Why are you making a joke out of this?" she asks. "Because it's stupid, Nik. There's not even room in my day to think about someone else.

I've spent so much time avoiding arguments and smoothing relationships with the people around me, this confrontation is painful.

I can't sleep. Too many thoughts running through my useless head.

Three things Marco taught me today race through my mind: boys will lie to your face just to have sex with you, don't trust any boy who says I love you, and never date a boy who lives on the south side of Fairfield.

My brain tells me it will be better to just let him go. My heart... not so much.

Luis is right there.” I point to the corner of the yard, where my little brother is the centre of attention doing imitations of barnyard animals. I have yet to inform him that talent isn’t as much of a chick magnet when you get into junior high.

If you could wish on a star right now, what would you wish for?"I ask him. "For time to stop. "Why?" He shrugs. "Cause I could live forever at this moment.