Desire (Desire, Book 1) - By Missy Johnson Page 0,7

baseball and Lego, while the other half of me wondered what I was going to do about Neri. I’d been fifteen once, and fifteen year olds were hormonal, emotional and didn’t like to forgive.

Well, maybe that had just been me.

After arguing with myself for several minutes, I decided the best thing was to give her space. For the moment, anyway.

“Kait?”

“Yes Sambo?” I put extra energy into my response, feeling guilty that I hadn’t really been listening.

“I’m glad we’re here.” I leaned over and gave him a hug. He was so sweet.

“Me too.”

“Kait?” Sam looked at me again, his eyes filled with worry, “Will mommy come back?” I felt my heart snap. What was I supposed to say to that?

“Sam, mommy loves you so much. I’m sure she will be back as soon as she can.” Sam smiled, as if he was happy with the answer. I wish I felt as confident as I’d sounded.

The worst thing about the situation with Neri was how civilized she was being.

I could tell she was hurt, and I knew she was feeling abandoned, first he dad, then by me, and now by her mum, but she refused to let me see any of that.

“You guys feel like pizza for dinner?” Sam let out a squeal. Smiling, I took that as a yes and turned to Neri. She shrugged, not looking up from her phone. I ordered enough pizza for four, knowing Ara would be home any minute. Just as I’d hung up the phone, Ara walked in.

“Hey guys! You must be Sam and Neri.” She smiled warmly at them both. Sam glanced at me, his expression alarmed. I smiled at him, letting him know it was okay.

“Guys this is my roommate, and best friend, Ara.” Neri smiled shyly, while Sam stared at her with wide eyes, instantly taken by her relaxed attitude, and her beautiful looks, like most people were.

“Are you looking forward to school, Neri?” Ara took off her coat, throwing it on the back of the chair she flopped down into, “I went to South West too. You will love it, especially a hot little thing like you.” Neri’s face reddened as Ara chuckled, “Hey, if you have it, flaunt it, right?” She nudged Neri, who blushed even more.

“I like school.” She admitted finally, “But I’m not sure about starting one mid semester, especially freshmen year.”

“Honey, all the boys will want you, and all the girls will want to be friends with you.”

“I have a boyfriend already.” Neri said quietly. I looked at her in surprise. A boyfriend? I hadn’t thought about the friends she’d had to leave behind, much less a boyfriend.

If I were in her shoes, I’d be hating the world right now.

“What’s his name?” I asked, smiling. Neri managed a smile back.

“Jeremy.”

“Is he cute? How long have you been with him?” I asked smiling.

Neri pulled out her phone and handed it to me. I looked at the picture on the screen. Neri had her arms around a boy of about 16. He was cute, with his dark hair and tall athletic frame.

“We have been together almost a year.” I felt a pang of sadness as I noticed how happy she looked in this picture. There was no trace of that happiness in her face looking at her now.

“Maybe we can go and visit him next weekend.” For the first time, a sparkle appeared in her eyes.

“That would be awesome.” She smiled. Was I finally breaking through her armor?

Sam was busy showing Ara the ins and outs of his Lego collection. His shyness had evaporated as soon as she’d asked him about it. Ara glanced up at me and winked.

“Let’s put on a movie.” I decided. Pointing to the cabinet behind the TV, I told Neri to choose one. She poured over my selection (which admittedly wasn’t very good), before coming back over with Mean Girls.

“Now there’s a great choice before starting a new school.” Ara said dryly. Neri laughed, fitting into the spot between Sam and me on the couch.

“Maybe it will give me some ideas on making friends.” She quipped. Both Ara and I giggled.

“God help me if you get yourself suspended from school.” I moaned, covering my face in mock horror.

“You don’t need to worry about that.” Neri rolled her eyes, “If I want to study medicine, I need great results. Everything from now counts.”

I eyed her in awe of her determination. At fifteen, I’d had no idea what I wanted. The biggest thing on my mind