701 V2 ch173 (1/2)

”You know I wasn't trying to embarrass Alisha, right?” She asked.

I shrugged. ”I don't think she was embarrassed. Maybe a little ashamed? For being called out like that.” I looked around to make sure no one was near us. ”She really likes Noah.”

Kaylee laughed. ”Everyone knows, Jake.”

I frowned. ”Then why would you say anything?”

Kaylee pointed behind me. ”To make sure she doesn't end up like that idiot.”

I turned around and tried to point out the 'idiot'. There was a small gathering of teens, most who looked familiar and two who were extremely familiar. Kyle and Marie. My lips twitched as I fought off the smile. ”Which one is the idiot..?”

”I would say Marie.” She leaned forward on the table, resting her chin in her hand. ”She's going to follow Kyle to whichever college he goes to.”

”Does Kyle know that..?” I scratched my cheek. He hasn't said anything to us. I knew that Marie was interested in what colleges he was visiting, but to blindly follow..?

”Who knows. If he does, that makes him an idiot. If he doesn't, that also makes him an idiot. Two idiots put together. What a match made in heaven.” She sighed. ”Dating in high school is a terrible idea. It's so emotionally exhausting. Ups and downs. Crushes, breakups, and getting back together.” She sighed.

”Are they officially back together?” I asked.

”They've been talking a lot lately.” She told me. ”They take turns calling one another almost every night.”

”Oh.” We had been at separate camps so I didn't know. Kaylee really seemed down and out on her sister and Kyle. I can see how it made her lash out on Alisha. ”My brother told me that sometimes dating in high school works out.” I told her.

She looked surprised. ”Which brother?”

”Jeremy.” I explained how I called him while at camp. ”Him and Noah were talking about girlfriends. Noah doesn't think dating in high school lasts either. But Jeremy said he knows a few guys that married their high school girlfriends.”

She smiled and shook her head. ”It's highly unlikely, but I guess it does happen.” She glanced at her sister. Then looked back at me. ”So, talking with Jeremy more?”

I shrugged. ”Occasionally.”

”Is it weird?”

I laughed. ”Always.”

She paused. ”Do you ever miss your mom?”

My smile fell. ”No.” I thought how Kaylee didn't know much about my past and decided to expand. ”She wasn't a good person, let alone a good mother. She's in jail where she belongs.”

Kaylee winced. ”Sorry. I didn't mean to pry. I just wonder how it feels. To get a completely new family.”

”I can't speak for everyone, but-” I smiled. ”It's the best thing to ever happen to me.”

”He's nice to them and they're nice to him.” I thought about it. ”Things were a little difficult in the beginning, but it's gotten a lot better.”

”That's good. I'm glad you're doing better.” She laughed. ”Though it's strange to hear you talk so much.”

Am I talking too much? I clamped my mouth shut.

”It's a good thing.” She laughed again. ”Don't be so scared all the time.”

Easier said than done. I shot her a look.

”C'mon, you cant be scared anymore.” She told me, relaxing in her chair again. ”Noah is like your own personal guard dog. Plus, you have the twins and don't even get me started on Zeke.” She cocked a grin. ”You have me too.”

I relaxed a bit. ”Thanks.” I looked around. ”Didn't Alisha invite KJ too?”

”She should be here somewhere.” She told me. ”Why? Are you trying to get rid of me?”