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I’ve steered clear of my father. I don’t want him to know about Danny yet. I haven’t had the courage to tell them about Boston College. I want to wait until there’s nothing they can do about it. My father keeps saying I’ve changed and he can’t wait for me to settle back into the sweet, smart girl he raised. He does it half-joking, but the one time I told him I didn’t want to go to a lecture on hieroglyphics because I wanted to hang with Kris, he grounded me. Kris snuck in through my window and we hung out anyway.

She’s decided to go to Whittier College in Southern California. I’ll miss her so much next year. She told me I had to write to her with paper and pen because then it’s real not electronic. I float through my days living for my phone. My father monitors my usage, but I told him I’m discussing plans for next year with my roommate. Prom is tomorrow, and I’m all prickles of anticipation.

DANNY: This all sucks. Can I call you?

LIZZIE: No. I’m watching TV with my parents. That B+ I got in chemistry sent my father into a tailspin.

I curl my feet underneath my legs. I casually pretend I’m paying attention. I’ve perfected one-handed texting without looking at the screen.

DANNY: But you’re still valedictorian, right? Crushed your rival?

LIZZIE: Duh. By .04.

DANNY: I’m getting some city award for football.

LIZZIE: And you played in New Jersey for the last two years?

DANNY: Yeah. Makes no kind of sense, but Boston loves a hometown hero.

LIZZIE: You’re MY hero. I guess I can share you with Boston.

DANNY: It’s so fucking strange not being around you all the time. Like we got a taste of what it’s gonna be like, and now we have to go back to being kids.

LIZZIE: Tomorrow.

DANNY: And we’ll have the whole night. Do we have to go to prom?

LIZZIE: YES! My dress is so pretty.

DANNY: I’m sure, but can I admire it on the floor? Did you tell your dad about prom yet?

LIZZIE: Mom says we keep it on the DL. She thinks I’m staying at Kris’s after. And you’re staying at a family friend’s house.

DANNY: Can’t we tell them the truth? My ma is all on board with you.

LIZZIE: My mom only does what my father wants. And so, this is a big deal, me going to Prom. I’m thinking of telling him I’m going with a group of girls.

DANNY: Firecracker, when are you telling him about Stanford?

LIZZIE: Soon.

DANNY: Sunday morning. Let’s all sit down. You introduce me, and we tell them our plans. And that you’re already talking to Harvard about the second semester of your freshman year. That you have it all under control, and you’re still going to set the world on fire even if it’s from Boston.

LIZZIE: I’m scared.

DANNY: I got you. Always. You’re stronger than you’ve been told.

LIZZIE: So are you. Did you show your mom your Paris drawings?

DANNY: Good ole Pops, burnt the ones I gave her. But I drew more of you to show her. She said you’re pretty.

LIZZIE: I’m so sorry Your dad can suck it. But I can’t wait to meet her.

DANNY: She can’t wait to cook for you. Wants to know if you prefer sausage or meatballs.

“Lizzie, are you paying attention?” My father’s voice is sharp.

“Of course, Dad.” I laugh at him and panic. I don’t want Danny to worry. But I also don’t want my dad to take my phone away.