Even though a couple of weeks have passed since the Stanhopes and the Murphys essentially kissed and made up, it still feels like an out- of- body experience to wander outside on the weekend and see my dad and Mr. Murphy working side by side.
Today it involves handsaws and goggles on the side of our house, and, Tristan told me, up next is tackling some dry rot on their eaves. All this teamwork is gearing them up for making any driveway modifications the city demands. Though Mr. Murphy tried to call off the dogs, we learned that filing an ordinance complaint is like writing on cardboard with a Sharpie. No taking it back. So now they wait. Together.
Who would have thunk it?
Tristan and I have done some survivor bonding, too. We've weathered some looks and comments (mostly aimed at me), but all it took with Rachael was mentioning that with me “out of the way” she has a clearer path to Luke, and she gave her sanction to my romance. I don't think she cares at all who I date, as long as I keep up my end on the field. And being tight with the team captain can only be a good thing (as long as that captain isn't named Chrissandra Hickey).
Speaking of Chrissandra, she got her butt kicked off the team for good. Mandy and Elaine admitted that Chrissandra had major jealousy issues with me because she thought I was a threat to her popularity and love life. In fact, she apparently got close to Kyle last year by pretending to help him “hook” me—and then went in for the kill herself.
And she totally planned to rat me out to Hartley as the sole instigator behind the discovery of AJ's pills, which she figured would prevent me from ever making varsity and going against her for captain next year.
Look who got the last laugh.
Over on JV, Lyric got the boot, too. When Hartley asked who I recommended as the new captain, I swallowed my pride and told her Emma. I'd been rough on the girl, and for the most part, she didn't deserve it. Emma came to me later and thanked me, and I've been dropping by practices whenever I have free time, helping with drills.
Back on my own team, I only talk to Elaine and Mandy to be polite. I've learned who my real friends are. And number one in my life is Becca. She helped teach me a lot about popularity and loyalty—and, well, myself. And while she doesn't plan to date a freshman anytime soon, she's happy for me and how things have worked out with Tristan.
I'm happy, too. And looking forward to later this month, when our birthdays fall, one day apart. He's promised me something special called the Birthday Kiss. I'm hoping that there are no lit candles or noise-makers involved—but that it is one of those kisses that has to be done indoors. Maybe even behind closed doors?
There's so much more for us both to learn about kissing and falling in love and each other. But no rush. For now, we have all the time in the world.