Ann Martin - Stacey's Broken Heart

"Robert and I are about to break up," I told her. "He's coming over now."

Mom bit her lip. "Want me to stay or go?"

"I think we need some privacy," I said.

"All right, but I'll be right upstairs if you need me," she offered, heading up the steps.

"Thanks."

In less than five minutes, Robert showed up. "Hi," he said, looking terribly guilty.

"Come on in," I said, leading the way into the living room. "Before you say anything, Robert," I began, sitting on the couch, "I know

what's been happening. Claudia told me and I've already talked to Andi."

Even though the situation was serious, I had to laugh grimly to myself. Robert looked as if he were about to fall off his chair. Eyes wide, he paled and clutched the seat of the chair. "You know?"

I nodded. "What I don't know is why you lied to me." When I said the word lied it caught in my throat and came out in a choked way.

"I didn't want to," Robert said, the color returning to his face. In fact, the color was going from white to bright red. "Really, I didn't. I just wasn't sure what was happening and I didn't want to upset you."

"Well, you did upset me!" Now my voice was half sob, half anger.

"I know and I'm sorry. I didn't want to say anything until I was sure."

I started crying. "And now you're sure?"

Robert came across the room to the couch. "Why?" I asked through my tears. "Why do you like her better than me?" .

Robert took my hand and squeezed it. "I can't explain," he said quietly. "I'm just more relaxed with Andi. I think we have more in

common."

"That makes sense, I guess," I said, sniffling.

"I don't have a handkerchief or anything like in the movies," Robert said helplessly. He raised his arm. "Want my sleeve?"

I pushed his arm away, but the offer made me laugh through my tears. "How will I ever find another guy who will let me blow my nose on his sleeve?" Then I started crying again, this time harder than before. The tears gushed out of my eyes like a river overflowing.

"You'll find someone great, Stacey,'" Robert said tenderly. "Because you're great. You really are. I hope we'll always be friends."

I dried my eyes. "I hope so, too," I said. "Maybe we can be. After awhile." He hugged me hard and I hugged him back.

Then he got up and I could see he wanted to leave. I walked to the door with him. "I'll see you," he said, stepping outside.

"Yeah. See you." I watched him walk away. He turned back once and waved. I waved back, then shut the door. .' "How are you?" Mom asked from the stairs behind me.

"I'll live," I said, forcing a smile.

"That's the truth. You will," Mom agreed. "And life is long, you know. You and Robert might get together again. If you were truly meant to be together you will. Look at Mary Anne's father and Dawn's mother."

"I can't think about that," I said. "Right now

it doesn't seem too likely." The phone rang again and I answered it. "Hello?"

"Hi, it's Claud. Are you okay? You sound weird." I told her what had just happened. "Oh, wow," she said. "I'm coming right

over."

"You don't have to," I said.

"Yes, I do. I'm your best friend, aren't I?"

"Of course."

"Then I have to come right over."

"All right," I agreed, a smile forming on my face.

"I have the money from the festival to give you, too."

"Why to me?"

"You're the treasurer. Abby said to give it to you. She's glad you're back to take over. .I'm not sure she's glad Kristy will be president again, though. It's hard to tell. I think she was getting into the job, but maybe a little too much."

Claudia rambled on about the BSC and everyone we knew. By the time she hung up, I was feeling a lot better. I was glad she was coming over.

As I headed up to my room, I realized it felt good to be home. My future might not include Robert anymore, but I was eager to return to my regular life, see my friends, baby-sit for some of our regular clients.

I'd heard an expression once: sadder but wiser. I hadn't understood it at the time. Now I did. That was me — sadder but wiser Stacey McGill.

I was going to be okay, though. No matter what happened, I'd always have myself to rely on. As long as I liked me, I'd be fine. And that was something I hadn't been sure of before Robert broke my heart. Now I was sure.

Dear Reader,

In Stacey's Broken Heart, Stacey is sad about ending her relationship with Robert, but she knows it's for the best, that she has made the right decision. While it wasn't easy for me to write about Stacey's breakup, I always love to write about New York City. I've lived in New York at least part-time since 1979, and when I was a kid, my family lived close enough to the city so that we could visit often.

Many of the places I mention when I write about New York are real. For instance, Stacey's father now lives on East 65th Street. Years ago I lived there, too, with my cat Mouse. Most of the stores are real, such as Bloomingdale's and F.A.O. Schwarz. Many of the restaurants are real, too — The Hard Rock Cafe, Tavern on the Green, Sign of the Dove, and the Oyster Bar. I'm glad Stacey still visits New York from time to time, because then I get to write about it. I hope you like reading about New York. Maybe you'll get to visit sometime!

Happy reading,