The Impact of You

Avery

The email sitting in my inbox is taunting me, distracting me in the most wondrous way. It’s a follow-up from the adoption agency. It’s a simple, three-line email, but the news it contains is about to change my life. They’ve confirmed that they mailed the information about my birth mother to my dorm address. I even have a tracking number to chart the package’s progress if I want.

I shove away from my desk, unable to stare at the words any longer. I need to get dressed anyway, and finish drying my hair. Madison’s humming to herself as she applies the rest of her makeup in front of the full-length mirror, completely oblivious to my inner turmoil. Now that the information is on its way, it feels like a ticking time bomb, surely set to explode in my face once it finds me. I suppose I don’t have to open it if I don’t want to. Who am I kidding? Of course I’ll open it. I’ve waited nineteen years to know this information. No matter what happens, something inside me needs to know.

Mitch never called, not that I care. I’d rather be with Jase anyway. I put my hair up in a ponytail, knowing there will be no taming its crazy tonight, and check my outfit in the mirror. Dark skinny jeans, ballet flats and a simple white silk top, rolled at the elbows. I add a few colorful beaded necklaces and call it good.

“You look pretty.” Madison smiles at my reflection. She has a date tonight, but she’s being surprisingly cool and level-headed about me going to the Delta Sig party.

“Thanks. You look smokin’.” Her little purple dress and cowgirl boots couldn’t be more adorable. I would totally need to borrow those at some point.

She pulls me in for an unexpected hug. “Jase better know how great you are. He does anything to mess this up, I’ll feed him his balls,” she says, patting my back.

tell her that I’m probably going to be the

thirty people there, spread out in the living room and kitchen, mingling and talking against the backdrop of

she hates my friendship with Jase, and I hate her very existence. It’s a strange thing that all of that is communicated in a single glance shared between us.

him across the room. It’s nice to see him relaxed like this. His hip is leaning against the counter, his feet crossed at the ankles. HisT-shirt is a size too small and hugs his biceps

ass over here.” He reaches

doesn’t yet know my past, and I have no idea how things will pan out when he does. But when the heavy weight of his arm curls around my waist and pulls me close, all my fears vanish. Standing at his side, I can pretend for just a moment that I belong here, that all is okay. I smile at his dumbass friend Trey, tap my feet to the music and gratefully take the can of soda Jase

blue eyes sparkling. I love the way he looks at me, but it’s getting me all flustered. My eyes reluctantly leave

run to the bathroom.” All

warm arm

unfocused as she takes me in. Great. She’s drunk again. If she thinks she’s staying the night in Jase’s room, she’s wrong. Hell, I’ll stay there myself just to be sure. The thought makes my

hands on my hips, mentally preparing for the showdown she’s intent we have. “Excuse me, can

sleep with you, then move on like he does with all the rest. I’m the only one who sticks around. It’s always been that way