The Awakener

by Amanda Strong

  The last four weeks of school, Eden engrossed herself with studying. She made a pretense that it was all for good grades, and not that it was to avoid dealing with her growing feelings for Micah. Andrew encouraged her to swim at Micah’s often, which made her feel even worse. She was pretty sure she’d freaked him out when she asked about next year’s textbooks. He told her she was taking school a little too seriously, and that said a lot coming from him. She stopped by Micah’s three or four times, but he never joined her in the pool. She was getting slightly annoyed with the ever-present black Honda in the driveway. Is Damon over every day now?

  Micah did come over to her house twice during those weeks, but always had Trent glued to him. He talked to Brendon more than her. It didn’t take her long to realize he was avoiding being alone with her. On his last visit, Micah asked Eden’s parents if she could go on their trip to Chicago. From that conversation, Eden learned Micah had won seven tickets to the amusement park and it was planned for mid-July. The seven invited were Micah, Trent, Damon, Willow, Andrew, Caitlyn, and her, of course.

  She didn’t think it was a coincidence that it was the same seven he’d invited to his pool party. She knew there was more to this trip then riding roller coasters. In the overheard conversation she’d happened to listen to, Trent talked about a trip they had to get through.

  She remembered all too clearly Micah saying Andrew had to be there too. The part that replayed over and over was Trent not liking the idea of this being a self-sacrificing thing. Horrified by what all that might mean, she wished she could get him alone to ask about it, but since their talk by the Jeep, he seemed to avoid being within three feet of her.

  As the beginning of June finally rolled around and the hot, humid, summer air was making the students crazy, the last day of school finally arrived. With her classes done, and her 4.0 secured, Eden had no choice but to face her feelings.

  She cared for Andrew but it wasn’t the same as what she felt for Micah. It’s not fair to Andrew. Micah might have seen it in his mind, but it just doesn’t feel right. I don’t want to pretend anymore.

  As Caitlyn sat across from her at lunch, she decided she’d confide in her. Eden knew Jessie would give her grief, but she had no choice; she didn’t have long until Andrew would be entering the cafeteria. She could see Willow was already in line for food. Shortly after Micah’s pool party, Chase broke up with Willow. Now she hardly ever saw Jake, Chase, or Megan. Eden found it odd Megan chose to stay with the guys rather than her friend, Willow. It made thinking nice things about Megan, that much harder for Eden. Willow didn’t seem to care, choosing to remain close to Eden. Andrew missed being with Chase and Jake, but told Eden he’d rather be with her now. Which, thinking about it now, made Eden feel terrible.

  “Caitlyn, I’m a mess,” she whispered, sort of hoping Jessie wouldn’t overhear, but Jessie turned.

  “Why are you a mess?”

  Caitlyn asked, “What’s going on?”

  Eden glanced around. “I’m going to break up with Andrew.”

  Caitlyn’s eyebrows came down as she nodded.

  “Am I missing something? Why on earth would you do that?” Jessie exclaimed.

  Eden faced her. “I don’t feel the same way about him as he does me.”

  “What? Are you crazy? Oh no, Eden! Don’t tell me this has something to do with Micah! Don’t waste your time on him,” Jessie said, getting ready to give her a lecture.

  “Jessie, Micah likes Eden,” Caitlyn whispered.

  Jessie stopped and stared at Eden. “Really? Are you sure? Did he tell you he does?”

  “Well, kind of—”

  “Why would you break up with Andrew then?” Jessie asked. “Why not wait until you know for sure Micah likes you. That way, if he doesn’t, you still have Andrew.”

  Both Caitlyn and Eden stared at Jessie. Eden was surprised Caitlyn’s pretty eyes could look so indignant.

  “Even if Micah doesn’t like me at all, Andrew deserves someone who adores him,” Eden said firmly.

  Caitlyn seemed appeased, as her eyebrows returned to their normal place.

  Jessie wouldn’t back down. “But, Eden, you aren’t thinking this through.”

  “Trust me, I am, more than you know.”

  Her mind had repeated Micah’s phrase over and over again for the past few weeks. Besides, I saw her marrying him—remember? Those words haunted her. Micah’s the Seer for crying out loud.

  Still, Jessie sputtered, “Eden! This’s just crazy!”

  Caitlyn smiled at Eden. “You should do what you think you should, Eden, and it’ll all be ok. Be honest with Andrew, and I just know this will all work out like it’s supposed to. You’ll see.”

  Eden sighed. “I wish I had your confidence, but I need to be honest with him either way.”

  Jessie continued her argument. “I think you’re making a mistake, Eden. Not all guys are like Andrew.” Eden glanced at her friend. She knew Jessie was taking it hard Trent had yet to call her. After talking, Eden had learned they hadn’t kissed that day in the pool, but Trent had tried, according to Jessie. She knew Jessie was right; she may never find another guy that treated her as well as Andrew did.

  Willow sat down, her blue eyes flashing at her and then Caitlyn. “So are you going to tell me too?”

  There was no point in trying to hide anything from Willow; she seemed to see right through it all. But what should I say?

  Caitlyn saved Eden. “Eden has relationship problems to fix.”

  Willow eyed Eden. “But it’s not only with Andrew.” It wasn’t a question, more of a statement.

  Eden nodded as Andrew entered the room.

  Willow leaned closer to her. “Do whatever Caitlyn said to do and it’ll work out.”

  Confused, Eden peeked at Caitlyn, who appeared just as surprised by Willow’s statement as she was. Jessie cleared her throat, in a very obvious manner, as Andrew sat down next to Eden.

  He stole a French fry off Eden’s tray, asking, “Are you guys looking forward to our trip to Chicago?”

  “Yeah, I’ve never been,” Caitlyn responded.

  Eden peeked at Jessie, who knew about the trip and was very hurt to be left out. Jessie’s lower lip pouted. “Nothing too great about it, just another city.”

  Willow smiled at Jessie. “When we get back from this, how about a girl’s road trip, Jessie? How about Virginia Beach?”

  Jessie brightened. “Now we’re talking.”

  Eden wanted to throw her arms around Willow. That had been very thoughtful and, knowing Willow, those weren’t mere words either; she’d follow through.

  Caitlyn glared at Andrew helping himself to Eden’s fries. “Don’t you ever eat your own food?”

  Andrew reached over grabbed Caitlyn’s apple. “No.” He took a big bite and returned it.

  She gave him the stink eye and bit the apple herself. “Oh, before I forget. Dave wanted to know if you wanted to play basketball on Thursday night, Andrew.”

  He grinned. “Sure.” Then he glanced at Eden. “Do you mind? I know Jake wanted to play too.” Eden noticed he didn’t mention Chase’s name for Willow’s sake, but she didn’t think Willow would’ve cared if he had. She wasn’t too torn up about the break up.

  “Not at all.” At least he’s not totally avoiding his friends because of me.

  “Oh, crud, I’ve got to get to history early. Mr. Thomas totally screwed up my grade,” Caitlyn announced. She pushed her lunch towards Andrew. “You can have it.”

  Andrew didn’t hesitate and grabbed her sandwich. “You’re tops, Caitlyn.”