Read Until Today for Free Online Page A

edge of our backyard. It’s been there since I turned three. The bright red paint peeled off long ago. The wood is gray and weathered from the sun.
    Dangling my legs and swaying back and forth on the swing, I turn off the hold button.
    â€œHey, what’s up?” I ask.
    â€œWhy aren’t you answering your cell? Forget it. Guess what!”
    No “hi” or “how are you” or anything. Just a breathless “guess what.” It must have something to do with Mike.
    â€œHi to you too,” I reply.
    â€œCome on Kat, I don’t have much time.”
    â€œI give, Steph. What?”
    â€œYou’ll never guess who called. Go ahead, guess.”
    For somebody who doesn’t have much time, Steph is being pretty dramatic. Trying to put as much enthusiasm into my voice as possible, I make my guess. “Mike?”
    Steph squeals so loud on the other end, I have to hold the phone away from my ear.
    â€œHe asked me out, Kat. Can you believe it? Maybe he caught those vibes I was sending him in the cafeteria all week.”
    â€œI doubt it. I think he just has a thing for puppy dogs and noticed your sappy stare.” I struggle to hide my sarcasm, trying to keep my voice light and teasing.
    Steph giggles. “Whatever, it doesn’t matter. He called. I felt so stupid. I didn’t know what to say to him on the phone. But he still asked me out.”
    I can see Steph doing a happy dance around her bedroom. “That’s great,” I reply, trying to be happy for her.
    â€œI couldn’t believe it when he asked me what I’m doing tonight. He wants to go to that party we heard about all week. It’ll mainly be seniors.”
    The familiar burning in the back of my throat keeps me from replying at first. Steph knows this week has been difficult for me, and she promised to come over tonight for a movie and sleepover. I’ve been looking forward to it and had even hoped it would help some of the strain I’ve been feeling between us lately.
    â€œKat, are you still there?”
    â€œYeah.” My voice sounds croaky.
    â€œKat, I’m sorry. I know I promised to come over but—”
    â€œIt’s okay, Steph.” I cut her off before we both feel awkward over her cancelling. “You go ahead. Have fun tonight. I’m kind of beat, anyway. I’d probably be a drag and fall asleep early.”
    Steph’s laugh sounds forced. “You’re the best, Kat. Why don’t you come to the party? Mike knows a lot of people who will be there. I could use your company. I won’t know anybody.”
    The thought of tagging along on Steph’s date to a house full of drunken seniors doesn’t sound appealing.
    â€œNope, count me out. I’m turning in early.”
    â€œAre you sure?” She doesn’t even wait for my answer before continuing. “I better go. I have to find something to wear.”
    â€œYeah, you wouldn’t want my help there,” I reply, trying to break the ice.
    Steph laughs and hangs up.
    The dial tone drones in my ear, while I sway gently on the swing. Just like that she’s gone, and I’m spending Friday night alone. Not feeling up to spending the evening with Dad or Sarah, I put the phone in my pocket and walk past the clubhouse to the river.
    The breeze carries the smell of diesel fuel from the Thomas farm on the other side of the woods. A squirrel scampers by me with a cheek full of nuts and who knows what else for its winter collection. I step to the side to stay out of its path, careful to avoid any patches of poison ivy. Jared and I learned about poison ivy the hard way one summer.
    The smell of wet moss greets me as I emerge from the trees and stop on the riverbank, careful not to slip on the rocks. Sometimes, when the water level is low and it hasn’t rained for awhile, you can see to the river bottom where the carp sunbathe. The water is dark and murky today, hiding any fish