Read Online Friend Is a Four Letter Word by Steph Campbell - Free Book Online Page A

That’s it. No further plan. Money wise, I still have all of my graduation cash, which should be enough until I figure things out more.
    I take a deep breath. “Look, I know you guys wanted me to volunteer at Bible class with Nolan. And I’m sorry to pull out at the last second like this—”
    “Is it Nolan?” my mother asks, her hand pressed to her chest. “Did you do something to make him upset.”
    I don’t bother to hide my eyeroll. Of course, if something happened between me and Nolan, it just had to be my fault.
    What makes me even more annoyed is that she guessed right. Well, she guessed one piece right. There are a dozen other pieces my mother doesn’t even realize are on the board at all.
    “I know this may upset you.” I put a hand on Mom’s arm, my fingers brushing the pink cashmere of her sweater. “Nolan and I decided to take a break.”
    Mom bites her bottom lip and gives Dad a look that clearly says, She’s out of her ever-loving mind and ruining her good prospects. If you don’t want your daughter to die an old maid, do something!
    My father clears his throat. “Shayna, trust us, your mother and I know how much love can… hurt. Be confusing. And if things aren’t right with you and Nolan, by all means, take a break. But running away?”
    I nibble on my lip, wondering how the hell I can manage this without hurting them or losing myself. There may be no way to completely avoid both of these things, but I take my best stab.
    “It’s… Quinn,” I say, watching Mom wrinkle her nose in distaste.
    “The wild dark haired one?” she asks, shaking her head.
    There is a heaping load of irony connected to the fact that my mother thinks Quinn is the ‘wild one.’ She obviously has blinders on when it comes to me.
    “She’s my friend, Mom. And we’ve been talking since she left for California. She’s so in love with being out there, and she said I have to see it. We’ve barely traveled since we came back from Uganda. I miss traveling.” I hold my breath and watch my parents have a very long conversation using nothing but pointed looks and head shakes.
    “So… this is just a visit to a friend?” my father says, his voice measured with caution.
    “Um, yes,” I half lie. Of course I want to see Quinn. And—though I’ve yet to call her—I’m sure she’d like to see me.
    At least, I’m sure she wouldn’t turn me out cold.
    At least, I hope I’m sure.
    Shit! Why didn’t I just text her last night? Because I crashed after flirting with Carter, then woke up this morning giddy on the adrenaline of my plan. Plus, I don’t want her to tell me why it’s not a good idea. If Quinn can’t put me up, I’ll find another way. But I want to be out there, free. I want to see Carter face to face and figure it all out with him. I want to know what I want for once in my damn life.
    “What about school, Shayna? You’re in the middle of a semester,” Dad says.
    “I’ll take a short leave. I’ll work it out. I promise. I won’t drop out,” I say. I mean it. One thing I’ve always managed to pull off no matter how shit things have been are decent grades. I have no illusions that I’ll be able to make a decent living if I have no skills.
    My father takes out his wallet and presses a few bills to me. When I shake my head, he presses harder. “Everything is outrageously expensive in California, Shayna,” he warns. “I’ll up the limit on your American Express. Take some time to see the state. But please be careful.”
    His look says, ‘don’t make me regret this.’
    Mom presses her fingers to her lips. “David,” she begs, but Dad puts an arm around her shoulders and gives her a quick hug.
    “Don’t be upset, sweetie. Don’t you remember how excited we were the first time we drove up to Vermont for our honeymoon?” Dad looks down into Mom’s eyes and smiles.
    She tries to smile back, but her mouth falls. “That was different. I had you, my husband , to protect me. Shayla will be