Because of You Read Online Free PDF Page B

my room, careful to be quiet. Grab some sheet music and my iPod, a secret gift from my uncle, and carefully close the door.



Maddie
    he sun beats down as though it’s desperately trying to elevate my mood.
    It’s still September, and there’s a slight chill in the morning air. Bellam Springs has three seasons: Summer, Winter, and
Fring
, which is the two weeks between Summer and Winter where it’s almost like Fall and Spring combined.
Fring
. My mother made that word up when I was little and it stuck. I kind of like it.
    That’s what today feels like, a beautiful
Fring
day. I hurry into the cafeteria, punch my code into the console, and grab a bagel, cream cheese, and a glass of orange juice. The smell of coffee and bacon fill the room. Should I grab some? But the line is long and I don’t have time. I want an hour to practice the piano before my first class.
    There’s a tiny round table in the corner near one of several large windows, and I sit. After I smear cream cheese on half a bagel, I take a bite. The air is crackling with anticipation. It’s my first day of college. I’m giddy. I feel grown up.
    The cafeteria is packed. People are in groups, the same as high school kids I’ve seen in the movies, and I’m surprised. One long table is filled with kids, all chatting and laughing loudly. I can’t help wondering what they’re talking about.
    I take another bite of bagel and put my ear buds in. Scrolling through my music, I find the piece I’m going to practice—
Nocturne No. 2 in E
—and press play. It starts out slow, whimsical.
    As I listen, Kyle walks in. His hair is wet and rumpled. Like he got out of the shower and shook it dry. He’s wearing a tight blue t-shirt that accentuates every muscle in his arms, chest, and abs. His jeans sit low on his hips. The two girl from the party last night flank him. They look hungover, but still beautiful. I wonder if they stayed the night with him. And if they did, what they did. I think about his offer to join them, and what that would’ve entailed. My cheeks get hot. I look away, taking another bite of my bagel, but I can’t keep my traitorous eyes from his body.
    The music playing in my ears speeds up, and so does my heart.
    Kyle glances over, his eyes locking on mine, and a smile spreads across his lips.
    He remembers me. And I realize I’m really excited. All the times we hung out together—in his room, in my room, listening to music, talking about what we wanted in life, rushing through homework—it bubbles up and runs over. I’ve missed him terribly.
    He whispers something to the girls and then strolls over, leaving them to fend for themselves. My heart leaps. Butterflies escape, spread their wings and flutter lightly in my stomach. What will he say? I can’t help but notice the way people in the cafeteria watch his movements. He’s like one end of a magnet. Everyone is drawn to him.
    Including me.
    I sit up straight and pull out an ear bud.
    “Hi,” I say when he’s close. My heart skips several beats.
    “Hey.” He places both hands on the edge of a chair and leans forward.
    I can smell his aftershave and a hint of vanilla… his shampoo?
    “Didn’t I see you at a party last night?” He licks his lips, and I’m mesmerized. “What’s your name?” he asks.
    I blink several times, open my mouth and close it, trying not to look like a trout. My bagel drops onto the napkin.
    He doesn’t know who I am.
I can’t believe it.
Am I really that forgettable?
    The girls he left behind have sauntered up next to him. They aren’t twins but they are dressed alike: white button shirts undone to their belly buttons with crisp collars, navy miniskirts, over-the-knee navy socks, and black, super high Mary Janes.
Their shoes say slut
, I’ve decided.
    One of the girls drapes a hand through Kyle’s arm. She glares at me before smiling brightly at Kyle. “Let’s eat,” she coos.
    Trying not to gag, I stand. “No. Sorry. I thought you were someone