Trapped Read Free

you’re not exactly a patient person, but you need to give yourself time to heal.”
    I turn and look at her, taking in her long, wavy dark hair, green eyes, freckles, and whimsical-looking smile, and I know she means well. But she so does not get it.
    â€œTrust me, by Christmas you’ll be over him.”
    Now I cry again.
    â€œOh, GraceAnn, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
    â€œIt’s okay.” I’m searching the console for the packet of tissues I usually keep in my car. “It’s not your fault.”
    â€œWell, maybe it’s good,” she says quietly. “Like I said, you need to let the tears out.”
    So now I confess how I spotted Clayton with Avery this morning. “And you should’ve seen the look in his eyes,” I blurt out. “It was like he was totally smitten with her.” I choke on a sob. “And it’s only been a week — just a little more than a week.”
    She puts her hand on my arm. “I know; I saw them together on my way to lunch.” She shakes her head. “Guys can be such jerks sometimes.”
    â€œAnd I’ll bet Avery isn’t even a Christian. Clayton always said he wouldn’t date a non-Christian. He’s changing.”
    Mary Beth shrugs. “Jackson used to say the same thing … and look at him now. He doesn’t even go to youth group anymore.”
    â€œWell, did you notice Clayton wasn’t at youth group last night?”
    â€œI didn’t want to mention it.”
    â€œStupid guys! Maybe we’re better off without them.”
    â€œMaybe …” But she sounds doubtful.
    â€œExcept that it would be nice to go to the Winter Ball.” I sigh. “I really thought Clayton might change his mind … want to get back together … and take me. I already knew what dress I was going to get and everything.”
    Mary Beth doesn’t respond to this. Of course, as far as I know, she has no hopes of going to the Winter Ball this year. And this just makes me feel worse. Like what kind of friend am I? Obsessing over myself and how I won’t be going to a stupid dance, and all this time my best friend has been hurting and I’ve barely even noticed.
    â€œOh well.” I try to make my voice sound light. “It’s not the end of the world, is it?”
    She gives me a brave smile. “No, it’s not.”
    â€œAnd who knows, maybe we can round up a couple of unsuspecting guys to take us to the dance.” I force a laugh as I realize how ridiculous that idea might be.
    â€œIt’s less than two weeks away, GraceAnn. Where do you plan to dig up some unsuspecting guys?”
    â€œYou’re probably right, but I sure wouldn’t mind making Clayton jealous.”
    She seems unsure about this.
    â€œOkay, he probably wouldn’t even care. But it might be fun for us, Mary Beth. I mean, to go to the dance. And there must be some guys who would take us.”
    â€œWho?” She looks thoroughly bewildered now.
    â€œI don’t know, but I’ll try to think of something … or someone … or a couple of someones.”
    â€œGood luck with that.” She opens the car door.
    â€œI’ll get back to you,” I promise as she gets out.
    She chuckles. “Can’t wait to hear what you come up with.”
    But now I’m determined. How hard could it be to find a couple of nice guys to take a couple of nice girls to a dance? And hey, we can go dutch if we need to. As I drive home, I consider the unattached guys in our youth group. By the time I pull into the driveway, I realize that none of them will work. There are some very specific reasons they’re “unattached.”
    I turn off the car engine and stare up at my house like I’m seeing it for the first time. It’s my parents’ pride and joy, but I guess I take it for granted. Sure, it’s comfortable enough. But sometimes