Beginnings of the Heart Read Free

keep her from asking more questions.
    â€œWell, maybe you could just stay here today. You have been spending a lot of time with him lately, and I think you should take a break. I’ve told you before how I feel about how serious you are about that boy. He’s too old for you.” She ended her little speech looking at me with both of her eyebrows raised to emphasize her point.
    â€œHe’s only a year ahead of me in school, Mom. And I don’t see the big deal about spending time with Cole.”
    â€œThe big deal, as you put it, is you don’t do anything else anymore. You used to hang out with other people. You had other friends. I just think you need to spend time with them as well.” She finished this off with the same eyebrow-raising expression.
    â€œI still see my other friends. I just don’t see them as much is all. I’ll see all of them, every day, when school starts again.” I said all of this while suppressing the urge to roll my eyes at her.
    My mom looked at me like she wanted to say something else, but my father cleared his throat and looked at her. Obviously something had already been discussed. I just wished I knew what it was.
    â€œWell, I’ve said what I wanted to say. Just be sure to ask before you go and do anything. You’re still only fifteen, and I like to know where you are.”
    I had been officially dismissed, and I took the opportunity to make a hasty exit. At least they still didn’t guess anything about last night.
    After returning to my room I lay down on my bed and thought about the night before when Cole had dropped me off. I had started to open the door of the truck and slide out when he reached across and grabbed my hand.
    â€œAre you sure you’re okay? You’ve been kind of quiet.”
    â€œYeah, I’m fine.” I said, still embarrassed. He didn’t seem to be affected at all, which bothered me a little bit.
    â€œI’ll call you tomorrow. I have to help my dad in the morning, but I’ll be free after. Think about what you might want to do.”
    He leaned in and gave me a brief but fierce kiss. He waited until I got the door of the house open and then he left.
    As I lay there staring up at the ceiling, I couldn’t help but be plagued by doubts. How could he love someone so plain? There were other girls in school who were so beautiful it made your teeth ache. Why me? What did he see in me?
    I was startled out of my reverie by the shrill ring of my cell phone. I dove for it on my bedside table.
    â€œHello?” I said a little breathlessly.
    â€œHey. How’re you doing?” Cole asked.
    â€œI’m good. Are you done helping your dad for the day?” I asked him.
    â€œYeah, I finished up a little while ago. I had to take a shower and get something to eat, but now I’m all yours for the rest of the day and night.” He said teasingly.
    â€œI’d like you around longer, but I’m not sure you could stand it.”
    â€œI’ll never get tired of you Morgan. So, what do you want to do? We have the rest of the day.”
    â€œUmm, why don’t you come down here for a little while? My mom started in on one of her ‘you’re spending too much time with him’ tirades. It might be better if we stayed in town for at least part of the day. We could take a walk down to the creek if you want.” I found I was holding my breath a little while I waited for his answer.
    Hanging out at my house or anywhere near it was never on the top of either of our lists.
    â€œSounds good to me. As long as I get to take you out tonight and do something else. We could go for ice cream or something.” Cole said.
    â€œOkay. I’m sure it’ll be alright. My mom’ll be pleased at least if we’re in town for part of the day.”
    â€œYou know, you’re always doing things to make your parents happy. Have you ever thought about doing things for