On My Own by Melody Carlson Read Free Book Online Page B

I'd overlooked or possibly misjudged in her, but I decided to begin anyway.
    “Well, I'm guessing your family is fairly well off, but I don't think they're very happy. Maybe your parents are divorced. I think it's possible that someone, maybe even someone in your family, has hurt you deeply, and I doubt you've forgiven them for it. I'm sure you're very academic but slightly lazy or perhaps just unmotivated. Maybe you're even depressed, I'm not sure. But I'll bet you don't love Jordan nearly as much as you think you do, and I suspect you don't have one single good friend that you can really count on.” I felt my eyes get wide as I realized what I'd just said. I hadn't really meant to go that far. It's like it all came pouring out of me. “I-I'm sorry, Liz,” I stammered as I noticed her countenance darken, if only for a moment. Then she just laughed again.
    “Hey, don't worry, I can take it. And for your info, you're not even half right. My parents are happily married,and although they're comfortable, I wouldn't describe them as well off. Yes, I am academic, and maybe I am lazy. But then I've never had to work hard to get good grades. As far as that bit about Jordan and my friends–” she rolled her eyes dramatically–“I think your imagination is putting in overtime. Or maybe you're just jealous since I haven't seen you with one single friend.” Then she stood up and pulled on her jacket. “Of course, I could be all wrong too.” She snatched another cookie from my tin, then jerked open the door. “We could both be all wrong.” And then she was gone.
    Although it wasn't exactly a feel-good sort of conversation, it was better than nothing, and I do think I know her slightly better now. Not so much by what she said as by the way she said it. She really seemed to react strongly to what I said about Jordan and her friends, which leads me to suspect that, despite her denial, I might not have been too far from the truth. Mostly I think Liz is one mixed-up girl. But I also believe God has a plan for her. And I actually hope I get to be part of it.
Wednesday, October 9 (great news!)
    It's pretty late, but I just had to take a moment to write down the great news! just returned my mom's phone call to find out that Aunt Steph finally went into labor this morning, and Clayton Antonio Berringer was born at 3:50 p.m., weighing in at a sturdy eight pounds and six ounces. Steph and Tony are totally jazzed, and now little oliverhas a baby brother. It's just too cool! My dad already e-mailed the baby's first picture to me. He looks tiny and wrinkly and red, but he has the biggest dark eyes. I just love that they named him for Tony's brother Clay. I bet Clay is looking down from heaven and rejoicing right now. I can't wait to see the baby in person!
Thursday, October 10 (an escape)
    Okay, I'm trying really hard not to be mad at Liz for eating all the goodies my mom sent me this week. I mean, I told her to help herself, but I didn't expect her to go hogwild about it. Anyway, I know it's really petty to get all worked up about something so trivial, especially when I've got something great to look forward to this weekend!
    Bryce called tonight to ask if I might possibly want to hitch a ride home with him for the weekend. “I know how much you've been missing your family lately, and I was due for a trip myself–”
    “I'd love to go!” I hope I didn't scream in his ear. “My aunt just had her baby yesterday, and I'm dying to see him. I can't believe you called. God must've given you the idea.”
    So it's all settled; we're leaving tomorrow after my last class, and I should be home in time for dinner. I can't wait! I even e-mailed Beanie, suggesting that maybe they should consider a weekend at home too–like maybe we could have a mini reunion. I haven't heard back yet, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I e-mailed Chloe too, since Iowed her one, and told her I'd be around if she wanted to get together for a cup of coffee or