"Come on, we have to celebrate!" Jade Wu said softly running her
fingers through Evan's hair.
"You're always looking for some excuse to party," Evan said smiling.
"No, just now," she said gesturing towards a program on CNN that her
and Evan were watching that Friday night. "I mean, a documentary on the
struggle for peace in the Middle East is not my idea of a great Saturday
night."
Evan raised his eyebrows, "I've been through a lot this week so I kind
of wanted to spend a nice quiet evening together. And second, we can't
celebrate because it wouldn't be very nice for Tia, and second, I want
to see this."
Jade pouted as Evan turned back to the television. This was the weekend
and she wanted to go out and have some fun. Jade immediately felt
guilty. Evan had gone through a lot. First, he didn't get accepted into
Berkeley but Tia had. Tia had finally decided she didn't want to go and Evan
was able to go in her spot.
Jade surveyed the dark room and smiled. Just because they were here
didn't mean they couldn't have fun. Jade snuggled closer and started
nuzzling Evan's neck. Instead of responding, Evan gently pushed her away and
continued to watch the show.
Jade sat there stunned and tears formed in her eyes. No guy had ever
ignored her advances, especially one she was supposed to be going out
with. Jade thoughts wandered back to the beginning of senior year. Before
Evan. Before Jeremy. Back when she used to go out with lots of guys.
Jade smiled remembering how much fun she had and the freedom of not being
tied down. You begin to wonder if having a boyfriend was worth it.

"And then he he walked me to the door, he gave me this lame half-hug
thing and a quick peck on the cheek!" Jade moaned.
Jessica looked at Jade amused. "I think it's cute."
Jade stared across the cafeteria table at Jessica. "Cute? We're
seventeen not seventy."
"Jade! Calm down. Not every moment with Evan should be romantic. When
me and Jeremy hang out it's not all lips and fingers. Last Saturday we
spent the whole evening trying to assemble an art easel for Jeremy's
sisters!"
Jade raised her eyebrows, "Really?"
"Yes!" Jessica said laughing. "When you're with someone you care about
sometimes just being with them is enough."
"Isn't that dull?" Jade said horrified.
Jessica shrugged. "Sometimes. But it's worth it. You have a guy who
really cares about you and who knows you and what you like. Would you
rather make out with a guy, or spend the evening with Evan?"
Jade thought about it. "With Evan," she answered slowly even though she
wasn't sure if it was totally true.
"Good. Welcome to a real relationship." Jessica giggled when she saw
Jade's face. "Scary, isn't it? That's how it was for me too. We can't all
be like Elizabeth. I mean, one time I saw Conner and Elizabeth spending
a wild Saturday washing his car!"
Jade laughed. Even though Jessica said it was hard, she and Jeremy were
still together and happy. Jade liked Evan. She really did. But maybe it
was time to add a new spark to their relationship. Or else Jade felt
she would start up her old ways again.