Who We Were by Christy Sloat

both my parents together in the same kitchen. They moved around each other like they didn’t see one another. It was almost like they dealt with things better that way. I hoped one day they could get over all the bullshit and be friends.
    “So,” my dad said handing me a bagel that my mom buttered and passed to him, all while not meeting his eyes. “Would you like to come with me this weekend? I’m going to a convention that I think you’d really like.”
    My dad worked in advertising. He mostly attended conventions that held new computer software, so I couldn’t imagine a convention that I would like to go to.
    “Where is it? And what is it for?” I asked as I took a bite.
    “Right to the point, huh? Well, it’s for our firm, but I heard there would be some publishing companies there with some books or something like that. We could go on Friday and come home Saturday,” he muttered. Got to love my dad; he tried.
    “Stewart, I don’t think going to a convention in a stuffy hotel is what Sadie’s into these days,” my mom argued.
    “Well, Maggie, it’s better than sitting at home all day,” he replied stiffly.
    “Guys!” I said, breaking up the fight before it started. “I won’t sit here all weekend, Dad. Last weekend I went to the fair and saw Arms of Chance. I appreciate the invite, Dad, but I might have plans on Friday night.”
    Instead of disappointed, he looked happy for once. “Yeah, plans? Doing what?” He asked as he took a bite of bagel.
    “Well, it’s a dance?” I wasn’t sure how to say that I was going to a club. Dance sounded better than club.
    “Dance, huh? Well, that sounds fun. Who are you going with?” My mom asked.
    “A boy. His name is Nash.” I braced myself for a fight, but my mom smiled. She actually looked happy. This was definitely new. Usually any mention of going anywhere without Lily, my mom would freak out. She was way too calm.
    “Well, just be sure I get to meet this boy before you head out, okay?”
    I nodded and downed the rest of my bagel. I had to get to school and out of this house before my mom changed her mind.
    “Got to run, guys. It’s been fun,” I said as I grabbed my bag. “See you later tonight, Mom.” I kissed them both and walked out of the door. As I looked back, they stood a little closer together, and for a fleeting second I wished they were back together. Breaking up hurt so badly, but sometimes people made up and fixed things.
    ***
    I walked into school and saw Nash right away. He waved me over, and I looked around for Oliver, not seeing him. I went over and he gave me a quick hug.
    “Hey,” he said and kissed my temple. It was like a tease. We hadn’t shared a kiss, and I wanted to so badly. His lips were perfect pressed up against my temple. Maybe Friday we would actually kiss and become a couple. As to what we were now, I wasn’t sure.
    “How are you doing today?” he asked as concern crossed his face.
    I stepped back a bit and said, “Why are you asking me that? What did Oliver tell you?”
    I assumed it was Oliver who told Nash about Lily and me. I couldn’t imagine what that discussion was like.
    “You know, that you and Liliana got into a fight.” The way he said Lily’s full name surprised me. Only Lily’s family called her Liliana. She’d hate it if I ever used that name.
    “And?” I pressed.
    “And that you’re mad because she has a boyfriend. I mean, it sounds ridiculous that you would be mad about that, so I told Oli that you’re not like that. Right?” He laughed and pulled me closer to him. Suddenly, I felt almost nauseous with the idea of being around Nash right then.
    I pulled away from him casually. “It is ridiculous, and that’s not why we’re fighting at all. Honestly, I don’t know why Lily has a bug up her ass.”
    “Listen, I got your back, and I just wanted to see if you’re all right. I know that this is so stupid, and it’s not your fault.”
    How did he know? He didn’t really even