The Starburst Effect

by Kelly Oram

I’ve never liked hospitals. They try to be inviting, but the overall feeling in them is sad. People are either beaten down by their situations, or they’re trying too hard to be cheerful and putting on a brave front.

She’s being shallow. She’s obsessed with fitting in with Jensen’s group, and it’s changing her as a person.

“I was such a jerk to you. I had no idea that…that…” He closes his eyes and lets out a breath. “You’re the best person in the world.”

“You’re a miracle, Lily. That’s what Mom calls you.”

The side of his mouth tips up into a soft but confident smile. “To me, you’re an ankle,” he murmurs.

And I’m beginning to think he’s right. One meaningful relationship is better than a hundred fake ones.

“His friendship is the best thing that’s happened to me all year.” I’m rewarded with Noah’s brightest smile.

“You hang out with me when I’m lonely, you cheer me up when I’m sad, you stand up for me when people are being mean to me. You care about me. That is what a normal friend does. More than that. That’s what a good friend does.”

At first, the kiss is soft and sweet, but then he deepens it and kisses me as if he’s been waiting a lifetime for this moment. My head starts to spin, but I don’t pull away. This is the best kiss of my life.

Bless his heart, my brother folds his arms across his chest and glares at Zoey with all his might. Her face falls. “I’ll put you down for a chocolate milk,” she says, subdued.

He picks up my hand and laces our fingers together. “It needs a…a…” I wait, unsure where he’s going with this. “A happy ending,” he says. “I need to end bragging about how I graduated, signed up for college, and won back my girlfriend.” He pauses, frowns, and adds, “Assuming you want to be my girlfriend again.” I side-eye him and pretend to think about it. “I don’t know. Do you promise not to dump me this time?”

He holds his hand over his heart. “I porpoise.” I laugh. Close enough.