Just a Little Sincerity Read Online Free PDF Page A

take no interest in hearing my defense. “He’s just looking out for my best interest.”
    “Right,” Derek said, obviously peeved. “He’s just looking out for your best interest, yet whenever you truly need him, he’s nowhere to be found.”
    “Ouch—”
    “Sorry, Julie, but it’s the truth. He only cares to lookout for you when it keeps you from me or when it’s convenient for him .”
    “It’s in his nature to be protective,” I said, defending Luke yet again.
    But as each defense fell off my lips, I couldn’t help but question why I wasted my breath. Derek made a valid point. Luke only cared to come around if he thought I was in some kind of danger.
    Who was I kidding? When it came right down to it, all Luke ever wanted was to be my hero… and not even a hero I could call my own. True to his nature, his actions were self-serving. He’d get the chance to run in, save the day, and pat himself on the back for a job well done. And what would I get? Another exchange of awkward glances that would eventually lead to the same place they always led… nowhere.
    And while he ran further away, I’d keep chasing him. He knew he had me in his back pocket. He knew I wouldn’t let go. Sadly, I knew I wouldn’t let go….
    “Derek,” I said. “I know it’s last minute… and incredible childish considering this is just a high school thing… but would you like to come with me to the Fall Ball tomorrow evening? I mean, after all the hours and help you put in, you deserve to enjoy it as much as anyone else.”
    A faint smile crossed his lips, but he shook his head. “No.”
    “No?” I asked, admittedly shocked. “Simple as that?”
    “Simple as that.”
    “…Why?”
    He sat the picnic basket on the floor and took my hands.
    “Because I like you Julie… and you’re in love with Luke. And as hard as it is to walk away, I think I’m smart enough to know when it’s time to let go. I’m not a cat; you’re not a mouse. I’m not going to keep chasing you. It’s clear where your heart is and I can’t ask you to feel something you don’t feel.”
    “But—”
    “Love complicates everything,” he said, as if I didn’t know. “The thing is… I know why you’re running from me; you’re running after him.”
    “Yeah,” I whispered, knowing there was nothing but truth in his words.
    “So,” he continued. “If he’s running from you, maybe you should stop and ask yourself what he’s running after. You might just find that it’s time for you to walk away too.”
    “I don’t want to walk away from him, Derek—”
    “Finding love is an amazing thing, Julie. But sometimes… moving forward means letting go. It’s time to say goodbye.”
    “With me and Luke?”
    “Yeah,” he nodded, adjusting his glasses. “And with us. I don’t think, considering how I feel about you, we can continue being friends.”
    And as his last few words echoed through the gym, a loud clap of thunder shook the gym, knocking out the lights once and for all. The absence of electricity brought the gym into an immediate cave of darkness. I couldn’t see anything… not even the familiar glare from Derek’s glasses.
    I sat still, waiting for the power to restore, but nothing happened. Derek rustled in the darkness.
    “You need to take some time to really think about your life, Julie. You’ve lost perspective,” Derek said, his voice getting further away. Though I couldn’t see him, I knew he was heading for the door. “Luke should be here soon. And while I don’t want you to chance the storm alone, I can’t walk you through this one myself. But I don’t think you should be here when he arrives either. Get out while you still can, Julie. You’re just going to end up hurt if you keep waiting on him.”

Chapter Four
    Friday November 02, 11:00pm
    “Back off,” a woman said, her command firm, but kind. “Give the poor girl some space.”
    “Do you think she’s dead?” a man asked, his voice so loud that it