Peter focused on getting his license and making money so he could drive. Ed took him into Portland to practice parallel parking on the narrow streets. The snow banks made it harder, but Peter was determined to master this skill. He and Ed didn't need to speak, but when they did, it was meaningful.

Ed asked, "Who's this Jake that my girl's spending time with?"

"Jake. He's a good guy. He's graduating this year. Have you met him?"

"He's been over a few times. It's strange, because I always thought she had eyes for you."

"We're friends." Peter wondered if her father was right. Did she like him too?

"I know that's what she says too, but I'm not sure I believe her."

Peter didn't reply. He was avoiding his feelings for Megan and the mess he was in with Harmony. She was possessive and clingy and they had absolutely nothing to talk about. He was happiest when he was with Megan.

When he and Ed finished the driving practice, it was almost dinnertime and Ed insisted he come back to the house for dinner. Peter couldn't refuse. It was getting dark, and he loved the feeling of driving up to that big house, lit up and glowing. Walking in, it felt like a real home, bright and warm and filled with wonderful smells from the kitchen. He wished he could just move in. Then he could see her face every day. Stop thinking about her that way, he told himself.

"Oh Peter, dear. Come in. How d'you do?" Marie greeted him.

Before Peter could respond, Ed said, "He did fine. The boy is ready for his test. I brought him back for dinner."

"Lovely! We have another guest. Jake's in the other room."

Peter and Megan normally spent time in the large family room which opened to the kitchen and faced the ocean with the large plate-glass windows. They were in the room referred to as the den. Peter went around the corner and caught them making out.

"Hey you two! Get a room!"

Megan looked red with embarrassment. "Oh Bren. I didn't know you were here."

Peter was torn between wanting to punch Libby and wanting to ask if kissing Megan was as great as he imagined. Libby just casually greeted him as he put his arm around Megan's shoulder.

"So what's up?" Peter asked.

"Jake came over to hang out. Are you here for dinner?"

"Yah. Your dad invited me."

"Great!"

Peter noticed that Libby didn't seem as pleased. "I'll go back to the kitchen and let you get back to what you were doing."

"Do you need something?" Marie asked when he entered the kitchen.

"Nah. Just didn't want to be a third wheel."

"Don't worry. It won't last. He's not Mr. Right. He's Mr. Right Now. What you need to do is get rid of that girlfriend of yours. You're too good for her."

He had been so conflicted and here she was telling him what he wanted to hear, that Megan and Libby wouldn't last. She was also telling him what he needed to hear. He needed to break up with Harmony.

He debated whether he wanted to have sex with her one more time, but decided on cold turkey. It would make many people happy including his mother, Becka, Marie, and he hoped Megan.

Three times the following week, Peter turned down Harmony's invitation to come to her house after school. Invitation was probably not the right word, as it was closer to a demand. By Wednesday, she was angry with him.

Finally he said, "It's not working out. I think we need to break up."

He shocked her, and she threatened to make him pay for dumping her. He brushed her off. "Harmony, there is a line of guys wanting to be with you."

It thrilled Peter to be done with her. He didn't know how wrong he was.

Peter was pissed and happy when he heard that Harmony was telling everyone that Megan wasn't sleeping with Jake. He was jealous of Jake and was relieved that Megan didn't love him. The problem with breaking up with Harmony was that he had lost his ability to control her.

To Peter, Megan was an enigma, she valued herself, but had a negative self-image. It shocked Peter when he realized that she was unaware of her beauty.

"My hair is a weird, ugly color."

"Are you kidding me? Your hair is unique, but not ugly, Meg." He could tell she didn't believe him. He thought her hair was beautiful, but wasn't sure she wanted to hear that from him.

"You're a good friend. I always hated Meg, but I like it when you say it. I need a name for you besides Bren."

"I remember the first time you called me Bren. I realized we were really friends not just study partners. You know you're my best friend."

"You're mine if you don't mind sharing with Jen. Now everyone calls you, Bren and your mother calls you Peter."

"Your mother too. Actually, almost every adult."

"Yes, that just leaves Pete. Can I call you Pete?"

"Pete and Meg, best friends forever, I like that," he said.

"Me too. Now help me with my chemistry."