Late Junior Year

It was my birthday and I was in an amazing mood. Spinelli had grabbed my hand and pulled me into a room and closed the door. I was grinning by now. This was so like Spinelli. Finally. Finally. She was here and I was here and it felt right. I was sure of where this would lead.

"I kissed Jonny V."

My smiled faded, as did my happiness. This was not what I had expected. "You what?"

"I know, I know. It's just…he's so…I don't know. Don't tell anyone."

"Spin, why would you…" I sat down on the bed, my face in my hands. "Okay. So why did you drag me away from my birthday party?"

"Hey, keep your voice down. No one has to know we're in here. I thought you might want to hide from him with me," she said hopefully, grinning.

"Spin, you are so lucky I love you."

She smiled and sat next to me. "You are the lucky one. Ashley Q. was looking at you like she wanted to tear off your clothes. I saved you. You should be thanking me."

"Yeah, lucky me," I answered sarcastically. "Spin gets to kiss someone on my birthday, and I don't."

"Don't be so bitter," she said, crossing her legs. She was wearing some delicate dress that looked just completely absurd with her combat boots. I stifled a laugh.

"You," I said, shaking my head, "are something else."

"Close your eyes," she said.

"What?"

"Teej, just do it."

I did as I was told, and felt her lips on mine, so briefly I couldn't be sure if it was actually happening. Then I felt them again, harder, parted, and hungry. And then they were gone. I opened my eyes.

"No one has to know about that, either," she said. "Happy birthday, Teej."

It was several hours later, and Spinelli had fallen asleep on the bed. I don't think I'd moved at all from where I'd sat down originally. I just stayed there and watched her. I had no idea why, but I felt so sad and so angry and so in love. No one has to know.

I stood up and kissed her forehead, then exited the room. Vince and Gretch were sitting on the couch in the living room, watching something on TV. Everyone else was asleep on the floor or in different rooms.

"Hey," I said solemnly.

"Hey, hey! So you and Spinelli?" Vince asked, grinning.

"I must say, it's about time," Gretch added.

"No," I said, sitting next to them. "It will never happen."