"Beyond a Fine Line"

Haillie was only seventeen, but she knew that what she felt for Leo was more than just a silly schoolgirl crush. Even though sometimes she didn't believe it herself.

She walked into the kitchen, still in her sweats, her hair disheveled, barely grasping reality after a sleepless night.

Mom stood at the stove, frying eggs. Dad sat at the table, flipping through the newspaper, even though he got most of his news from Facebook anyway.

Mom: "The princess finally woke up. What, were you on your phone late again?"

Haillie (with an eye roll): "Mom, seriously? I just couldn't sleep."

Dad (without looking up from the newspaper): "'Couldn't sleep,' so Leo was texting you until three in the morning again?"

!Haillie: "So what? At least I'm talking to someone, not like you—a newspaper or a frying pan."

Mom (feigning patience): "Haillie, he's eighteen. And a motorcycle. And no plans for the future. Doesn't that worry you even a little?"

Haillie: "No, it doesn't. Because I'm not looking for someone with a retirement plan, just someone who understands me."

Dad: "And then you'll come running back crying when he leaves you or does something stupid. We've been through this with your cousin, with Paulina..."

Haillie (in a whisper): "Comparisons again, great..."

The phone in her pocket vibrated. A message from Leo: "Are you coming in today? Mom's having a sleepover. We can talk in peace."

She smiled despite herself.

Mom (looking out of the corner of her eye): "Is that him?"

Haillie: "Yes. And no, don't ask." I'm going to get ready.

Before she could close the bathroom door, Dad added:

Dad: "By the way, we're having dinner with Grandma at 6:00 PM tonight. No 'I'm going to Leo's.'"

Haillie (shouting through the door): "Grandma hates me, and at least Leo doesn't make me eat liver."