Forever Changed

He wasn't telling me anything I hadn't already thought about. Yeah, Kassandra and I came from completely different backgrounds, but what was this, the fifties? So, her family had money and mine drank away every cent they had ever earned, who cares?

“Her mom doesn’t know,” I finally admitted.

“No shit? Now I really wish this was a brew because, bro, you’re in it thick. Take my advice man, cut your losses and get out now,” he added, draining the last of his drink.

“I can’t, man,” I said, raking my hands through my hair.

“Why not? You already said you’re not tapping it, so you’re not tied down.”

“Because I think I’m in love with her.”

“Shut the F up, are you serious? Dude, I don't know,” he said, shaking his head.

“What can I say? She’s special.” I finally admitted.

“She better be, because if this ever gets out, shit is going to hit the fan big time, bro.”

I woke up the first day of winter break with a stomach bug. Considering the fact that Megan woke up with it too made me pretty convinced it was courtesy of Miss Mimi’s Academy.

Mom spent the day catering to Megan and me as we took turns visiting the bathroom. I couldn’t remember a time where I had thrown up so many times in one day. Poor Megan was just as miserable as I was, but was obviously less vocal about it. Me? I had no qualms over complaining about my stomach cramps, chills and sweaty pajamas.

“I hate those germy little kids,” I muttered to my mom as she helped Megan into her third pair of pajamas.

“I know, sweetie. You may have mentioned that more than a few times today,” she said dryly as Megan and I huddled on the plush settee in my bedroom while Mom changed my bed sheets.

Once my bed was made, Megan and I crawled back under my comforter and instantly fell asleep, exhausted from our countless trips to the bathroom. It was several hours later that the chirping of a new text coming through on my iPhone woke me up. I glanced over at my phone on my bedside table, momentarily confused.

I slid my finger across the screen and smiled when I read the text.

Too soon to get together again?

Who is this? I typed in teasingly.

Some call me kiss-a-licious. He countered back.

I snorted. Hmmm, kiss-a-licious? Nope, it’s not ringing any bells. I think I’d remember hearing that name, J I teased.

I can come over and refresh your memory.

Can’t L

I know but can we meet up?

No, I meant I can’t meet up today. I’m sick.

Sick?

Stomach bug.

No fun.

Tell me about it L I blame Megan’s school. She’s sick too.

Do you need anything? Sprite, crackers, soup?

Nah, my mom is taking care of us.

Bummer.