I barely made it through the next few weeks leading to spring break. Every time I was with Finn, every time he held my hand or kissed me, I couldn't help but think of Jack. One stupid drunk kiss was literally ruining my life. What bothered me most was that Jack just didn't remember. It's not his fault, but maybe if he had remembered... I couldn't help but think maybe things would be different. I had always thought there might been some hidden feelings I had for Jack, but I'd repressed them over the years. But once I kissed him, they all flooded back. He had a girlfriend, I had a boyfriend, but I couldn't stop thinking about what it had felt like to kiss him. It made me feel so guilty. Finn didn't deserve to be compared to anyone.
Jack started sitting with Ellie on the bus again. I hadn't spoken a word to her in about a month unless I absolutely had to. The only thing that was giving me hope over these next few weeks was spring break. Every year for break, Jack's family and my family went on a vacation together. This year, we had invited Finn's family too. He had an older brother, Nick, who I'd only met a few times, but seemed nice enough. And, Ellie wasn't coming, so that was a bonus. This year we were going skiing in Colorado. It would be a great way to escape all the stupid drama, or so I'd thought. Before break, we had a huge test in algebra, which counted for a lot of our average grade. I'd been studying with Finn all week, but between getting distracted by thinking of Jack and simply not understanding the material, I wasn't feeling very confident.
"My parents will kill me if I fail this," I groaned to Jack on the bus.
"You'll do fine," he assured me, patting my leg. I had to stop myself from reaching out and holding his hand, which made me feel even worse. Poor Finn.
When it was time to take the test, I completely blanked. I didn't even care at this point, it was just a stupid fucking test and I had better things to worry about. I'd been mistaken. After school I went straight home and started packing for my ski trip, trying to distract myself.
"Madison, come to the kitchen now," my mom shouted from downstairs. I shoved the shirt I was holding into my suitcase and reluctantly walked downstairs. My parents were both standing at the counter, looking pissed.
"Yes?" I sighed.
"You got a 23 on your algebra test."
"Oh."
"We're very disappointed in you," my dad said, taking off his glasses.
"Sorry. It's just one test, it's fine," I defended myself. My mom shook her head.
"No, sweetie. Your grade has dropped to an 76."
"That's fine. I still have a few weeks before this quarter is over to raise my grade," I shrugged. My dad scoffed, exchanging a glance with my mom.
"Your mother and I were just discussing what to do, and I think we've reached a conclusion. Tina, would you like to tell her?"
"You can't go to Colorado with the Grazers."
"What!" I practically screamed.
"This grade is very unlike you. You need to refocus on school and not on whatever else you're doing. You're old enough to stay home alone, so your mother and I will go, but you will stay here and study."
"No no no this can't be happening," I wailed. "I've been looking forward to this all month. You can't take this away from me. Please, no." My mom just shook her head.
"I'm sorry, Madison, but actions have consequences," my mom dismissed me. I sprinted to my room and flopped on my bed, holding back tears. The one thing I had been looking forward to for weeks was not even happening. And Finn and Jack would be in Colorado while I'd be stuck at home. I pulled out my phone to tell them the bad news, using a groupchat we had made to plan activities we'd be doing on the trip.
