Conflicted by Sophie Monroe Page B

was Blake Potter. In high school, she was a permanent fixture at the house whenever Blake was around, hoping that he’d notice her. He thought she was the most annoying human ever to grace the face of the Earth, which made me love her even more. She was taller than me at five-foot-seven with light brown hair and whiskey colored brown eyes. We’d been best friends since middle school and would most likely be friends until we died, even if she drove me crazy.
    “Waverly is perfect. You wouldn’t believe how big she’s gotten already. It’s insane how fast they grow! As far as Smithville, I’m about to go find out what it’s like. I haven’t ventured out much since I got here.”
    In fact, other than a couple trips to the minimart for ice cream and snacks, I hadn’t seen much of the town at all. From what I had seen, it was clean and quaint. I could see why people would want to live here and it would make a great place for Waverly to grow up.
    There was a slight pause and I knew that she was registering everything I’d just said. “What the hell have you been doing then? Sitting around and wasting away?”
    “No,” I said, playing coy. “Actually, I’ve been having the best sex of my life. With Derek.”
    “Derek Scott?” The salacious laugh that followed told me I was in for it.
    “The one and only,” I said with a sigh. I knew where this conversation was going to end and there was going to be no avoiding it.
    “Uh-oh. You’re falling for him,” she accused.
    “Am not!” I defended.
    “Are too!”
    “We have an agreement. Neither of us is falling, trust me. I care about him and him me, but we’re just friends and that’s all it’s every going to be.” I was trying to convince myself as much as her.
    “We’ll see. I just hope you know what you’re getting into. He doesn’t exactly have the best… what’s the word I’m looking for? Reputation. That’s it - reputation.”
    Anger boiled inside of me. “You don’t even know him, Kelly. Don’t be so quick to pass judgment. Do you think Blake ’s the way the rumors portray him? No, he isn’t. They sell that shit to the highest bidder and they don’t care about what they’re printing as long as it’s making them money. Derek is a great guy and he’s my friend, so just back off.”
    She let out a deep sigh from the other end of the phone and I knew I’d hurt her feelings.
    “Jeez, don’t get all defensive. I’m just trying to look out for you. Relax.”
    “Sorry Kel, I’m just so sick of everyone trying to judge what we’re doing. Blake had a shit fit at first and my parents aren’t exactly thrilled either, but we’re two consenting adults and what we do behind closed doors is no one’s business.”
    “I’m sorry to o; I jumped to conclusions. Just be careful, okay?”
    Her concerned tone told me she was just being my friend, which made me feel lousy about lashing out. But a girl can only take so much before she snaps and it’s usually at the people that care the most. Honestly though, how the fuck was I supposed to learn anything on my own with everyone always trying to make my choices for me?
    “My heart is locked away and the key is missing, so I’m good. I promise. I should be back home in a couple weeks. I’ll see you then.”
    “Sounds good. Take care of yourself, Joss.”
    Needing to blow off steam, I clicked off the phone and stepped down harder on the gas pedal, revving the engine and heading toward the main street in town. This car had some giant lady balls that threw me back in the seat as I shifted through the gears. I cranked up the stereo, blaring Papa Roach’s “…To Be Loved” and rolled down the windows, letting in the slightly cool air. I was feeling free until I noticed the red, white, and blue behind me. Funny how they’re colors of freedom until they’re flashing behind you. Turning the music down, I adjusted my shirt, ensuring ample cleavage, and rolled my window down the rest of the way.
    I