SUMMER WITH THE STEPS

by Kiara Rosalee

A sequel to Rachel Cohn's novel "The Steps". It takes place the July after she visited for Christmas and she is going back to Australia for a visit only -SURPRISE- this time Wheaties is coming along too. Rated T for now, although the beginning more K

SUMMER WITH THE STEPS

*inspired by the novel by rachel cohn*

Sara Shellick

*Disclaimer: I do not own The Steps*

~chapter one~

"You're going there again?"

Justine's incredulous gasp rings throughout the surprisingly empty park we're strolling down the sidewalk of.

A few pigeons nibbling cracker bits dropped on the path by evening passersby scurry with a few loud flaps of their wings.

"I have to. I promised my dad I would. Lucy too."

Justine groans loudly and stomps in a little, aggravated circle.

"What am I supposed to do for ALL of July without my best friend?"

She suddenly notices Wheaties approaching behind us, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his mustard-yellow fleece jacket.

I roll my eyes. That boy will never learn.

Justine drapes her arm over his right shoulder. He immediately stiffens. "Do you expect me to hang out with Wheaties every day for a month?"

She raises her eyebrows as if to say: Look! Don't we just perfectly clash?

A sheepish look creeps over m y face and I admit, "Actually….Wheaties is coming too."

Justine turns to Wheaties with an exasperated expression.

"Oh! You're ditching me too? Well I see how it is! Love ya too, Weteman."

Wheaties blushes and I can't help but snort at him.

"In your dreams, Wheat! She doesn't mean literally."

This makes him blush even more furiously. He shrugs her arm off him and retorts, "I'm not into Justine, Annabelle! And it's time for dinner. That's why I came out her anyway."

He scoffs, shoots a placid smile at Justine and walks off.

We watch him cross the street and duck into our apartment building. Justine and I collapse in giggles.

He may be my step, and a lot cooler than he used to be, (thanks to living with me), but making fun of him NEVER gets old.

"Well I gotta go," I shrug.

She nods and steps forward for a hug.

"We'll hang out before you leave right?"

"Duh!" I laugh. "We haven't went shopping for those J. Crew bikinis yet."

She grins in the darkness

"Okay."

We break apart and begin walking in opposite directions.

When we're about ten feet apart she calls," I'm still mad at you for ditching me!"

"I only went the first time 'cause you went skiing for Christmas!"

"Well its your fault for liking them!"

I smile to myself. I love our fake blame-game.

"Well I hate your top!" I call, in reference to the fabulous black thermal I got her for her birthday in April.

She laughs. "I love you, Annabelle!"

"I love you too, Justine!"

"I'll call you!"

"You better!"

We finally just break off conversation and go our separate ways.