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Two-way Street
Two-way Street
Two-way Street
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Two-way Street

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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there are two sides to every breakup.

This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation.

Then Jordan dumps Courtney -- for a girl he met on the Internet.

It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la -- this is Courtney pretending not to care.

But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot.

Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateJun 26, 2007
ISBN9781416954774
Two-way Street
Author

Lauren Barnholdt

Lauren Barnholdt is the author of the teen novels The Thing About the Truth, Sometimes It Happens, One Night That Changes Everything, Two-way Street, Right of Way, and Watch Me. She is also the author of the middle grade novels The Secret Identity of Devon Delaney, Devon Delaney Should Totally Know Better, Four Truths and a Lie, Rules for Secret-Keeping, Fake Me a Match, and the Girl Meets Ghost series. She lives in Waltham, Massachusetts. Visit her at LaurenBarnholdt.com.

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Reviews for Two-way Street

Rating: 3.9765625 out of 5 stars
4/5

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  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This book was surprisingly good.
    Two-way street is the story of a girl and a boy going to college, the road trip they have to take and the very uncomfortable situation they have to survive for three long days.

    This story is told in dual points of view, alternating between the two main characters and different times in the story. At first I thought I would hate the main female character, but she turned out to be quite amusing. Even though I could guess the twists and turns of the plot I found this book to be quite better than I expected.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This might be a cliche plot but Two-Way Street might possibly be my favorite book. I don't know how many times I've re-read it.

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    My Summary: Courtney has always been your basic straight-cut, goodie-two-shoes kinda girl: she gets good grades, never stays out late, and never associates with people she shouldn't be around (well, except for Blake in the tenth grade...). Jordan, on the other hand, is your typical party-all-night teenage guy. The only thing Courtney and Jordan have in common is a math class, a college acceptance ... and a future.But when Jordan discovers a secret, things take a turn for the worst. Torn between protecting the only girl he's ever loved and telling her the truth, Jordan does the only thing he can think of: he breaks up with Courtney, telling her he met someone else online.Which would have been a great way to end a relationship - except Court and Jordan made the mistake of planning to drive to college together before their break-up, and it's too late to change plans. Now, with nothing to do but talk for the next 3 days, Jordan's resigned to get back together with Court no matter what it takes... but will she be able to forgive him for what he's done?My Thoughts: This novel was just what I needed to get out of my reading funk. It was funny, witty, and the characters were extremely genuine. More than once, I found myself laughing out loud at passages, and the way the author portrayed the way girls and guys plan mind games with one another is embarrassingly accurate. I loved Courtney and Jordan's interactions, and the way the author started the story from both ends - the beginning and right before the conclusion, having them meet in the middle - pulled me into the story and didn't let me go without finishing it. I also really liked the changes in point of view, because we got to see every part of the story from each character's eyes. And I really, really hate Court's dad... just had to get that out there.Final Thoughts: I definitely recommend this novel to anyone looking for a great summer read, and to fans of the book Amy and Roger's Epic Detour.

    2 people found this helpful

  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I ended up dropping this book at page 30 . it was a good book but not my kind of book . it was more of a romance novel which I personally don't lke . It was about a break up on both sides of the relationship. i wouldn't recommend it if you weren't into the love novels . lastly it was slow , for the 30 pages i did read i wasn't interested at all .  

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I'm a big fan of road trips. That's what first made me take notice of Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt. Two exes on a 1,000+ mile road trip up the eastern seaboard - what's not to like? With the pain from the breakup and new love interests still stinging, and one person hiding a pretty big secret from the other, it's guaranteed to be an interesting trip. What I really liked about this story: the two main characters, Jordan and Courtney, are totally realistic. Jordan is kind of a jerk, hiding things from Courtney and making her think he's moved on. Courtney is equally playing this game - making it her first priority to convince Jordan he's made a giant mistake leaving her. Their flaws are out there for anyone to read, and their inner monologues are relatable. So I'm a sucker for a good road trip story. In my opinion, there are two pieces to a notable travel novel. First, you have to have a social aspect - relationships forming or changing, perspectives transforming. Second, a good descriptive of interesting places visited must be accounted for. Bottom line: Two-Way Street definitely has the social aspect, and that's what really sold the story for me. However, it does lack the lush location details that could have made this a five star in my book.

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
     Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt is a chick flick romance book with two different character perspectives.Jordan and Courtney were in love, dating for three months and planning on taking a road trip together to Boston University for their first day of school. Jordan knew he had a one up on Courtney, knowing what her dad did, but didn’t tell her because he thought she would be upset and break up with him. However, when Jordan decided to break up with her he couldn’t tell Courtney it was because of her dad so, he had to make a fake girlfriend on online to have an excuse to way he broke up with her. Even though her dad didn’t want Courtney to go, Jordan and Courtney still had to go on the trip together which made it really awkward. By the end of the book, Lauren Barnholdt had written another sweet happy ending chick flick.At first, I could not follow along with the book because the author kept switching from past to present and from Jordan to Courtney’s perspective. I continually had to think hard while I read so, I could concentrate and know what was going on. If it wasn’t for all the amazing reviews people have left about this book there was no way I would finish it, but there was many great reviews so, I knew I had to finish it. And I did. By the middle of the book, I got into the swing of the author’s writing and knew what was going on and understood it.This book did indeed turn out to be a good light chick flick romance and I enjoyed it. It had suspense, drama (of course) and love. It isn’t my favorite, but it is still a good book to read.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I’m not sure I’ve told you this before but I start reading last year and I’ve read quite good books. However, this is the first book I’ve read and a book that lead me to one of my favorite genre, Chick-Lit. I loved it, I didn’t really care and didn’t really know about writing styles, but the synopsis grabbed my attention right away especially this sentence: There are two sides to every breakup. It’s true and this book really shows and explains it well that there are two stories in a breakup. When Jordan dumped Courtney, she thought he didn’t love her anymore and he met someone other than her. She was heartbroken but in addition she found out the Jordan indeed dumb her for a girl, for a girl on the internet. Jordan didn’t have a choice but to break things off with Courtney. He knew she would be heartbroken and that she will hate him, however, he decided it can’t be compared to the secret he been keeping and needs to keep. He kept the secret to himself, break Courtney’s hear and suffering himself only to protect Courtney. See! Two sides, two stories! I loved Courtney and Jordan together; they are a really good couple. I loved the book goes back and forth; It shows the relationship Courtney and Jordan had (the romance between them was a delight to read about) and how they are dealing with the break up. Barnholdt did a great job in showing each person side through inner thoughts. I loved that the characters have a sense of humor especially Courtney’s friend, Jocelyn and Jordan’s friend, B.J.’s. It made the story so much better and allowed me to be more invested in them as a couple. The characters were great, the storyline was great. Ryan is so sweet and The ending is predictable but I would have like what happen to Courtney and Jordan. I was left with questions that I would have like the answer to, question like, Are they going to keep dating? Or what will happen to Courtney’s family? Overall, I loved it. A good summer read, with a slightly more seriousness to it. I wouldn't recommend this for younger readers due to lots of cussing and profanity.

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    "Two-Way Street" by Lauren Barnholdt. Courtney and Jordan are meant to be. Everyone knows that. But, when they slowly get deeper into there relationship , Jordan doesn't like the feeling in his gut. He doesn't feel it's right to keep the secret from her but her father won't let him tell her. So he breaks up with her. Courtney thinks its because of his new my space girlfriend. Or at least that's what he said. Throughout this book you will hear from both of them and there thought and how they feel about what is going on. I really enjoyed this book. That is why I give it four and a half stars. Iv'e read really really good books by Lauren and this is one of them but not the number one book. This book will definitely will keep you up at night. It is really good. I couldn't put it down. I recommend this book to readers who are mature. I highly suggest you read this book!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    After really enjoying Lauren Barnholdt’s Sometimes It Happens, I was eager to read more of her works and, thankfully, Two-Way Street delivered with its goodness.Once more, Barnholdt had alternating chapters to the past and present, this time from the POV of both her main characters, Jordan and Courtney. This format ended up working well for me because Barnholdt moved forward in each chapter; she didn’t waste time detailing the same exact event(s) from the perspective of each of her narrators.The alternating timeline definitely helped in fleshing out the characters — Jordan in particular. Though it made for some amusing situations, his player tendencies made him a tad unlikable at the beginning. It was interesting to see the change in him once he begins to spend more time with Courtney, though. His sweeter side definitely came out! As for Courtney, she’s understandably cold to Jordan in the present but we’re allowed to see just how much she really misses him. Their interactions were the perfect mix of humorous, heartbreaking, and touching.I was probably just having a slow moment, but the secret Jordan was holding onto took me by surprise. I didn’t see it coming! I would have liked to see more resolution to the situation, or at least have the characters discuss it further, but I’ll take what we got.A bonus that this book had going for it were the side characters, Jocelyn and B.J. They were out of control! They weren’t super fleshed out or anything, but they made for some extra comedic relief while everything else was going down. I loved getting a peek into their antics and behavior and they made quite the contrast to our main duo.Overall, Two-Way Street was a fun summer read with the right amount of humor and romance. I can’t wait to pick up the rest of Barnholdt’s books!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I read this book really fast ! I think the author did a good job to keep readers reading. I also liked the characters, they weren't over the top. The plot was also amazing, but I think the author made it a little too predictable. But overall I think it was a good book & I would recommend it (:
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I really enjoyed this book! My friend let me borrow it and I couldn't put it down. I really liked the ending and how everything worked out, but I also liked the story line.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I've been meaning to read this book for a WHILE. I really don't know why it has taken to so long to read it. TWO-WAY STREET is the perfect summer romance read. I don't know what i would do if i didn't have a Lauren Barnholt's book in my TBR pile lol I'm hook!I love a good "go after her" kind of romance. Can you blame me? and Jordan would be a fool not to! With Courtney and Jordan it's more of one of those "opposites attract" kind of thing. They brought out the best and the worst in each other. Their both strong minded and they know what they want. It was kind of sad how Courtney and Jordan were still in love with each other but couldn't be together.I liked The changing of time frames, to see how Jordan and Courtney were before the breakup. I loved them together. they were like any other teen( loved Jordan he he's sweet and protecting). There were funny parts too! but B.J. and Jocelyn, are hilarious!(love them) They lighten the mode of the book. Their relationship is funny, weird, and perfect all at them same time.The characters were sweet, and quirky, and crazy. I loved the way Lauren wrote TWO WAY STREET(it's just AMAZING). It gave a good, in depth look at how their relationship got started and how it ended through Courtney's and Jordan's POV. From before the actual trip and leading up to the trip. This book will take you on a hot ride following the relationship of Court and Jordan. I couldn't put it down! Seriously this is now one of my all time favorite books and favorite Author!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This book was just AMAZING. Seriously this is now one of my all time favourite books I just loved everything about it. I’ve had this one on the shelf for a couple of months now and really wanted to get it read over this summer. I’m going on a road trip of my own (thankfully not with an ex) next week so I thought I’d pick this up to read and take with me whilst I’m away with it being relevant and all. So what started as me saying to myself I’ll just read a few chapters soon turned into me devouring the entire thing in one sitting, darn you Lauren Barnholdt! Now I have to find something else to take with me on my trip!Jordan and Courtney were the unlikely high school couple. Jordan the heartbreaker who doesn’t believe in relationships and Courtney the good girl who always plays it safe never dreamed they’d fall for each other but they did and it worked. That is until Jordan unexpectedly dumps Courtney for a girl he meets on the internet. Courtney never wants to see Jordan again and is mortified when she finds that not only will she have to put up with him at college but it’s too late to change plans for their road trip to orientation together- the trip is on! Courtney’s heartbroken but figures she can tough it out for three days and act like she doesn’t care. But it turns out that Jordan cares a lot. Jordan’s got a few secrets he’s keeping from Courtney about why they had to break up, why they can’t ever be together again, and why despite everything Jordan still loves Courtney and never wanted to break up with her in the first place…This book is told from both Courtney and Jordan’s perspectives switching from the trip to the past when they first got together, which I loved. You really get to see how in love Jordan and Courtney were and you really want to know what made Jordan leave the girl he loves and let me tell you the twist is awesome and made me actually fall in love with Jordan myself. Courtney can get a little annoying at times but Jordan and his hilarious best friend B.J definitely make up for it! Courtney and Jordan are the kind of couple you’re rooting for all the way through the book. Sweet and funny this is definitely a book I would recommend to read this summer. Lauren Barnholdt you have yourself a new fan! I brought her other two books One Night That Changes Everything, and Watch Me earlier this week they both sound great and if there as good as Two Way Street I’m in for such a treat! 5 stars.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This book was a cute romance told from two perspectives--the ex-girlfriend and the ex-boyfriend who have to take a road trip to college together. At times this book was funny, and I liked the dialogue and the quirky personality of Courtney. The structure of the book was also fun, with its alternating chapters from the road trip and the days leading up to their break-up, in which the reader discovers the real secret reason behind their split. At times the characters in this book seemed too aware of their emotions: it's not that teens aren't ever that self-aware, but I thought it would be nice if maybe the reader could see that there was more going on beneath the surface, beneath that awareness, a few more layers maybe. Overall, though, a fun read for teens who want a little adventure and a few laughs along with their romance.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    As I started reading this book, my first thought was, “I could have written this!” And I don’t mean that to be insulting, like anyone could write it, because I’m sure it wouldn’t have been so good if I’d written it. What I mean is that, as I read the first few chapters, it was like Lauren Barnholdt somehow got into my mind when I was eighteen and used my thoughts for fodder. Well, after she shined them up and injected a little more drama than my life provided. Take this little gem:I’m always terrified of giving a guy any idea I might like him, so I overcompensate by acting like I don’t. Like tonight, for example. I totally wanted to dance with Jordan. But I hesitated because:a)I thought I would look stupid. Which I probably did, but hopefully everyone was too drunk to notice.b)I didn’t want him to think I wanted him. Because I don’t. I want Lloyd. But the point is, no matter who it is, a guy I don’t like or a guy I do, I don’t want them to think I like them. That right there pretty much sums up my approach to dating in high school. Add in the fact that I married someone who, when we first started dating, our mutual friends told me they’d never think to put us together in a million years, and you can imagine why I enjoyed this book.Barnholdt tells this story from both Jordan and Courtney’s perspectives, and it also alternates between Before and After their road trip. This worked well in the sense that both sides of the story are given, and also because their relationship at its beginning and throughout its duration aren’t viewed through the jaded eye that flashbacks would have, especially in Courtney’s case. Another thing I like is that Jordan’s secret is revealed in the beginning (in part, at least), and it doesn’t take long before the details about why it’s a secret come out. The fun of the story is the tension as he fights telling Courtney the truth. And it doesn’t hurt that unexpected problems arise as they make their way to school.This probably isn’t a book that’s going to forever change someone’s life because they read it. (I mean, if you wanted to read it for a message, I could present you with a valid one; I personally don’t think that’s the point.) But I loved it. The characters were sweet, and quirky, and crazy. I’m happy about where Jordan and Courtney stand at the end the book. It’s a good, fast read, with both tenderness and humor.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I know I'm reading a ton of books already, but I received this one in the mail today and I started reading and I simply couldn't stop. This was one of the cutest YA novels I've read. Lots of teen angst, hilariousness, with an authentic teen voice.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Jordan and Courtney didn’t meet until near the end of their senior year but love developed quickly. Since they would be attending the same university in the fall, they planned to make the trip together arriving in time for orientation. That was before Jordan dumped Courtney. He really loves her but he is sure their relationship could never work out. Courtney is sure Jordan has another girlfriend but she doesn’t intend to let him know that she cares. Now it is too late to change their plans and they have to make this three day trip together. Actually, there is more to the story. Jordan has a secret or two.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    It took a little to get past the language in this one to find the story. Once I found the story, I liked it. I think that more could have been done with the characters and less emphasis on crude language and things like My Space. I think that the mention of things like My Space is current, but seems a little much.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Two way Street was a quick little junt down lovers lane. Very fast paced which allows for a quick read. Barholdt's characters are much like todays younger generations; making it easier for the younger generation to relate. She created a story was was not very complex, and allowed to reader to lay back and enjoy the story unfolding. With a few twists this novel easily held my attention. Even though I would not rate this book on my favorite list, it was a very good read and worth the short time it required to read.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This book was a quick read for me. I liked the story and it kept me interested the whole way through. The story rotates between Courtney, and Jordan's point of view on the trip, and with flashbacks on how they got together up to the breakup. I loved that we are able to know what both were thinking during certain moments in the story. There is quite a bit of foul language, so if that bothers you, this is probably not a book for you. The only problem I had with the book was the ending. The ending was abrupt and left me with some unanswered questions.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    The last thing Courtney McSweeney wants to do is take a road trip to college with her ex-boyfriend Jordan, who had dumped her two weeks before for a girl he met on MySpace. She needs to spend this road trip pretending that she’s not at all bothered that Jordan broke up with her.However, Jordan is actually still in love with Courtney. He’s the first girl he’s ever loved, but extenuating circumstances forced him to break up with her for her own sake. What is this secret that Jordan is keeping, and can this imperfect twosome work their way back into romance?Told in he-said/she-said format, TWO-WAY STREET is a delightful romp that explores the dynamics between two people before, during, and after a relationship. Half of the book occurs on Jordan and Courtney’s road trip, while the other half delves back into how they came to be an item. It’s a story device that doesn’t always work, but fortunately here it does, as it allows us to understand the two protagonists and how their relationship changed both of them.Courtney and Jordan are by far the best part about this novel. Both are three-dimensional—although one can clear tell that a female was writing Jordan’s POV—and lovable because of both their vulnerabilities and the way they interact with one another. The secondary characters, on the other hand, are another story. Courtney and Jordan’s couple friend, Jocelyn and B.J., overflow with supporting-character clichés and dialogue so fake it belongs on a reality TV show. My enjoyment of the book was seriously hampered by Jocelyn and B.J.’s obvious utility roles.The plot is simple and unimpressive, with the device of Jordan’s secret easily figured out within the first several dozen pages. Even so, its predictability does not bog the story down all that much, supported as it is by two strong main characters.Nevertheless, TWO-WAY STREET is a vast improvement from Barnholdt’s first novel, REALITY CHICK. At the center of it is a heartwarming couple that makes us secretly wish for more of that imperfectly perfect high-school-sweetheart relationship.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I wasn’t sure what was waiting for me in Two Way Street, but it turned out to be a very good surprise!One of the interesting things in this book is that it really does bring you on both sides of the breakeup. The chapters alternate between Courtney and Jordan, but also between the present and the past. This is a dangerous device : both are written in a first person voice, and every time I read a book like this, I wonder : can the author really pull this off? Make me believe these are really two different voices, two different characters?The answer is, yes! Surprisingly well, in fact! I thought that Barnholdt captured really well the mind of an 18 years old, both female or male. I had no problem telling the two voices apart and they were both believable. The relationship between the two is believable, too, both in present and past, and this really made the story work.As for the story itself, I enjoyed it too. You learn about Jordan’s secret soon enough, so it’s not a book with a “huge mystery that you guess on page 1 but are only told on page 280″. There’s no false suspense : from the start you have a pretty good idea of what happened, but it’s still interesting to go back and forth in time to discover how it did.Two Way Street certainly was a fun ride! It was light, quick to read, and what I would certainly recommend as a fun summer read. If you’re traveling this summer, why not read it on the road?
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Two Way Street was a cute and quick read. As a member of the audience that is far older than Barnholdt’s target I was pleased that it kept me entertained despite the fact that my own relationship experience gave me a much different perspective of Jordan and Courtney’s situation.Barnholdt wrote her teenage characters with great clarity and in a most believable way. The jock wasn’t too dumb, the brain too smart, and their friends were the right combination of comic relief and supportive sounding board. The situations they found themselves in for the most part were high school oriented (parties, dates, etc.) and showcased in a realistic light.I did, however, have a small problem with the idea that Courtney’s parents made her go on a cross-country road trip with Jordan despite their break up. I found that somewhat unbelievable. I doubt a parent would add to an already stressful situation (going off to college for the first time) by requiring their child to travel with a former boy/girlfriend. Having said that, I was able to over look that aspect to enjoy the different situations Jordan and Courtney were put into. I was able to compartmentalize the parental issue, as it really was what drove the overarching plot.The strength of Two Way Street lies in the author’s ability to write the story from both Jordan and Coutrney’s viewpoint. Going back and forth in time as well as character viewpoint is no small task and Barnholdt did so without confusing the reader. Unique visual prompts allowed us to know where we were in the story and with whom thus making it easy to follow.Two Way Street was a good look into the minds of teenagers as they manage to navigate the relationships in their lives, become distinct individuals, and mature into adulthood.

Book preview

Two-way Street - Lauren Barnholdt

courtney the trip

Day One, 8:07 a.m.

I’m a traitor to my generation. Seriously. All we hear about these days is being strong women and standing up for ourselves, and now look what I’ve done. I should totally be one of those true life stories in Seventeen. I Built My Life Around a Boy! And Now I Regret It! Of course, it doesn’t pack the emotional punch as some of their previous stories, i.e., I Got An STD Without Having Sex but it’s important nonetheless.

You’re going to be fine, my mom says, stirring her coffee at the sink. In fact, you’re acting a little bit ridiculous.

I’m ridiculous? I’m ridiculous? How can she say that? Has she lost her mind? It’s so completely not ridiculous to be upset about going on a trip with your ex-boyfriend, when said ex-boyfriend broke your heart and left you stranded for some Internet slut. Although I really can’t say I know for a fact that she’s a slut. But I’m pretty sure she is. I mean, scamming on guys on the Internet? I thought that was only for forty-year-old divorcées who Photoshop their pictures in an effort to appear younger and thinner. Not to mention what was HE thinking? An eighteen-year-old guy who could have any girl he wanted, having to resort to Internet dating? But maybe that’s the problem with guys who can have any girl they want. One is never enough.

"I didn’t say you were ridiculous, my mom says. I said you’re acting ridiculous."

There’s really no difference, I tell her. It’s like if someone says ‘You’re acting like a cheater,’ it’s because you’re cheating. Which means you’re a cheater. Like Jordan. Although I suppose technically he isn’t a cheater, because he broke up with me before he started dating the Internet girl. In my mind, I still think of him as being a cheater. Otherwise, he just met some girl he liked better, and it’s not as dramatic.

Courtney, you begged and begged to go on this trip, my mom says.

So? That’s her big justification for calling me ridiculous? Is she kidding? Teenagers beg and beg for stuff all the time—nose rings, tattoos that say Badass. Never a good idea. My parents are supposed to be the voices of reason, steering me on the right path at all times. They’re obviously insane to have agreed to this plan in the first place. I mean, what was I thinking? Making plans to drive over a thousand miles to college with a boy months before we were supposed to go? Everyone knows the average high school relationship is shorter than an episode of TRL. You’re the mother, I say. You should have known this was a horrible idea. I’m hoping to lay a guilt trip on her, but she’s not having it.

Oh, please, she says, rolling her eyes. How was I supposed to know he was going to break up with you? I’m not psychic. Nor do I know the habits of Internet chat rooms.

It wasn’t a CHAT ROOM, I say. It was MySpace. No one hangs out in chat rooms anymore. Although why some girl would want to date Jordan based on his MySpace page is beyond me. The song he chose for his profile is Let’s All Get Drunk Tonight by Afroman.

Right, my mom says, taking a sip of her coffee. My parents are trying to teach me some kind of lesson. They don’t think it’s right that they would have to pay more than five hundred dollars for a last-minute plane ticket from Florida to Massachusetts, when I’m the one who convinced them to let me go on this trip. Plus, my mom thinks this whole thing is typical teen angst, one of those situations portrayed on a teen sitcom that’s resolved in a half hour of laughs and mishaps. You know, where the girl gets dumped, but then realizes by the end of the show that she’s better off without him, and then hooks up with some other hottie who’s much better for her, while the guy who broke her heart ends up all alone, wishing he had her back. That is definitely not happening. In fact, it’s kind of the other way around. Jordan is having tons of fun with his MySpace girl, while I’m the one sitting around, wishing I had him back.

I sigh and stare out the kitchen window, looking for Jordan’s TrailBlazer. It’s 8:07, and he was supposed to be here at eight, which makes me think that:

a) he’s late

b) he’s acting like an asshole and blowing me off

or

c) he’s gotten into a horrible car crash that’s left him dead.

The most likely answer is A. (We went to the prom together, and the limo had to wait in his driveway for half an hour. At the end of the night, we got charged for an extra hour. He—read: his parents—paid for it, but still.) Although I’m all about option C. Okay, maybe not the dead part. Just, like, a broken leg or something. I mean, his parents have always been really nice to me and I would feel horrible if they lost their youngest child. Even if he is a liar and a cheat.

Do you want some coffee? my mom asks, which is ridiculous because she knows I don’t drink coffee. Coffee stunts your growth. I’m only five-foot-two, and I’m still holding out hope that I’ll grow another few inches. Plus I’m tense enough. Getting me all hyped up on caffeine is definitely not a good idea.

No thanks, I say, looking out the window again. I feel a lump rising in my throat, and I ignore it. He wouldn’t blow me off, would he? I mean, that’s so screwed up. Although if he did, that means I wouldn’t have to go with him. Which would be great. If he stood me up, my parents would have no choice but to let me book a flight and take it to Boston. Which is what they should have let me do in the first place.

I take a deep breath. It’s only three days. I can get through that, right? Three days is nothing. Three days is…I wrack my brain, trying to think of something that only lasts three days. Christmas vacation! Christmas vacation lasts ten days and it always seems to go by so fast. Three days is only a third of that.

Plus, I have the whole thing planned out in minute detail. The trip, I mean. So that every single second, we’ll be doing something.

Of course, Christmas vacation is fun. And this is going to be excruciating.

My dad walks into the kitchen, wearing a gray suit and drinking a protein shake. He’s humming a Shakira song. My dad loves pop music. Which is weird. Because he’s almost fifty. Although I think my dad may be having a bit of a midlife crisis, since lately he’s taken to buying weird clothes. And I suspect he’s been using self-tanner, because he definitely looks a little orange.

Good morning, he says, heading over to where my mom is sitting at the kitchen table and planting a kiss on her head. He opens the cupboard and pulls down a box of cereal.

Morning, I mumble, not sure what’s so good about it.

All set for school? he asks, smiling.

Yeah, I guess, I say, trying not to sound like too much of a brat. My dad has been way cooler about this whole breakup thing than my mom. He’s spent hours trying to cheer me up by telling me I’d meet someone better, there’s more fish in the sea, he never liked Jordan, etc. Plus he bought me a new iPod and tons of new clothes for school. He also slipped me a copy of He’s Just Not That Into You, which I guess he thought was empowering. It actually kind of is empowering, because it talks about how you shouldn’t settle for a guy who doesn’t want to be with you. On the other hand, realizing the guy you like just isn’t that into you is not very good for one’s self-esteem. Plus I was reading parts of it to my friend Jocelyn one time, and she interrupted me to say, Actually, if you need a book like that to tell you he’s just not that into you, you’re probably not the type that’s going to actually be able to let go. She wasn’t trying to say it about me, exactly, but still.

Jordan here yet? my dad asks, pouring milk over his cereal.

Of course not, I say. Hey, if he doesn’t show up, then what?

You think he won’t show up? my dad asks, glancing up. Why wouldn’t he?

I don’t know. I say. But what if he doesn’t? Hope starts to rise up inside me. There’s no way either one of my parents can or want to drive me. I won’t even feel bad about the money they’ll have to spend on a last-minute plane ticket, since they’re the psychos who are making me go on this trip in the first place. Then what? I persist.

But no one has to answer that, because the sound of gravel crunching on the driveway outside comes through the window. I look out, and the light shines off the windshield of Jordan’s TrailBlazer and hits my eyes.

Some kind of ridiculous rap music is blasting from the car, which makes me even more annoyed than I already am. I hate rap music. He doesn’t even listen to normal rap, like Jay-Z or Nelly. He listens to hardcore rap. (His word, not mine. I’ve never used the word hardcore in my life. Well, until right now, and then only to quote Jordan.)

I ignore the weird feeling in my stomach and run outside so I can yell at him for being late. Where have you been? I demand as he gets out of the car.

Nice to see you, too. He smiles. He’s wearing baggie tan shorts and a navy blue Abercrombie T-shirt. His dark hair is wet, which means he probably just got out of the shower, which means he probably just woke up. I’m sorry, I was packing my stuff, and then I was trying to find my parents so I could say good-bye to them.

Packing his stuff? Who waits until the day they’re leaving for college to start packing their stuff? My stuff’s been packed for a week, neatly stacked outside my bedroom door until I moved it into the kitchen this morning. I mean, the housing office sent us a packing list. Of stuff to bring. I’ll bet Jordan doesn’t have any of it. Not like I care. If he wants to sleep on an empty, disgusting, stained mattress because he forgot to purchase extra-long sheets, that’s fine with me. I’m so over him. This is me, being over him. La, la, la.

Didn’t you get my email? I ask him. Three days ago I emailed him a copy of our trip itinerary. It was really short, with a subject line that simply said Schedule and read, Jordan, Attached, please find a copy of the schedule for our trip. Best, Courtney. I was really proud of it. The email, I mean. Because it was so short and cold. Of course, it took me and my friend Jocelyn about two hours to come up with the perfect wording, but Jordan doesn’t know that. He just must think I’m too important to compose long email messages with him, or get ensconsed in a back-and-forth email exchange. Not that he ever emailed me back. But it was obviously because I was so cold.

The one about the trip? He frowns. Yeah, I think so.

You think so? I ask.

Court, you can’t plan everything to the minute, he says. There are going to be setbacks. He takes the sunglasses that are on his head and slides them down over his eyes.

Well, whatever, I say. Luckily I have three copies of the trip itinerary, along with specific MapQuest instructions all printed out and paper-clipped together. I’ll give him one to reference. I start to walk into the house, and Jordan hesitates.

Are you going to help me with my stuff or not? I ask.

Oh, yeah, sure. I raise my eyebrows. Of course, he repeats more forcefully.

He follows me into the house, and I can tell he’s staring at my ass. Pervert.

Jordan, my dad says, nodding. Jordan nods back but doesn’t say anything. I hope he’s scared of my dad. If he isn’t, he should be. My dad’s kind of a big guy. Not that Jordan’s scrawny or anything. In fact, just the opposite. He has these really amazing arms that—Ugh. I will not think about any part of Jordan’s lying, cheating, never-on-time body, arms or otherwise.

Excited to be going to school? my mom asks politely. Her tone is guarded, which makes me happy. When Jordan and I were together, she was always supernice to him. She might be making me go on this trip, but it’s obvious where her loyalties lie. I hope Jordan is uncomfortable. I hope he’s squirming. I hope he’s—

Yes, ma’am, he says. Which is total bullshit. He could care less, obviously. I mean, he didn’t even follow the packing list.

Whatever, I say, putting my hands on my temples like I can’t take it anymore. Can you start loading up the car? I don’t want to be any later than we already are. I give Jordan a pointed look, which he ignores, and then point him in the direction of my stuff, which is packed neatly and piled on the kitchen floor.

Jesus, Court, he says, looking at the mound. You know you’re only going for four years, right? I ignore him and pull a copy of the schedule out of my pocket.

We are way behind, I say, frowning. We were supposed to have left twenty minutes ago. Although maybe if we don’t stop for lunch and just drive straight through, we can make up the time that way. Still, it’s not good to be starting off late. I’ve budgeted for traffic and unforeseen circumstances of course, but still. This should not count as an unforeseen circumstance. An unforeseen circumstance is something that you can’t avoid. And this could definitely have been avoided.

Jordan reaches down and picks up one of the bags that’s on the ground near my feet, and it brushes against my toe.

Ow! I say, jumping back. Watch it. I’m wearing sandals.

He smiles. Sorry, honey. He turns and heads out to the car before I can reply. I take a deep breath. I will not start fighting with him. There’s no way. If I start fighting with him, he’s going to know that he’s getting to me, and I can’t let that happen. The last thing I need is for him to think I’m upset about him breaking up with me. I’ve spent the past two weeks determined to show him I don’t care, and I’m not going to screw it all up now. Of course, it’s much easier to pretend you don’t care about someone when they’re not around you, but I can do it. I just have to gather all my self-control. Disengage and detach is my new motto.

I realize my heart is beating at a ridiculously abnormal rate, and I take another deep breath. I can do this, I tell myself. I start thinking of all the hot guys I’m going to meet in college. Guys who read philosophy books and drink coffee. Guys who listen to real music, like Mozart and Andrea Bocelli and maybe even Gavin DeGraw. Anything but rap music. It makes me feel better, but only for a second. Because, let’s face it—no matter how much you tell yourself you’re over someone, your heart knows the truth.

the trip jordan

Day One, 8:37 a.m.

I can’t figure out why Courtney is wearing such tight clothing. Do girls normally wear short pink cotton skirts and tight tank tops while going on a road trip? I’ve seen that ridiculous Britney Spears movie Crossroads, and I definitely don’t remember the girls in that movie wearing such slutty clothes. T-shirts and track pants is what they wore. Is she doing it in an effort to drive me insane? And is she going to act like a bitch the whole time? It’s not my fault I was late. I had to pack my stuff, which you would think would be easy—just throw your clothes, computer, and CDs into a suitcase, right? Wrong. It took fucking forever. But I was trying to hurry—I didn’t even gel my hair, which was a pretty big sacrifice. When it finally dries I’m going to look like Seth Cohen or some shit.

My cell phone rings as I’m loading Courtney’s stuff into the back of my truck and trying not to think about the next three days.

I answer it without checking the caller ID.

Yeah, I say, lifting a pink bag with long straps into the back. What the hell does she have in here? It feels like weights.

Yo, my best friend, B. J. Cartwright, says, sounding wide awake, which is surprising. B. J. never sounds wide awake. Especially since he’s usually either hungover, drunk, or getting ready to get drunk.

Yo, I say, sitting down on my open truck bed. What’s up?

Breaking news, dude, he says, sounding nervous. B. J. always has breaking news. It used to always involve some girl he wanted to bang, but for the past few months, he’s been going out with Courtney’s friend Jocelyn. He’s still the biggest gossip I know, and one of his deepest secrets is that he subscribes to Us Weekly.

Is that why you’re up so early?

Huh? Oh, no, I haven’t been to sleep yet, he says.

You’ve been up all night? I ask, glancing at my watch. It’s nine o’clock in the morning.

Dude, the party went until four this morning, he says. And then we all went to breakfast. You missed a great fucking time.

Last night’s party was kind of a last hurrah, a sendoff before everyone left for school, which most people are doing this weekend. I was there for a while, but I took off before things got really crazy. I knew I had to be up early this morning so I wouldn’t piss Courtney off by being late. Look how well that turned out.

So what’s the breaking news? I ask.

It’s about Courtney, he says, and I feel my stomach drop.

What about her? I say.

She’s hooking up with Lloyd, he says, and I swallow hard. Figures. Lloyd is Courtney’s best friend, this total tool who Court’s been in love with since like seventh grade. Well, until she met me. Supposedly as soon as we started dating, she lost all her feelings for him. Or so she said.

How do you know? I ask, not sure I want to hear about this.

Heard it from Julianna Fields, who heard it from Lloyd.

When?

Not sure, B. J. says. She was talking about it last night. After the party, really late. And then, um, Lloyd left Courtney a MySpace comment last night.

Well, whatever, I say. I stand up, load the rest of the bags into the back of my truck, and slam it shut. Courtney can do whatever the hell she wants.

You okay?

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