"I'm not allowed to see you or even hear your voice for three whole months?! What the hell, Eli!"

"It'll be fine, Brooke. I'll come back to you before you know it. Three months is barely any time at all."

I open my eyes to a dark room, irritated that I couldn't even escape last night's conversation in my dreams.

The silky sheets feel cool against the tips of my fingers as I stroke the empty spot beside me.

Looks like Eli's already gone. He never really sticks around when he spends the night anyway.

I guess I should get out of bed, too, then.

My hand slides under my pillow to grab my phone.

"It's 11:17 am?!"

I roll out of bed and pull my blue curtains apart. Rain, huh? No wonder I thought it was still super early. Oh, well.

I tie my messy hair into a loose bun atop my head and take care of my morning routine before heading into the kitchen.

"Hey, mom."

She whips her head around from her place at the sink and turns the faucet off, shuffling over to me in her moccasins.

"How'd the conversation go last night, Brooke?!"

Her wet hands grasp my shoulders and leave them feeling damp.

I sigh and sit on the hard stool at the breakfast bar.

"I don't know. I got mad on accident."

"Huh?"

She nudges a water bottle toward me and I catch it before it tips over on its side.

"He said he's gonna go through with boot camp, so he'll be gone for three months."

Mom laughs, and I know it's at the nonsense I just spewed. Even I know I'm acting ridiculous.

"Isn't that a good thing? He wants to do something with his life. You should be happy."

"Mom... it's three months. Could you wait for Kevin that long?"

"Of course, I could."

Liar. Sure, she loves my stepdad, but we both know she'd probably get even more upset if our roles were reversed.

"You just need to stop being so dramatic and act like you're an adult. I mean, you're gonna be eighteen this summer, Brooke. Maybe some time off from Eli will do you some good? You haven't even decided what you want to study in college. Time is ticking."

She never gets tired of repeating herself, does she?

Yes, I know senior year is almost over. Yes, I know I need to figure out what I want to do.

But, the whole point of the conversation with Eli last night was to discuss moving in together after we graduate in a couple of months. Not to discuss that he'd be leaving for three months and the only way to contact him would be through letters.

"I'm just gonna go to school."

Mom glances at the digital clock on the stove, no doubt questioning why I'd be going near noon.

"We have a late start today, remember?"

"Ah."

***

It's always so weird to walk these halls during a late start. It almost feels like a totally different high school. Everyone is so full of energy as opposed to the zombies that show up here at seven in the morning.

For once, I'm glad Eli goes to our rival school. I haven't sorted out my thoughts yet, so I don't know what I'd do if I bumped into him right now.

I sift through my locker to find the books I need for the few classes I'm attending today. When I close the metal door, I find myself face-to-face with the tan-skinned beauty I call my best friend.

"'Sup, Brooke! Late starts are the freakin' best, aren't they?" Trish's booming voice echoes around us.

She takes a big sip out of her Starbucks cup. I can't believe getting Starbucks on late start days has become a routine for her.

"Want some?" she offers, her orange drink swishing back and forth around the ice.

I wave my free hand in front of myself. "Nah, I'm good."

Trish shrugs. "Suit yourself. Wanna head to class?"

All she's holding is her drink and phone, but I guess that does compliment her low-cut sweatshirt and tight pants better than school supplies or a bag would. She's got a nice figure and she's not afraid to show off.

"And your books?"

"That's what you're here for," she says with a wink. "I'll share with you. But, that's not what's important here. Why are you so down?"

Of course she'd notice.

"I'm not—"

Her large bosom blocks my path. We're about the same height, but Trish has a much bigger presence, both physically and otherwise.

While she's the life of the party, I'm the fly on the wall.

"It's cute that you think you can lie to me." She pouts.

I chuckle and run my fingers through my straight hair.

"Fine, so last night—"

My eyes catch movement several feet behind Trish's head.

There they are — Jake and his two best friends. Jake's the one most of the girls daydream about and sneak peeks of as they walk by.

I'm not entirely sure why he's so popular, but it probably has to do with his Latino features complimenting his athletic build rather nicely.

I mean, even I can't help but look.

His caramel eyes meet mine and he flashes me a smile. I immediately avert my gaze. Even though we dated on and off throughout our freshman year, I still can't make eye contact with him for more than half a second.

Trish notices my reaction and glances over her shoulder before turning back to me.

"Bad Brooke! No! You have Eli now!"

"Keep it down, Trish!" I half-whisper, squeezing the books against my chest.

She's right, of course, but I guess it's always hard to forget 'the one that got away'... especially when you're still forced to see him five times a week. It's not like we ended on bad terms, but it was just bad timing.

"Let's just head to class. Forget about him and think about Eli instead," she nags, yanking on one of my arms, urging me to follow her.

Eli is the one for me. I know that, despite everything, he's the one I'm meant to spend the rest of my life with.

But, is it really hurting anyone for me to look?