Cure.

Yes, I changed it, but that’s because everything changed.

Then Tessa’s too; hers changed after birthday lunch with her whole family; Aunt Maggie was there. “Stay” by Shakespeare’s Sister.

Alex — “Would I Lie to You?” by Charles & Eddie. That one makes me laugh.

Ryan’s was different this week; he said the song by the girl and the guy, Don Henley, and walked away. I knew immediately it was “Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough” by Patty Smyth and Don Henley.

Jason and Jasper get “Jump Around” by House of Pain.

I need to find out Tommy’s.

I hadn’t even finished that thought when my phone rings, and I answer. Hello?”

“Hey, pretty girl.”

I smile immediately. “Hi.”

“You sound tired.”

“I am.”

“Practice?”

“Practice.” I confirm as I roll onto my back. “My legs are dead.”

He laughs. “Need me to come carry you around?”

“You couldn't.”

“I could.”

“You'd drop me.”

“Never.”