Changing Forever Read Free

yesterday, and she seems like a nice girl, but I also need time to myself. Time to process and adjust.
    As I open the door, the first thing I see is her head of long, auburn hair in front of the mirror. At least she’s getting ready, I think.
    Her smile reflects off the mirror when she spots me. “Hey, where’ve you been all day? I thought you were just going to take a walk around.”
    “I did. I just got a little carried away and walked the whole campus. Enjoying a little freedom, you know?”
    She smiles. “Hey, what are you doing tonight?”
    I pull my purse strap over my head and sit on the edge of my bed, watching her perfectly place every section of her hair. “I don’t know. I’ll probably just read a book or something. It’s been a long day.”
    Hot temps, long walk, arrogant college guys … it’s definitely been a very long day.
    Setting the curling iron down, she spins around in her chair. “It’s Saturday night. Don’t you want go out and see what this college thing is all about? There’s a lot to do outside of this campus, you know.”
    We’ve only known each other for twenty-four hours, but she’s already getting an idea of just how fun I can be. If she expects me to be the life of the party, she might want to deal with her disappointment now. It will be easier on both of us.
    “I will some other time. I’m just too tired tonight,” I answer as I pull my shoes off my feet. I’m glad I opted for sneakers over flip-flops this morning because I probably walked at least five miles.
    “You’re welcome to come to the movie with Beau and me. We’re going to the new Liam Hemsworth flick that everyone is talking about. It won’t require too much energy … I promise.” She says it as if she thinks I’m easily lured by a hot guy with a killer body and smile to match. I can be, but not when she’s doing the pity invite. Plus, I’ve seen enough of that today.
    “No, I’m good. Besides, you guys just started dating yesterday, right?” She nods, watching me curiously as I continue. “I’m not tagging along on your first date.”
    She laughs, facing the mirror again. “It’s hard to consider it a first date when we’ve known each other for fifteen years.”
    I haven’t been around her long enough to understand the dynamics of her relationship with Beau, but I get the feeling that there’s a story that might be worth hearing some day.
    “Honestly, I’m looking forward to relaxing before classes start on Monday. I’ll go some other time, though,” I say, falling onto my bed.
    “If you’re sure.”
    “I’m sure.”
    “Does this look okay?” she asks, glancing down at her light brown wedges and strapless black maxi dress.
    I laugh. “It’s exactly what I would have picked for a date. Just make sure to bring a sweater if you’re going to the movie. I always think it’s cold in theaters.”
    “Good point. I always think of that too late.”
    “Then again, maybe you don’t need to worry about it if you’re with Beau.”
    Through the mirror, I see her roll her eyes. “Seriously? His hand will be buried so deep in a tub of buttery popcorn, he won’t have time to worry about me.”
    “Men.”
    “You’re telling me.”
    The room stays quiet as Kate continues to get ready. For me, the silence is a little slice of heaven—a delicacy I’ve rarely enjoyed with my dad around. It certainly didn’t help when my mom left us, and he had no one else to talk to or ask to help around the house. It also didn’t help that we lived in a small two-bedroom farmhouse with only one bathroom. There was never anywhere to go to get away. For many years, I thought my dad was trying to punish me by staying in small quarters, but I soon realized the way we lived wasn’t a choice. We lived with what he had. I also knew it was one of the reasons she left.
    A knock at the door causes both of us to jump. I should offer to answer it, but I already know it’s Beau, Kate’s perfect boyfriend. When he