Flat-Out Love

Chapter 4

Julie studied Celeste’s face, watching her peruse through the Whitney course catalog. They’d been on the couch together for the past half-hour, weighing the pros and cons of the classes that Julie had to choose from. It was odd the way this thirteen-year-old was glued to the course listings. But the truth was that she’d been surprisingly helpful in figuring out a college schedule. Julie was even starting to get used to her rather formal style of speech.

The house was chilly now, with the central air on full blast, and Celeste pulled a light blanket over her lap. Julie adjusted her computer that sat on her lap and rested her fingers on the keys. She peered at Celeste’s scrawling in the book. “So which English class am I taking? The eight-thirty one?”

“No. English is at ten on Tuesday and Thursday, and Introduction to Psychology is at noon Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Write down these course numbers.” Celeste pointed to the page and waited as Julie typed. “See, you have to be totally prepared on Friday morning, or you will not get the schedule you want.  At least you get to register online and avoid waiting in a line with lots of a

“So you think all my fellow students will be a

Celeste snapped the book shut. “Normal people can become very a

“That’s true. Then you’re right. I’m glad I’m registering from home.”

Celeste leaned her head back against the couch. “Did you have lots of friends at home? What about a boyfriend? I bet you have a boyfriend. Is he very handsome?”

“I still have lots of friends at home. They didn’t evaporate when I left. I just won’t be seeing them as much now that I’m in Boston. I used to have a boyfriend and, yes, he was cute, but he was also a brainless pain in the neck.”

“Do you have pictures of everyone?” Celeste asked.

“Of course.” Julie opened her photo program and scrolled through albums until she found a set of pictures from August. “These are from my going-away party. My mom threw a barbecue in our backyard.”

“You had a big party? It looks wonderful,” Celeste said breathlessly.

“Yeah. Hot dogs, congealed macaroni salad, a cake with my name misspelled, the whole works.  OK, there I am with Kristen and Mariam. And here’s one of Amy and my mom.” Julie scrolled through countless pictures while Celeste demanded details on nearly everything.

“Do you have a picture of your father?”

Julie continued pulling up photos. “Nope. He was away on business. But he did send me the most technologically advanced phone there is as a gift. And he called during the party. Oh, here’s the cake. Cute, huh?”

“Who’s that? You had a band playing? Is that your boyfriend? Your dress is very pretty.” Celeste wanted every detail. “Where did you buy that? How did you get in and out of it? Your boobs look huge! No wonder you had a boyfriend!”

“First of all, the dress is not that tight. It’s fitted. And my boobs look regularly-sized. And we’re not talking about my boobs.  But, yes, the party was really fun. I didn’t want anything too fancy, so it was perfect. So what kind of birthday parties do you have?” Julie asked.

Celeste looked straight ahead, seemingly transfixed by something on a shelf. “I do not really do parties anymore. They never work out terribly well for me,” she said simply. “We have to show Flat Fi

Celeste pushed the blanket aside and retrieved the cardboard cutout of her brother that she’d left by the piano in the small room off of the main hall.  According to Celeste, Flat Fi

“Come on, Flat Fi

 She reached a hand up to his midsection, trying desperately to keep him vertical, but each time she seemed to find the perfect spot for the base flap, Flat Fi

 “You have done this before, Flat Fi

Julie watched the scene before her and wondered what the hell she’d gotten herself into by stepping foot in this house. Celeste was looking rather frazzled, and it was hard to watch this kid in such a state, so Julie stood up and took Flat Fi

“You know what? Guys always like to lie down and just sprawl out.  They’re lazy like that. I wonder if that’s what he wants.” Julie noticed Matt poised nervously at the far side of the room, clearly considering whether or not to intervene. He took a step forward. Julie shot him a look and he stepped back. “Besides,” she continued to Celeste, “Flat Fi

Celeste looked at Julie for a moment, and then her face brightened. “I think he would like that very much.”

Julie lifted Flat Fi

“Be careful,” Celeste urged from her crouched position on the rug.

“He’s fine. And there’s still room for us.” Julie took her seat again, leaving enough room behind her so that Flat Fi

Celeste rounded the table and sat down gingerly. She leaned her head over Julie’s lap, peeking at Flat Fi

Julie laughed. “Well, I suspect Flat Fi

Celeste paused for a moment. “He is not disappointed. He thinks that you are beautiful, and that you should Facebook Fi

Julie swallowed. “Flat Fi

Celeste sighed, clearly exasperated at Julie’s stupidity. “Not Flat Fi