Parker's Island Read Free

reason.
    “Why would I care about Logan ?  I ’m going to the party with Chad.   He just asked me today at lunch , ” Hayley grinned, thrilled that they may be getting back together again.
    “So , Delaney turn s him down this morning and then he go es running back to you?” C andace said.
    “What do you mean Delaney turned him down?” s he snarled.
    “Oh , yeah , Chad asked her to go with him to the party this morning in first period.  Guess you’re second choice , ” Candace said , starting to sound a little guilty now .
    “ God Candace, what’s with you?” Chelsea chime d in, surprised that their long- time friend could be so mean .  “ T his isn’t like you.”
    “Sorry, ” Candace said, looking contrite.
    “Did Chad really ask Delaney to our graduation party this morning?”  Hayley asked , looking crushed.
    “Um… no , not really.  I’m sorry , ” s he lied.  “I was just pissed at you for telling Jeff that I didn’t like him , ” Candace said while looking down, trying to hide the truth in her eyes.
    “Well , you don’t like him.”
    “He’s a nice guy, and you didn’t need to be so mean.   Come on, let’s get back to class , ” Candace said, wishing she’d never said anything at all about Chad, Delaney or Logan.
    I stepped o ut of the bathroom stall feeling confuse d .  I washed my hands and wondered what Candace meant about the way Logan looks at me.  Did he even look at me ?  I was certain they were wrong.  I dried my hands and headed to my next class.
    I walked into fifth period and glanced at Logan .  H e was staring out the window.   Suddenly I was even more self- conscious around him .   I wondered what Candace meant about the way he looks at me.  I sat down next to him and said , “Hi.”
    “Hi.  Are you ready for the chemistry test next period?” h e asked.
    “Um, yes… I think so.  I studied for it, but I’m sure I’m not as prepared as you are.” 
    “I’m sure you’ll do very well , ” h e grinned.
    “Easy for you to say ; y ou never have to study for anything.”  It was tru e. I didn’t think he ever studied.  He always got perfect scores on all of his tests and assignments. It was somewhat aggravating to always sit by the smartest guy in the school, but all I had to do was to look into those beautiful eyes and I completely forgot about my irritation .
    “I study!” h e said, looking a bit annoy ed with me.
    “ I didn’t mean anything… I just… ”
    “I know.  I just think you’re selling yourself short.  You’re very intelligent , Delaney .  D on’t think you’re not.”
    “Thanks.  So, um… are you going to college somewhere, I mean I’m sure you’re going to college, but which one?  I’m sure you have your pick of any university that you want.” 
    “I don’t know.  I really hadn’t thought much about it.”
    “Why?  You’re so smart.  Y ou could go anywhere you want.  If its money you’re worried about , I’m sure you can get scholarships , if you don’t already have some.  And if not, there are always student loans , ” I kept babbling.  I was completely unable to stop.  “I mean, I’m sure you can work something out.  You could work part time…just enough to …”  I finally stopped when I noticed h e was grinning at me.  “What?” I finally asked.
    “I was just waiting for you to take a breath.”  More laughing.
    I knew I was turning bright red because I could actually feel it running from my chest, up my neck and into my cheeks.  “Sorry.”
    “No, I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to embarrass you.  I’m just not sure if or where I’m goi ng yet.  I’d like to, it’s just …complicated. ”
    “Oh.”  Brilliant reply, I thought to myself.
    “So, where are you going?”
    “Um….I’ve put in applications at a few colleges and got a few letters of acceptance, but I’m not really sure either.”  I didn’t want to commit to anything until I knew where he was going, just