“What if we break up?” she asks smartly, and it’s one of those moments when I can perfectly see the features that make us twins. The pointed nose. The sharp line of our brows. The freckles that won’t quit. “I talked to Mom about that. I didn’t want to go all the way out there and feel like I’d made some huge mistake. But I’m not going out there for Hannah. I’m going out there because it’s the best school I was accepted to and Hannah being nearby is simply a perk.”

I nod silently, studying my hand clutching my sheets.

She touches my wrist. “And maybe I’m making a mistake. But you have to let me make my own mistakes too, Waylon. And speaking of mistakes, I am really, truly sorry about the video. It wouldn’t have gotten out there if I’d been a little more careful. I know Mom always says I’m the glass half full and you’re the glass half empty, but sometimes I wish I could anticipate the worst like you can. It might have saved you from this whole ordeal.”

I look up at her then, and find her eyes watering and her neck and ears red. All sure signs that she feels awful. “It’s okay. We can’t all wield the power of pessimism. It’s a gift and a burden. Besides, what’s done is done, and who knows? This whole experience might not be the worst thing to ever happen to me. Stay tuned.”

“Are we okay?” she asks, her voice cracking. She timidly draws back a little, preparing herself for whatever my answer might be.

“I don’t know. I’m sorry. I just . . . I feel like this can’t just be magically fixed.” It’s the truth. “It’s going to take me a while to get over all of this. But I need you. I can’t believe I’m doing this prom queen thing. And with Tucker Watson of all people.”

“Tucker? Don’t we hate him for some reason? Remind me again.”

I can’t help but laugh. When it comes to transgressions against me and the ones I love, I’m like a librarian with a perfectly organized catalog of memories. “Ditched me for a group project, forced a teacher to redesign the seating chart so he didn’t have to sit next to me, and most recently, he shushed me.”

“Ugh, what a jerk.” She says it with extra outrage just for me.

“Thank you. Your loyalty is noted and appreciated.” I pull her close to me for a hug, and even though it doesn’t feel the same as it always has in the past, it feels good.