Chapter 79

• When she collapsed on me, I kept kissing her tender folds and creases as she relaxed. She eventually rolled off and I turned to join her on the pillows. Her face was flushed and drowsy as I moved her hair to kiss her lips. She hummed a soul deep satisfaction and gave me lazy kisses in return.
• “I love you, Sam,” I said. I wasn’t just repeating what she told me, I felt it to my core. Her eyes filled and she clutched me in a tight hug. I don’t know how long we stayed like that, but we both missed the class after lunch before we got out of her room.
• By Friday after school, the butterflies in my stomach were in full flight. I knew I shouldn’t be nervous. It was just Sam. It was just a dance. Mom and I sat in the living room while I put the dark blue polish on my fingernails. Mom helped me get it on my toenails without smearing. I couldn’t keep the stupid grin off my face.