Chapter One

In my nightmares I come here. But in reality I’ve rushed past all summer, turning away.

      It was 11:30 p.m. I looked through the front window of Jerry’s truck as we drove toward the hilltop apple orchard. The stars sparkled like wedding rings and sweet apple scent filled the air.

      Jerry turned off the headlights and sucked in his breath as we passed David’s house. His eyes turned dark.

     “School starts in two weeks,” I said. “It’s gonna be bad.”

     “Don’t talk.” Jerry’s words were gentle but firm. “We have each other. Just kiss me.” His straight blonde hair hung over his ocean eyes. I smoothed his bangs to the side.

     “Everyone’s gonna be talking about me.”

     “Just forget about it,” he said pressing his lips on me.

     “How can I?” I pushed him away. “ Brittany will probably kill me.”

      “Just ignore her. She’ll stop.”

      “I don’t know. At the end of school, everyone kept staring at me. Also, I’ve tried to call Celia like five times. Her parents must know my number on caller I.D.”

     If only I hadn’t thrown away Celia’s friendship last year.

     Cool breeze brushed through the open windows and teased our skin. He held my face, pulling me toward him, across the gearshift and onto his lap.

It scared me to death to be held with such a strong grip. Would Jerry stop if I changed my mind?

     His arms went around my upper back. His heart beat against my chest, and a sweet, warm passion splashed over me. His hair tickled my forehead. The pressure of his lips against me and the force of his tongue excited me.

   I wanted him to touch me. But instead of reaching up for his hand to place it on me, I panicked and my fingers hunted for the knob of the radio. The power wasn’t on, so I jiggled the key. I punched the buttons while my heart raced and settled for Nelly Furtado. It calmed my heavy breathing. He held me, and we didn’t move. We dozed off.