eslowlymovedhisheadforward.“Tellmeyouwanttokissme,”hesaid.

“I...”Idid,butsayingitoutloudwashardtodo.Hewashandsome,nice,caredaboutme,but

speakingaboutitwashard.

HeinchedforwardslowandintomeenoughthatIfelttheneedtoholdontohisshoulderstobalance

myselfandnotfallbackward.

Hecapturedmychinbetweenhisfingersandheldfirm,holdingmestill.“Sayit,aggele.”
“Silas,”Iwhispered,butwithhimholdingontome,itwasdifficulttospeak.IguessedifIwasn’t

goingtomakethefirstmove,hewasgoingtogetmetosayIwantedit.Myheartraced.Itriedtosilence
mythoughtsandnervousness.NathanandDr.Greendiditsoquickly,Ididn’thavetimetothink.Don’t
think!

TheAcademy

TheGhostBirdSeries

HouseofKorba

♥

BookSeven

♥

WrittenbyC.L.Stone

Publishedby

ArcatoPublishing

http://aclstone.tumblr.com/
PublishedbyArcatoPublishing

http://www.arcatopublishing.com

Allrightsreserved.
ISBN-13:978-1502910776
ISBN-10:1502910772
Thisbookisaworkoffictionandanyresemblancetopersons,livingordead,orplaces,eventsor

localesispurelycoincidental.Thecharactersareproductionsoftheauthor’simaginationandused
fictitiously.

FromTheAcademy

TheGhostBirdSeries

Introductions

FirstDays

Friendsvs.Family

ForgivenessandPermission

ADropofDoubt

PushandShove

HouseofKorba

TheOtherSideofEnvy(April2015)

TheScarabBeetleSeries

Thief

Liar

Fake(December2014)

***

OtherBooksbyC.L.Stone

SmokingGun

SpiceGod

DonationCupsandBatSignals

guardedtheregister,occasionallyscanningreceiptsandhandlingpaymentsfromcustomers,butthey

didn’thappenoftenenoughtokeepmeoccupied.

Bob’sDinerwasslowforaSaturdayafternoon.Thelunchcrowdhadalreadypassedthrough.Uncle

wasinthebackmonitoringthekitchen.Lukeoccasionallysweptbymeandcaughtmyeyewitha
handsomesmile.Hisblondlocksweredrawnbackwiththecliphestolefromme.Ihadtomakedowith
twistingmyhairandusingtwopencilstoholditinplacelikehairsticks.Bitsofmychameleonblondhair
tickledmyneck,justshortofthecollarofthehoodieIwaswearing.Ikepttryingtosweepbackthelocks
thatwereloosebehindmyears,butifIleanedforward,theyfellout.

ItwasnearingtheendofOctober,andIwashappyitwasalmostover.Myhopeforaquiet,ordinary

schoolyearhadalreadyvanished.Afterthebombthreatsontheschool,aprincipalandvice-principal
aftermeandtheAcademyguys,bullies,athomeandatschool,Igotnervouswhenthingsgotquiet.I
wonderedwhatwaslurkingintheshadows,alwayswaitingforthenextsurprise.

Ileanedagainstthecounter,myheadproppedupinmyhands,countingdowntheminutesuntiltheend

ofmyshift.Mostofthetime,IstaredatLukesonotberudeandstareatanyoneelsewhileIdazedout.In
hisBob’sDinerbluepoloshirt,hislong,leanarmsflexednicelyashecarriedatray,orwroteoutorders
onaticket.Thewayheinteractedwithcustomerswasreallyenchanting;he’dputonahandsomesmile,
lightingupthosedarkeyes,andjokearoundwiththepatrons,makingmethinkmanyofthemwererepeat
customersbecauseofhim.

I’dalreadycleanedthecounter,organizedthereceipts,refillednapkindispensersandhadeven

scrubbeddownthesodafountainmachine.Justafewmoreminutes,andthenIhadtogohome.Tomy
soon-to-beformerhome.I’dpromisedmysister,Marie,I’dhavethelastofmystuffouttodaysoIwould
finallynothavetoreturnforawhile.IalreadyhadallmyclothesatNathan’shouse,butIwantedtodoa
sweepandcheckforanythingImayhaveleftbehind.

Movingoutatsixteeniscomplicated.Inmycase,ithadtobedoneslowly,becausewehadpeople

watchingthehouse.Therewerethreeofthematatimenowonourstreet.Onewasoutsidethediner,since
Mr.Hendrickshadfiguredoutsomeofusworkedthere.

Iidlytracedtheedgesoftheregister,listingthingsinmyheadthatIshouldlookforinthehouse.My

birthcertificatewassomethingIhadn’tbeenabletofind.Theboysdidn’tmentionit,butI’msurethey
forgot.Ithoughtitmightbeinmystepmother’sroom.Iwantedtochecktheattic,too.Iwasn’tsureifI
wantedtoleavetheirphotostapedtothewallinsidethesecretspacethey’dcreatedforme.Partofme
washeartbrokenatthethoughtoftakingthemdown.Iconsideredleavingthem,fornow.Icouldcome
backforthemlater.

Afiguremovedinfrontofme,andIreactedbyholdingoutmyhand,expectingareceiptandreadying

asmile.

Thegirl’seyeswidenedalittle.“Um,”shesaid.
Ishookmyhead,retractingmyhand.“Sorry,”Isaid.“Didyouneedsomething?Didyoucallinan

order?”

“No,”shesaid.Shewasaprettygirl,withblueeyesanddyedblondhair,darkbrows.Sheheldupa

silvercanwithsequinsgluedonit.“Areyou...running?”

Istaredather,waitingforhertoexplain,butshejustlookedatmewithraisedbrows.Irealizednow

thiswasn’tanythingabouttherestaurant,andmyinsidesstartedtorattle.WhenIknewtheprocedure,I

wasfinehandlingcustomers,butsomethingrandomlikethismademewanttotellpeopletoaskforLuke.
“Huh?”

“Forhomecomingqueen,”shesaid.Sheshookhercan,makingthesequinssparkleunderthelight.“I

didn’tknowyouworkedhere.Ididn’tseeyouonthelist,but...Ididn’twanttoaskaboutleavingthisif
youwererunninganddidn'twanttocompete.”

“Homecoming?”Iasked.Shewenttomyschool?Ididn’trecognizeher,butsheseemedtoknowme.I

lookedatthecanagain,andcaughttheedgeofaphotographandsomewriting.“Ididn’tevenknow.”I’d
onlyexperiencedhomecomingonceatmyoldschool,andIdidn’tparticipateexceptcheckingoutthe
posters.Wasn’tthatinearlyOctober?Or,whenthefootballteamhadanawaygameandthenfirstcame
back?Thatwasweeksago.

“It’skindofalast-minutething,”shesaid.“Wefinallygottheprincipaltoapprove,butwehadto

convincehimwecouldraiseenoughmoneytohaveone.That’swhatthecansarefor.Thegirlsrunning
forqueengetadditionalvotesforeverydollartheyearn.”

“Oh,”Isaid.“Ohwow.”Theyweren’tevengoingtohaveahomecoming?Mr.Hendrickswas

horrible.Ididn’tknowwhattosay,buttriedtolooksympathetic.

“Weusuallydoacharityevent,”shesaid.“Butwehadtochangeanddoitforourselves,sincehe’d

saidnoandcancelled.Somethingaboutthesebombsthatkeepshowingup.”

Mr.Hendricks’sconcernforthestudentswasasurprise.Hecancelledaneventbecausehewasafraid

ofthebombthreats?Soundedmorelikeanexcusetome.Hesaidhimselftheygetbombthreatsallthe
timeanditwasn’tabigdeal.Didhecancelsohecouldkeepthemoney?“Aw,”Isaid,pushingmy
suspicionsasidefornow.“Well,didyouwanttoleaveyourcan,here?”Ireachedaroundtheregister,
pickingupthetipjarLukehadleftandputitunderthecounter.“I’lllettheothersknow.”

Shesmiledpleasantlyandhandedoverhercan.Iplaceditnexttotheregisterwheremytipjarhad

been.“Thanks,”shesaid.“Maybeyou’llvoteforme.”

“Sure,”Isaid.ShesaiditlikeIshouldalreadyknowhername,butIdidn’t.Maybeshewasinclass

withmeandIshouldhaverecognizedher.Ididn’tevenknowhowtovote.Icouldaskoneoftheboys;
they’dknow.

“I’llmakesuretovoteforyourboyfriend,”shesaid.Shewavedshortlyandthenthankedmeagain

andwalkedaway.

Iwavedback,blinkingandtotallynotregisteringwhatshehadsaid.Boyfriend...Silas?
Silaswasrunningforhomecomingking?
IwaiteduntilLukewasfinishedchattingwithacustomerbeforeImanagedtocatchhiseyewitha

wave.

Hecameoverandleanedagainstthecounter.Ablondlengthofhairfellagainsthisface,coveringhis

darkeyes,andhetuckeditbackbehindhisear.“Readytogohome?”heasked.“Ordidyouwantanother
tourofthefreezer?”

Thelasttimeheshowedmethefreezer,he’dnearlykissedme.Ihadn’tbeenbacktheresince.

Tempting,butIshookoffthethoughtandthenpointedtothecan.“Twothings,thisgirlwalkedinandleft
herhomecomingdonationcanhere.Ihopeit’sokay.”

“Homecoming?”Hepickedupthejar,checkingoutthephoto.“Whoisthis?”
“Idon’tknow.Shejustcameinandaskedifshecouldleaveithere.Itoldhershecould.”Irealized

nowIprobablyshouldhaveaskedforpermissionfirst,insteadofassuming.Ididn’twanttotellherno.
NowthatIthoughtaboutit,Iwonderedwhenshemightbebackforit,orifIhadtoreturnittoher.

“Oh,”hesaid.Hereadthecan.“Jenny.Don’tthinkIknowher.”Heshookthecan.“Hercanisempty.”

Heputitdown.“What’stheotherthing?”

Ireachedunderthecounterformyowntipjar.Ipulledoutsomecashwithoutcountingandstuffedit

intothegirl’scanwhileIwastalking.“ShesaidSilasisrunningforking.”

“Heis?”Lukeasked.Hissmilebroadenedandhenoddedhishead,lookingimpressed.“Wow.Hey,I

wanttorun.Dotheyreallygetacrownandthenletyouridearoundinthebackofaconvertible?Isn’t
thereaparadeorsomething?”

“Ishereallyrunning?”
“Idon’tknow.Askhim.”Hereachedintohisownpocketandthenstuffedacoupleofdollarsintothe

girl’sdonationcan.Therestofthecashheshovedintomytipjar.“I’llkeepaneyeonthecan.Youshould
gogetthosethingsyouneededandheadtoNathan’s.It’sslowhere.”

“Youdon’twantmetohangout?”
Hegrinned.“IfIworknow,Igettohavetimeofflater,andthenIgettotakeyouout.”Heleanedover

thecounterandplantedakissonmynose.“Butyoushouldheadoutbeforeitstartsgettingtoobusy.”

Icouldhavearguedaboutit,buthepattedmyheadandshooedmealong.Iemptiedmytipjar,tucking

themoneyintothepocketofmyhoodie.IwavedgoodbyetoLukeandheadedout.

Itooktheshortcutthroughthewoodshome,clutchingmyphoneinmypocketwhileIwalked.Silasfor

homecomingking.Thatwasastrangethoughttome.IsmiledthatthegirlhadthoughtIwasrunning.
MaybeitwasjustassumedbecauseIwaswithSilas.Pretending.Wewerepretendingtobetogetherso
thefootballteamwouldn’thasslehimaboutgoingoutwithanyone,andotherboyswouldleavemealone.

ButwhatdiditmeanifSilasranforhomecoming?
ThetwostorygrayhouseonSunnyvaleCourtwasquietasIwalkedup.Itwasdifficulttothinkofitas

homenow,andatthesametime,IfeltlikeIwasleavingsomethingbehindeverytimeIwenttostaywith
Nathanathishouse.Iwasn’tsureifMariewashome,orifshewashangingoutwithDanielle.She
seemedhappierthesedaysthefewtimesIhadrunintoher.Iwasn’taroundasmuchandtheboysstayed
awayfromher.Thatwaswhatshewanted.

AsIenteredthehouse,Istalledinthelivingroom.WouldthisbethelasttimeIeversawthisplace?

WoulditbethelasttimeIcringed,listeningformystepmother,eventhoughshewasn’thererightnow?
WouldIneverhavetotiptoearoundagain?

Iwenttomystepmother’sroomfirst.Istoodthereforalongtime,staringatthestrippedbed,

checkingthespace.It’dbeenweekssincemystepmotherhadbeenhome,takenbytheAcademytothe
hospital.TheyfinallytoldmeshewasdownsouthintheMayoClinic,andthattheywerewatchingher.
I’dtoldMarieandtheboysleftheraphonenumber,anaddressandaroomnumberandsaidshecould
visitwhenevershewanted.They’devendrive.Ididn’tknowifshe’ddoneanythingwiththeinformation.
Shedidn’ttalktome.

Sistersasfarapartastheycouldbe.
Ishuffledthroughdrawers,tryingtofigureoutthemostlikelyspotforabirthcertificateandother

identitydocuments.Aftergoingthroughthedressers,Itriedthecloset,thesidetables.Nothing.SuddenlyI
rememberedtheboxunderthebed.

Ikneltandpulledtheoldshoeboxout.Insidewasanoldphotographofmystepmother,possiblythe

onlyphotographofanyoneinourfamilyintheentirehouse.Iglancedatitonce,andsomethingthickand
heavysettledovermyheart.Fear.Evenwhenshewasn’there,Ifeltherwhispering,tellingmetostay
lockedaway,becauseotherpeoplewerebad.Icouldfeelmykneespressingagainstthewoodfloor,or
mythroatandhowitburnedwhensheforcedmetodrinkvinegarandlemonjuice.Iturnedthephotoover,
feelingbetterwithoutthosecriticaleyeslookingatme.

Iputitasideandcheckedtheothercontents.Oldneedlesfrominjectionsshemusthavegottenandshe

neverthrewaway,oldpillbottles,notesshe’dscribbledonandthenleft.Theyweren’treallylegible.

Therewasn’tanythingelseinside.Shekeptherphotowithsomeoldtrash?

Ireturnedthebox,butkeptthephoto.Icheckedoverthebedroomagain.Nobirthcertificate?No

informationonus?WherewasMarie’sinformation?

MaybeMarieknew.Icreptupthestairsquietly.Marie’sbedroomdoorwasopen,soIsteppedinside.
Shewasn’tthere.Herbedroomwasclutteredwitholdclothesstackedinthecorner,andherschool

books,barelytouched,wereinanothercorner.Ifoundapenandapieceofpaperandwroteashortnote:

Couldn’tfindmybirthcertificate.I’llneedthat.Ifyouknowwhereitis,letmeknow?
Ileftit,andthenleftthephotoofhermotherwithit.Ithoughtshemightlikeit.
Iheadeddownthehalltomybedroom,halfexpectingoneoftheboystobeinside.Idon’tknowwhy,

maybebecausetheywerealwaysaroundthesedays.

Ididn’thearthevoicesuntilIopenedthedoorhalfway.WhenIsteppedin,thevoicessilenced.Dr.

Green,Kota,andMr.Blackbournewerestandinginmybedroom.VictorandGabrielsatonmybed.

Idon’tknowwhatshockedmemore,thefactthattheywereinmybedroomtogetherorthatthey’d

beenwhispering.Ihadaflashofthoughtthatsomeonewasintrouble.Themostsurprisingwasthedoctor
andMr.Blackbournebeingthere,too.Theyalmostnevershoweduptothishouse.

ThesuddensilencetoldmemorethanIwasprobablyallowedtoask,butIdidanyway.“Secret

Academymeeting?”

ThecornerofKota’smouthinchedupalittle.“Sortof.”
“Inmybedroom?”
“Nathan’shouseisamessrightnow.NorthandNathanaredoingalittlerenovation.”
Renovation?TheymusthavestartedwhileIwasworkingwithLuke.“Ah.”Ilingeredinthedoorway,

gazingattheirfaces.IguessedKota’smotherwashomeorelsetheywouldhavegonethere.Victor’sfire
eyescenteredonme,asimmerforthemoment.Dr.Greensmiledpleasantlyashesatatthefootofthe
bed.Gabrielwasonhisbackonthebed,hisfingersstrumminganinvisibleguitar.Mr.Blackbournewas
standingresolute,hissteeleyessubduedintocuriosity.

IrefocusedonKota,whosegreeneyesbehindhisglasseslingeredonme,silentlyaskingmeifI

neededsomethingorelsecouldIgivethemamoment.Ishiftedfromonefoottotheother,tryingtofigure
outwhatwaswrongthatrequiredasecretmeeting,butcouldn’tcomeupwithanything.“AnythingIcan
dotohelp?”

“Well...”Dr.Greensaid,evenwhileMr.BlackbourneandKotawerestartingtosayno.“Actually,

theremightbeonething.”

“Wecan’thaveherinvolved,”Mr.Blackbournestated.
“It’snotinvolvingher,”Dr.Greensaid.“It’saskingheropinion.That’snotgettinginvolved.”
“What’swrong?”Iasked,readyforthemtotellmetherewasabomborafightoraboogeymanthat

neededtobetakencareof.

Kotaglancedattheothersquicklybeforesettlinghisgazebackonmeagain.“Silasisoutonan

Academyjob.”

“Ihaven’theardfromhimsincethefootballgameyesterday.”
“Right,andthere’sanotherjobhecouldtake,too.Onethat’s...welltheAcademyreallywantshimon

thisone.”

“Sowhynotcallhim?”Iasked.
“Itmaycompromisehiscurrentjob,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.Hecrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“We

trynottosubmitAcademydetailsaboutjobsviatextorphonecalls.It’stooeasytointercept.”

“Isn’tthereasecretcodeorsignalyoucoulduse?”

“Notnow,”hesaid.“EspeciallysinceVoltowentsilent.Wesecuredourselvesasmuchaspossible,

butit’slimitingnowwhenwearen’tsurewherehemightbe.Ifweusecode,it’llbeobvious.”

“SonoBatSignal?”
Gabrielcrackedwithlaughter.Theothersgrinned,exceptforMr.Blackbourne,whosimplysaid,

“No.Weneedtotalktohiminperson.”

“Doyouwanthimtocomeback?”
“Wewanttotellhimtohurrywithhisjob,withoutcompromisingit,andwithoutalertinganyoneelse

astowhyweneedhimback.Wejustneedtoknowifhe’llbebackintimetotakethisnewjoborifwe
needtotellthemtogotosomeoneelse.Everyoneelseeithercan’tdoitorthey’rebusy.”

Ittookmeamomenttothinkofwhattodo,butafterIhadit,Idippedmyfingersintomybra,pulling

outmynewiPhoneinthepinkcase.Theoldonehadcracked.Icouldn’trememberhowmanyphonesI’d
beenthroughthelastfewmonths.Ipunchedamessageatthescreen.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Kotaasked.“Wesaidnottoaskhimdirectlytocomeback.”
Ifinishedmytextandsentit.“Ididn’t.”
Mr.Blackbournegavemeascrutinizinglook.“Youjustsenthimatext?”
“Yes.”
Hiseyesnarrowed.“Iwishyouwouldhaveshownittomefirst.”
Myphonevibratedtolifeinmyhands.Icheckedthescreen.“He’llbebacktonight.”
Theroomsilenced.Didtheynotexpectmetohelp?Isn’tthatwhattheyaskedmetodo?
“Whatdidyousay?”Dr.Greenasked.
Ishrugged,holdingoutmyphone,allowingthemtoreadthescreen.
Sang:“Missyou.”
Silas:“7.”
“Thatmeanshe’llbebackatseven,right?”Iasked.
Surprisedfilledeachoftheirfaces.Victorwasgawking.Thereweresmilesontheotherfaces,and

Mr.Blackbourne’sstoodoutthemost,amillimeteratmost,butdazzlingmewithitswarmth.

ItwasKotawhofinallynodded.“Yeah,”hesaid.
“Isthatallyouneeded?”
“Uhhuh.”
“I’lluh...guessI’llgoseewhatNorthandNathanareupto—”
Therewasaknocking,loudenoughandhardenoughtofeellikethehousewasshaking.Immediately

after,thedoorbellrangtwice.

Theboysneverknocked.Mariedidn’thaveto.Icheckedwiththeothersastowhoitcouldbe,asif

theycouldseethroughwalls.

Theystaredbackwiththesamesurprisedexpression.
Kotastoodandcameforward.“It’sprobablyjustthemailman.”
Inodded,andstartedtoturnaroundtoheadbackdownstairs.Kotawentwithme,followedby

Gabriel.

“Don’twehaveacameraoutthere?”Gabrielasked.
“It’saguy,”Victorsaidaboveusfromthetopofthestairs.Hehadhisphoneinhishandandhewas

tappingatit.“He’sturnedthewrongwaythough.”

“Shouldn’tIjustanswerit?”Iasked.
“Andwhatifwe’rewrongandit’sanaxmurderer?”Gabrielasked.“Orthepolice?”
Whydidhehavetosaythat?Atthelaststep,Ihesitatedforasecondbeforetouchingdown.Kota

crashedintome,puthishandsonmyhipsandeasedmedownthelaststep.

Istartedforthedoor,butKotatookmyarm,tuggingmeback.Icheckedbehindme,andMr.

BlackbourneandDr.Greenwereatthetopofthestairs.Victorwasaheadofthemonthestairs,but
waiting.

Anotherringofthedoorbell,andKotacheckedthroughthepeephole.Hisheadjerkedbackandhis

expressionchangedtosomethinggrim.Helookedbackupthestairwell,pointedtoMr.Blackbourneand
Dr.Greenandwavedhishandinashooingmotion.

Thetwoofthemimmediateretreatedtomybedroom.
Iimaginedtheystilllingered,listeningandwaiting.WhowasitthatKotahadtoaskthemtoback

away?

Kotaopenedthedoor,steppingback.
Mr.Hendricksstoodonthefrontporch.HegloweredatKotainstantlyandthenlookedatme.
MyheartthunderedandmyhandflutteredtomythroatasItookashortstepback.Whatwasthe

principaldoinghere?Forcingmyselftobepolite,Ispoke.“Hello?Didyouneedsomething?”

“Ididn’trealizeyouhad...company,”Mr.Hendrickssaid.Hisshavedheadandcriticizingeyesand

broadstaturemadehimlookevenfierceroutsideofschool.Heworebrownslacks,awhitecollared
shirt,notieorjacketlikeheusuallydid,sohelookedalittledifferent.

“Thisishighlyinappropriate,”Kotasaid.
“Thisisamatterthatcan’twait,”hesaid.Hesteppedforward,puttingafootinthehallway.
Kotastartedtostepinfrontofhimtoblockhimfromfurtheraccess.“Youshould...”
“Idon’tneedpermissiontovisitthehomeofoneofmystudents,”Mr.Hendrickssaid.“ButIwanted

hertopassamessagetoyouanyway,soyoumayaswellbehere.”

Kotaraisedhiseyebrows.Gabrieleasedforward,puttingahandatthesmallofmyback.Ihadn’t

realizedhowmybodyrattleduntilhistouchwassteadyagainstme.

VictorfinishedhisdescentdownthestairstostandbesideKota.“Ifyoumust,”Victorsaid,“we

shouldgosomewhereelse.Youshouldhavecalledusdirectly.OrtalkedtoMr.Blackbourne.”

“WhatIhavetosayconcernsallofyou,”Mr.Hendrickssaid.“Youshouldlisten.”
“Wouldyoucaretostepintothelivingroom?”Kotaasked,hisfacetight,notshowingemotion.
AsMr.Hendricksentered,athousandquestionsbuzzedthroughme.ThelasttimeI’dbeeninhis

office,I’dbeenwithMarie.Mariehadletslipthatourmotherwasinthehospitalandourfatherwasat
work,butIdon’tknowifhereallyknewtheentiresituation.Whywouldhedaretoshowupotherwise?
Wouldhehaveconfrontedmymotherifshe’dbeenhere?

Mr.Hendrickswentintothelivingroom.VictorandKotastoodwithhim.Gabrieldrewmetoward

thecouchandIsatnexttohim.

“We’vegotasituation,”Mr.Hendrickssaid.Hekepthisarmsdrawnintightagainsthisbody,likehe

wantedtostophimselffromtouchinganythingintheroom.“It’sthehomecominggameanddance.”

“Shouldn’tyouhavecalledMr.Blackbourneaboutthis?”Kotaasked.
“He’stheonethatyoushouldbeconcernedwith,”hesaid.“Thisbomberseemstohaveaparticular

interestinhim.Ineedyoutoconvincehimtomakeitclearhewillnotbeattendingeitherthegameorthe
dance,andtoannounceitpublicly.”

“Why?”Kotaasked.
“Becausethisgamedoesn’tjustinvolvestudents.It’sanotherschool,parents,andwhoknowshow

manyothers.Abombthreatoncampuswecantolerate.Thestudentsdealwithit,andtheparentsofour
studentsknowithappens,butnothingeveroccurs.Theytreatitlikeaschoolprank.Abombthreatata
homecominggamewouldforcetheissue.Thepolicewilllookcloserwhenotherparentsthreatentosue
ourschool.”

Victorclearedhisthroat.“Soitisn’tbadenoughtheschoolisthreatened,it’swhenparentsshowup

thatit’sanissue?”

“Parentsarealwaysworsethantheirkids,”hesaid.“They’llcreateadramaticsceneaboutit.Atany

rate,ifthebomberisfocusedonMr.Blackbourne,andheisn’tgoingtobethere,thenthere’snoreasonto
targetthegame.”

“We’llconsiderit,”Kotasaid.
“I’mnotasking,”Mr.Hendrickssaid.Hepointedafingerinmydirectionandaddressedme.“I’ve

talkedtoyourfather.”

MyheartthunderedandIsatup.Gabrielkepthishandatmyelbow,nearlygrowlingashespoke.

“Whatabouthim?”heasked.

IwasgratefultheywerespeakingformesoIdidn’thaveachancetoscrewup.
“Iknowhe’satwork,andthatyourmotherisinthehospital.ItoldhimspecificallythatI’dlookout

forhisdaughters.”

Itwasaboltoflightningstrikingme.Myfather,maybenotknowingly,wasworkingwiththelast

personheshouldtrust.

“Again,highlyinappropriate,”Kotasaid.“Youcan’tthreatenher.”
“Thisisn’tathreat,”Mr.Hendrickssaidcoolly.“Thisisherwelfarewe’reconcernedwith.”
Thebeadylookinhiseyesandhisassuredposturingtoldmewaymorethanwhathewassaying.He

thinkshe’sfoundhisace.Hehadcontrolofme,andtheboyswhowerefightingtoprotectmewere
playingintothis.Hewantsthemtoreact.Ihadtospeakup,orthiswholethingmightplayintoMr.
Hendricks’splan.

“Isthatallyouneeded?”Iasked.Theboysinstantlyturnedtome.Kotashookhisheadslightly.

Victor’sfireeyeslitupwithcuriosity.Gabrielsqueezedatmyarm,urgingmetobequiet,butIcouldn’t
helpit.Mylipsstartedtomove.Iwantedtoprotectthemasmuchastheywantedtoprotectme.“You
simplyneededMr.Blackbournenottoattendthegameorthedance?”

“Andtomakeitknownhewillbesomewhereelse,”hesaid.“Anywhereelse.”
HecouldhavebeensettingMr.Blackbourneupinatrapsomehow.“Whatifthisbombertriesto

targetthegameanyway?”

“We’llhavetodealwiththatifithappens,”hesaid.“ButIdon’tthinkhewill.IfMr.Blackbourne

isn’tthere,thisbomberdoesn’tseeminterested.There’sbeenampleopportunityforhimtotargetplaces,
butthenamesontheboxesareforMr.Blackbourneonly,inplaceshe’dbe,orthephonecallsmention
himspecifically.”

Theoriginalbombthathadshownuparrivedinthemusicroom,theoneclasshehad,withme.I

hadn’trealizedtheothersweretargetedtohim,too.OrMr.Blackbournedidn’ttellme.

Ilookedtotheothers.Iwasn’tsureifthiswasatrick,andIdidn’twanttoconfirm.Therequest

seemedsimpleenough.“Youthought,”Isaid,“ifyoutalkedtomethatIcouldconvincehimnotto?”

“Thisisnotjustourschoolinvolvedinthisanymore.”
“We’llsee,”Kotasaid.“Butcallingherfatherandusinghimoverherheadcan’tbedoneanymore.”
“TheschoolboardisrequiringthatIkeepyouAcademystudentswithus,”hesaid.“Butshe’smy

student.I’lldowhatIfeelisnecessaryforherandforthesafetyofallmystudents.”

Therewasmoretothis.Hewasprotectinghimselfsomehowinhisrequest.Maybethebombthreat

wouldleadtoadeeperinvestigation,onethatcouldexposehim.

Itwastemptingtoletithappen,ifitreallywasjustathreatandwouldn’thurtanyone.Likebefore,

wheretheywereemptyboxesandavoiceonthephone,itseemeditwasasmallpricetopaytofinally
figureoutwhatMr.Hendrickswasupto.

“I’lltrytotalktohim,”Isaid,whennooneelsewassayinganything.“ButIdon’tknowwhatwill

happen.”

Mr.Hendricksnodded.“IwanttohearbackfromyouMondaywithananswer.”
Mr.Hendricksleftthehouse,walkingtoatowncarparkedoutfront.Weallwatchedhimfromthe

frontwindows.

Hecompletelyignoredthecaracrossthestreet;oneofhispeoplewatchingthehouse.
“Heknowsmyparentsaregone,”IsaidasIlostsightofhim.
“He’swayoutofline,”Kotasaid.“Andhe’sgettingnervous.”
“That’sgood,”Victorsaid.“He’slikelytoscrewupsomewherenow,isn’the?”
“Fuckingshit,”Gabrielsaid.“He’sshowingupeverywhere.Isn’titbadenoughwe’vegotpeople

followingus?Whycan’twejustexposehimnow?”

“Becauseifthepoliceinvestigate,it’llfreezethoseaccounts,”Kotasaid.Hescannedthestreetonce

moreandreleasedtheblinds.Heturnedtotherestofus,andthenlookedupandcalledout.“Allclear!”

TherewerefootstepsonthestairsandthenMr.BlackbourneandDr.Greenappeared.Mr.

Blackbournefrowned.“Weheard,”hesaid.Iimaginedhemeanthewaslisteninginononeofourcell
phonestoheartheconversation.

“Heactedlikehedidn’tknowyouwerehere,”Kotasaid.“I’mgoingtoassumehispeopledon’t

know.Buthowdoyouwanttohandlethis?”

“We’llhavetotalk,”Mr.Blackbournesaid,thenlookedatme.“Weneedyouunavailableatthis

residencefromnowon.Nexttimewegetachance,weneedtoinformyoursister.Youaren’thomeis
alwaystheanswer.”

“Whataboutatnight?”Iasked.“ImeanIcan’talwaysbegone.”
“Kota’sright,”hesaid.“He’sgettingtoofamiliar.Thisinteractionbetweenhimandyourfatherhasto

end.Hemayfigureouthe’sneverhomesoonenough,anditmightevenleadtolookingintoyouandyour
familysituation.”

“Weneedtogetheroutofherfamilyforgood,”Dr.Greensaid.
“Onethingatatime,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.
Forgood.Severaltimes,theboysmentionedmeleaving,andforsomereason,IalwayspicturedI’d

liveherewithmyfamilyforever.Mymother,evenwhileshewasgoneatthehospital,alwaysseemedto
berightbehindme,watching,waitingformetodosomethingshethoughtwaswrong.Atnight,Ilistened
forher,andeverycreakofthehousehadmewonderingifshewascomingforme.

SinceIstartedsleepingatNathan’shouse,Ihadnewsoundstolearn.Itdidn’tseemtomatterwhereI

was,thenightmaresstillfollowed.

ButIhadtoputmyownfearsaside.“He’safteryou,”Isaidquietly.IlookedatMr.Blackbourne,

meetinghisgrayeyes.“Thisisatrap.Ifyoushowup,andthere’sabombthreat,it’syourfault.Ifyou’re
notthere,anddowhathesays,he’seithersettingatrapforyou,orthere’ssomethingelse.”

“We’llfindoutsoonenough,”hesaidquietly.“Wehaveaweektofigureitout.”
“Sothismightbeourlastweek?”Gabrielasked.“Isitwrongtohopeso?”
“We’vestillgotajobtodo,”Dr.Greensaid.Hesmiled,theamusementflickeringinhiseyes.“AndI

thinkwe’resmarterthanheis.OrdoIgiveyouboystoomuchcredit?”

TheonlyanswerwastofigureoutwhatMr.Hendrickswasuptobeforeithappened.Otherwise,I

mightbetrappedinaschoolwithouttheboys.

Iwasn’tsureI’dsurvivewithoutthem.

Rebuilding

lefttheboystofinishuptheirAcademydiscussions.Iwastemptedtolinger,butIknewbetterthanto

listenin.Sometimeshalflisteningwasmoredangerous.

ButasIleftthehouse,Iwonderedwhatelsetheyneededtotalkaboutthattheycouldn’tinfrontofme.

Notonlythat,butSilaswasoutonajobandIhadn’trealizedthatwaswherehe’dgone.I’dbeenwiththe
otherboysoratthediner,busy.Itwashardtokeeptabsonallnineofthem.NowthatIknewsomeofthe
secretsoftheAcademy,thatjobscouldbedangerous,itmademerealizeiftheyweren’tinfrontofme,
theycouldactuallybeouttheredoingsomethingwhichcouldleadtooneofthembeinginthehospital,or
worse.

Whiletheyoftenpromisedmethatitwasactuallyoutoftheordinaryforthemtodothingswhichwere

dangerous,Ididn’tfeellikeIcouldfullybelieveit.Notwhensomuchofwhattheydidinfrontofme
oftenresultedinoneofusgettinghurt.

WithMr.HendricksafterMr.Blackbourne,IrealizedhowcloseIwastopossiblybeingthereason

forthefailureoftheirmission.Mr.Hendrickswasusingmetomanipulatethem.Theonlyonehethought
hehadtogetridofwasMr.Blackbourne;hesawhimasthemostdangerous.MaybehethoughtifMr.
Blackbourneleft,theotherswould,too.Iwasn’tsurehowtruethatwas.

Nathan’shousewasafewdoorsdownfrommineonSunnyvaleCourt.Thesinglestorybrickhouse

hadafreshlycutfrontlawnandinthedrivewaywasNorth’sblacktruck.Thetailgatewasdown,and
Nathan’sbathtubwassittinginthebed,tiedintoplaceforhauling.

Thefrontdoorofthehousewasunlocked,andIwalkedintothethunderingcrackofsledgehammers

againstdrywall.IwassurprisedIrecognizedthesoundforwhatitwas.Notforthefirsttime,Irealized
howmuchI’dchanged,notjustinattitude,butinhowmuchI’dlearnedinthecoupleofmonthsI’dbeen
aroundtheguys.

IfoundNathanandNorthinthebathroom,takingoutthewallofthecloset.Bothhadtheirshirtsoff,

theirhairsprinkledwithdust.Istoodback,outofrangeoftheirswings.Nathanwasahalfaheadshorter
thanNorth,buteverybitofhisbodywasdefineddetailofmuscle,andhisshoulderswerewider.Withhis
reddish-brownhairandblueeyes,Ithoughtthetermruggedlyhandsomefithimbest.

Northwasn’tasdefinedasNathan,buthistorsowasveryimpressive.Athickmessofcoarsehair

trailedfromthewaistofhisblackjeansuptomeetwithhisbellybutton.Withhiswildeyesandthedark
hair,hewasfierce,evenwhendoingordinarythings.

AsNorthmoved,somethingcaughtmyeye.Therewasaspotonhischestthatlookedlikeadeep

bruise.Istaredatit,becausetheshapewasstrangelyfamiliar.Icouldn’trecall...hadIhithimatsome
pointandleaveamark?Didsomeoneelsehithim?

Northswungoncemoreatthewall,bringingdownthelastofthewall,itcrashingathisfeet.He

droppedthesledgehammerontothetile,wipingathisbrowwiththebackofhishand.Heturned,his
fiercebrowneyescatchingmestaring.“What?”heasked,hisvoicedeepandgruff.

Still,Icouldn’thelplookingatthedarkmark.Nowthathe’dturned,itwasblack,buttherewasathin

line...ofpink?Anditwasalmostshapedlikeaheart.Butitwasmessedup,too.Theoutlinewas
irregular,andthecenterwasonlypartiallyfilledinwiththeblackfadingtowardthecenter.“Didyou
dropthehammeronyourselfor...”Istartedtoask,unabletofinishbecauseIcouldn’tcomeupwith
anothertheory.

Hiseyebrowsliftedinconfusion.Idriftedahandouttowardhim,myfingertipsbrushingatthespot

closetothemark.

Helookeddown,butquicklypattedmyhandaway.“Stop.”
“Ithoughtitwasabruise.”
“It’snotabruise.”
“Whatisit?”
Hegrunted,andlookedbackatNathan,whohadstoppedandwasleaningwithhisbackagainstthe

wall,watchinguscuriously.Northturnedback,liftedhissledgehammeroverhisshoulderandheadedfor
thehallway.“I’lltellyoulater,”hesaidashepassedandcutthroughthekitchen,headingtothedoorout
tothegarage.

Iwatchedasheleft,confused.
Nathancockedhishead.“Whatwasthatabout?”
Ishrugged.“It’sasecret,Iguess.”
Hesmirked,andshovedhisfingersthroughhishair,hisdeepblueeyeslightingup.Heleanedoverthe

opendoor,lookingaround.“He’soutinthegarage?”

“Yeah.”
“Good.”Hegrabbedmyhand,draggingmeintothebathroomandshovedthedoorclosed.Theroom

wasmissingthecounter,thetoilet,andnowthecloset.Thetubwasgone.Itwassimplyablankspace
withexposedtwobyfourbeams,andreadyforsheetrock.

Nathanpushedmeuntilmybackwasagainstthedoor.Heplantedapalmoneithersideofmyneck.

Heleanedin,hislipsfindingmineandhekissedme.Itwasashallowkiss,simplypressinghislipsto
mine,butlingeredlong,likehedidn’twanttostop.Asparklitupfromit,sinkingdownintomyheart,and
dippingfurther,givingmystomachbutterflies.Hisbarechestgrazedagainstmybreastsasheleanedin,
sendinganotherwaveofwarmththroughme.Thescentofcypressandleathermixedwithsomesweatand
sheetrockdustfilledmynose.

Itriedtorespond,thoughIfeltmykisswassloppy.Iwasstillkindofnewtothiskissingthing.
Hebackedup,smilingsowidethatIcouldn’thelpmyownlipsfromgrinning,hewasthatinfectious.

“HiPeanut.”

“HiHoney.Whatareyoudoingtoyourbathroom?”
“Ididn’tlikeitanymore,andaftermydadbrokethetoiletandsomeotherstuff,I’dbeenthinkingof

doingsomethingnewtoit.ThatandNorthwantedanewprojecttoworkon.”

“Soyou’reredoingthewholething?”
“Yup,”hesaid.Heturnedaround,pointing.“Iwasgoingtoputthesinkthere,thistime,andtherewas

awalkinshowerIsawatthehardwarestore.IthinkIwanttogetSilastoputinoneofthoseshower
fixturesthatgoesintotheceiling.Youknow,liketheoneatVictor’shouse.”

Alarmseizedthroughme.“Notub?”Iasked,tryingtosoundexcitedbecausehesoundedlikehewas.
“Naw,”hesaid.“Ineverusethedamnthing.Andthiswillbegreat.It’llmaketherestofthebathroom

smaller,butIthinkalloftheotherguyswilllikeit,too.EspeciallySilas.He’salwaysgripingaboutthe
showerfixturesbeingtooshorthereandatKota’s.”

Iwantedtokeeplisteningtohim,butmyheadwasswimmingwiththethoughtofjustashowerat

Nathan’s.SinceNathan’sdadwasnowworkingahalfaworldaway,andtherewasn’ttheriskofhim
comingby,atleastsurprisinguslikelasttime,Ihadhopedtospendmoretimehere,butnowIworried
aboutbeingdiscoveredforsomethingIwasn’tsureIwasreadytoreveal.

Nathandidn’tknowIwasterrifiedofshowers.Iswallowedtheurgetotellhim,feelingawkwardand

unsure.ItwasNathan’shouse,afterall.Hereallywantedthisnewshower.IguessedthatVictordidn’t

tellhim,ordidn’tknowtheywerereplacingthetub,becauseIthoughthemighthavementionedit.He
mustbekeepinghispromisetomestilltokeepitbetweenusfornow.Ididn’twanttheotherstotrytofix
meorworryaboutmewhentheydidsomuchformealready.ItsoundedlikeSilashadalreadyapproved
ofthisshower,orwouldlikeit,too.CertainlyNorthdid,whichwaswhyhewashere.

ThelongerIdidn’tsayanything,themorecomplicatedthiswasgetting.EverytimeIeventhoughtto

showerortried,Ipanicked,onceIevenfainted.WhatwouldhappenwhenIneededtowash,andall
Nathanhadwasashower?

Nathanturnedbacktome,thesamecrazysmilestillstuckonhisface.“Butit’lltaketime.Knocking

everythingoutwastheeasypart.Thehardpartisputtingthepiecesin.We’regoingtobestuckusingmy
dad’sbathroomforafewdaysatleast.”

We’dbeenusingthatonesincethetoiletbrokeuntiltheycouldfindthetimetofixthebathroom.I

worriednowtheymightreplacethetubinhisdad’sbathroom,too.Icouldonlyhopethatwouldstay.I
couldfindreasonstousethatoneinsteadoftheshowerforthemostpart.Maybethatwouldwork.

Hetookmywrist,tuggingitupuntilitwasaroundhisneck.Myotherarmfollowed,completingthe

embrace.Hewrappedhisarmsaroundmybody.“Whatdoyousay?YouwanttogowithGabrielandpick
outtilecolorsandnewtowels?”

Ismotheredthelumpinmythroat.“Today?”
Helaughedagain,anddippedhishead.Hekissedmeonthenose.“Whenyouandhimhaveamoment,

Iguess.”Hehuggedmeclose.

Istaredatthewall,atthemesstheyhadmade.Anewshower.Silasrunningforhomecomingking.

SecretAcademymeetings.

Isthiswhatmylifewouldbelikefromnowon?

♥♥♥

Northreturnedtohelpcleanupthemessinthebathroom.Withtheclosequartersandtwobigguystrying
toworkinthere,Iwasintheway,sotheyshooedmeout.

IendedupinNathan’sbedroomforawhile.Itookthepencilsoutofmyhairandsprawledoutonthe

bed,messingupthemaroonblanketI’dputintoplacethatmorning.

TheroomsmelledlikeNathan,ofcypressandleather.Itfeltlikehim.Therewerelittletouchesofme

nowmixedinaswell.Abookshelfhadbeenadded,withthebooksfrommybedroom,plusafewextra
onesthankstoKota.Therewerehairclipsonthenightstand,andonthedresserwasabathroomkitwith
thefewthingsI’dtakenfromthehouse.IleftalotforMarie.

Therewasn’tmuch,butthentherewasn’tmuchthatwasmineatthehouse,either.Ialsoneededto

leavesomethingsthere,soifIhadtoreturn,myfatherwouldthinkI’dbeentherethewholetime,sothe
stereo,oldclothesandotherthingsIdidn’treallyneedhadremainedjusttomakeitlooklikeIstilllived
there.

Isuckedinabreath,andheldit,fornoreasonotherthanitwasamomentwhennothingwas

happening.Surreal.Istartedtodoze.Ididn’twanttosleep,butjustrelaxandtrytofigureoutwhatMr.
Hendrickswasupto,amongotherthings.

I’mnotsurehowmuchtimepassedbeforetherewasaknockatthedoor.Itfeltlikeonlyminutes,but

thehoarsenessinmythroattoldmeitwaslongerthanthat.Iscrubbedmyfacewithapalm.“Huh?”I
calledtothepersonbehindthedoor.Istartedtuggingatthehemofmyshortsthathadriddenupmythighs.

Thedooropened,andMr.Blackbournelookedin.Hisgrayeyesscannedtheroomandsettledonme.

Myeyeswidenedandmyheartjumped.Iscrambledtositupright.Ishouldhaveansweredthedoor

properly,notcalledoutwithoutevenasolidword.Iwasembarrassedtobesoimproper.“Mr.
Blackbourne,”Isaidbywayofgreeting.

“MissSorenson,”hesaid.
“Sorry,”IsaidasIsmoothedouttheshirtonmybodyandcombedbacklosestrandsofmyhair.
“Don’tapologize,”hesaid.Heopenedthedoorwiderandtookastepinside.Hewasasimmaculate

asever,withhishairbrushedback,thegraysuitandmaroontie.Theshirtwasaslightlydifferentthan
normal,withamoregraytotheusualwhite,andthetiehadathingoldstripeinsteadofbeingasolid
color.Hiseyesshiftedashestudiedtheroom.“Ithoughtyou’dliketojoinusnow.”

“TotalkaboutMr.Hendricks?”Iasked.
“Forafamilymeeting,”hesaid.“NowthatourAcademybusinessisoutoftheway,andwe’vegot

mostofourmembershere,weshouldprobablyhaveone.”

SilashadoncetoldmetheyheldfamilymeetingsbutIhadn’tyettobeinvitedtoone.Inodded,eager

tolistenin.Myheartfluttered,too,nervousattheideaofbeingapartoftheminsuchaway.Istartedto
climboffthebed.

Mr.Blackbournesteppedforward,holdingoutahand,staringrightatme.
Istoppedmymovements,atfirstconfusedwithwhathewanted.Hewantedmetoholdhishand?
ThenIunderstoodhemeanttohelpmeclimboffthebed.Isuckedinabreath,holdingitasIeasedmy

handintohis.

Hegraspeditandheldstrong.Hetouchedlightlyatmyelbow,guidingmetostandupbesidehim.
Thesmalleststretchofthatmillimetersmileappeared.“I’msorryI’vebeensobusylately,”hesaid.
“We’veallbeen,”Isaidquietly.
“Weshouldn’tbesobusythatwedon’thavetimetotalkproperly.”
“Youknow,”Isaid,“perhapswecould...”ItrailedoffbecauseIrealizeditwasidiotic,andalso

becausehestillhadaholdofmyhand.Heheldfirmly,likehewasassistingholdingmeupright.Hispalm
hadbeencool,butstartedtowarmquickly.Thelongerheheldon,thehardermyheartstartedtopound.

HestaredatmeafterIhesitated.“Yes?”heasked.
“Iknowwe’renotreallysupposedtotextmuchaboutAcademythings,”Isaid,“butIwonderedif,

sinceyou’rebusy,maybeweshould...maybesincewegosolong...”Istumbledfortherightwayto
suggestit.I’dbeensousedtotextingtheotherboys,orcallingthem,butMr.Blackbournewasalways
someoneIonlybotheredifIneededsomething.Icouldn’timaginejustcallinghimtotalkabouteveryday
things.IthoughtperhapsifIcouldtexthimonoccasion,it’dbeeasier.I’dgettoknowhimmore,evenif
hewasbusy.

Hestaredforsolong,hislipspursed.Iwasn’tsureifIhadsaidthewrongthing.
“Ofcourse,”Icontinued,“Iknowthere’ssecurityprotocols.AndIknowthere—”
“Familyfirst,”hesaid,hisvoicesofter.“Weshouldn’ttextortalkonthephoneaboutAcademy

issues,butanyothertopicshouldbefine.”

Inodded.Myhearttrippedoveritself,andIpushedmyfreepalmtomythigh,tryingtostillmyhand

fromshaking.ItriedtothinkofsomethingI’dwanttotellhimthatwasn’tabouttheAcademy.Iknew
severalthings,butbeingbraveaboutsayingitoutloudwasdifficult.

Hisheadtilted,andthosegrayeyesglideddowntomyT-shirtandshorts.Hetouchedafingerbriefly

tothecornerofhisdark-rimmedglasses,adjustingthem.“Wouldyouliketochangebeforeyoucomeout
tothelivingroom?”

“Idon’twanttoholdeveryoneup,”Isaidautomatically,andthenrealizedhehadbeensuggestingI

changeandI’ddismisseditrightoff.Hewasn’tashortsandT-shirttypeofperson.Iwasoutofplacenext

tohim,withthesuitandtie.

Hereleasedme,straightening,andthenheadedforthedoor.“Weshouldn’tbetoolong.”
Imadeafistwithmyhand,holdingontothebitofwarmthwe’dsharedinthemoment.Itriedtosoothe

thefeelingsbeforefollowinghimout.

♥♥♥

Inthelivingroom,Kota,VictorandGabrielsatonthecouch.NorthandNathanweresittingcross-legged
onthefloor.Theyhadtheirshirtsbackon,buttheywerestillalittledustyandgrimy-looking.Dr.Green
wasinthearmchair.Lukewasperchedonthecoffeetable.

Iwassurprisedtoseehewasbackfromthedinersosoon.Thenewswasonthetelevisionandthey

weremostlyfocusedonthat.

ThemomentIappearedwithMr.Blackbourne,VictormovedtositbesideLukeonthecoffeetable

andmotionedformetotakethespothe’dopened.

Normally,IwouldhaveprotestedthatIcouldhavesatonthetable,butwithMr.Blackbournethere,I

didn’twanttomakeafuss.IsatbetweenKotaandGabriel.Gabrielputanarmonthecouchpillow
behindme,smiling,puttingasparkinhiscrystalblueeyes.

ItriedtofocusonMr.Blackbourne,whomovedtostandbythetelevision.Dr.Greenhitthemute

button,leavingthetelevisionon,imagesofthenewsflashingacrossthescreen.

Gabriel’sfingersdriftedoutuntilhewasbrushinghisfingertipsatthebackofmyneck.Heslidthem

backandforth,likestrummingaguitar.

Ismiled,warmedbythetouch.Thiswasamomentforme.Icouldfeelitintheair,electrifiedandyet

noonewassayingsooutloud.ThiswasaboundaryIwascrossing.Afamilymeetingwassomethingthey
regularlydidtogether,andnowIwaspartofthat,becauseIwaspartofthefamily.

“Mr.Lee,”Mr.Blackbournesaidquietly.Hestoodtall,hisshoulderspulledback.“Wouldyouliketo

begin?”

HeadsturnedtowardKota.Kotalookedatme,directly.“Didyougetthelastofwhatyouneededat

yourhouse?”heaskedme.

“Ithinkso,”Isaid.“Iwaslookingformybirthcertificate.”
Hesquintedatme.Therestofthemseemedtostiffen.Kotatiltedhishead.“Didyouneeditfor

something?”

“Won’tI?”Iasked.“Imean,IguessIcouldgobackforitlater.IleftanoteforMarietolookforit.

UnlessyoumeanI’llbebackthereand...”

“There’snoneedtoreturnanymore,”Mr.Blackbournesaid,“notunlessyouwantto.Youshouldn’t

needyourbirthcertificateatthemoment.”

Inodded,respondingthatIunderstoodhismeaning.Hedidn’twantmetoreturnunlessIhadto.
Mymindspun,thinkingofallthethingsImayhaveforgotten,wonderingandworriedaboutmyfather

returning,orsomeoneelsediscoveringthetruth.Perhapsthat’swhyhesaiditlikeanorder.Toclosethat
door,andnotallowmetolingerbylookingforthingsIreallydidn’tneed.

“Ifthemoveisfinished,”Kotasaid.“Thenthere’stheremodelofNathan’shouse.”
“We’veclearedoutthebathroom,”Nathansaid.“We’rejustcleaningup.Thenextstepisputtingin

showerfixturesand...”hetrailedoff,asiftryingtorememberallthedetails.

“It’lltakeacoupleofweeks,”Northsaid.Hestaredathisownblackjeans,rubbingataspot.

“EspeciallywithSilasbeingcalledinsomuchforAcademybusinesslately.Icoulddoit,butI’dpreferif

hewasherebeforewewentanyfurther.Iplannedthisbadly.Ithoughthe’dbedonebythetimewe
neededhim.”

Atthementionofthefixingofthebathroom,IcheckedoutVictor,whowaslookingatNorthinsteadof

me,sohedidn’tnoticemelookingathim.Didhenotknowabouttheshower?Maybehedidn’tknowof
theplans,hejustknewitwasbeingremodeled.

“Otherwise,thestreetisfairlyquiet,”Kotasaid.“Myhouseisbusinessasusual.”Helookedat

Victor.“IsyourdadstillinEurope?”

“Fornow,”Victorsaid.“Afterthesecurityfiasco,theguardsatthehousehavebeentemporarily

doubled.They’reupgradingthesystemtorequiredoublecheckingschedules.Theyallcheckinwithmeat
regularintervals,now.”

Ilistenedintently,tryingtofigureoutifthiswaspartofthefamilymeetingprocess.Kotawentdown

theline,checkinginwitheachpersonaboutanyissuesathome.Familymeetingwasacheck-inso
everyonecouldseewhatwasgoingon?

“How’sPam?”KotaaskedGabriel.
“Peachy,”Gabrielsaid.Hegrunted,stillinghishandonmyneckandleavinghispalmthere.“She’s

gotthisnewboyfriend,though.NotsureifIlikehim.”

“Wecan’tmakechoicesforher,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Isheathreat?”
“Hekeepsheroutatnight,”Gabrielsaid.“Ihaven’tcheckedtheaccountstofigureoutifhe’s

spendingmoneyonherorifshe’spaying.”

“Icancheck,ifyouwant,”Victorsaid.
Gabrielnodded.“It’llhelp.Ifit’shismoney,Idon’tcare.Shedoesn’thaveawholelottospendon

anythingelserightnow.Idon’twanttohavetocoverforherbecauseofthis.”

“Areyoutherebyyourselfatnight?”Mr.Blackbourneasked.
“Thesedays?Abitmorethanusual,”Gabrielsaid.“Icanhandleit,though.”
“MaybeyoushouldconsiderstayingwithVictor,”Mr.Blackbourneasked,althoughIsenseditreally

wasn’tasuggestion.“It’snotthatIdon’ttrustyou,butthere’sbeenmorethantheusualsecurityissues
lately.Youshouldstaywithotherswheneverpossible.”

“Hecouldstayhere,”Nathansaidquickly.
“Hecanstaywithus,”Lukesaid.“We’vegotthenewhousefixedupbetternow.There’saspare

room.”

“Victor’sclosertohishome,justincasePamneedsanything,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Althoughwe

shouldconsidermovingherandyoutoadifferentlocation.”

“Shelikestheplacetoomuch,”Gabrielsaid.“Stillholdingontothepast.”
Myheadwasspinningtryingtokeepup.Ididn’tknowmuchaboutPam,andIwantedtoask

questions.ItsoundedlikeGabrieltookcareofPam,ratherthantheotherwayaround.Theconversation
alsomademewonderexactlywhereGabriellived.

“Maybethenewboyfriendwillbegoodforher,then,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Maybeshe’llchange

hermind.”

Mylipsweregluedtogether,evenwithahundredquestionsstillhovering.Theyrevealedsomuch

abouteachother,lookingoutforeachother.Inaway,Ialsofeltuseless.Ididn’tknowtosuggestanything.

“Ithinkthatcoverseverythinggoingonhome-wise,”Kotasaid,althoughhecheckedwithDr.Green,

whosimplynodded.Nothingnewthere;heworkedalot,andhisroutinewasfairlyfixed.

“ThereisoneAcademyissueweneedtodiscusswitheveryone,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Despite

whatMr.Hendrickssaysaboutrequiringmetobeabsentattheseevents,weneedtofocusonsecurityfor
thehomecominggameandthefollowingdance.”

Atthis,everyonesatup.Iscannedtheroom.Eyeswereattentive,focused.IhadtoassumeNorthand

NathanhadbeenfilledinaboutMr.Hendricks.

Mr.Blackbournefocusedonus.“Idon’ttakethislightly,butwedon’thaveachoice.There’sthe

safetyofthestudentsinvolved.Ouranonymousbomberhasbecomemorebrazen.”

“Sohethinksthebomberwillfocusonthegameorthedance?”Kotaasked.“Ifyou’renotthere,

couldn’thestillbetemptedtotry,anyway?”

“Ithinkwe’redealingwithsomeonewholikestoshowoff,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Wedon’tknow

whathewants,buthelikesattention,whoeveritis.I’mnotconvincedI’mtheonlyonehe’stryingtodraw
attentionfrom.”

“Isn’titVolto?”Gabrielasked.“Thatpunkkidwiththemask?”
“I’mstartingtowonder,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Voltolikedtomakeanappearance.Helikedto

showoff,butheshowedushismaskwhenitwashim.Hefollowedusoffcampus.Thisbomberis
repeatinghimselfandstaysanonymous.Heseemsmorefocusedontheschool.He’snotfollowingus
anywhereelse.”

“Hecouldbetryingtothrowusoff,”Victorsaid.“Imean,VoltowasworkingwithMuriel.Hecould

beworkingwithsomeoneelse,someonewedon’tsee.”

“Wecan’teliminateanypossibilities,”Mr.Blackbournesaid,“butwecan’tgowiththeories.

Precautionsarenecessary.Mr.Hendrickshasaplan.Itrequiresmebeingabsent.We’llhavetomake
counter-efforts,andhopefullyfigureoutwhathe’supto.”

“Sonomatterwhathappens,”Kotasaid,hisfacegrim,“ifit’safakebombthreat,orsomethingthat

Voltodoes,ifyouarethere,hecouldsaythebomberistargetingyouandyouwouldn’tlistenand
threatenedthekidsanyway.Ifyoudon’tshowup,he’llblameyoufornotbeingtherebecauseyouwere
putinchargeofsecurity.”

“Andhecoulduseittoshowwe’reincompetent,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Sinceweknowthe

superintendentisonhisside,we’llhavetobeextracareful.Ourcontactsinsidetheschoolboardcanonly
dosomuch.Ifweareatfaultforanythinggoingonatthegame,he’llhavefoundhiswaytogetusoutof
theschool.”

“Whatdowedo?”Iasked.Headsturned.IwassurprisedIvoicedanythingatall,butIwasworking

outallthepossibilitiesofabomber,Volto,Mr.Hendricks,oranyoneelsethatwouldschemetohurt
students,orcauseproblemsthatwouldgettheboyskickedout.Icouldn’timaginegoingtoschoolwithout
them.

“ThegameisthisFriday,”hesaid.“WiththedanceonSaturday,onHalloween.”
“Therewasagirlcollectingmoney,”Isaid.“Atthediner.Sheleftacanfordonations.Isn’tittoo

soonforittobehappeningifthey’restillcollecting?”

“Thatmoneygoesintothedance,”hesaid.“TheyhaveagoalofgettingitallinbyWednesday.They

don’twanttoholdthedanceattheschool,sothey’reraisingmoneytorentoutavenue.Mr.Hendricks
mighthavehadsomeinfluencethere.They’relookingatMiddletonPlace.”

“What’sthat?”Iasked.
Kotahelduphishand,pointingoutbeyondthedoor.“There’saneventhallonthisoldplantation.It’s

gotlargegardensandplentyofroom.”

“Plentyofplacestohideabomb,”Northsaid.“Shouldn’ttheyhavereservedthismonthsago?How

aretheygettingitnow?”

“It’saspecialfavorfromtheowners,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Ithinkthey’llprobablydonatethe

venueatwhateverthegirlsmanagetoraise.Thismeansmorepublicity.”

“Idon’tlikeit,”Northsaid.“It’dbebadenoughifitwasattheschool,butnowwe’relookingatan

outsidevenue.Dowehaveaccesstoitnow?”

“That’sourjobrightnow,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Someofusneedtocheckoutthevenue.Therest

needtofocusonthegame.”

“Shouldwecallinreinforcements?”Dr.Greenasked.“Thisismorethanjustourassignmentnow.

Thisisbeyondtheschool.”

“We’lldowhateverweneedtodo,”Mr.Blackbournesaid,“butIthinkweneedtofocusonthe

source,ratherthanprotection.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Dr.Greenasked.
“Sofar,we’vebeenreactingtowhathe’sdone,”hesaid.“We’veyettofindasource.Morethan

likely,thispersonwasnearbywhenthingsstartedtohappen.Weneedtobeonthelookoutforwhothis
is.”

“You’regoingtolethimdowhathewants?”Iasked.
“Sofarhehasn’treallyhurtanyone,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“He’sleftanonymouscallsandboxes.

Scaretactics.Ifhewantedtoblowsomethingup,hewouldhave.Hehasn’tgonethatfar.Ithinkourjob
needstobelookingatwhoisreactingandhow.Iwantthesebombthreatsfinishedbythisweekend.”

“That’sadangerousplay,”Dr.Greensaid.“NormallyI’djumpatit,butthere’salottoconsider

here.”

“We’vegottoomanythreatsasitis,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Andthisisonewecan’tignoregoing

forward.He’sdistractingusfromwhatwe’rereallyherefor.Weneedtofindhimbeforethisever
escalatesintosomethingdangerous.Ourjobheredependsonthis.”

“Ifyoulethimdowhathewantsjusttocatchhim,doesn’tthatmeanyou’llbekickedout?”Iasked.I

hadn’tmeanttoletthequestionslip.Itwasstillarealissue.ThiswaswhatMr.Hendrickswaswaiting
for.

“Let’sworryaboutthatifandwheniteverhappens,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“ButIdon’tthinkwe’ll

beleavinganytimesoon.”

Heseemedsosure,thatIdidn’tquestionitfurther.Ihadtotrust.Iknewthat.
“Sotomorrowmorning,someofuswillmeetatMiddleton,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Checkinwith

Kotaforaschedule.Andifthat’sallwe’vegottoday,we’llwrapup.Isthereanyonewhoneedstospeak
withmeprivately?”

Withouthesitation,handswentup:Victor’s,Gabriel’s,North’sandNathan’s.
Thequestionandtheimmediatereactionsurprisedme.Theyseemedtoshareeverything,soitwasa

surprisetoseethemneedingtotalktoeachotherinprivate.IglancedatKotaforananswer.

Hecaughtmyeyesandthenleanedintowhisperinmyear.“It’sissueswithinthegroupthattheydon’t

wanttheotherstohearabout.SomeofitisAcademyrelated.Trynottoask.Wehavetorespecttheydon’t
wanttotelleveryonerightnowwhattheirissuesare.”

Inoddedslowly.
“I’llmeetwithyouindividuallyinMr.Griffin’sbedroom,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.Hepointedatthem

oneatatime,givingthemanorder.WhenGabrielwasthefirstoneselected,heusedmylegtobrace
himselfashescrambledtogetup.HefollowedMr.Blackbourneintothebedroomandtheyclosedthe
door.

Withthat,theybrokeup.Itwasshort,tothepoint.Acheckinondailylife.IwonderedifallAcademy

teamshadtodothis.Itmadesense.Everyonegotaviewofwhatwasgoingonatonce.ToobadSilas
wasn’there.Someonewouldhavetocatchhimup.

WhatIwonderedaboutwaswhateachpersonneededtotalktoMr.Blackbourneabout.Theothers

talked,butmyeyeskeptgoingtothedoor,wonderingaboutGabriel.Whatwasthesecret?Wouldhetell
me?Kotasaidnottopry,butIcouldn’thelpbeingalittleworriedaboutwhatitcouldbe.

Nooneelseseemedtohaveanissuewithit.Itriedtoletitgo.
Beingpartofthisrealfamilywassodifferentfrommyoldone.Myparentswouldn’thaveevenasked.
Northcaughtmyeye,buthewaslookingtowardthetelevision.NowthatMr.Blackbournehadmoved

away,therewasaclearshotofthenews.

Hestaredhard,hismouthtightening,hiseyesintense.Hewasusuallyveryintense,butIsensedthis

wassomethingmore.

Iglancedatthescreen.Therewasanewsreportgoingon.Therewasafireinachurchparkinglot,

catchingashedonfireanddamagingpartofthemainstructure.Therewasanoverheadshotfroma
helicopter,andonthegroundwasthefiredepartmentdealingwiththeflames.Ithadbeendoneatnight,
andthiswastherecap,somostofthescreenwassimplyglowing,andeveryoneelsewascaughtinthe
orangelight.

“Mr.Taylor,”saidMr.Blackbourne.Iblinked,turning,notingGabrielmovingfromtheroom,heading

mywaytositbesidemeagain,lookinghappier,relieved.

Northcontinuedtostareatthescreen,caughtupinthenews.Itwasthesamefootage,andnoflashing

updates.Washejustdazed?

Mr.Blackbournesteppedoutoftheroomfurther,openinghismouthforamoment,andthennoticedthe

screenandstopped,hisheadtilting,eyessquinting,studying.Critical.

“Turnitup,”Kotasaid.He’dturnedtothescreen,too.
Atthispoint,alloftheboyswerepayingattention.Dr.Greenfishedouttheremote,turningthesound

backup.

“...enforcementsaysthearsoniststruckattwointhemorning.Thechurchhadbeenabandonedfor

thirteenyears,andwasscheduledfordemolitionlaterintheyear.Thefiredepartmentsayswhilethefire
isundercontrol,theyarerequestingthecitycounciltomoveupdemolitiondeadlinestoavoidfurther...”

Myattentionshiftedtotheguys,studyingthem.Theywereallsofocusedonthetelevision.Serious

expressions.Icheckedthescreenagain.Ididn’trecognizethechurch.Thenewsshowedpicturesofthe
churchinthepastwhenitwaspopulated,andthenayearago,withboardsoverthewindows,thegrass
overgrown,andagapingholeintheroof.Whyweretheyconcernedwithanabandonedbuilding?

Afteryearsofwatchingthenews,somethingmymotherwatchedconstantly,I’dseenreportsofarson

andotherthingsfromalloverthecountry.Nothingaboutthisoneseemedoutoftheordinary.

IglancedatKota,whoagainshiftedandcaughtmyeyes.Iquestionedhimsilently:Whydoyoulook

soworriedaboutthisfire?

Kota’slipspursed.HeturnedandaddressedMr.Blackbourne.“Itcouldhavebeenanyone,”hesaid.
Mr.BlackbournefocusedonKota,thesteelinhiseyesbecomingsharp.“Iwanttoknowwherehe

waslastnight.”

Itwasonthetipofmytonguetoaskwho,butthenIclenchedmyteeth.Theboysslowlyreanimated,

someonestartedtalkingaboutMr.Hendricks.

Northfocusedcompletelyonthereportofthefire,asifatanymomentthenewsreporterswould

revealsomethingtheyhadn’trepeatedinthelastfewminutes.

Andtheexpressiononhisfacescaredme,becauseIthoughtforthefirsttimeIsawafearinhiseyes,

andIcouldn’ttellwhy.

Themeetingbrokeup,andmostoftheguysleftuntilitwasjustNathanandNorthfinishingcleaning.I

retreatedagaintothebedroomattheirrequest.Iopenedaschoolbook,pretendingtoreadbutreally,I

wasthinkingofallthethreatsontheschool,ofthepossibilitythatthiswholethingwasanelaboratetrap.

Maybethat’swhyMr.Hendricksfinallyallowedthegirlstohavetheirhomecomingdance.Itwasn’t

aboutlettingthemhavefun.It’sbecausehesawawaytogetridoftheAcademyonceandforall.

Nathanpoppedhisheadintothebedroom.“Peanut.”
Iliftedmyhead.“Yeah?”
“NorthandIhavetogetgoing.There’s...Academythings.”
“Oh,”Isaid,andthensatup.“ShouldI...”
“Silasisheadingover.”
“Silas?”
Nathannodded.Helookedbehindhisshoulderandthenenteredtheroom,closingthedoor.Heleaned

againsttheframe.“He’llbehereinalittlebit.Youokaywiththat?”

“Ofcourse,”Isaid.“Whywouldn’tIbe?”
Nathanstaredatmeforalongmoment,quiet.Afterawhile,hesighed.“Sorry.Ijust...”
“Whatisit?”
Hepursedhislipsandwavedmeoff.“I’mbeingparanoid.Keepwantingtotakeyouwithme

or...nothing.It’sstupid.”Heopenedtheclosetandthenshiftedthroughclothes,selectingashirt.

Iwatchedashepulledtheredshirtdownoverhisbody.Thesleevesstretched,theshoulderswere

tightagainsthisbody.Igotup,andtuggedathissleeve.“Ithinkyouneedafewnewshirts.”

“Huh?”
“Thesearegettingtighter,”Isaid.“Yourshouldersarefillingout.”
Helaughed.Hecaughtmebythewaistandplantedadelicatekissonmymouth.“Kindofasurprise,

actually.Ihaven’thadtoomuchofachancetoworkoutlately.Andyou’resoundingmorelikeGabriel.”

“Shouldwegoshoppingwithhim?”
“Later,”hesaid.“Rightnow,Ihavetogo.”
“Nathan!”Northcalledfromdeeperinthehouse.
“See?”Nathansaid.Heheadedforthedoor.Heopenedit,thenpausedandturnedbacktome.“You

goingtobeokayhereforafewminutesbyyourself?”

“Yeah,”Isaidwithasmile.Iknewhewasjustlookingoutforme,butIusedtospendalotoftime

alone.Icouldhandleafewminutes.

Hesmiled.“Youknow,youcanplaywithanythingyouwant.There’stheXboxormovies.There’san

iPadsomewhereinhere.”

“Iknow.”Isaid,butstillfeltlikemostthingswerehis.Unlessheinvitedmetodosomethingwith

him,Iusuallysatonthebedandmaybepickedupabooktoread.

Hestaredforawhileatme.Hewasthinking,Icouldtell.
“Somethingwrong?”Iasked.IwonderedifitwastheissuehehadtodiscusswithMr.Blackbourne.
“I...Iwanttotalktoyou,”hesaid.“Ijustdon’thavetimerightnow.”
“Wetalkallthetime,”Isaid.“Canitwait?”
Hesmiledalittle.“Iguess,”hesaid.Hewinkedandthenheadedout.
IwishedI’dtoldhimtotellmewhatitwasabout,butIdidn’twanttostophimnowsincetheyhadto

getgoing.NowIwasreallycurious.

SinceSilaswasgoingtoshowupsoon,Ichangedmyclothesintosomecottonshortsandatankshirt

soI’dbemorecomfortable.Iusedthekitchensinktowashmyface.Icheckedthecontentsofthefridge
forsomethingtopossiblymakefordinnerifhewashungry.

Ididn’thavetowaittoolongbeforetherewasaquickknockatthedoor.BeforeIcouldanswerit,

therewasascrapingatthelockanditopened.

Silascamein.Hisdarkhairwascombedbackawayfromhisface;itwasgettingalittlelongerinthe

front.Hetoweredoverme,withabroadwhitesmilethatcontrastedwithhisolivecomplexion.Hewore
abaseballT-shirtanddarkjeans.

Hespottedmeinthehallandthenwaved.“AggeleMou,grabanightbagandlet’sgo.”
Myheartleapttomythroat.Whowasintroublenow?“Go?Gowhere?”
“You’recominghomewithme.”
MylipspartedasIstaredathim,unsureifhewasserious.Iwaswaitingforanotherdisaster.When

hedidn’tsayanything,Irealizedthiswasdifferent.No,hejustwantedmetogotohishousewithhim.
“Really?”

Silasnoddedandpointedintodeeperinthehouse.“Comeon,shortstuff.”
Iturnedandwalkedbacktowardthebedroom.“What’sgoingon?”
“LookslikeNathan’sgoingtobegoneovernightsoyou’llgowithme.”
Islowedalittle.Nathandidn’tmentionthis.Hadheknownbeforeheleftthathe’dbeoutlate?

UsuallyifhehadtodoAcademythings,KotaoroneoftheothersstayedwithmeatNathan’shouse.Itfelt
alittlestrangetobegoingwithSilas.“Whataboutthepeoplewatchingthehouse?”

“Ifthey’rethatnosey,theycancomealong,too,”hesaid.“ButIchecked.Theyweren’tthere.Kota’s

goneandsoisNathansotheyprobablyfollowedthem.”

Icouldn’tthinkofanotherreasontoquestionwhatwashappening.Ididn’twanttosoundlikeIwas

complainingoranything,butitwasn’tlikeIgotoutalot.ThethoughtofgoingtoSilas’shouseforthe
nightwasexciting.WouldImeethisparents?Whatwouldtheythinkofme?Whatdiditmean?

InNathan’sbedroom,Iwentforthecloset,andpulledoutclothestosleepinandforwearingthenext

day,acoupleofpairsofunderwear,abra,andforgoodmeasure,anextrashirtandapairofshorts,justin
case.Ifoundasecondpairofsandals,too.DidIwantanythingelse?Ihadmyphone.Thatwasit.Ididn’t
haveanythingelseIownedthatIcouldcarry.WasIworriedI’dneedsomething?IwasgoingwithSilas!

Ibroughtitallbackwithmeoutofthecloset.Silashadmybookbagwhichheemptiedonthebed,

andpassedtome.Foldednotesflutteredfromthecontents,fallingtohisfeet.Hescoopedthemup,
lookingatthem.“They’restilldoingthisshit?”heasked.

“Ithinkit’sagamenow,”Isaid,stuffingmyclothesintomybookbag.“Idon’treadthemstill,butit’s

likeacontestorsomethingtoseeifI’llactuallygetthenotesorifNorthorKotaorsomeoneelse
intercepts.”

“Theydon’tdoitinourbiologyclass,”hesaid,hisdarkeyesfocusedonthenotes,mynamescrawled

onthefrontsofthem.

“Probablywouldn’tdare,”Isuggested,smiling.
Heflashedagrinatme.Heunfoldedone,readingitasIwenttograbthebathroomkitonthedresser.I

pickedupabottleofperfume,custommadebyGabriel,anddottedmyselfattheneckandwristsbefore
corkingitagain.Thesweetfruitymuskscentwafteduptomynose,puttingathrillintomyspine.

WhenIturned,Silaswasscanninganothernote,frowning,grumbling.
Idroppedthebathroomitemsintothebag.Ileanedoverthebed,takingtheedgeofthenoteinSilas’s

hand.Hestoppedreading,lookingbackupatme.Icaughttheangerbubblingonthesurface.

Ismiled,crumblingtheedgeofthenote.“Doesn’tmatter,”Isaid,confidentthatwhateveritwas,it

wasprobablystupid.

Hislipspursed,andhecollectedupthenotesandstuffedthemintohispocket.“Let’sgetoutofhere,”

hesaid.Hemovedtothewindow,hittingthelockandthentriedtoliftthebottompart,asiftestingto
makesurethelockworked.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Iasked.

Silassquintedatme.“Sweetie,we’reabouttoleave.I’mlockingup.”
“Oh.”Ofcoursehewas.Therewasusuallysomeonealwaysinsidemyoldhouse,solockingup

wasn’tanissue.Ionlyeverdiditatnight.

Silaszippedupmybagforme,throwingitoverhisshoulder.“Needanythingelse?”
Ishookmyhead.“Idon’tthinkso.”
“Haveyourphone?”
Ipattedatmychest,wherethephonewastuckedintomybra.
Hegrinneddownatme,sweepingafingertipacrossmycheek.“Checkthebackdoor,makesureit’s

locked.”

Ipaddedoutofthebedroom,checkingthelockontheslidingglassdoors.Silaswaswaitingformeat

thefront.Irushedpasthimandhehitthelock,closingthedoorbehindhimself.

Iracedoutonmytoestothepassengersidedoorofthebluecarparkedoutside.Silaslaughed.“It’s

open.”

Iclutchedthedoorhandleandgotin.Theseatswerecloth.Theinsidesmelledlikesportsequipment,

Silas’soceanscent,freshcutwoodandpaint.Silasdroppedmybookbaginthebackseatnexttoatool
beltandhisfootballhelmet.Hegotbehindthewheel,fishingouthiskeys.

SuddenlyIrememberedIdidn’thaveeverything.“Ohno,Iforgotmykeys.”
“I’vegotthekeys,aggele,”hesaid,turningthecarengineover.
“Ohyeah.”Iblushedstill,feelingawkwardsinceIshouldhavethoughttograbthem.FirsttimeI’m

goingoutlikethisandIlockedmyownkeysintothehouse.WhatifIneededtocomebackandNathan
wasn’there?Ineededtoremembertostarttakingthemwithme.

Iputmyseatbelton,kickingoffmysandalsandputtingmyfeetintheseat,curlingup.Myheartwas

poundingamileaminute,excitedandnervous.I’donlybeentoSilas’sapartmentbuildingonce,andI
hadn’tseentheinside.Iwasn’tsurewhattoexpect.

Silas’sstrongarmflexedashegrippedthegearshift,puttingthecarintoreverse,andpulledoutofthe

drive.Hefocusedontheroadashepulledhisseatbeltaroundhisbodyafterhe’dalreadystarteddown
theroad.Whenhe’dclickedthebeltintoplace,heleanedforward,pulledhiscellphoneoutofhisback
pocketandfiddledwithitwithonehandashedrove.

“Youshouldn’ttextanddrive,”Iwarnedhim,myheadagainsttheheadrestasIlookedupathim.Asif

Icouldtellhimwhattodo.

Heflashedasmileatme.“I’mnottexting,”hesaid,andputthephonetohisear.Afteracoupleof

seconds,hestartedtalking.“Kota?I’vegother.She’scominghomewithme.Houseislockedup.”

“HiKota,”Isaid.
“Andshesayshi,”Silasrepeated.Heslippedthephoneovertome,holdingitout.“Here,hewantsto

talktoyou.”

“HiKota,”IrepeatedintothephoneasIpressedittomyear.
“HiSang.”
“Areyoustillworking?”
“Yes.”
“IsthisathingwhereIgotosomeone’shouseovernightandwhenIcomeback,there’sanewpink

couchandasecuritysystemandlaserbeams?”

Silas’slaughterboomed,almostmaskingKota’slaughterinthephone.
“No,”Kotasaid,“althoughremindmeaboutthelaserbeamsecuritysystem.Imightlookintoit.”
“Whereareyou?Areyoucoming?”
Hesighed.“Sorry,sweetie.Ican’tcomeseeyou.ButbehaveandlistentoSilas.”

“Okay.”Ihadtosmileathimthinkinghehadtotellmetobehave.
Ihungupthephone,holdingitbackoutforSilas.Wewereonthemainroadnow,headingforthe

interstate.

Hewavedhishandatme.“Hangontoitforme.”
Hangontoit?Withoutthinking,Islippeditintotheothercupofmybra.Itfeltawkwardnow,asitwas

ahabittotuckmyownphoneonthesideovermyheartandneverusedtheotherone.Still,whenthe
phonewasbetweenmybreastandthebrafabric,itwaslikeitdisappeared.

Silascaughtmedoingthis,andabroadgrinstretchedacrosshismouthasheturnedontotheinterstate.
Iblushed,unsureifIshouldhavedonethat.Iglancedoutthewindow,watchingthewalloftreeson

eithersideoftheroadflypast.

“SowhatdidKotasay?”Silasasked,flippingadialonthedashboardtolowertheblastcomingfrom

theairconditioner,quietingthecar.

“HesaidhemightgetlaserbeamsandthatIhadtobehave.”
Silas’sboominglaughrattledmybones.“You?Behave?I’llbelieveitwhenIseeit.”
“Hey,”Isaid,pushingafingertomylowerlipasIgazedbackathim.“I’malwaysbehaving.”
“Mmmhmm,”hesmirked.“Untilweaskyoutodosomething.Thenyou’requestioningusatevery

stepoftheway.”

“Idon’tdothat,”Isaid.
“Ohyeah?”heasked,givingmeasideglanceashechangedlanestopassacar.“Ican’tgetyououtof

yourownhousewithoutyouaskingmewhywe’regoing.”

“Iwasn’texpectingit!Itwasjustasurprise.”
“Andwhataboutwhenweaskyounottogetintofights,andyoujumpin?”
“That’sdifferent.”
“AndwhenGabrieltellsyoutoleavethehousewhenyou’reheldhostageinthecloset?”
Ifoldedmyarmsagainstmystomach,frowning.Ididn’treallyhaveanexcuseforthat.Hewas

lecturingmeaboutitnow?

“Itrustyou,”Isaid,fullybelievingIdid.“SometimesIjustseethingsdifferentlythanyoudoandI

just...LikewhenIwasinthecloset.Youguysdidn’tknowwhatIknew.SoIdidwhatIhadtodotomake
Gabriellistensowewouldn’thavetoinvolvethecopsatall.”

“Thatwasdangerous,”Silassaid,focusinghiseyesontheroad,hisgriponthesteeringwheel

tightening.

“Butitworked,”Isaid.“MaybeI’mnottheonlyonewhoneedstolearnhowtotrust.Don’tyoutrust

me?”

Silas’slipstwisted.“Let’sstartnow,”hesaid.“Givemesomefaith.WhenIsayrun,starthauling

yourprettyass.”

Ismirkedathim,blushingatwhatIwasn’tsurewasacompliment.“AndifIaskedyoutorun?”
Helaughed.“Sweetie,youbetterbelieveifIhavetorun,it’sgoingtobemechasingafteryou.”
Ismiledatthis.“Bytheway,didyouknowyouwererunningforhomecomingking?”
Herolledhiseyesandshookhishead.“I’mnotrunning.”
“Someonesaidyouwere.”
“Ididn’tsignupforit,”hesaid.“Ijustgotvotedin.”
“Oh,”Isaid.“Whathappensifyouwin?”
“I’mnotgoingto.”
“Whynot?Youcould.”

Silassmiledashespeduptopassacar.“Idon’twanttoandIdon’thavethetime.Ishouldn’ttakeit

fromsomeotherguywhowantsit.”

“It’snotfun?”Ididn’tthinkI’dliketoparticipate,butshouldn’tSilashaveachanceifhehadthe

opportunity?Isn’titabigdealtobevotedforhomecomingking?

“It’salotofpicturesandshakinghandsandkissingbabies,”hesaid.“Andevenafterhomecomingis

over,I’dprobablygetaskedtodoafewmorethings.I’mnotreallyinterestedinit.AndI’vegotfootball,
school,theAcademy...”

“Wouldyouwanttoifyoudidn’thavetheAcademystufftoworryabout?”
Hewasquietforalongmoment.“Probablynot.”
“Whynot?”
Helookedoveratme.“Notreallythetype.”
“Whattypeareyou?”
Helaughed.“Apparentlynothomecomingmaterial.Youhavetobeenthusiasticaboutthatsortof

thing.”Hereachedover,pattingmyleg.“Don’tworryaboutit.I’mnotmissingout.Iappreciatebeing
votedinforitbutit’snotwhatIreallywanttodowithmytime.”

Ifellquiet,watchingthescenerypassby.Everyonceinawhile,Istoleglancesathisfaceashe

drove.HisbroadlipsandnoseandGreekfeatureswereincrediblyhandsome.Hewasstartingtobe
popularatschool,especiallywiththefootballteam.TheotherAcademyguyswerefriendly,butSilaswas
theonemakinganefforttofitin.Wouldn’tbeinghomecomingkinghelp?

.Maybehewasrightanddidn’twantto,soIshookofftheidea.Itoddlymademefeelbetteraboutit.

TheLifeofaKorba

ilastookanexit,pullingintoasprawlingapartmentcomplexIrememberedfromthefirsttimeIever

methim.Thelawnswerefreshlymanicuredandthefrontofficebuildinghadnewpaint.Therewasalarge
poolbehindtheoffice.Thetopofthepoolwascoveredinatarp,asitwastoolateinOctoberfor
swimmingnow.Alargerbuildingstoodbehindthepoolwithwidewindows,buttheglarefromthesun
madeitimpossibletoseewhatwasinside.

“What’sthat?”Iasked,pointingtothebuilding.“What’sinthere?”
Silasduckedhisheadtocheckoutthewindow.“Meetingroomandbusinesscenter,fitnesscenter...I

thinkthere’sahottubandcoupleofsaunasintheresomewhere.”

“Ahottubinafitnesscenter?”
Silaslaughed.“LookslikeI’mgoingtohavetoteachyouabouthottubs.Didyoubringyourbathing

suit?”

“No,”Isaid.“IleftitatNathan’shouse.”
“We’llfigureitout,”hesaid,makingturnsaroundtheapartmentbuildings.
Hepulledintoaparkingspotnearthestairsofthelastbuilding.Ihoppedoutquickly,myskintingling

inthecrispair,theadventureofgettingoutofthehouse,andbeingwithSilas.Iwasfinallysomewhere
else,anddidn’thavetoworryaboutmyparents,abouttheschool,oreventheAcademy.

Silascollectedmybag,hittingthebuttononhiskeystolockthecardoors.Hemarchedovertothe

sidewalkandwaited,holdingahandoutforme.“Coming?”

Ismiled,droppingmyhandintohis.Hisstrongfingersenclosedmineandheheldontomeaswe

movedtogethertowardthestairs.Hedidn’tletgountilwewereonthetopfloorinfrontofthelastdoor
totherightandhehadtofishouthiskeys.

Thiswasit.Silasterritory.Iwasbouncingonmytoes,fromonefoottotheother;excited,intimidated,

curious.

Silasglancedbackatmeasthedoorswungopen,catchingmeoutasIwasmoving.Istoppedshort,

fallingbackonmyheels,blushing.Hegrinned,noddingtowardtheopendoor.“Kalo̱sórisma.”

“Whatdoesthatmean?”Iasked,steppingintoashortentryway,abeigecarpetmeetingmyfeet.My

eyesneededamomenttoadjusttothedarkroomsafterbeinginthesunlight.Wasnooneelsehome?

Silassteppedinbehindme,hittingaswitchthatturnedonalightfurtherin.“Welcome,”hesaid.
Thereweretwohallwaysleadingleftandright.MyfingersfoundmylipandIpushedittomyteeth,

unsurewhichdirectiontogo.Isteppedtotheside,nearthewall,lookingbackatSilas.

Heshutthedoorbehindus,droppinghiskeysbackintohispocket,andreachedforthehandatmy

face,pullingmetowardtherighthallway.

Thehallwayopeneduptoanexpansivelivingroom,untilIrealizedthatthefurniturewasspreadout,

utilizingthespacemeantforadiningarea.TherewasanL-shapedsectionalcouchagainstthefarcorner
withabigwide-screenTVhangingonthewalloppositeofit.Abigbrowncoffeetablesatontopofa
busymulti-coloredrugthatcoveredthemajorityofthedarkwoodfloor.Therewasakitchenofftothe
left,cutofffromthelivingroombyahalfwallwithalightbrownmarblecountertopandstoolstucked
underit.Thekitchentilesremindedmeofsand.

TheairwasthickwithscentsIdidn’tknow,ofadditionalcolognesthatmixedwithSilas’s,bleachand

cleaningdetergents,withathinlayeroftobaccosmoke,faintbutdistinct.

TwolargeleatherLay-Z-Boychairssatofftotheside,closetothecouchandaimedtoward

television.Outofeverythingintheroom,thechairsdrewmyattentionandIwasn’tquitesurewhyuntil
westeppeddeeperintotheroom.Onelookedalmostbrandnewandafinelayerofdustcoatedthebrown
material.Theonenexttoithadheavycreasesfromyearsofuse,withatearintheseat.Theywerethe
exactsamechairs,though.

Silasletgoofme,avoidingthebigarmchairstodropmybookbagandhiskeysontothecoffeetable.

Hefellontothecouch,sittingbackandrubbinghishandsoverhiseyes.

Iwantedtoaskifhewastired,butI’dlostmyvoicethemomentI’dsteppedintohisspace.Itiptoed

tothecouch,sinkingdownafootawayfromhimatthecorner.Iwatchedhimatfirstashehadhisface
coveredbutwhenhishandsmovedaway,Imovedmyeyestothetelevision,thecoffeetable,toanything
besideshisface.

ThiswasworsethangoingtoVictor’s.Wewerealone.Therewasnooneelsetodistractus.My

stomachtrippedoveritself,twisting.WhatwasIdoinghere?HowwasIgoingtosurvivethenightwhen
inthismoment,IfeltIcouldhardlymoveatall?AndwhydidIsuddenlyfeelsoshyandawkward?

Hiseyesboreintomyface.“Aggele?”
Iflittedmygazetohim,lockingonlyforamomentontohisdeepdarkeyes.Myheartstumbledover

itselfagainandIcouldn’tstandit.Iscannedmyeyesaroundtheroom,memorizingthedetailsofhis
apartmentoverandoveragain.Remotesonthecoffeetable.Plain,white-facedclockonthewalloverthe
counterinthekitchen.Acollectionofmailonthesidetable.“Yeah?”

“Whatdoyouwanttodofirst?”
First?Iwantedtorunaway.Ididn’twantto,really.Iwantedtobewithhim,butsuddenlyitfeltlike

thiswasn’thimatall.Thiswasn’ttheSilasthatsleptinmybedroomtoprotectmefrommystepmother.
Hewasn’ttheSilasthatsatbehindmeinbiologyclass.Hewasn’teventhesameSilasthatpickedmeup
lessthananhouragoatmyhouse.Thiswastooclose.ThiswasSilasKorba,rawandoverwhelming
aroundme.Iwanteddesperatelytounderstanditandgetusedtoit,tohavetheoldSilasIknewoutsideof
thisplace.

“Um...Idon’tknowreally,”Isaid,myfingerpinchingmylipintomyteeth.“Whateveryouwantto

do.”

Hisheadtiltedashegazedatme.Hesatbackagain,puttingthearmclosesttomearoundthebackof

thecouch,beckoningtomewithhisotherhand.“Comehere.”

Iinchedcloser,unsurewherehewantedme.Whenhecurledhisfingersagainatme,ImoveduntilI

wasabreath-widthawayfrommythightouchinghis.Iswallowedandsteeledmyselfagainstthedesireto
shiver.

Silasscoopedhisarmundermyknees,draggingmylegsuntiltheywerehangingoverhisthigh.Heleft

hispalmwarmingthesideofmybareknee.Myshouldermetwiththebackofthecouch,andhishand
moveddown,andsplayedoutovermycollarbone.Hiseyesmetmine,lockingonme,wordlessly
beckoningandyetheremainedstill.

Myheartspasmed.Hisskinonmineelectrifiedmyentirebody.Mycoretrembled.Washegoingto

kissme?DidIwanthimto?Iwantedtosinkintohim,tositinhislaplikeI’ddonebefore,butwhatever
beforewas,thiswassomethingonadifferentlevel.Whywastouchinghimsodifferenthere?Iwas
completelyterrified.

ThentherewasNathan,whohadkissedmeandintendedtodateme.Inhisbedroomhe’dproclaimed

we’drunawaytogether.Hehadn’tspokenaboutitsince,buthedidkissme,insecret,awayfrom
everyoneelse.

Theothers,though,continuedtoholdmyhand,hugme,andkissmycheek.Northonceaskedmeto

trusttheboystoknowwhattheyweredoing,butitstillleftmeconfused.

“Sowhatdidyoudotoday?”heasked.
Icouldn’tremember.MymindwhirledandallIcouldthinkaboutwashisfingersonmycollarbone,

mylegshangingoverhis.“Notmuch.”

“Didyouworkatthedinertoday?”
“Yes,”Isaid,partofmymemoryreturningatthementionofit.“Foralittlewhile.Andthentherewas

asecretAcademymeetinginmybedroomwhenIgothome.That’swhenIsentyouthetext.Idon’tthinkI
wassupposedto,though.”

Silaslaughed,itechoingthroughtheemptinessoftheapartment.“Mr.BlackbournementionedImay

havetobecarefulhowIrespondnexttimeyoutrythat.”

“I’mnotusuallysurewhatI’msupposedtobedoingwiththeAcademy,”Isaid.“
“Youaren’tsupposedtobedoinganythingwithus.Officially.”
Itwistedmylipsandthenstartedtopout.Ihadgottenmixedinwithacoupleoftheirassignments,

afterall.Kotadidn’twantmeinvolved,butafewoftheothersthoughtIshouldjoin,theyjustdidn’tknow
how.Partofitwasthattheworkwasdangerous,butIwasstartingtolearn,itwasmorecomplicatedthan
that.Theykeptmeinthedarkformyownsafety.Theproblemwas,Ireallywantedtobeapartofit.

Hechuckled.“Don’tmakethatface.Unofficially,you’rethere.Maybethingswillchangesoon.”His

palmslippeddownmylegandhetuckedtwofingersintotheedgeofmysandal.“Doyouwanttokeep
theseon?”

Ibitmylip,shakingmyhead.Iwasbeinghonest.WhatIwantedwastocurluponthecouchwithmy

kneestomychestandIcouldn’tdothatinshoes.Itfeltinappropriatetodoinsomeoneelse’shouse.

AsSilas’sfingerstracedtheedgeofmyheel,andslidoverthecurveofmyfoottoremoveonesandal,

andthentheother,tossingthemtothefloor,aninvoluntaryshiverrumbledthroughme.Thetouchwas
muchmoreintimatethananythingI’dfeltfromhimbefore.How,Iwasn’tsure.Itwasanintention,asense
ripplingfromSilas.

Hisheadswungbackashelookeddownatme.Icouldn’tfocusonhiseyessoIwatchedhismouth,

andthecoarsefacialhairshadowinghischin.Thesmilethatlingeredonhislipswasfullofpromises
unspokenandurgesIcouldn’tidentify.Heleanedintome,hislipsfindingmyear,tracingmylobeashe
whispered.“Whatwouldyouliketodo,AggeleMou?”

Itwasthesecondtimehe’daskedmeandIhadnobetteranswerforhimnowthanIdidamomentago.

Italsosoundedlikeacompletelydifferentquestion.Hisinflectionsuggestedtherewasaspecificanswer
hehadinmind,buthewaswaitingformetosayitoutloud.IhadafeelingIknewexactlywhathewanted
andmylipswouldneverutterthosewords,notrightnow.

Iknewtheboysweren’tsupposedtokissmeuntilIsaiditwasokay.Iwastoointimidatedtoeven

start.“Idon’tknow,”Isaidinaquietvoicethatdidn’tsoundlikeme.

Hisgazeliftedtomyhair,andthentraveledalongdifferentpartsofmyface.Thecornerofhismouth

inchedup,justashisfingertipstracedtheoutsideofmycalfbackupmyknee.“Aggele,”hebreathedout,
bringinghisfaceclose,thetipofhisnosenudgedmine.Hepaused,hoveringoverme,waiting.

Thiswasit.Silaswasgoingtokissme.HowIknewthat’swhathewanted,Iwasn’tsure.Hewasso

close,hiseyessointense.Iwasn’tsureifIwasready.Iwasn’tsureifIshouldatall.Mymindflashed
imagesofNorthbitingatmyneck.IthoughtofVictor’sarmsaroundmeashekissedme.Ithoughtof
sleepingbesideNathan,hisarmswrappedaroundmeandholdingmeinthenight.Kota’sgreeneyes.
Luke’swarmsmile.Gabriel’sfingersinmyhair.Dr.Green’skiss.

Iwantedtomakethemallhappy.Ididn’twanttodisappointanyofthem.

Whatscaredmethemostwasthatdespitethethoughts,IstillwantedtokissSilas.Ialsoreallyliked

him.Ifoundhimattractive.Iwantedhimtolikeme.Iwantedtoknowwhathefeltlikeinthatway.Yetit
stillfeltlikeabetrayaltotheothers,andtheguiltwasoverwhelming.Iwasn’tsurewhatIwasdoing,and
IknewIneededtotrusttheboys,butthiswasn’tnormal.

Silas’sfacetiltedagain,hislipbrushingacrossthecrestofmycheek.“Tellme.”Hisvoicewas

strainednow,pleading.

AsIcontemplatedwhathemeant,anarrowofpainstruckmeinthechest,hardenoughthatmyeyes

blackedout.Ifellbackintothecouch.MyhandsoughtoutmybreastwhereI’dbeenshocked.Icouldn’t
breatheandthoughtsemptiedoutofmyheadexceptconfusion.“Holy...bejeezus...ugh,”Igaspedout,
grippingatthedevicethatIrealizedhademittedtheshock.

“Shit,Sang,areyouokay?”Silascalledtome,hishandsreachingformyshoulders.Hiseyeswere

wide,horror-stricken.Hegotonhiskneesonthecouch,hoveringoverme.“Sang?”

Icoughed,yankingouthiscellphone.Thescreenwasglowing.“What...”Ipanted,stillshortof

breath.Theshockwasgone,buttheareaonmybreasttingled.

“Fuck.Iforgotyouhadthat,”hesaid.Hetookthephonefrommyhands,butcontinuedtohoverover

me.“What?”hebarkedatwhoeverwasontheline.

Icuppedapalmovermybreasttoeasethesting.“Ow,”Ibreathed,stillclutchingatmychest.What

happened?Didhisphoneshockme?Itfeltfamiliar,butnotasstrongasazapfromastungun.

Silas’sfacewentdarkandhemovedoffofmetositbackonthecouch,listeningtohisphone.He

grunted,handingitofftome.“Hewantstotalktoyou.”

“Idon’tknowifIwantit,”Isaid.“Itshockedme.Ithinkit’sbroken.”
“Justtalktohim,”Silassaid,frowning.
Imovedslowlybuttrustedhimenoughtotakethephone.“Hello?”
“Sorry,”North’svoicepoweredthroughtomyear.“Whatthehellwashisphonedoinginyourbra?”
“Wait...wait...ugh...what?”TheshockhadleftmybreasttinglingandfeelingweirdandthequestionsI

wantedtofirebackathimweren’tformulatingproperly.

“Don’tputhisphoneinyourbra.Infact,don’tholdhisphone.AndtellSilastobackoffifhe’s

scaringyou,”heordered.

“Howdidyouknowitwasinmybra?”Icountered,finallyfindingthewords.
Northfellsilent.
“North?”Idemanded.
Silence.
Somethingclickedinmybrain.“Wereyouwatchingus?”
“It’sagoodthingIwas.”
“There’sacameraonusnow?Ithoughttheywereforemergencies.”
“Iwasmakingsureyouwereokay.”
“I’mwithSilas,”Isaid.Didn’thetrusthim?Wasn’tthatenough?“Didyoushockme?Thesephones

canshockyou?”

“IthoughtitwasinSilas’spocket.”
“SoyouweretryingtoshockSilas.”
“Hedeservedit.”
“Whyintheworlddoyouhaveshockingphones?Andwhyareyouwatchingus?Andthatwasmean.I

can’tbelieveyou’ddothat.”

“He’ddoittome.”
“Idon’tcare.Don’tshock.Nomoreshocking.Thathurts.”

“Sang,”hebellowedintothephone.“IwillshockwhoIwantifIthinktheyneedit.Don’tletSilas

intimidateyou.Tellhimtobackoffifyou’reuncomfortable.”

“I’muncomfortablewithsomeonewatchinguswithoutsayingthey’regoingtodoitandtryingto

shockotherpeople,North.”

“Don’tmakemecomeoverthere.”
“Ugh,”Igrumbled,andImovedthephonefrommyface,hittingthebuttontoendthecall.Itosseditto

anotherpartofthecouch,fallingbackandputtingmyhandsonmyface.

Myphonestartedbuzzingintheothercupinmybra,scaringmethatitmightactuallyshockme,too.I

quicklypulleditoutofmybra,tossingitoverwiththeotherone.IcaughtNorth’snameonthescreen,but
Iignoredit.

“Yourphoneisn’tsettodothat,”Silassaid.Hehadakneeuponthecouch,sittingbackonhisheel,

lookingsolemnanduncertain.

“Whyisyourssetlikethat?”
“It’stheemergencyline,”Silassaid.“Whenitringsthroughandit’sonsilent,itshocksyoutomake

sureyoufeelit.”

Isatupagain,rubbingatthespotinmychest.“Thathurts.Holycrow,Ican’tbelieveyoudothatto

eachother.”

“It’salsonotreallymeantfor...Imeanweusuallycarrythoseinourpockets.It’snotsobadwhenit’s

ontheass.OrIguessI’musedtoit.”

“Whyisn’tminesetlikethat?”
Hiseyebrowsfurrowed.“What?”
“Whyisn’tmyphonesettoshock?”
“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean.”
“Imean,whydon’tIgetanemergencylinewithashockthingie?Whycan’tyoushockmefor

emergencies?”

Hislipsparted,hismouthmovingasifhewaslookingforananswerbutdidn’treallyhaveone.
Ifrowned.IknewtheanswerbutIdidn’twanttosayitoutloud.Ididn’thaveanemergencyline

becausetheywouldn’tcallmeiftheyhadanemergency.UselessSang.

“Canyoubelievehim?”Igroused.IfSilasdidn’twanttotalkaboutAcademythings,thenhecould

listentomecomplain.“He’swatchingusandthentriestoshockyou.”Iloweredthehemattheneckofmy
shirtafewinches,revealingtheskinthathadbeenelectrified.Thearealookednormal.Noburns.

Silas’seyesfollowedthehemofmyshirtdownandhemovedcloser,hoveringoverme.“You’re

okay,though,right?”

“Ithinkso,”Isaid,replacingthehemupandpressingmypalmdownonmybreastovermyshirt.“You

shouldshockhimback.”

Silassmirked.“I’lldoitifyouwantmeto.”
“No,”Isaid,eventhoughIwantedtosayyes.Idroppedmyhandfrommychest.Itstillfeltfunny.

“He’llprobablyexpectsitandisn’tholdingit.”

“Wecouldwaituntilhe’sasleep,”Silassaid.
Ilaughed.IhadtogiveNorthsomecredit.Itwaslikealightswitch.TheSilasI’dbeenusedto

seemedtobeback.HelightenedthemoodandIwasn’tnearlysostiffandafraidanymore.“Let’swait
untilwedoanothersleepoverthing.Thenwecanwatch.”

Silasbeamed.“Kotawillgroundus.”
“Totallyworthit.”

Silasboomedwithlaughter,sittingbackonthecouchandputtingahandonhischest.“You’reasbad

asLuke.”

“Ohwait,”Isaid,gettingupsoIwaskneelingonthecouch,makingmyeyeswide.“It’dbereally

coolifwecouldgetittodoitwithoutusingtheemergencybuttonandmakeitgooffatrandomintervals.
It’dtotallydrivehimcrazy.”

“Nowyou’rethinkingevil.”Hesmirked.“Remindmenottogetonyourbadside.”
“Iwouldn’treallydoit,”Isaid,swingingslightlyoffbalance.Ishotahandouttohislegtokeep

myselfuprightasIsatbackonmyheels.“It’sjustfuntothinkabout.Besides,Northcanbeatmeup.”

Silasturnedtome,graspedmyhandsandheldthemuptostabilizemeasIknee-balancedonthe

couch.“Northwouldn’tbeatyouup.”

“HemightifIzappedhim.”
Silasgrinned,squeezingmyhandsonce.“Youwanttoreallydrivehimcrazy?”
Ibitmylowerlip,nodding,butunsureifIwantedtozapNorthreally.Itreallydidhurt.
“Goputonsomethingyoucangetwetin,andwe’llgodowntothehottub.Nocamerasthere.He

can’twatchus.”

Igrinned,nodding.“Yeah.He’snotsupposedtobedoingthat,anyway.”Ijumpedupfromthecouch,

excitedbythenewplan.Igrabbedthestrapsofmybookbagtopickitup.“Serveshimright.”

Silasstoodup,tookmyhandandguidedmebacktowardthehallwayandstoppedatadoor,openingit

torevealaguestbathroomwithjustatoiletandsink.“You’vegotsomethingthatwillwork?”

Ipushedapalmacrossmycheek,rubbing.“Imight.ThethingsIgrabbedtosleepinshouldbefine.”
“Icangiveyouashirttosleepinifyouwant.”
Goingtoseeahottubandsleepinginoneofhisshirtslater?Iwasstartingtoreallylikevisitinghis

house.“Okay.”Isteppedintothebathroom,closingthedoorandthrowingthelock.

Ipushedmybacktothedoor,takingadeepbreath.Iwasexcitedtoexplore,butpartofmewas

feelingnervousagain.I’dbeoutofreachofNorth’seyes.DidIwanttogetsoclosetoSilasagain?I
hatedtoadmitthatIdid,andatthesametimeIcouldn’thelpbutfeellikemaybeNorthwasmadatmefor
beingsoclosewithSilas.Hedidn’tsoundmadaboutthatbefore.HesaidtotellSilastobackoffifIwas
uncomfortable.Theconfusionofeveryonebeingsounclearwasworst.Whatdidtheywantmetodo?

Ifishedoutatightertanktopandapairofdarkbluecottonshorts.IblushedwhenIrealizedtheshorts

werefromVictoria’sSecretandhadthewordAngelscrawledacrossthehips.Ihurriedlygotdressedin
them,droppingthelowerhemofthetanktopdowntocovertheword.Itfeltalittleawkwardtowear
themaroundSilaswhenhecalledmeangelinGreek.ItfeltlikeencouragingsomethingIwasn’tsureI
wasreadytothinkabout.

WhenIfinished,IstuffedtheclothesI’dwornbackintomybag,slungitovermyshoulder,and

openedthedoor.Istopped,lookinguponehallwayanddowntheotherbacktowardthelivingroom.
Wheredidhego?Istoodaloneinthehallway,waiting,listening.Thumpingfromastereosoundedbelow
myfeet.Acarenginestartedupsomewherecloseby.Thereweresomanynewnoises,andIfeltthe
encroachmentofotherpeoplebeingaroundus.IwonderedhowSilaslistenedoutfortrouble.

ButthenIrememberednoteveryoneneededto.I’dspentyearslisteningtothesoundsofmyown

housetofigureoutwhenitwassafetoemergefrommyroomunnoticed.Normalpeopledidn’thavetodo
that.

AdooropeneddownthesecondhallwayandSilaspoppedintoview.Hewasbarefootandwore

familiardarkblueswimshortsandaRedSoxt-shirt.Hespottedmeinthehallway,curledhisfingersat
me.“Comeputyourbaginhere,”hesaid.

Ipaddeddowntohim,thecarpetsmoothagainstmyfeet.Heheldoutahandformybag.Ipassedit

over,andhedroppeditjustinsidethedoor.Itwasabedroom,andIcaughtaglimpseofamassivebedin
themiddlebeforeSilasnudgedmebackdownthehallway.

Heheadedbacktothelivingroom,pickingupbothofourcellphonestoholdinhishand.He

disappearedbehindasidedoorandcamebackwithtwolargetowels,pickeduphishousekeysand
shooedmeouttothefrontdoor.

Thecrispaircutintomyskinintheshadowoftheoverhang.Whenhelockedthedoor,hegrabbedmy

handandwewalkedtogethertotheparkinglot.

“Doyoulikelivinghere?”Iaskedhimasheledmebetweentwobuildingsandaroundapond.Now

thatwewereinthesun,itwarmedmybodyenoughtoalmostenjoytheweather.Icouldn’tbelieveitwas
almostNovemberandIcouldwalkaroundinshorts.“Imeanintheseapartments?”

“It’sokay,”hesaid,shiftinghishanduntilhispalmmetmineinamoresubstantialgrip.“South

Carolinaisn’tbad.Iliketheweather.Charlestonisnice,butitisn’tGreece.”

“DoyoumissGreece?”
Heflashedasmileatme,givingmyhandagentlesqueeze.“Nottoday.”
IstaredatsomeHalloweendecorationsalongafewoftheporches.IwonderedifGreecehad

Halloween.Icouldn’timaginewhatitmustbeliketoliveamillionmilesaway.I’dmovedhere,but
besidestheweatherandabeachnearby,itwasatleastthesamelanguageandculture.“Butyoudo
sometimes?”

“DoyoumissIllinois?”
“No.”Ifeltthatwasanhonestanswer.WhywouldImissaplacewhereIdidn’thavefriendsand

didn’tevergoanywheretoseethings?

Hetiltedhisheadatme,raisinganeyebrow.“Imeanbesideslivingwithyourcrazyparents?Wasn’t

theresomethingyoulikedaboutit?”

Ittookmeamomenttorespond.“Thesnow,perhaps.Iknowitdoesn’treallysnowhere,right?”
“I’veneverseensnow,”headmitted.“Notinperson.”
Ipoppedmymouthopen,butIdidn’trealizethatperhapssomeoftheboys,ifthey’dneverbeenoutof

SouthCarolina,theymightnothaveeverseensnow,either.“Itdoesn’tsnowinGreece?”

“NotontheislandswhereI’mfrom.”
IfollowedSilasintooneofthelargebuildingsnearthefrontofficethatwehadseenwhendrivingin.

Therewasacollectionofexerciseequipmenttotheright,reflectedinthemirrorshangingfromthewalls.
Totheleftwereafewsaunarooms,asmallhallwaytorestroomsandchangingrooms.Furtherdownwas
asunroomarea,wherealargeoctagonhottubsatinthemiddle.

Theroomwassteamyandheadywithpoolchemicals.Thetublookedclean,withclearaquawater.

Therewereacoupleofloungechairssurroundingthetubunderthesunlightstreaminginfromthe
windows.Alargeflattelevisionhungupononewall,turnedtoanewsstation,thoughthesoundwas
muted.

“Whowatchesthenewswhiletheysitinahottub?”Silasasked,droppingthetowelsontooneofthe

chairswhichhedraggedclosetotheedgeofthehottub.Hestudiedthetelevisionandthenscannedthe
areaasiflookingforaremote.

Iwasdrawntothewater,toocuriousformyowngood.Icreptuptotheedge,touchingthewaterwith

atoe.Iyankedbackquickly.Thewaterwasexceptionallywarm.Sincetheroomwashot,too,itseemed
likeasillyideatoslipintoequallywarmwater.Iwasn’tsureIwasgoingtounderstandhottubs.

SilasmanagedtofindbuttonsonthesideoftheTVandswitchedtoafootballgame.Satisfied,he

crossedbacktome,hikingtheshirtupoverhisbodyanddroppingitontothechairnexttoourtowels.His

broadshouldersandthemusclesofhischestandstomachflexedinawaythatsentarippleoftingles
throughmyspine.Greekgodscouldn’thavebeendesignedanybetter.

Hestaredbackatme,cockinghisheadtoonesidewithaneyebrowgoingup.“Whatareyouwaiting

for?”heasked.

“You,”Isaid.
Heflashedasmileanddroppedhiskeysandourphonesbytheedgenearthepool.Hecrouched

down,slippedhisfeetinandincheddownuntilhewassittinginside,thewaterwentuptojustunderhis
chest.“Comeon.”

Iwashopinghe’dsayitwastoohot.Isuckedinabreath,slidmyfootin,resistingtheurgetopullout

becauseitfelttoowarm.Maybeitwasbecausewe’dwalkedinherefromthechillerairoutside.Itwas
likesteppingintoahotshowerandyourbodyisstillchilled.Mybodytingledatthetemperaturechange.I
managedtostandontheseatingareabeforeIwimpedout.“It’shot.”

“Hottub,”hesaid.Hecurledhisfingersatme.“Comeon,you’llgetusedtoit.”
Ihuffed,slowlyloweringmyselfuntilIwasonmykneesontheseat.ItfeltlikethelowerIgotdown,

thewarmerthewaterwas.SilasreachedahandoutandItookit,lettinghimpullmeoverinthewater
untilIwasnexttohim.Withmybuttontheseat,thewaterwasuptomychest.IletmyfeetriseupsoI
wasn’ttouchingthebottombecauseitwastoohotdownthereforme.

Hegrinned,andswunghisheadaround.“Okay,there’sabuttonheresomewhere.”
“Whatdoesthebuttondo?”
“You’llsee,”hesaid,butfocusedonaspotonthewallacrosstheroom.Silasstoodup,movedacross

thetubandgotoutontheotherside,dashedforthebutton,pusheditandstartedback.

Thetubstartedwhirlingtolifearoundme,andajetstartedsprayingmeinthebackunderthewater.I

movedoutofitsway.Thewaterstartedswirlingaround,makingaslightwhirlpooleffect.

Silasjumpedbackin,crossingoveruntilhewasnexttome.“See?Nice.”
NowthatIwasin,itdidfeelgood.Thejetswereinteresting.Silasputanarmaroundmyshoulders,

andIcouldsitback,myheadrestingonhim.Wecuddledtogetherinthewater,watchingthemutedimages
ofthefootballgame.Thiswasdifferent,butwhatIexpectedofSilas.Therewasn’ttheintensitylikewe
werewhenwe’dsatonhiscouch.Wasitbecauseanyonecouldwalkinatanymoment?DidNorthsay
somethingtohimthatmadehimbackoff?

ButhereIwasnexttohim,myheadonhisarmandmythighbrushinghis.Maybeitwasn’tSilas

throwingsignalsatmethathewantedtokissme.MaybeitwasinmyheadbecauseIwasnervousbeing
inhishouseforthefirsttime.I’dbeeninhislapbefore.He’dbeenclosetome.Iwasn’tscareduntilI
washereathishouse.

ButthenwhydidNorthfeelheneededtospyonusandzapSilas?
Oneofourphonesstartedtorattleagainsttheconcretebehindus.Silasturnedtocheckovermyhead

atthem.“It’syours,Sang.”

Ipuffedoutabreath.“Ifit’sNorth,I’mtemptednottoanswer.”Iturnedtohangovertheedgeand

grabmyphone.Ileanedagainstthewall,readingthename.

Ipushedthebutton.“Luke?”
“WhyisNorthyellingatme?”
“Idon’tknow,”Isaid,whileatthesametimefeelingSilas’shandsonmyback,doingsomethingtothe

shirtIwaswearing.Thematerialwasstickingtomybody,soIthoughtatfirsthewasstraighteningit.
WhenIlookedback,hewasstaringatmybutt.Ireachedaround,tryingtocoverthewordscrawled
acrossmyhips,buthepattedmyhandaway,pullingtheshirtuphigherovermywaistashisfingertip
trailedoverthelettering.

“Well,”Lukesaid,distractingmefromSilas,“it’ssomethingaboutyou.Hesaidyouweremadathim

andhunguponhim.Hejustsnappedatmefornottyingmyshoes.”

Imadeanumberofsurprise,how-dare-henoisesintothephone.ItwasunfairofNorth,whostarted

this,tobeyellingatLuke.“Tellhimtostop.”

“What?”
“TellNorthIsaiddon’tyellatyou.”
Therewasashufflingnoiseonthephone.Luke’svoicewasmuffledashestartedtalkingtoNorth.
Silas’spalmfellontothesmallofmyback.IturnedaroundandhishandremainedonmeasIlooked

upathim.Hewasgrinningproudly,andmouthed,“Lovetheshorts.”

Igulpedbackmyheart,tryingtofocus.
“Northjustthrewamugatmeforcallingyouaboutit.”
“Wouldyougivehimthephone,please?”
“Hedoesn’twantit.”
Whowasignoringwhonow?IeyeballedSilas,whowastiltinghisheaddownatmecuriously.“I

thinkit’stimetozaphim,”Isaid.

Silasliftedabrow.“Areyousure?”
WhatotherchoicedidIhave?Inodded.“Maybeit’llcalmhimdown.”Itwasastrangeidea,but

Northneededsomeonetofightbackwith,andifhewouldn’tfightnow,thenheneededalittlenudge.Ifit
wasn’tsupposedtohurtthatmuch,thenmaybeitcouldwork.

Silasgrunted,turnedtogethisphoneandpushedatthescreen.“Ihaveyouforlessthananhourand

we’realreadyinthemiddleofshit.”HefoundNorth’sapp,pushedittoopenthescreen,revealingfour
differentcoloredsquares.Hepointedtothegreenone.“Youwanttodoit?”

Itwistedmylips,holdingupafinger.SilasheldupthephonewhileIhoveredmyfingeroverthe

greenbutton.“Luke,”Isaidintomyownphone.“Runforcover.”

“Whatareyoudoing?”Lukeasked.
Ipushedthegreenbutton,cringingwhenIdid.IknewhowbadlyithurtandIdidn’twanttodothatto

North,buthewasactingcrazy.

FrommyphonecameastringofcursesinthedistancefromNorth.Lukeholleredbackathim,

somethingIcouldn’tunderstand.Lukebreathedheavilyintothephone.“Whatdidyoudo?”

“Izappedhimback.”
“What?”
“Ishestillyelling?”
“Yes,”Silassaid,asheheldhisownphonetohisear.Silasmovedtositbackinthetub,puttingan

armbehindme.Isatback,puttingmyheadonhisshoulderasIhalflistenedtoLukescufflingonthephone
andSilastalkingtoNorthontheotherside.

“North,”Silassaid,“no,she’sfine.StopyellingatLuke.Stopyellingatme.”
“Swapphones?“Iaskedhim.
“Yeah,”Silassaid,handingthephoneofftomeandtakingmine.
“North?”
Heavybreathingintothephone.“What?”
Ibitmylip,unsure.Hedidsoundangry.“Areyoumadatme?”
Pause.“No.”
“AreyoumadatLuke?”
Anotherpause.“No.”
“AreyoumadatSilas?”

“Yes.”
“Why?”
Northgrunted.“Heshockedme.”
“No,hedidn’t.Ipushedthebutton.”
Pause.“Oh.”
“Areyoumadatmenow?”
“Maybe.”
Ihalfgrinned.Maybeitdidwork.IlookedupatSilas,watchinghisfaceasIspoke.“North?”
“Yeah?”
“Doyoustilllikeme?”
Northgrumbled.“Yes.”Pause.“Doyoustilllikeme?”hesaidinaquietertone.
WashetryingtohideitfromLuke?“Yes.Canyoupleasestopyellingatpeople?”
“Iguess.”
Isaidgoodbyeandhungup.SilaswasalreadyoffthephonewithLuke.Iheldthephoneovertohim.

Hetookitanddroppedbothhisandmineonadryspotnearby.Heturnedaroundagain.Iputmyhead
againsthisshoulderagain,pulledmykneesuptomychest,andwrappedmyarmsaroundmylegs.Silas’s
fingersdroppedoverthecrookofmycollarbone.

“Ilikemyphone,”Isaid,“butcouldwenothavethemforalittlewhile?”
Silaschuckled.Hepressedhischeekagainstthetopofmyhead.“Sorry,Aggele.Allfamilieshave

rules.Oneofoursisyouhavetohaveyourphoneonyouallthetime.”

“What’stheotherrules?”
“Don’tgetintotrouble,”hesaid,andpokedmeintheribswithafinger.
Igrumbled,rollingmyheadagainsthisshoulder.“Ikeeptryingnotto.Itisn’tworking.”
Silasstretchedhisfreearmoverhishead,andflexedhislegsinthehottub.“Let’sjusttrytoget

throughtheeveningwithoutanymorezapping.”

Myhandabsentmindedlymovedtomychest,whereIalmoststillfeltthebuzzoftheelectricitythrough

it.IhopedNorth’szapdidn’thurthim.IhatedtothinkofhowmanytimestheywerezappedorI’ddoneit
withoutrealizingitcouldhurt.Maybeitwasdifferentifitwasintheirpockets,butwhatiftheywere
holdingontoit?

Wesettledintoapeacefulquiet,watchingthegame.Silas’sfingerstracedalongmycollarbone.The

footballgameswitchedintothethirdquarter.Thetubbubbledandchurnedaroundus.

Istartedtogetthatstomachflippingfeelingagain.Mycheeksheatedup.Ididn’twanttolookup

becauseIwasn’tsureIcouldlookatSilasrightnow.Hishandagainstmyshoulderandmyheadonhis
arm,Istaredatthegamefeelinghighlysensitiveagain.ThesilencegrewuncomfortabletomeandI
yearnedtothinkofsomethingtosaythatwouldbreakthisfeeling,butnothingsoundedrightandmymouth
feltgluedtogether.

Thehottubshutteredaroundusandthejetsshutoff.
Silasgruntednexttome.“Allright,AggeleMou.Timetogetout.”
Imoaned.“Aw.”
Silaslaughed,pullinghimselfawayandstanding,stretchingandturnedtolookdownatme.“You’re

goingtocookyourinsidesupifyoustayintoolong.”

Myeyeswidened.Washeserious?
Silasclimbedtogetout.Iturned,standingslowlyandhereachedformyhandtopullmeouttostand

nexttohim.

Myheadstartedtoblackoutinadizzyspell.IpushedapalmtomyforeheadasIwobbledonmyfeet.

“Whoa,”Isaid.

“Youokay?”
“Justalittledizzy,”Iadmitted.
“Didyoueattoday?”
Iunderstoodwhathewasasking,butIendedupsimplystaringathimasmybrainwasabigtoofoggy

torememberatthemoment.

Silassmirkedatmeandturnedtofetchthetowels.“When’sthelasttimeyouateanything?”
“Ihadcoffeethismorning.”
“Nothingelse?”
“Lukemademeasandwichatwork.I’vebeenbusy.”
“Thatmeansit’sdinnertime,”hesaid,tossingatowelatme.“Iswear,girl,ifIwasn’tstandingontop

ofyou,you’ddie.”

Irolledmyeyes,bendingovertodryoffmylegsbeforeIwrappedthetowelaroundmyself.Silas

kepthiseyesonmeasIdid,leavingmewithmycheeksheatedandmyheartfluttered.

ComplicatedDating

ilasheldourphonesandhiskeysandIhungontohisshirtaswestartedout.Oncewewereoutside

againandweavingourwayaroundthepondsandcrossingsidewalks,Ishiveredagainstthecoolnessin
theair.Iclutchedhisshirttomybodytokeepthebreezeoff.Thesuddenchangefromthehottubtothe
coolerairdazedmeenoughtomakemefeellikeIwassleepwalking.

Anotherguywalkedalongthepathtowardus.Iwasn’tpayingattentiontohim,insteadlookingaround

atthepondwewerepassing.Silasmovedcloserbesideme,takingmyhand.

“Yo,Si,”theguysaid,sparkingmeoutofmydaze.“That’syourgirlfriend?”
“Yeah,”Silassaid,hisfingerstighteningaroundmypalm.
Ididmybesttohidemysurprise.Girlfriend?Whywouldhecaretosayittoacompletestranger?We

diditatschool.Diditmattertodosooutsideofthere?

“Cute,”hesaid,andhemovedpastus,theconversationdropped.
Myheartwasracing.Silasdidn’tsayanythingaboutit.Hestaredahead,leadingthewaybacktohis

apartment.MylipsfeltgluedshutandIcouldn’tformulatethequestiontoask.Didhesayitjusttoendthe
conversationquickly?Washetryingtoimplythatheconsideredmehisgirlfriend?

WouldhetakemysilenceasasignIwasinterestedanddidn’tmindbeingconsideredhisgirlfriend

evenoutsideschool?

Thequestionshoveredaroundmyheadlikethegentlebreezethatfollowedusbacktohisapartment.

Heopenedthedoor,andIshiveredagainsttheblastofcoolair.Hisairconditionerwasrunningfullblast.

“Doyouwanttogoshower?”Silasasked,closingthedoorbehindus.“I’lltakecareofdinner.”
“You’regoingtocook?”
Heflashedagrin.“Somethinglikethat.”Heledthewaydownthehallandstopped,openingadoor

andsteppinginside.

ItwasthebedroomI’dglimpsedatearlier.Therewereacoupleofbaseballpostersonthewall.

Sportingequipmentleanedagainstacorner,alongwithbaseballbatsofvarioustypes,acoupleofgloves
andothergear.Therewasacomputerdeskwithaclosedlaptop,atoolbeltsittingontopofit.

Mostoftheroomwastakenupbyamassivebed,biggerthanI’veeverseeninperson.Itwassquare,

withatall,woodheadboardandmatchingfootboard.Thebedwasunmade,revealingcreamcottonsheets
andathindarkblueblanketdrapedover,halfhangingonthefloor.Asinglethinpillowsatinthemiddle.
Therewasanotherflatscreentelevisionhangingonthewalloppositethebed.

Silasdroppedhistowelonthechairbythedesk,puttinghiskeysdownbythelaptop.Heturnedtome,

andIpulledmyselfawayfromstaringaroundhisroomtoscoopupmybookbag.WouldIsleepinthe
bed?Wouldhisparentsunderstandiftherewasagirlsleepinginhisroom?Iknewitwasunusual,andin
themoment,therewasn’tareasonforustosleepinthesameroomatall,asmostparentswouldprobably
notallowtheirteenagekidstosleeptogether.

Andwherewerehisparents?ItwasaSaturdayevening.Weretheyworking?WasSilasgoingtomake

dinnerforthem?

Silasmotionedmeoutofhisroom.Heledthewayalittlefurtherdownthehallwayandopened

anotherdoor,revealingabiggerbathroom.Thisonehadsimilarbeigetilestothekitchen.Ashowertub
wastuckedintoanook.

“There’stowelsinthecloset,”hesaid.Helookeddownatme.“Doyouneedanything?”

Istaredoffintothebathroom,feelingchilledandalittledazed.Iwasalittlewornout.MaybeIdid

needfood.“Nope,”Isaid,puttingmybagdownontopofthesplotchybrownmarblecounter.

Hissmilelingeredonme.Ifeltmyeyebrowgoingup,lookingconfusedlyathim,unsurewhathewas

thinking.Heopenedhisarmsup,beckoningtome.“Comehere.”

Isteppedclose,myarmslifted.Hepulledmeup,liftingmebythethighsasIwrappedmyarms

aroundhisneck.Hekeptanarmundermybutttoholdmeagainsthim,hishandspreadagainstmyback.
Myownhandsgraspedthebackofhisneck,myfingerstrailingthroughhissmoothblackhair.Hisbare
chestpressedagainstme.IlovedSilas’shugs.

Hetuckedhisnoseintomyneck,inhaling.“Don’tkeeplookinglikethat,Aggele.”
“Likewhat?”
Hislipsmovedagainstmyskin.“Likeyou’rescared.LikewhenIfirstmetyou.”
“I’mnotscared.”
“Ihopenot.”Hepulledback.Irelaxedmyarmsandsliddown.Heheldontomeuntilmyfeettouched

thefloor.Heinchedback,hisarmmovingtoleanonthewallbehindmeandabovemyheadashehovered
overme.“Trustme?”

Itriedtowarmmysmile.“Yes.”
Hesmiledback,hiseyeslightingup.“Takeyourshower.I’llmakedinner.”
Myheartstartedtothudatthementionofashower,butIswalloweditbacksohewouldn’tthinkit

wasbecauseofhim.“Whatareyoumaking?”

“You’llsee.”Heshutthedoor.
IwaiteduntilIheardhisfootstepsdisappeardownthehallandthenflickedthelock,testingthe

handletomakesureitworked.Ididn’tthinkhe’dwalkinonme,notunlessIcalledtohim.Aftertheother
guyswalkedinonmebefore,though,Ijustwantedtobesurethistime.

Istoodshiveringonthetilesasacoldrushofairsweptdownonmefromtheventabove.Ihurried

overtothetub.IwonderedifhecouldhearifIbathedinsteadofshowered.Thethoughtofashowersent
awaveofnauseathroughmethattoldmeIwouldn’tbeabletodoit,despiteitbeingadifferentplace.I
knewrationallythatashowerwouldn’tkillme,buteventhethoughtoftakingone,orrunningthewater
throughtheshowerfixturewastoomuch.

Ipulledbacktheshowercurtainandstudiedthebronzefixturesagainstthelightcreamtiles.Itwasa

singleknob,witharrowspointingdifferentwaysbutitwasunclearhowtoturnitonandadjustthe
temperature.IttooksomefiddlingtodeterminewhichwaywasthewarmwaterandIcouldn’tfigureout
howtoplugthetubtofillit.Therewasn’taleverontopofthefaucetlikeinmyownbathroom,andwhen
Ipressedonthesurfaceofthestopper,itwouldn’tbudge.

Isighed,givingup.Istrippeddown,pickingupmysoggyclothestoputonthesideofthetubsothey

wouldn’twetthefloortoomuch.Isteppedintothebathandcuppedthewaterbetweenmyhands,tossing
itaroundmybodytowarmitupandrinseoffthechlorineIsmelledinmyskin.Ihadtobendoverfarto
washmyhair,andIwasn’tsureImanagedtogetallthesudsout.Ishavedmylegsandunderarms,too,
justtogivemyselfsomethingtodo.ThetimealoneinSilas’sbathroomgavemeanopportunitytoprocess
whereIwas.

ExcitementgrewinmeagainlikewhenIfirstlearnedweweregoingtosleepheretonight.Iwasat

Silas’s!

WhenIwasoutofthetubanddressedinpinkshortsandabuttonupblouseI’dmeanttowearthenext

day,Ibrushedmywethairback,twistingitintoabunandclippingittomyhead.Straylocksfellout,
framingmyface.ItuckedthembackbehindmyearsthebestIcould,butGabriel’shaircutbarelyallowed
this,sotwolockshungoneithersideofmyface.Ireplacedtheperfumeonmywristsandneck.

Icheckedmyphone.Nonewmessages.
BeforeIcouldputitaway,thephonevibratedinmyhands.Iplaceditonthecounterquickly,as

thoughitcouldshockmelikeSilas’shad.Iknewitcouldn’t,butitwasjustthesuddenmomentandthe
ideathattheboyscouldmakeitdoso.

Icheckedthescreen.
Nathan:Youdoingokay,Peanut?
Nathanwascheckingin?Ihadjustseenhimalittlewhileago.Ipickedupthephonetotexthimback.
Sang:I’mfine.Howareyou?
Maybeitwassimple,butIdidn’tknowwhatelsetoadd.
Thephonebuzzedimmediately.
Nathan:Fine.Justthinkingaboutyou.
Mycheeksheated,andmyheartdidaflip.Iwantedtosaysomethingsimilar,somethingthattoldhimI

didmisshimwhenhewasn’taround.Ijustdidn’twanttosayanythingtoostrong,asliketheotherguys,
hemightwanttocomeoverorhavemecomeseehim,andhewasworking.

Sang:I’llseeyoutomorrow?
Nathan:Youshould.Maybetomorrownight,we’llwatchthatnewmovieIwastellingyouabout.
Sang:Okay.
ThatwasallIcouldthinktosay,apromisethatsometimewe’dbetogetheragain.Wasitenoughtolet

himknowwhatIwasreallythinking?ThatasmuchasIenjoyedbeingaroundSilas,whenIwasn’taround
theothers,Ifelteachofthemwasmissinginaway.

Ihesitated,becauseIwantedtoreachoutagain.IthoughtaboutMr.Blackbourne,whoinvitedmeto

textorcallwhenIwanted,notonlyabouttheAcademy.Iopenedatextmessage,intendingtowritetohim,
onlyIcouldn’tthinkofwhattosay.Iwascompelledtosaysomething,anything.Idon’tknowwhy,butthe
moreIthoughtaboutit,themoreIwantedtoreachouttohiminawayIhadn’tdonesobefore.Ididn’t
wanttoomuchtimetopassbeforeIdid.

Inaway,too,Iwasworried.AfterearliertodaywithMr.Hendricks,IfeltlikeMr.Blackbournewas

theonethatwastargeted.ItwaslikeifIkeptintouchwithhim,I’dfeelhewassafe.

Isatonthecounterandtypedquickly.
Sang:Areyoubusy?
ItwastheonlythingIcouldthinktoask.Itfelteasiertotextthantocallhim.IfearedI’dhesitateto

speakorstumbleonthelineandhe’dthinkitawasteoftime.

Amessagecamebackalmostimmediately.
Mr.Blackbourne:I’mnotbusy.Didyouneedsomething?
Ihesitatedagain,asIstilldidn’thaveanythingtosay,andtheonlyquestionsthatfeltsafetoaskwere

abouttheAcademy.

Isuckedinabreath,tryingtothinkofsomethingtotalkaboutthathe’dwanttohear.
AndthenIstoppedthattrainofthought.Maybethatwastheproblem.
WhatdidIwanttotalktohimabout?
Iwentthroughanumberofquestions:favoritecolor,whathewasthinking,wherehishousewas,

tryingtofindonethatdidn’tfeeltooawkward.Icouldn’tfigureoutwheretostart.

BeforeIcouldcomeupwithsomething,thephonebuzzedtolifeinmyhands.
Mr.Blackbourne:Willyoubejoiningustomorrow?Ithinkit’stimewefoundsomethingappropriate

foryoutowearforthehomecomingdance.Yourfavoritecolorispink,isn’tit?

MyheartleaptandIjumpedfromfoottofoot,tryingtoreleasethesuddensurgeofexcitement.The

wayheaskedmesetoffsomanymorequestions.He’dbetherepersonally?WouldIhavetopickouta

dress?Heknewmyfavoritecolor?Whataboutallthosesecurityissues?

Icouldn’tmentionthesecurity,soIhadtoleavethatpartandotherAcademyquestionsout.
Sang:Yes,Ilikepink.Ididn’trealizeI’dbegoing.
Mr.Blackbourne:You’llgo.YoushouldprobablyattendwithSilas,orwouldyouprefertogowith

someoneelse?

Myheartstartedtosettle.IfSilasandIweredating,Ishouldtechnicallygowithhimtoaschool

event.Wouldalltheotherboysgo,too?Hewantedtoknowmypreference.

Sang:ItisprobablybestIattendwithSilas,isn’tit?
Mr.Blackbourne:Ifyouwanttochangethatdynamic,I’llmakethearrangements.
Alittlebitoftheflutteringreturned.Itsoundedmorelikehewaswonderingwhatmychoicewouldbe

ifIcouldpick.Ididn’tknowhowtorespond.

Sang:They’llallbegoing,won’tthey?
Mr.Blackbourne:Theyshouldallbethere.
Sang:Dotheyhavehomecomingat...
Icouldn’tfinishthatsentencebutIhopedheunderstoodIwasn’ttryingtodivulgeanyAcademy

secrets.ItwasthemoreIlearnedaboutit,themoreIunderstoodtheAcademywasn’tjustanyschool,but
howfardidthatgo?

Mr.Blackbourne:That’sagoodpoint.I’llhavetomakesuretheyhaveaproperexperience.We

shouldallattend.

Didtheynothaveatraditionalhomecoming?Nathanandtheothershadseemedinterestedin

participatingincertainschoolevents,evenifwedidn’thavethetimetofullyappreciateeverything.Even
iftheschoolwasdangerous,thingslikefootballgamesandclubsanddanceswerestillheld.Itmademe
wonderiftheAcademywassogreat,howcometheydidn’thavesomethingthatseemedsonormalasa
homecominggameanddance?

Sang:Itsoundslikefun.
Mr.Blackbourne:I’llmakethearrangements.
Sang:Thankyou.
Mr.Blackbourne:Thankyou.
Iheldontothephone,waitingtoseeifhe’dsayanythingelse,buttherewasnothing.Whenenough

timestretchedoutthatIdidn’tthinkhe’drespondatall,Iputthephoneaway.

Homecoming.Likenormalstudents.Ihadn’tthoughtaboutit,butnowthatMr.Blackbournehadsaid

something,Iwasthinkingwhatitwouldbelike.We’dstillneedtobeonalert,butforamoment,I
imaginedwhatitmightbeliketoblendinwitheveryoneelse.Music,dancing.He’dsaidthey’dallattend.
Didheincludehimself?

Maybeitwasn’tasbigadealasIwasthinkingitwas,butinthemoment,Iletmyselfbecomeexcited.
Ifloatedoutofthebathroom.

KorbaFamilyDynamics

leftmysoggyclotheshangingoffofthetub,andcollectedmybookbag,steppingoutintothehallway.

Theapartmentwasquiet.ItiptoedtoSilas’sdoor,droppingmybaginside,andshuffledoffbacktoward
thelivingroom.

IfoundSilasonthecouch,backinjeansandwearingtheRedSoxT-shirt.Hehadhisbarefeetupon

thecoffeetableasheflippedthroughstations.Therewasalampglowingonthesidetablenexttohimin
theotherwisedarkroom.Withhisstrongjaw,hishairalittlemussed,andhisdeepeyes,helookedso
handsomethatmyheartstartedthundering.

HelookedupasIcamecloser,andheldoutanarm,beckoning.Islippedintothespotnexttohim.I

curledupmylegs,drawingthemtomychestasIrestedmyheadagainsthisshoulderandstaredahead.I
wantedtolookathimmore.TherewerelengthsoftimewhereIwasn’taroundhimmuchandIyearnedto
studyhisfaceandlookintohiseyeslikehedidtome.IwantedtoknowthingsIdidn’tdareask.

Hisarmwrappedaroundmybody,drawingmeclose,hisfingersbrushingmyside.Iwascomfortable,

buthisfingerstracingthesideofmystomachhadmycoretremblingagain.

Heheldtheremoteinhisotherhand.“Whatdoyouwanttowatch?”
“Idon’tknow.”
“Picksomething.”
Ihadnoideawhattosay.Icouldn’trememberthelasttimeIwatchedtelevision.“Thereisn’tagame

on?”Sportsweresafe.Helikedthat.

“Whatdoyoureallywanttowatch?”
IliftedmyheadfromhisshouldersoIcouldlookathim.Washeserious?LikeIcouldpayattentionto

anythingwithbeinginthisnewplaceandhimsocloseanyway.

Iwasabouttoanswerwhenthesoundofthefrontdoorbeingunlockedechoedthroughtheapartment.I

stiffenednexttohim,tuckingmoreintomyselfandwishingIhadpickedaspotontheothersideofSilas
soIcouldhidebehindhim.

Silas,however,didn’tbudge.HemumbledsomethingIdidn’tunderstand,maybeinGreek,andturned

backtothetelevision,continuingtosurfchannels.

Astoutmanappearedfromthehallway,hisdarkhaircutshortandhisnosebig.Heworeadirtylight

blueworkershirtthatdidjustenoughtohideaprotrudingfrontbelly.Hechewedonacigarashe
droppedsomethingheavyonthekitchencounter,thenflickedalight,sheddingafluorescentglaretoward
us.

“Hey-ey-ey,”themanlaughedinourdirection.“There’sthegirl.”
Silasgrumbledandsunkdeeperintothecouch.
MymouthfellopenandIstared,scratchinglightlyatmyarmoutofnervousness.Thegirl?IthoughtI

shouldstandandmaybegreethim,butSilas’sfingersgrippedmysidetighterandIwasn’tsureIwanted
topullawayfromhim.

“Hello,”Isaidsoftlyinanefforttobepolite.
“Hellotoyou,”themansaid,hisheavyGreekaccentmakingitdifficultformetounderstand.“Silas

talkedaboutagirl,butIwasn’tsurehedidn’tmeantheblondkid.”

DidhemeanLuke?“No,I’m...um...Iguess...”
“Dad,”Silassaid,sittinguponthecouchandreleasinghisholdonme,droppinghisfeetoffofthe

table.“ThisisSangSorenson.Sang,thisismyfather,CharalamposKorba.”

Hisfathergrinnedandcrossedtheroomtostandoverme,holdingoutahand.“CallmeCharlie.”
Idroppedmyhandinhis.Hiswasbig,likeSilas’s,buthewasshorterthanhisson.Itwashardto

imaginethetallandpowerfulSilasandhimbeingrelated.Ifoughtfortheproperwordstosay.“It’sa
pleasuretomeetyou.”There.ThatwaswhatIwassupposedtosay,wasn’tit?

“Oh,”Charliesaid,aneyebrowgoingupasheshookmyhand.HemadeafaceatSilasandgrinnedat

him.“Listentothat.She’saverypropergirl.”

“Don’tstart,”Silassaid,givinghimaglare.
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?Ihaven’tsaidanything.”Charliebackedaway,fallingbuttfirstintothe

well-wornleatherarmchair.Heheavedasigh,readjustinghimselfashesettledin.“Ohgod,youdon’t
wanttoknowthethingsIsawtoday,Si.Iswear,nooneinthistownknowshowtounclogatoilet.They
alwaysmanagetomakeitworse.”

“Iftheydidknowhowtodoitright,theywouldn’tneedtocallyou,”Silassaid.
Charlielaughed,pullingtheunlitcigarfromhislipsandshovingitintothefrontpocketofhiswork

shirt.“You’rerightaboutthat.Keepsmebusy.”

Aknockechoedthroughtheroom.
“There’sdinner,”Silassaid,standingup.Hedroppedahandontopofmyhead,pattingmeashe

brushedby,walkingaroundhisfathertoanswerthefrontdoor.

Andmyheartdroppedinmychest.Howdareheabandonme!Iwastemptedtojumpuptogowith

him,butIcouldn’tgetmyselftomove.Iclutchedmyarmsaroundmyself,overmylegs.Itmightbe
impropertohavemyfeetonthecouchandIshouldlowerthembutIwastooterrifiedtomoveatall.

“Tossmethatremote,love,”Charliesaid,snappingandpointingtotheremoteSilashadleftonthe

coffeetable.

Thetermheusedformecausedmetoblush,butthecommandwasenoughtogetmetounfold.I

grabbedtheremoteandstooduptocrosstowhereIcouldplaceitinCharlie’shand.

Hebeamedupatme.“Youarecute.How’dyoumeetmyson?”
Ihesitatedtofigureoutwhattosay,halfhopingSilaswouldbebackquicklytoanswerforme.

“Um...wellImetKotaandVictorandtheyintroducedus.”Mostlytrue.

“Oh,”hesaid,hisvoicedroppingslightly,leaningoverandhiseyebrowshotup.“Areyou...you

know...fromthatfancyAcademy?What’sitcalled?GreysonAcademy?”

Itwascalledsomething?Ididn’tknowithadaname.Ishookmyheadquickly.“No,Igotothepublic

school.”

Hislipspursedandhenodded,sittingback.“Good.That’swhereyoushouldgo.Itellmysonthat,but

hegotthatscholarshipandhesaysit’sagoodopportunity.Isaidheshouldgogethiswallopsinata
publicschool.It’sgoodenough.”

Ihadnothingtosaytothis,butIfounditstrange.Ericaseemedtounderstandmoreaboutthe

Academy,evenifshewasn’ttoldmuch.Sonoteventheirparentsknewtheinnerworkings.Theyjustsaw
itasaprivateschool.“Itsoundslikeaniceplace,”Isaidquietly.

Charliehuffed,andwavedhishandintheair.“Allhedoesisschoolwork.Neverhastimetohelpout

hisoldmananymore.Itellhimthathecouldmakeagoodlivingifhejustlearnedausefulskill,like
plumbing.It’sallyouneedtodoandyouwon’twasteyourtimeormoneyonsomedegree.Lookatall
thosekidsouttherenowwithlargeschooldebtandnojob.That’snotalife.Atradeiswherethemoney
is.”

Silasreturned,carryingacoupleofbagsintothekitchen.Heplacedthemonthecounterandstarted

openingthem,sortingoutthecontainers.

Athearingthis,Charlie’slipspursedagain.Hiseyesfellonme,curiousandamused.“Soyouarehis

girlfriend,right?”heaskedinaloudertone.HewasclearlytryingtomakesureSilasheard.

MyeyeswentwideandIsoughtoutSilasinthekitchen.Heturnedaroundtowardthewallasif

lookingforsomething.Iknewhe’dheardhisfather.Hewasavoidingthequestion.

“Yes,”Isaid,wantingtomakeSilasasuncomfortableasIwas.Ifhewasgoingtoabandonme,I

wouldtrytoembarrasshim.Heprobablyexpectedmetorattleoffthatwewerejustfriends.Well,joke’s
onyou,buddy.

Partofmesecretlyentertainedtheideaofclaiminghim.Theotherboysoftensprungthingsonme,like

nottellingmeuntilthelastminutewithUnclethatIwaswithLuke.Ienjoyedtheturnaround.

Silasspunaroundinthekitchen,hisdarkeyesfindingmine,hismouthopen.Shock?Disbelief?I

wasn’tsurewhich.Fair’sfair,though.Besides,hetoldthatneighborofhiswewereacouple.

“HaveyoueverhadaGreekboyfriendbefore?”Charlieasked.
Iknewthisanswer.“No,sir.He’smyfirst.”Inmorewaysthanone.
“You’llsee,”Charliesaid,beaming.“YougoGreek,youwon’tgobacktoanyofthoselazyAmerican

boyfriends.”

Iclampedmylipsshut.Iwasn’tsurehowmuchSilashadtoldhimaboutmebutIdidn’treallywantto

delveintodetailsabouthowcompletelyinexperiencedIwas.

Silasclearedhisthroat,walkingintotheroomwithacollectionofStyrofoampackages,plasticforks

andarollofpapertowelsunderhisarm.Hedepositedeverythingontothecoffeetable,pickingoneofthe
containersbackupandhandingitovertohisfather.Therewerewaftsofdifferentspices,allmixing
together.

“Beer?”CharlieaskedSilasasheopenedthetop.
“WehaveCokeorwater.”
“Itoldyoutogetsome,”Charliesaid.“Iworkhardallday.Ishouldbeabletocomehomeandhavea

coldbeer.”

WasSilasexpectedtogetbeer?Hecouldn’tbuyitlegally.
Silasignoredthisandturnedtome,eyebrowsgoingup.“Coke?”
Ishookmyhead.“Water,please.”
Silasgrinned,walkingaroundtothekitchenagainandcomingbackwithtwosodasandawaterbottle.

Hepassedoneofthesodastohisfather.Silastriedtowalkaroundmetositonthesidefurtherfromhis
father,butImovedover,pattingthespotonmyleft.HetookthespotandIbreathedasigh,relieved.He
feltlikeashield.NotthatIthoughthisfatherwoulddoanything.Heseemedniceandfun,butitwasa
littleoverwhelming.Ithoughtmaybeitwasmystepmother’sinfluence.Icouldn’teraseyearsofparanoid
whispersovernight.

Iopenedthewaterbottle,takingagulpasSilasopenedfourofthefoodcontainers.Mystomach

startedtogrowlsmellingwarmmeatsandamixofspicesIwasn’tfamiliarwith.Myeyeswidenedas
Silaspreppedthefourcontainersinfrontofus.

“Iwasn’tsurewhatyou’dlike,”hesaid.“SoItriedtogetalittleofeverything.”
“Youhaven’ttakenheroutforGreekfoodyet?”Charlieaskedbetweenbites.
“Ijustgothersomehere,”Silassaid,soundingagitated.
Charlielookedtome.“Where’shebeentakingyou?”
“Uh...”Isaid,unsurehowtorespond.“Well,we’vebeentothemall,swimming...mostlyhecomesto

myhouse.”

SilasshotmealookIdidn’tunderstand.Wellthat’swhatyougetwhenyouletmeanswerthe

questions,dum-dum.

“He’smetyourparentsalready?”Charlieasked,soundingimpressed.
“Y...yes,”Isaidquietly.
Silasgrunted,openinghissoda.
Charlielaughed.“Goingkindoffastwiththisone,aren’tyouSilas?Whenwereyougoingtotellme

shewasyourgirlfriend?”

Silasrolledhiseyesandthenfocusedonme,pointingoutthedifferentdishesinfrontofus.“There’s

gyros,shawarma,moussaka,kibbi...”hesaid.“Trysome.Tellmewhatyoulike.”

Ibitmylip,leaningforwardandfeelingawkward,butspearedapieceofgyrowithaforkandateit.

Ablendofonionandgarlicmeltedwiththemeatinmymouth.Itwasheavenly.WhenIswallowed,I
asked,“What’sagyro?”

“Lamb,”Silassaid,forkinghisownpieceandeatingit.
Iswallowedagain,myeyeswide.Babysheep?Whynotfullgrownsheep?Whysheep?
Silassmirked.“Good?”
Inodded.Icouldn’tlie.Itwasgreat.Ipushedtheideaofbabysheepoutofmymind.“What’s

shawarma?”Iasked,spearingapiecebutholdingitbeforehetoldmeitwaskittenorpuppy.

“Chicken,”hesaid.
Iateit.Itwasgood,different,butIlikedthegyrobetter,whichIhatedtoadmit.
Silasremainedpatientwithme,explainingthedifferentfoodsandwhatwasinthem.Aftereverynew

bite,hiseyesremainedonme,asiftryingtofigureoutwhichweremyfavoritesbasedonmyfacial
expressions.Intheend,Iknewgyrosweremyfavorite,andtherewasadeliciouscreamsaucethatwent
withitthatIliked.

AfterIate,IcurledupagainstSilas,myarmsaroundmystomachasIfelttoofulltomove.Charlie

foundasportschannelandwatchedthenewsrecapofeventsofthedayandtalkingabouttheupcoming
games.ThelullofpeopletalkingalongwithSilas’swarmthcausedmetostarttonodoff.Towakemyself
up,Isatupandstretched,butayawnescapedme.

Silasgrinnedatme.“Thatsoundslikeaplan.”
“She’ssleepinghere?”Charlieasked.
MyeyesbuggedoutatSilas.Hedidn’tknow?Thatmadesense,Isupposed,consideringheseemed

surprisedearliertoseemeatall.Iwasn’tgoingtolethimmakemeanswerthisone.

“Yup,”Silassaid,ignoringmeandsquaringoffwithCharlie.“Problem?”
Iheldmybreath.
Charliedidn’tanswer,buthegrinnedinawaythatsentachillthroughmyspine.
“Shutup,”Silassaid,startingtopickupleftovercontainers.Igotuptohelp,wantingtobeusefuland

alsonotwantingtobealonewithCharlieanymore.Hewassweetbutthatknowinggrinmademyheartgo
intofullpanic.Icouldn’tthink.Thiswasn’tnormalforalotofparents,andIshovedahandovermy
cheeks,pretendingtorubitwhilehidingmyblushing.

IrushedbehindSilasintothekitchenwherehestuffedtheleftoversintothefridge,alreadypacked

withothertakeoutcontainers.

“Youcookawesome,”Isaid.
Silassmirkedatme,closingthefridgeandpokingmeinthestomach.“Getyourassmoving.”
Ilaughed.
Henudgedmetowardthesecondhallwayandtohisbedroom.Myhearttrippedoveritselfatthis.His

dadknewIwasthere,andwasokaywithmesleepingthere...andinhisroom.Thatalonewasscary.

Asweapproachedhisbedroom,adoorfurtherdownthedarkhallwayopened.Outsteppedafigure,a

skinny,tallshadowthatIcouldtellwasmale.ThethinveilofsmokeI’dsmelledearlierincreaseda

hundredfoldnow.Iswallowedtokeepmyselffromcoughing.

Silasstiffenedbehindme,andstareddownthefigureinthedoorway.Ilookedathim,tryingtospot

details,butitwastoodark.Thepersonsteppedbackwardintohisroomagain,closingthedoor.

“Silas,”Iwhispered.
“Forgetit,”hesaid,openinghisbedroomdoorforme.
“Butwhowasit?”Iasked,steppingintheroomandturningaroundtolookathim.
“Mybrother,”Silassaid.
Myeyeswidened.“Oh.”Washehomethewholetime?“Ishehungry?Shouldwetellhimthere’s

leftovers?”

“He’lleatifhewants,”Silassaid.Hehuffed,butshookitoff,smilingatme.“Don’tworryabouthim.

He’sabigboy.Hecantakecareofhimself.”

Ipursedmylips,followinghislead,butwonderingwhyhisbrotherdidn’tgreetSilasorcomeout.

Washeshy?

AndwhydiditfeellikeSilasdidn’twantmetoknowabouthim?

BoyfriendsandGirlfriends

ilasfoundalargecottonbaseballjerseyformetosleepin.Ichangedinthebathroomupthehallway,

takingmytimetobrushmyteethandwashmyface.SleepinginSilas’sroomhadmyinsidesrattlingagain.
Thiswasnolongerateaseonthecouch.Thiswassomethingmore.Intimate.ThiswassomethingCharlie
grinnedaboutandmightcauseNorthtowatch,wantingtohittheemergencybutton.

Asitwas,Iwaswearingjusttheshirthegaveme,andapairofdarkbluesatinpanties.Theonly

comfortableshortsIhadtosleepinwerestillwet.Thejerseycoveredmeenoughthatitwouldhave
coveredshortsanyway.ItlookedlikeIwasn’twearingany,butlookinglikeIwasn’twearingshortsand
actuallynotwearingthemweretwoverydifferentthings.

Ipeekedoutofthebathroom,wantingtoavoidcollidingwithCharlieorSilas’sbrother.Itiptoed

barefoottoSilas’sroom,slippinginsideandquicklyshuttingthedoorbehindme.

Silaswasstilldressed.Theroomwascleanedupalittle,ourphonessittingonthenightstandtogether.

Hewasfixingthebed,straighteningtheblanketontop.HeturnedwhenIdroppedthebookbagbythe
door.Hiseyesslippedovermeintheshirt.Hepausedinhismovementsandhislipsparted.

Mycheeksheatedup,andIpressedmythighstogetherwhereIstood.
Hestraightened,pointingtothebed.“Hopin.”
Myheartwasthumpingsohard,Icouldhavefallenover.IshuffledacrosstheflooruntilIwasnear

thebed.Idouble-checkedwithhim,andhejerkedhisheadtowardthepillows:asecondonehadbeen
added.Iclimbedon,kneewalkingoveruntilIwasononeside.Itookthesidefurthestfromthedoor,
holdingtheblanketawayandslippinginunderneath.

AsIgotin,theshirtIwaswearingslidupmyhips.Ithrewtheblanketovermyselfatthesametime

forsomecover,bringingitupovermyshoulderandsettlingin.WhenIputmyheaddown,IforgotIwas
wearingthehairclip,soIsatupandtookitout.Ishookmyheadtoletmyhairfallovermyshoulders,
leaningovertoputthecliponthenightstand.

Silaswatchedmetheentiretimelikehewaswaitingformetosettle.Idid,eventually,putmyheadto

thepillowandwaited.Hemovedtohisbedroomdoor,throwingthelockandhittingthelightswitchby
thedoor,castingusintothedark.

Therewasaglowfromastreetlightoutsideshiningintotheroom,actinglikeadullnightlightand

lettingmeadjustmysightquickly.Silasapproachedthebed,yankedhisshirtupoverhisbodyandtossed
ittothefloor.

Andthenheturnedslightlyawayfrommeandslowlystrippedoffhisjeans.
Myhearttrippedoveritself.Itwasdark,soImostlygotoutlines,butIwaswonderingwhyheturned

awaylikehedid.

Silasinhisboxers.Ishouldn’thavebeentoointimidated.I’dseenNathanandsleptinthebednextto

himwhileheworeonlyboxers.Silasdidthesame,buttheotherboyshadbeenaround.Rightnow,
though,thiswashisbedroom,andwewerealone.

“Doyouwantanymusic?”heasked,stillstandingbythebed.Thelightfromhiswindowoutlinedhis

strongchestandshoulders.

“Sure,”Isaid.Iwasn’tsureifIcouldsleeplisteningforsoundsofhisfamilyorthinkinghisfamily

couldbelisteningtous,evenifwewereonlysleeping.

Hemovedaway,towardhisdesk,andwhileIcouldn’tseewhathewasdoing,therewasaclick

click,andthevolumeofaBreakingBenjaminsongwasturnedup.IthinkIhadthesamesongina

collectionofCDssomewherewhenIusedtodownloadmusic,oneoftheonlythingsIwaspermittedto
doatmyhousewhenmyparentswerestillaround.Withthat,Silaspulledtheblanketback,slidinginto
thebednexttome.

Thepillowundermyheadsmelledfreshandclean,butthebedsmelledexactlylikeSilas.Ibreathed

itin,clutchingthepillowandpullingtheblanketupovermyshouldertocovermyself.

Wesettledin.Silaswasonhissidefacingawayfromme.Ithoughtmaybehe’dsaygoodnightor

somethingandIwaitedforhimtodoso.MomentspasseduntilIheardhissteadybreathingnexttome.

ImovedmylegsasquietlyasIcould,feelingtheexpanseofthebedaroundme.Itwastemptingtoroll

aroundinittosleeponeverysquareinch.Itwascomfortable,too.

TimepassedandIdozed,butIwasalsogettingcold.Theairconditioningworkedalittletoowell.I

didmybesttocovermyselfwiththeblanketbuttheaircutrightthrough.Iturnedover,edgingcloseto
Silas,curlingupnexttohim.Tomydelight,hewaslikeafurnace,warmthpouringfromhiminwaves.I
drewclosertostealsomeofit.

Ibumpedagainsthimandhejumped,turningontohisbackandthenmovingoveralittle.DidhethinkI

wasaskingformoreroom?OrhadheforgottenIwasthereinhissleep?Inthedark,Icouldn’tseeifI’d
wokenhimuporifitwasjusthimmovinginhissleep.Iheldmyselfbackfrommovinginagainsthim
again.

Onlythespothe’dgivenuptomecooledoffquicklyandIwasbacktobeingtoocold.
Idozedmore,butbegantoshiver.Silasdidn’tthinkhecouldsleepinmyatticbeforebecauseitwas

toohotandstifling.Icouldn’tsleepinhisbedroom.Itwasanigloo.

OrwasItoousedtoNathansleepingsoclosenexttome?
NeedingSilas’swarmth,Iturnedoveragain,tryingmybesttohoverclosetohim,butnottouchor

wakehim.Despitemybestefforts,myarmbrushedhis.Hemumbledsomething,turnedovertohisside
facingawayfromme,furtherthanbefore.

Assumingnowhewashalf-awakeandwascomfortableagain,Iedgednexttohim,takingupthespot

he’djustwarmedandpressedmybackagainsthis.

Hegruntednexttome.“AggeleMou.”
“Hm?”Iasked,rollingontomybacksoitwasjustmyarmnearhim.MaybeIwaskeepinghimawake

bygettingthatclose.

Heflippedovertowardmeandproppedhimselfupontohiselbow,lookingdownatmyface.Heheld

uphispinkiefingeratme.“You’rethistinyandyou’retakinguptheentirebed.Scootover.”

“Iwasn’ttryingtotakeupthebed.”Imoaned,rollingoverafewtimes,draggingthepillowwithme.
“Whatwereyoudoing?”
“Iwascold.”
“Oh...oh.”Silasslidovertome,closerthanbefore,butstillaninchortwoaway.Heproppedhimself

uponhiselbow,lookingdownatmyface.“Whydidn’tyousayanything?”

“Ithoughtyouweresleepingalready.”
“Andyouweretryingtonudgemeawake?”
Myfingerflutteredtomymouth,pushingmylowerlipintomyteethasIspoke.“No.”
“Whatwereyoudoing?”
“Tryingtostealyourbodyheat.”
Theedgeofhismouthcurledup.Hecapturedmyhandandpulledmetowardhim.Myheartthundered

ashewrappedhisarmsaroundme,onegoingundermyheadlikeapillow.Withhisfreehand,heyanked
theblanketuparoundus,beforewrappinghisarmaroundmywaist,stuffinghisfingersbetweenmyhip

andthebed.Isoughtoutaplacetoputmyhands,andendedupputtingthemagainsthischest.Hepressed
hisfacetothetopofmyhead.

“Better?”hewhisperedagainstme.
“Yes,”Iwhisperedback,feelingmybreathwarmingthespacebetweenmylipsandhischest.
Heheldmetighter,nuzzledmyforeheadwithhischeek.“Aggele?”
“Yes,Silas?”
Pause.“Didyoumeanit?”
Iblinked,mylashesbrushingacrosshisskin.“Meanwhat?”
“Whatyoutoldmydad.Whatyousaidwhenheaskedifyouweremygirlfriend.Didyoumeanit?”
Mybodyrattledinvoluntarily.IknewwhatIwantedtosay,despitethethicklayerofguiltasmymind

relentlesslyflashedimagesofKota,Northandtheothers.HowcouldIsaynonow?Itwouldbelyingto
sayIwasn’tenjoyinghistouchesandthefunwehadtogether.Maybeitwasbecausebeinginhisarms
rightthenwassooverwhelming.MaybeIwasweakfromafullbelly,hiswarmthseepingintomybones,
andthesmellofhisoceanscentfillingeverypartofmylungs.Thetouchofhisheartbeatagainstmeand
mineinmychestpushedtheanswerfrommylips.“Ifyouwantmetobe.”

Silassuckedinabreathagainstmeandstartedtositup,pullingmealongwithhim.Hedrewmeinto

himuntilIwasstraddlinghimashesatcross-leggedonthebed.Mykneeswereoneithersideofhiships,
ashishandsheldmebythewaist,hisfaceclosetomine.“Sayit,Aggele.”

Ididn’tunderstand.Mylipsparted,mytonguedancingbehindmyteethasIknewIhadtosay

something,butIwasn’tsurewhathewantedfromme.Mybodytrembledwitheveryheartbeatshakingin
mychest.“Silas...”

“Tellmeyouwantmetobeyourboyfriend,”hedemandedinadeepwhisper.Intheglowfromthe

streetlight,hisdarkeyesglitteredashefocusedonmyface.“Iwanttohearyousayit.”

“I...”Istarted,feelingoverwhelmed,unsteady,guilty,unsure,butstillwanting,“Silas,I...”
Onehandclutchedatmywaist,whiletheotherfoundmychininthedark.Hehelditbetweentwo

fingers,forcingmetolookathiseyes.“AggeleMou...”

“Iwanttobeyours...”Imanaged,meaningtosayyourgirlfriend,butanothershiversparkedthrough

myspine,andmyvoicecaughtbeforeIcouldfinish.

Silasdrewmeintight.Thehandatmyfacemovedtothebackofmyhead,pullingmeuntilmycheek

wasnexttohis,thehandatmyhipmovingtothesmallofmybackasmybreastspressedagainsthischest.
Myarmswerearoundhisneckagain,myfingersweavingtheirwayintohishair,rubbingatthebaseof
hisscalp.

“Willyou?”hewhispered,hisbreathhotagainstmyear,hislipstracingtheedgeofmyearlobe

“Sang,willyoubemygirlfriend?”

“Yes,”Iwhisperedbackinthedark,theguiltpushedtoofartothebackofmymindtomatteranymore.

Silaswasrighthere.Theywerefaraway.WhatwasIwaitingfor?Forsomethingthatprobablydidn’t
existandmaynoteverhappen?Victorwantedtotakemeonadate.NathanwantedtowaitforsomethingI
wasn’tsureabout.

Silaswantedtoclaimme.HerewasSilasnow.He’dsavedmefromdyingintheshowerwhenmy

motherhadtiedmeup.HesavedmefromNorth’sangeratthesleepover.Hewasthereformethroughso
much.Iwoulddoanythingtomakehimhappy.Iwasmakingmyselfhappy,becauseIfeltsostronglyfor
himandyearnedtofeelconnected.“Yes,Silas.”

Thehandatthesmallofmybackpressedintomeashepulledmeintightenoughthattheairescaped

frommylungs.Mycheekwaspressingtohis.Heburiedhisfaceintomyshoulderandhislipsbrushed
againstmyskin.Wasthatakiss?

Musicplayedaroundus,fillingmyearsagainstthesoundofmyheartbeatingandhisdeepbreaths.
Silasliftedmeagain,carryingmewithhimbackagainsthisbed.Hisarmmovedundermyheadlikea

pillow,andhisotherhandrestedagainstmystomach,sendingsparksshootingthroughmycore.Icuddled
intohim,myhandsfindinghischest.Hecradledmeagainsthisbody.Hislipsfoundmytemple,placinga
gentlekissthatsentanotherwaveofsparksthroughme.

Wesnuggledtogetherlikethatinhisbedinthedark.Ifoughtbacktheworries,guiltandquestions

aboutwhatthismeant.

Tonight,IwasSilas’sgirlfriend.

InvisibleBrother

ometimeinthemiddleofthenight,Ihadtousetherestroom.

IhesitatedbecauseSilaswasdeadquietandIdidn’twanttowakehim.
Atonepoint,theairconditionerkickedonagain.Iuseditforcoverandrolledoveronthebedtothe

furthestside.AsquietlyasIcould,Itiptoedtothedoor,unlockingitsoIcouldgetout.

Isteppeddownthehall,andstoppedshortwhenInoticedtheclosestbathroomhadthelighton,and

thedoorwasclosed.Wassomeoneinthere?Ididn’twanttoknocktofindout,andrememberedtherewas
anotherbathroomclosertothelivingroom.

Icreptdownthehall.Thesoundofsportsnewsgreetedme.
Fromtheedgeofthehallway,Ipeekedin.
Charliewasinthesamechairhe’dbeeninbefore.Icouldonlyseethetopofhishead,andhisarm

thatstretchedouttowardtheotherarmrest,lookinglikehewasholdinghandswithsomeonewhowasn’t
there.

Hewasstill,likehewasasleep.Hesleptinthelivingroom?Didhenotlikehisownbedroom?He

didhaveone,didn’the?

Itiptoedtothebathroom.Iusedit,takingmytimeandwashedmyhands.Foralongtime,Istood

there,wantingtogoandsleep,butIcouldn’thearanythingoutthere,andIdidn’twanttobumpinto
Charlieifhehadwokenup.

Iswallowedbackmytimidthoughts.IonlyhadtogobacktoSilas’sroom.OnceIwasthere,I’dbe

safe.

NotthatIwasn’tsafewithCharlie,butIwasinjustaT-shirt.
Iturnedthelightoffandthencrackedopenthedoor.Iwaitedthere,listening.
Footstepssoundeddownthehallway.Iclosedthedooralittle,leavingonlyasliver,butkeptmyhand

ontheknob.Oldhabits.

Aslimfiguresweptby.ItwasSilas’sbrother,Iknew,althoughIcouldn’tseehisfeatures.
HewenttoCharlieandnudgedhim.
Charliedidahalfsnoreandthengrumbled.“What?”
“Ineedalight,”thebrothersaid.HisaccentwasthickerthanSilas’s,buthecarriedthesamedeep

tone.

“Youshouldquitsmoking.”Charlieleanedtooneside,diggingintohispocket.“Anddon’tthinkI

haven’tnoticedtheburnmarksinthecarpetinyourroom.”

“Idroppedacigarette.”
“You’redroppingthemalot.”Therewasaclick,andtheglowfromaflameflickeredjustontheother

sideofCharlie’shead.Icaughttheflickerofaleanfaceandtheflamelituphiseyes.

Charlieheldthelighterclosetohim.
Silas’sbrotherleaneddown,puttingacigarettetotheflameanddidaslowinhale.Hepulledback,

takingthelitcigarettewithhimandblewoutthesmokeabovehishead.“Youshouldsleepinthe
bedroom,”hesaid.

“We’realldoingthingsweshouldn’t,aren’twe?”Charliesaid.
Thebrothersaidsomethingelse,too.ItwasinGreek,though,soIdidn’tcatchwhathewassaying.
“Englishonly,”Charliesaid.“Youknowbetter.”
“We’reGreek,”hesaid.“Weshouldspeakourownlanguage.”

“Nothere,”Charliesaid,andhesatbackinhischairagain.“Notwhilewe’rehere.”
Thebrothersaidsomethingelse,quieterandalsoinGreekandthenwalkedawaywithhiscigarette.

Charliestilledinhischair.Amomentlater,therewasthesoundofadoorbeingclosed.

Silas’sbrotherneededCharlietolighthiscigarettes?Whywouldn’thejustgivethelightertohim?
Iwaitedanothercoupleofminutes,allowingCharlietogobacktosleepifhewasgoingto.AfterI

heardasnorefromhim,ItiptoedasquicklyasIdared.Ididn’twanttorunintoSilas’sbrotherincasehe
waslurkingaroundthehallway.

Ienteredthebedroomandlockedthedoorbehindmeandfellintobedquickly.Silasturnedover,

droppinganarmoverme.Hedidn’tsayanything.

Iwasawakeforawhile,wonderingaboutCharlie,theemptychair,thesmokingbrother,andthe

secretsthatwereaselusiveandyetlingeringlikethesmokethatfloatedthroughtheirhome.

♥♥♥

Asdawneasedintotheroom,IwoketofeelSilas’shandgrippingatmyhipboneundertheshirtandover
theunderwearIwaswearing.Hisforeheadpressedagainstmyshoulder.Myhandwasonhisarm.I
driftedinandoutofsleep.Inoticedwherehishandwas,butIwastoodeeptocare.Itwascomfortable,
anyway.

Abuzzingechoedthroughthesilence,followedbyabeeping.Silasstirred,grumbling.Hekeptthe

armaroundmeashestretchedout,findinghisphoneonthesidetableandputtingittohisear.

“What?”heaskedinadarkvoicethickwithsleep.Heremainedquietforamomentashelistened.He

groaned,pullingawayfrommetositup.

Imoaned,turningover,pullingtheblanketwithmeandshovingitovermyhead.StupidAcademy.
“ButI’vegotSang,”Silassaid.“No,no.I’ll...yeah.I’lltakeheroverthere.Fine.”Hehungup,the

phonelandinghardonthetable.Heshiftedbackintothebed,andahandfoundmyhipagain.Heshook
me.“Aggele.”

Imoaned,grunted.“Mm?”
“We’vegottogo.”
“Nuuh,”Isaid,meaningit.Itwastooearly.AnditwasSunday!WhywasthereAcademystuffon

Sunday?

Silaschuckled.Hewrappedhisarmsaroundmeovertheblanket.Hislipsmetmyshoulderashe

kissedmyskin.“Sang?”

Hiskissonmesentmymindintoafrenzy.Silaskissedme!Becausethat’swhatboyfriendsdowith

girlfriends.Theykiss.Wouldthismeanhe’dkissmeonthelips?Wasn’thesupposedtokissmetherefirst
beforekissingelsewhere?DidIstillhavetokisshimfirst?“Hm?”

Heplantedanotherkissatthecornerbetweenmyneckandshoulder.“Comeon.”
Ididn’twanttotellhim,butthekissingwasnotmotivatingmeatalltomove.Igruntedagain.“Dowe

haveto?”

“Sorry.”
Isighedloudly,pushingtheblanketawayandrubbingatmyeyes.“MakeKotadoit.”
Silaslaughed,sittingup.“He’stheonethatcalled.”
“Thenmake...uh...Nathandoit.”
Silasgrinned,shakinghishead.“Getsomeclotheson.We’vegottogo.”
Isatupashegotoffthebed.Ihadjustenoughtimebetweenrubbingthesleepoutofmyeyesandhim

pullingonsomejeanstocatchtheshapeofhisbuttintheboxershewaswearing.

Ijumpedoffofthebed,wobblinginmysleepystate.Ifoundmybag,fishinginsideofitforapairof

grayshorts.IputthemonwhileSilashadhisbackturned.Hesatathisdeskchairtoputonhissocksand
shoeswhileIswitchedoutbehindhimintotheblouseIworethenightbeforeandputontheshorts.The
shirthegavemehadenoughroomformetoputitonwithouttakingthebiggershirtoff.WhenIfinished,I
peeledhisshirtaway,holdingitinmyhandsandwonderingwhattodowithit.

Whenhestoodupandturnedtome,helookedsurprised,probablythatIwasdressedandreadyand

diditinfrontofhim.Hegrabbedhisshirtfrommyhands,tossingittohisbedandmotionedtometohead
outthedoor.

Istuffedmyshoesintomysandalswhilehegrabbedourphonesandhiskeys.Iopenedthedoor,

grabbingmybagandhefollowed.

Westeppedoutjustasaskinnyguywascomingoutofthebathroom.Silas’sbrother.Hewastall,with

longdarkhairhangingdownaroundhischeeks,partedinthemiddle.Thereweredarkcirclesunderhis
eyes.Hekepthisarmstuckedintohisbody,hisheaddown.Despitemycuriouslookstohisface,henever
metmyeyes.HewaslikeaskinnyversionofSilas,withhollowcheeksandtheeyesneverreallyfocused.

Silasnudgedmeintheshoulder,andwemovedpassedhimtogether.Silasdidn’tsayanythingtohim.
Hisbrother.Heignoredhim.I’dfeltitthefirsttimewe’dseenhimthenightbefore,butIdidn’treally

thinkaboutitbecauseIwasstillfeelinganxiousandtired.NowthatIwasmoderatelyawake,Irealized
therewassomethingbiggerhere.Somethingthatlurkedintheshadowsthatcausedhisbrothertoavoidus.
Somethingthatmadehimgottohisfathertolighthiscigarettes.

Silasactedlikehisbrotherwasinvisible.Iknewthefeelingtoowell.
Silasunlockedthefrontdoor.Isteppedoutintothesun,myfingersshieldedmyeyesasSilasstopped

tolockupbehindus.

“What’shisname?”Iasked.
“What?”Silasasked,asthelockclickedinthedoor.
“What’syourbrother’sname?”
Silasturnedtome,blinkingasifhe’dforgottenandhadtothinkhardtoremember.“Theo.”He

reachedformyhand,pullingmetowardthestairs.“Don’tworryabouthim.”

“Whydidn’thesayanything?”Iasked.
“He’sfine,”Silassaid,buthislipspursedintoatightfrown.
Iwantedtopresshim,butthetensionradiatingfromSilashadmylipsgluingtogether.Ididn’twantto

pry,butitwasstrange.Theowasinvisibleinhisownhome.Why?Wouldn’tSilasencouragehimtobe
partofthefamily?Isn’tthatanimportantpartoftheAcademylife?

Ifollowedhimouttotheparkinglot,headingtohiscar.WegotinandItuckedmybagbetweenmy

legsashestartedthecar,pullingoutofthespaceandturningtoleavethecomplex.

“Wherearewegoing,anyway?”Iasked,puttingonmyseatbelt.
Silastookinadeepbreath,lettingitoutslowly.“IhavetogototheAcademy.”
Theplace?TheactualAcademy?Iperkedup,lookingaroundasifitwasnearby.Wherewasit?

ShouldIbeallowedtoknowaboutit?“AmIgoing?”

Hesmirked,shakinghishead.“No.I’mdroppingyouoff.”
“Atmyhouse?”
“No.I...”Hestoppedandthenleanedforward,takinghisphoneoutofhispocket.Hiseyebrow

cockedandheansweredit.“I’mheadingoutthererightnow,”hesaidimmediately.

Iwaitedquietly,yawningandrubbingmypalmsagainstmyarmstowardoffthemorningchill.
“Whatdoyoumean,bringher?”heasked.

Iperkedup,lookingoverathimandmeetinghiseyes.Herefocusedontheroadquickly.“Fine.I’lldo

whatyousay.”Hetappedthephoneoff.

“WasthatKotaagain?”Iasked.
“ItwasMr.Blackbourne,”hesaid,tuckingthephoneintohispocketagain.
Istiffened.Myhandtuckedintomybra,feelingformyphone,asifMr.Blackbournewasrightthere.

“Ishewherewe’regoingto?”

“No,”hesaid.“He’soveratMiddletonPlaceandwantsyoutojoinhimandafewoftheothersover

there.I’mtodropyouoffbeforeIgo.”

MyheartthunderedasIlookedovermyclothes.IwaswearingshortsandaT-shirtandfelt

underdressed,again,forgoingtoseeMr.Blackbourne.He’dmentionedshopping,butIwasn’tprepared
forityet.AndwhymeetatMiddleton?Ismoothedmyhandsovermyshirt.“Iwishtheygavewarnings.”

Silassmirkedanddroppedhisfootonthegasasweheadedout.“Andproperweekendsoff.”

Flirting

ilasdidstopquicklyataStarbuckstobuyacoupleofeggsandwichesandcoffees.Wefinishedthemon

thewaybeforewegottoMiddletonPlace.

Onceweturnedintotheproperty,wewereonawindingroad.Neartheend,therewasabigestate

home,setamidgardens,astillpond,andstables.Itwaslikesteppingbackintime,seeingabitofanold,
almostforgottenlife.SinceitwaslateinOctober,manyoftheflowershadfinishedblooming,leavinga
richexpanseofgreensandtinyburstsofcolorhereandtherefromlate-bloomingflowers.

Itwassuchabeautifulspot.Ileanedagainstthedoor,tryingtotakeineverythingaroundus.Wouldthe

homecomingdancehappeninsidethebuilding?Theschoolhadovertwothousandstudents,butevenif
onlyhalfofthemattended,thebuildingdidn’tappearbigenough.Outinthedistancewasasetofblocky,
modernglassbuildings,andtherewasasignthatsaiditwasaninn.Thebuildingsweremodernin
comparisontotherestoftheestate.Icouldn’timaginethedancewouldbeheldthere,either.

IrecognizedKota’sandMr.Blackbourne’scarsnexttoeachotherneartheentryofthebuilding.There

wasanothervehicle,too,parkedfurtherdownthelane,closertothestablesthatIdidn’trecognize.Ihad
toimagineitbelongedtosomeonewhoworkedhere.

Silaspulleduptothecurb,stoppingthecarandthenhoppingouttoopenthedoor.
“Icangofindtheminside,”Isaid,“ifyouhavetogo.”
“Can’tdothat,”hesaid.HeheldmyhandasIsteppedoutofthecar,andcontinuedtoholditashe

closedupandweheadedtowardthebuilding.“I’llmakesureyou’rewithoneoftheothersbeforeI
leave.”

Itwasonthetipofmytonguetoprotest,tosuggestthatIdidn’tneedababysitter,buthewasright.

TherehadbeenafewclosecallswithVoltoandtoomanyotherpeople,andthiswasanewplace.

Silascontinuedtoholdmyhandaswewalkedthroughthedoors.Iheldon,andmyheartthundered,

wonderingwhattheotherswouldsay.Atremblesweptthroughme,wonderingifKotawasinsideandif
he’dlearnthatSilasconsideredmehisgirlfriendnow.Iwonderedwhatitmeantfortheothers.Silas
didn’ttalkaboutit,andIdidn’taskanything,butnowIwishI’ddoneso.

Whiletheoutsidehadsmelledlikefreshcutgrassandsweetflowers,theinsideofMiddletonPlace

wasamixofoldwood,agedleatherandfabrics.Thefloorcreakedasweentered.Thespacewas
smallerthanIexpected,butIimaginedthehomehadbeenbuiltforfamilyuse,soitwouldhavebeen
practicalatthetime.

Victorstoodinthehallway.Hisheadwasbentoverhisphoneashetappedthescreenwithhisthumb.

Hestoodfacingoneoftheantiquetableswithaflowerarrangementinaprettyvase.Hetappedagainat
hisphone,andalightflashedashesnappedapictureofthevaseandflowers.

Iwasdrawntohowhislipswerecurvedinapleasantsmile.Hisbrownwavyhairwasbrushedback

fromhisface,andthefireeyesweresettoanamusedflicker.Theshirthewore,todayanoff-whitewitha
hintofblue,hadthesleevesrolledbacktohiselbowsandthetopbuttonwasundone.Itsuitedhistrim
body,andIthoughtitwashandsomethewayhelookedcomfortableandcasualinwhatwasprobablya
veryexpensiveensemble.

Itriedtorecallthecarintheparkinglot,wonderingifIgotthecoloringmixedupbutIwaspretty

sureMr.Blackbourne’scarwasgrayandVictor’swasmoreasilvercolor.Mr.Blackbournemusthave
pickedhimup.

Victorturnedandhisgazesettledonmefirst,hisfireeyescomingtolifewithagentlesmolder.He

turnedtoSilasandnodded,butthenlookeddownatourjoinedhands.

Mycheeksburned.I’dheldhandswiththeguysbefore,butforsomereason,thisfeltsodifferent.I

thoughtVictorcouldseerightthroughmeandknowhowdifferentthiswas.

Victormadenoreaction,andsimplywaiteduntilwewerecloserbeforehesteppedforward,holding

outhisarmstowardme.“Goodmorning,princess,”hesaid.

BeforeIcouldthinkofsomethingelse,Silasreleasedme,andVictorwrappedhisarmsaroundmy

waistandhuggedme.

Ireturnedthehug,feelingSilasbehindmeandsensinghisgaze.IwantedtoenjoyVictor’shug,butI

wasamessoffeelings.WhataboutVictor?IcaredaboutSilas,butmyheartfeltdivided.Icaredabout
Victor,too.Wouldcaringaboutonemeansplittingmyselfofffromtheothers?Itwasn’tnormal,butI
couldn’thelpbutfeeltheguiltofwantingtopleasethemboth,becauseIcaredaboutthemboth.

Iburiedmythoughtsandtriedtostaycalm.Ihadtotrustthemtoknowwhattodo.
VictorreleasedmeandthengaveashortwavetoSilas.“Areyougoingtobeokay?”heasked.
Silasnodded.“Justlookoutforher.I’llbeback.”
“Callifyouneedanything,”Victorsaid.“Imeanit.”
“Iknow,”hesaid.Silassteppedtowardme,holdingouthisarms.Hegavemeashorthugandthena

kissontheforehead.“Behave.”

Myheartdidaflipathiskiss.“Comebacksoon,”Isaidquietly.
Hegruntedandsqueezedmetighteruntilmyfeetwereofftheground.“AssoonasIcan,”hesaid.He

releasedmetothefloorandthenturned,walkingoff.

Iwatchedasheleft,myfingertipstouchingthedipatmyneck.Itwashardtoseehimgo.Iwantedto

askhimamillionquestions.Ibitmytonguetostopthemfromrollingfrommylips,andstilledmyfeetto
stopmyselffromrunningafterhim.Iwantedtogowithhim.IwantedVictortogowithhimtomakesure
hewasokay.SecretswithintheAcademyoftenmeantdanger,andIcouldonlyhopethiswasn’toneof
thoseinstances.

Victorgraspedmyhand,hisfingersinterlockingwithmine.“Sweetie,”hesaidquietly.“Youokay?”
Ismiledsoftlyandnodded,unabletofindmyvoicetoanswer.Ineededtotrust.Victorwouldn’thave

letSilasgooffaloneifhedidn’ttrusthimtocomeback.

Victor’sfireeyesglowed.Histhumbtracedgentlyoverthebackofmyhand,ticklingmyskin.“Come

on,”hesaid.“Youshouldseethisplace.It’sprettynice.”

Ilethimguidemedeeperintothebuilding.Wefollowedahallway,ourshoesmakingechoesaround

us.“Whatarewedoinghere?”Iaskedinaquietvoice.I’drecalledMr.Blackbournementioningwewere
goingouttogetreadyforhomecomingtoday,buthedidn’tmentioncominghere.

“Weneedtogettoknowthebuilding,”hesaid.“Andthegroundsoutside.Luke’shere,scopingthings

outandgettinganideaofthelayout.Mr.BlackbourneandKotaaretalkingaboutsecurityissues.”

“Andyou’rehereriggingupcameras?”Iasked.
Thefireinhiseyeslituptoaroar.“Youknowmetoowell.”
Victortuggedonmyhand,andIfollowedhimouttothebackoftheestateontoaterraceoverlookinga

massivelandscapedlawn.Thelawnwastieredatthefarend,gentlyloweringitselftoawaterwayatthe
bottom,likeacanal.Thespacewaslinedonleftandrightbygardenswithmanicuredbushesandroses
andotherflowersIdidn’tknowthenamesof.

OutonthelawnstoodMr.BlackbourneandKota.Theywerelookingouttowardthewaterway.Kota

waspointingtothewater,talking.Mr.Blackbournehadhishandsonhiships,listening.Mr.Blackbourne

wasinhissuit,andlookingpolished.Kotawaswearingjeans,andacollaredshirt.WithVictorinhis
Armanishirtandblackslacks,Iwastheoneoutofplacewearingshortsandawell-wornT-shirt.

Kotawasthefirsttoredirecthisattentiontous.Hisexpressionshiftedfromserioustosomething

muchlighter.Headjustedhisglasseswithatouchofhisfingerandhisgreeneyeslitupashesmiled.
“Goodmorning,”hesaid.

Mr.BlackbourneturnedatthesametimeIwassayinghellotoKota.Thegrayeyesfocusedonme,and

startedtodriftdowntowhatIwaswearingbutsnappedbackuptomyface.“MissSorenson,”hesaid.

“Mr.Blackbourne,”Isaid,myheartracing.Partofmewaswaitingforhimtocommentonmyclothes,

butheneverdid.

“Whereareweat?”Victorasked.
“Thisplaceisimpossible!”Avoiceechoedfromthehousebehindus.Everyoneturned.
Aboveourheads,leaningoutoneofthewindows,wasLuke.Someofhislongblondhairhungloose

ashepeereddownatus.HeaddressedKotaandMr.Blackbourne.“There’shideyholesandexitsall
overthisplace.Theseblueprintsoftheoriginalconstructiondon’tincludeallthenewadditionsand
wherewallsweremoved.Andthegroundsarejustexpansive.Thenthere’sthatinnthey’vebuiltondown
theway.Thiswilltakemorecamerasthanwe’vegotattheschool.It’sgoingtotakemorethantenofusto
handlesecurity.”

“Wemayneedtoreconsiderourpositionhere,”Kotasaid.HeraisedahandandmotionedtoLuke.

“Comeondown.”

Lukenoddedandtheninaflash,hewasscramblingthroughthewindow,clingingtothesideofthe

wall.Heheldontothebricksandslowlyclimbeddown.

“Don’t...”Kotasaid,stoppingshortandthengruntingwhenLuketoucheddowntothelawnbeforehe

couldfinish.LukejoggedupbesideusandKotashookhishead.“Ihateitwhenyoudothat.”

“What?”Lukeasked,blinking,buttherewasacurvetohislips;heknewwhathe’ddone,andwas

amusedbyteasingKota.

“Let’strytonotoverestimatethestabilityofthisplace,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Wealsoshouldn’t

showoff.It’sgoodtokeepyourskillsuptopar,butwealsodon’tneedpeopleknowingexactlywhatyou
cando.”Hemotionedforeveryonetocomecloser.LukemovedtowedgehimselfbetweenmeandKota,
standingclosetome.

“Sowhatarewedoing?”Victorasked.“Imean,wecan’tjustletwhoeveritisroamwildwith

anotherbombthreat.Evenifit’sjustanotheremptybox,thisisn’tthetypeofvenuethatwillallowathreat
togounnoticed.Thenewscrewwillgetcalledin.Therewillprobablybesomeonefromthenewsteam
heretocoverwhat’sgoingon,anyway.”

“Weneedtotakecareoftheseongoingbombthreatsnow,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Andasquietlyas

possible.We’llbringintheAcademy.”

TheothersseemedtobeholdingtheirbreathslikeIwas,onlyIthinkIwasholdingminefora

differentreason.BringintheAcademy?Weren’ttheytheAcademy?

“Wecan’tdothat,”Kotasaid,althoughinavoicemuchsofterthanbefore,likehewasn’tsure.
“Wecan’taskthem,”Victorsaid.“Wecan’taffordit.”
“Thisisbeyondthescopeofourmission,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Andwe’reriskingthelivesof

studentseverydayweletthisgo.I’vegiventhisalotofthought.Thisisn’taboutuncoveringwhatMr.
Hendricksmightbeupto.Thisisaboutsafetyandthisisanhistoriclandmark.It’llbeintheAcademy’s
intereststopreserveit,andtosavethereputationofwhatisalreadyadangerousschool.We’vegotatime
andlocationthatmorethanlikelywillbeatarget.Weshouldtakeadvantageofit.Weneedtosetupa
trap.”

“How?”Lukeasked,echoingmythought.
“We’llundercutalltheotheroffersforcateringandsecurity.We’llswarmtheplacewithourpeople.

Weknowhe’llbehere.Wewantaroundtheclockmonitoringuptoandthroughtheentireevent.Wewant
theeventtobecontrolledbyus.We’retheband.We’rethephotographers.We’rethedecorators.We’re
involvedineverypiece.Wesetupthenet,andanythingthatpassesthroughthosedoorsorentersthese
grounds,we’llknowabout.”

“IfthisisVolto,”Kotasaid,“ifhe’smonitoringatall,he’llnoticeifwestartcallinginAcademy

members.”

“IfitisVolto,andhedoesnotice,thenwe’remoreintroublethanwethought,andweneedtoknowas

soonaspossible,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Weneedtofindoursecuritybreaches,ifthereareany.Playing
inthedarkisnotwhatwedo.We’lllurehimoutandexposehim.”

Themoretheytalked,themoremyheartspedup.TheAcademy.They’dbehere.Itriedtopictureit,

morepeoplelikethem,smart,strong,secret.Forthelongesttime,I’dimaginedtheirsmallcircleto
essentiallybethemajorityoftheAcademy.Iknewthereweremorepeople,buttheywereallIknewandI
couldn’timaginewhattheothersmightbelike.

“It’srisky,”Victorsaid.“We’llbeexposingalotofustoVoltoandMr.Hendricks.”
“Weendthisnow,”Mr.Blackbournesaiddecisively.“Anotherbombthreatisanotherdistraction

awayfromMr.Hendricksandwecan’taffordtoloseoutonthisjob.Wecan’tsacrificethesekidsfor
that,either.Safetyfirst.WhetheritisVoltoornot,thisconstantthreathastogo.”

“WhataboutSang?”Lukeasked.
Iperkedup,lookingatLuke,buthewasfocusedonMr.Blackbourne.Kota’sheadturnedtowardme,

though,andImethisgaze.Hewondered,too,asdidI.

Whataboutme?
“MissSorensonwillbehere,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Asexpected.”
“They’ll...”Lukestartedtosay,andthenpressedhislipstogether.
“Theymightnoticeher,”Victorsaidsoftly,likehewastryingtofinishLuke’sthought.
Ipickedupmyhead,waitingformoreofanexplanation.WeretheytalkingabouttheAcademy

people?Weretheystillworriedaboutit?

“They’realreadystartingtonoticeher,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“She’snotinvisible.Wecan’thideher

forever.”

“Whatiftheywanttomeether?”Kotaasked.Heneveronceturnedhisgazefromme,likesomehowI

heldtheanswers.

“Areyougoingtostopherordenythem?”Mr.Blackbourneasked.“Themorewe’requietabouther,

themoresuspiciousthey’regoingtobeaboutwhywe’vetakenherinanddon’twanttotalkabouther.”

Asilencesettledin.Kota’seyesstartedshifting,andIknewthatmeanthewasthinking,calculating.

Theothersseemedtobesortingoutthisinformation,too.

Thequestionpoppedoutofmymouth.“Dowenotwantthemto...toknowaboutme?”Iaskedquietly.
Lookswereexchanged,andasilentcommunicationhappened,firstwithVictorandMr.Blackbourne,

andthenVictorwascheckingouttheothers.Therewasaflashinhisfireeyes,somethingstrong.Panic?
Worry?Itwashardtotell.

“Wecan’tcontroleverythingthatmighthappen,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“It’sinevitable.Onewayor

another,they’llwanttotalktoyou,whetheryouknowit’sthemornot.”

“Whywouldn’tIknow?”Iasked.
“Theymaynottellyou,”hesaid.“Atfirst,theymaytalktoyouwithoutyoueverbeingawareofwho

theyare.They’llfeelyouout,seeifyou’rereceptivetotheirideas.They’lltrytofigureouthowmuchyou

knowaboutusandhowyoufeelabout—”

Therewasasuddencrash,likeadoorslam,orsomethingbeingdropped,somewhereinsidethe

building.Atthesound,everyoneturned,VictorandLukestoodbesideme,drawingincloseandhovering
protectively.

Mr.BlackbournemotionedtoKota.Kotasignaledtoustostaywherewewere,andstaytogether

beforehefollowedMr.Blackbourne,likehisshadow.

Thetwoofthemwentbackinsidetoinvestigate,leavingusoutintheyard.
“We’renottheonlyoneshere,arewe?”Iasked.“Imeanweshouldn’tbesurprisedbysomenoise.”
“It’sprobablythatsecurityguard,”Lukesaid.“He’sbeenmostlysittingintheoffice,butIbethehas

rounds.”

“Can’ttakeanychances,”Victorsaid.Hetuggedmyarm,encouragingmetowalk.“Ifwe’rehereto

talkaboutsecurity,weneedtoknowwhoworksthegroundsandfindoutwhatisnormalaroundhere.
Comeon,let’scheckoutthegarden.”

Myheartwasstillbusythumpingagainstmyribs,andmybodywasalivewithnotonlythebeautiful

place,butthenewsabouttheAcademy,andmyroleinit.I’dbeenthinkingaboutjoining,unsureifI
wantedtobeinvolvedfortherightreasons.Theboyswereinvolved,andIwantedtobepartofwhat
drovethem,butIstilldidn’tfeellikeIfullyunderstoodwhattheAcademywasabout.Itwashardtofeel
likeIcouldbeapartofsomethingifIdidn’tunderstandwhattheydid.

Theotherswereamixofeitherencouraging,oronthefenceandleavingituptome.Sometimesthe

waytheytalked,Iwasn’tsosure.

Victorwalkedtowardoneofthepatchesofgardens,andfolloweditalong,closertowardthecanal

thatseemedtoweavethroughthegrounds.Atsomepoint,itwasLukewalkingbesideme,andVictor
aheadofusasheexplored.

WhenVictorgottothecenterofthegarden,hestopped,lookingoutacrossit,withhandsinhis

pocketsandapleasantsmile.

“Alwayshastotakecenterstage,”Lukesaidquietlybesideme.Hewinkedatmeandwalkedtoward

Victortojoinhim.Ifollowed.

Victorstartedpointingtowardadistanttree-linedridge.“Wecouldputpeopleupthere,”hesaid.

“Withinthegardensandthencirclearoundthewholeplace.”

Iscannedtheareaandthennoticedalargebuildingthatlookedlikeabarnnottoofarfromthemain

building.“Whatisthat?”Iasked.“Imean,dotheyhaveanimalshere?”

“Probably,”Victorsaid,andturnedtolookatwhatIwastalkingabout.“IthinkIheardchickens

aroundheresomewhere.”

“They’vegotsheep,”Lukesaid.“Andthere’shorsesforcarriagerides.Andthere’sallthesehiding

places.Mr.Blackbournewasright,it’lltaketheentireAcademytocoverthegrounds.Thisistheworst
locationwithitbeingsoopen.”

“Isn’tittheworstplacetoputabomb,then?”Victorasked.“Imean,themainhouseisgoingtohave

peopleinside,thenthere’stheseotherbuildingsandthebarns.Butthedanceishappeningouthere,with
tentsandalongthelawn.Thisguywantshisbombtobenoticed,notoverlooked.Andwithsomany
witnesses,howishegoingtodropaboxaroundhereandjustwalkaway?”

Lukeshookhisheadandpointedwherethewaterstretchedout,surroundedbytrees.“There’sjusta

lotofplacesforhimtowalkontothepropertyfromadistanceaway,droponeoffandthenrunawayagain
tomakehisphonecall.”

“Hehasn’tmadeabombyet,”Victorsaid.“Hemightevenknowhow.Itmightjustbeanotherempty

box.”

“Technically,hedoesn’tevenhavetoactuallymakeone,”Lukesaid.“Hejustneedstomakeascene.

Itdoesn’thavetoberealtogetattention.Rumorscanbeworse.Youshouldknow.They’llwriteabout
you,too.VictorMorganvictimofaprankwhileattendinganeventathistoricMiddleton.”

Victorscratchedathiseyebrow.“Ithinkthey’remoreinterestedinitbeingMiddletonPlace.Thecity

isn’tgoingtotakeitlightlythatitbecomesatargetofabadprank.”

“It’sjustbadthatitisthisschool,”Lukesaid.“IfAshleyWatersistheschoolhavingtheevent,and

there’sabombthreathere,itmeanstheyblametheschool,andtheycouldgetbannedforforeverfrom
hereandotherlocations.Plus,thepolicewillmakeaverypublicinvestigation.”

“We’llhavetomakesureitdoesn’thappen,”Victorsaid.
“Mr.Blackbournewantedatrap,”Isaid.“Howdoyousetupatrapinaplacelikethis?”
Thebreezestartedtopickup.Luketuckedalockofhairbehindhisear.“Well,theeventitselfisthe

trap,”hesaid.“Atimeandaplaceishardtopickoutwhendealingwithsomeonewhoseemstoworkat
random.Knowingalikelytimeandplaceisbeingastepahead.It’sjustcatchinghimintheact.Wehave
tovisuallyseeandidentifywhoisleavingthebox,ifthereisone.”

“Wemighthavetosetupanetwork,”Victorsaid.“Attheschool,hecalledthemainline.Butwithso

manycallscominginandoutduringtheday,it’dbeamesstosortthroughandwaitforhimtocall.The
problemhereis,whoishegoingtocallwhenheleaveshisboxaround?It’snotlikethere’samainline.I
meanhecouldcallthesecurityoffice.”

“He’dleaveaboxfirst,wouldn’the?”
“Maybenot.Maybewe’retooworriedaboutabox.Butreally,hedoesn’tevenneedabox,”Victor

said.“Allbombthreatsgetcheckedout,boxornot.Hedoesn’tevenneedtobehere.Hecanbeonthe
othersideoftownandcallsomethingin.”

Ifollowedtheboysaroundthehouseandacrossthefrontlawn.Theystartedanglingtowardthestable

andthelonglineoffencingprotectingsheep,chickensandhorses.

“Let’sgo,”Lukesaid,pointingtothestable,whichhadthedoorswideopen.
“Shouldwe?”Iasked.
“It’swhatwe’reherefor,”Victorsaid.Hereachedbackformyhandandtuggedmealong.
Iwasn’texactlysurewhatwe’ddoinabarn,butIwascurious.Thesmellwasoverwhelmingtome,

though.Thecloserwegot,themorethescentofhayandbarnanimalsthickenedaroundus.Iwrinkledmy
nose,holdingafingertoit,wantingtosneezebutunableto.

Atthatmoment,myphonebuzzed.Ilifteditfrommybraandcheckeditwhiletheguysmovedahead

towardthebarn.

ItwasfromSilas,atextmessage.WhenIopenedit,Iwassurprisedtofindapicture.
Hehadhisarmliftedtotakethepicture,showingabitofhismuscularbicep.Butthephotowas

mostlyhisfaceandhisshoulders.Therewastheslightcurlofhislipsinasmile.

Seeinghimnow,lookingrightatthecamera,Ifrozeasifhewasrighttherelookingatme.Myheart

fluttered,excited,wantingtostareandatthesametimefeelingasifhewasinpersononmyphone.I
rememberedthephotoswe’dtakentogetheratonefootballgame.IoftenforgotIcouldtakepictureswith
myphone.

Atextmessagefollowed.
Silas:Aggele,sendmeoneofyou?
Mylipsparted,andIrubbedtheedgeofthephonewithmyfinger,thinking.Ittookamomenttofiddle

withthecameratogetitright.

Itookashakyphoto.WhenIwassureI’dcapturedmyface,anditdidn’tlooktoobad,Isenditto

Silas.

Hisreplytookonlyaminute.
Silas:Sendoneofyousmiling,myflaxenangel.
Mymouthdroppedopenthistimeandmycheeksheated.He’dnevercalledmethatbefore,andIwas

unsurehowhemeantit.Ifhewasteasing...buthedidn’tseemtobe.

Iglancedattheothers.LukewaswavingatasheepbutVictorhadturnedaroundandwaslookingat

me.Hisheadwastilted,hiseyesswirlingwithflickeringflames,curious.

Iaimedthecamera,tryingtosmileandcaptureanotherphoto.IsentitalongandhurriedontoVictor.
“Whatareyoudoing?”VictoraskedwhenIgotupbesidehim.
Iwasabouttoanswerwhenmyphonebuzzedinmyhandagain.Igaveintotheknee-jerkurgeto

checkit.

Silas:Iloveit.You’resobeautifulwhenyousmile,mylittlenightflower.
MymouthfellopenagainandIwasstaring.Nightflower?Me?
Anotherphotopoppedin,anditwasSilasagain,onlythistime,hehadpointedthephoneatamirror.

He’dliftedhisshirt,andflexedhisstomachmuscles.Thelightingwasjustrighttoshowthelinesinhis
abs.Hisarmwasflexedtoshowoffthemuscle.Hewaslookingatthecamerainthemirror,sonotdirect,
buttherewasasmileonhisfacelikehewashavingfun.

VictorwasnexttomeinasecondandsawbeforeIcouldthinktohideit.ShouldIhideit?Myface

wasonfire.Silaswasincredible,goodlooking,butthethingshewassaying,whathewassendingme,
whileitwasstillhim,wasoverwhelming.

Victor,tomysurprise,laughed.“Ohmygod,he’sflirtingwithyou.”
“Whois?”Lukeasked,turningfromthesheepandcatchinginterestinusagain.
“Silas,”Victorsaid.HetookmyphonefrommeandshowedLukethephoto.
Hemayaswellhavelitmeonfire,Iwasblushingallover.“Guys,”Isaidquietly,butIwasn’tsure

whatIwanted.Silaswasbeingveryintense.Iwaspartiallyrelievedtohavethemthereandseeingwhat
wasgoingon.Iwaseagerforthemtotellmewhattodo,tosayitwasokay.

Luketookalookatthepicture.Helaughedandthenreachedouttotapthescreen,scrollingtosee

whatwe’dwrittenandtheotherphotos.“Ohman,”Lukesaid.Helaughed,shakinghishead.“I’veheard
ofhimdoingthisbefore.He’stakingtheboyfriendandgirlfriendthingalittlefar,isn’the?”

“What’sthat?”VictoraskedbeforeIcouldsayanything.“Andwhyishecallingher‘nightflower’?”
“It’saGreekthing,Ithink,”Lukesaid.“IheardhimtalkingtoNorthonedayaboutwhatifSanghad

beeninGreece,andthedifferencesbetweentheboysthereandboyshere.HewassayingwhenGreeks
thinkagirlisinterested,she’sdonefor.Theguysbombardthemwithsweettalk.”

“Doeshethinkotherpeoplearelisteninginthathehastocarryitoutthroughtext?”Victorasked.

“I’veneverheardhimtalklikethat.”

“Honestly?SoundslikeroughtranslationsfromGreekpetnamesorsomething,”Lukesaid.Hetapped

atthephoneandtypedsomethingintothesearchengine.“Yeah,it’sprobablystufftheycallgirlfriends.
Maybehe’sinaspotwherehehastopretendhe’sgotagirlfriend.Greeksflirthard,andgirlsusuallylike
that.”

Girlfriendsandboyfriendsflirt.Iknewthat,thoughIwasstillnewtoflirting.Myheartwasracingso

hard,andIwantedacoolplacetositdownandabsorbitall.Silaswasanintenseboyfriendtohave.

Iknewitwasn’tforshow.Hewasn’tpretending.MaybesinceI’dagreedlastnight,hewasdoing

whatmostGreeksdowithgirlfriends...showeringmewithattention.

Ismiledalittle.Hehadcornyjokes.Irealizednowmaybehewasusingthesweettalk,thecorny

ones,tomakemelaugh.ItriedtoenvisionSilassayingthingslike‘nightflower’,andIwantedtogiggle.

Thenitsuddenlymadesense.He’dcommentedbeforeaboutwantingmyphoto.Andhelikestomakeme
laughwithcornyjokes.ThatwasmorelikeSilas.

LukecurledhisfingertoVictor,takingmyphone.“Liftyourshirt,”hetoldhim.
Victorchuckled.“What?”
“Justtrustme.Andsuckinyourabsabit.”
Victorliftedhisshirt.Comparedtotheotherguys,Victorwasalittlesmoother,softer.Unlikesomeof

theothers,hewashairlessatthewaist.Ormaybeitwasjustfaintenoughthatsomewouldn’tnotice.In
therightlight,therewerelinesinhisabdomenandtheangleofhishipgoingdownlikea“V”towardhis
pants,buthewasn’tascutassomeoftheothersandattherightangle...

LukeaimedthecameraclosertoVictor’sstomach.“Turntotheleftalittle.Andliftithigher.”
“Whatareyoudoing?”Iasked.
“Shh,”Lukesaid.
“It’snotlikehecanhearyou,”Victorsaidwithalittlegrin.“He’llkillyou.Youknowthat?”
“That’shisownfaultforsendingselfieswhenheknowsshe’swithus.”
“Hewouldn’tdoittoyou.”
“Hehasbetterabsthanwedo.Wecouldtell.”Lukesnappedacoupleofphotos.Hetappedatmy

phone.“There.Sent.”

Iclaspedmypalmsovermycheeks.“Youdidn’t.”
Heflashedawickedgrin.“Totallydid.”
Ikeptmycheekscovered,lookingatVictor.Icouldn’tbelievehewentalongwiththistricksoeasily.

Icouldn’timaginewhatSilaswoulddoifhefoundout.Wouldn’tSilasbeabletotellitwasn’tme?

Atextmessagecameback.Lukehelditupsowecouldreaditatthesametime.
Silas:Prettybellybutton.Irememberthatspot.
Theairchangedthen.Theguyssuckedinairatthesametime,staringatthemessage.Iwasonfire,

blushingfromeverypoint.Iknewtheinstancehewasreferringto,whenhisthumbhadstrokedrightunder
mybellybutton.We’dhadamomentlikethattogetherwherehealmostkissedme.

VictorandLukebothpoppedtheirheadsupatthesametime,staringrightatme.“Whatdoesthat

mean?”Theybothspewedoutatonce.TheylookedateachotherandthenVictorlookedbackatme,his
fireeyesaflurryofflames.“What’sthatabout?”heasked.

Mymouthwasopen,wantingtoanswerhimbutnotknowingwhattosay.Iwantedtoaskforthephone

backbutwasalmostterrifiedtosayso.AskingforitwouldmeanitwasclearIwastryingtoavoidthe
question.Icouldn’tcomeupwithalie,andIcouldn’tsputteroutthetruth.Iwaspetrified.

“Ohmygod,she’ssoadorable,”Lukesaid,hisfacechangingsuddenly,loweringthephone,his

amusedeyestakingonsomethingsofter.“Vic,checkitout.I’veneverseenredearsonagirlbefore.”

Ialmostchoked,andthenitcameoutlikeachirp.
Victorlaughedsohard,Ithoughthewasdying.Hegrabbedhisabdomenandnearlyleanedagainst

Luke.Lukestartedgiggling.

Icouldn’tbelievethem.Boys!Iwasstartingtowonderiftheyweremoretroublethantheywere

worth.Icouldn’tthinkofanythingtosay,toexplainmyblushing,toexplainSilas...

Afirmpalmtouchedatmywaist.
Ijumped,onedgewiththeboys.Myheartexploded,Igasped.Iturnedwithmyhandonthebaseofmy

throat,unabletocryoutbecauseIdidn’thavethevoicetodoso.

Kotastoodthere,lookingatme,hisgreeneyesatfirstcuriousandthenconcerned.WhenIrealizedit

washim,Icouldn’thelpit,andsunkmyfacesoclosetohisshoulder,nearlyhidingbehindhim.Theboys
wereteasing,Iknew.Itwasjustalltheemotionsatonceweresointense,Ineededaplacetohide.

“Aw,”Lukesaid.“Sweetie,don’tlooklikethat.We’rejustkidding.”
Kotapulledmeincloser,hisshouldershiftingatmyface,encouragingmetouseasmuchofitasI

wanted.Hishandstayedaroundmywaist,holdingmeagainsthim.“What’sgoingon?”heasked,mostly
totheboys,histonecommanding,likethey’dbetterstarttalking.

Victorwassmiling,andlookingsympathetic.“We’resorry,Sang,”hesaid.“Youdon’thavetohide.”
“Silaswastextingher,”Lukesaid.“We’rejustteasingheraboutit.Well,mostlywewereteasinghim,

butshe’sfunny.”

“Why?”Kotaasked.“Hewastextingherwhileonthejob?Wasitimportant?”
“Hemusthavehadafreeminute,”Victorsaid.
Lukeheldupmycellphone.“Hewasn’trelayingAcademythings.Justchatting.”
IwaswaitingforeitherofthemtosuggestSilashadbeenflirting,buttheyseemtobekeepingitto

themselves.

“Issomethingwrong?”Mr.Blackbourne’svoicereachedus.Kotastoodstill,andIpeekedoverhis

shoulder.Mr.Blackbourneturnedhissteeleyesonme,andthengazedattheotherswithacurious
expression.

“Nothing,”Lukesaid.“Justhavingfun.”
“They’reteasingSilas,”Kotasaid.
Mr.Blackbourneraisedaneyebrow,hisfaceotherwiseexpressionless.“Why?”
Lukemovedhismouthlikehewantedtosaysomething.Victor’seyebrowswereup,somecolor

comingtohischeeks.IrealizedMr.Blackbournewouldn’tapproveoftheirprank.

Ididn’tthinkhe’dapproveofthephotos.
Lukewasstillholdingmyphone.Mr.Blackbournemadeamotionforit.“MayIsee?”
MyarmwentupuntilIwasgrippingatKota’sshirt,crumplingthematerialinmyhandtohangonto

him,buryingmycheekagainsthim.

LukepassedoverthephonetoMr.Blackbourne.Mr.Blackbournelookedatme,hiseyessuddenly

immeasurablysofter,histonecareful.“MissSorenson,”hesaidquietly.“Iwouldn’tasktoinvade
anythingyoufeelisprivate,butwouldyoumindifIlooked?”

Icouldn’trefusehim.Atthesametime,mytensioneasedconsiderably.Mr.Blackbournewouldknow

whattodoaboutthis.Maybeitwasagoodthinghewassteppingin.Outofallofthem,heseemedtobe
theonewhocouldtellmeifIwasdoingsomethingwrong,oriftheboyswereoutofline.

Henoddedinacknowledgementandpushedabuttontoturniton.Hescannedthescreen,scrollingand

checking.“Thisisyou,isn’tit,Mr.Morgan?”

“ItwastoteaseSilas,”Victorsaid.Therewasn’tanyfear,andnoembarrassment,justsincerity.He

wasconfessingtowhattheywereuptowithoutremorse.

“Wedidn’tmeananythingbyit,”Lukesaid.Hespokeinthesametone.
Myheartwasinmythroat,waitingforMr.Blackbournetosaysomethingtothem.Totellthemnotto

teaseSilas,ortowardthemoffofdoingitagain.DidheeverhearofLuke’sotherpranksthathelikedto
pull?Mr.Blackbourneliftedhisgaze,meetingmyeyes.“CouldyouandIgoforalittlewalk,Miss
Sorenson?”

I’dexpectedhimtosaysomethinginfrontoftheothers.Iquicklysuckedinabreath.Igaveaslight

nodofmyheadandmovedawayfromKotatostandnormally.

KotagavemybackaquickrubandthenreleasedmeasImovedaway.HeaddressedMr.

Blackbourne.“ShouldI—”

“Stayhere,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Orrather,youandMr.MorganandMr.Taylorshouldcheckout

thestable,andtheotheroutsidebuildings.There’salotofgroundtocover.Iwantyoufamiliarwiththe

place.”

KotaglancedatmequicklyandthenfocusedonVictorandLuke.“Okay,youheardhim.Backto

work.”

Theothersmovedaway,startingofftogether,headingtowardthestable.Theyhoppedthefence,heads

togetherliketheyweretalking.

“Thisway,MissSorenson,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.
Istiffenedandturned,spottingMr.Blackbournewithacalmexpression,waiting.
MaybeIwastheonethathadgonetoofar.

Camillia

r.Blackbournehadmefollowhimbackinsidethebuilding.ForOctober,theweatherwasstillwarm

duringtheafternoon,gettingcoolonlylateintheeveningafterthesunwentdown.Thebuildingprovided
somemildrelief,andhadsomefansgentlypullinginairfromopenwindows.

Mr.Blackbourneusheredmeinside.Ipretendedtoadmireoursurroundings,thehistoriclocationwe

wereat,butwasactuallyunabletofocusontheoldwoodwork,theantiques,orthedisplaysofthepast.
Mr.Blackbournehadheldontomyphone,andaswewalkeddownahallway,heslippeditintohis
pocket.

Simplybeingnexttohim,however,easedalotofthepent-uptensionIwasfellingoverwhathad

happened.Thisfeltlikeanopportunity.IcouldtellMr.Blackbournewhatwasgoingon,andhe’dbeable
totellmewhatIwasdoingwrong.BetweenSilasandNathanandallofthem,therewasattentioncoming
fromalldirections.Iwasn’tusedtoit,andwantedtokeepthingstogether.Imaynothavehadany
experienceinrelationships,butIfeltatsomepointtheboyswouldbecomejealouswitheachotherandI
didn’twantthattohappen.Nathanhadalreadydisplayedsomeofthatwithme.

Ifanyoneknewhowtohandlethis,itwouldbeMr.Blackbourne,whooftenactedlikeashieldfrom

theothers.

Hestoppedatawatercoolernearthedoor.Hefilledoneoftheredplasticcupswithwaterand

passedittome.“Youlookflushed.Willyoudrinksomething?”

Inodded,gratefulforit.Ihadn’trealizedhowparchedI’dbecome.Mr.Blackbournetendedtobe

particularlyawareofthingsIneededbeforeIevenrealizedit.

Isippedatthewaterandhegesturedformetocontinuedeeperintotheestate.Wepasseddisplaysof

history,ofdaysofcottonpickingandslaveryandCivilWarandlocalhistoricallandmarks,including
picturesandpaintingsofMiddletonasitwasbackthen,andthroughtheyears.Otherwise,theestatewas
picturesquewithperiodfurnitureandhousewaressetupasifitweremanyyearsagowhenitwasfirst
built.

Mr.Blackbournestoppedbesideoneofthemanytabledisplays.Hegazedatoneofthevases,similar

totheoneVictorhadtakenpicturesofearlier.Mr.Blackbournemotionedtotheflowers.“Doyouknow
whattheseare?”heasked.

Itwasn’tthequestionIwasexpecting.Ifocusedonthevaseandarrangement.Theflowershadlarge

petals,andeachbloomwasavibrantsoftpinkorhotpink.Thehuntergreenleaveswerethick,waxy.I
tiltedmyhead,notingtheyoungerpetalswereshapedlikehearts.Somematureflowersweresoinbloom,
theydisplayedbrightyellowmiddles.Thevasetheywereinwaslow,sothestemswereshort.“Idon’t
knowthename,”Isaid.“Idon’tthinktheyhadtheseinIllinois,butIthinkI’veseenthemaroundhere.”

"They'recalledcamellias.”HereachedforthewatercupIwasholding.Ireleasedittohim.He

pulledasinglehotpinkcamelliathatwasn’tquiteinfullbloomandplaceditinthewater.Thecupwas
reallytootallforit,anditsunkintothewater,deepintothecup.“Theyhaveashortbloomseason,butare
verybeautiful.Theydon’tusuallylastlongoffthebush.Theymustcutthemfresheverymorningfromthe
gardensoutside.”Heheldoutthecuptome.“Takethishometoday,andputitbythewindow.”

Iblushed,takingthecup,lookinginsidetoseetheflowersittingjustsoonthewater.“It’sokaytotake

it?”

“They’llhavemoretomorrow,”hesaidquietly.

Iwrappedmyfingersaroundthecup,holdingitinfrontofmyself,lookingattheflower,confused;he

broughtmeintotalkabouttheflowers?

“MissSorenson,”hesaidinasofttone,butwithahintofpowerbehindit,likehewantedmy

attention.

Iliftedmyhead,cheekswarmbuteagertogetthispartoverwith.Iwasembarrassedbymybehavior,

likegettingcaughtpassingnotesinclass.Thishadaslightlydifferentfeel,though.Whileitwas
embarrassing,itwasalsosoontobearelief,andIwantedtohurrythingsalong.

HissteeleyesfocusedonmeuntilIfeltfrozentothespot.“Isthereanythingyou’dliketotellme

about?”

Thiswasmycuetospillit.Ididn’tknowwheretostart.UsuallyifitwasAcademyaffairs,itflowed

frommesoeasily.ThistimewhenIwastalkingwithhimaboutwhatwasonmymind,whatIknewhe
wantedtoaskabout,itwasso...personal.WouldSilaswantmetotalkaboutit?

“Theboyswerejustteasingme,”Isaidquietly,tryingtoatleastexplainLukeandVictor.“Iknowthey

didn’tmeananythingbyit.Itjust...surprisedme.”

“Whydidtheywanttoteaseyou?”heasked.
“BecauseSilaswastextingmeandLukeborrowedmyphonetoseewhathewasdoing.”
“Didyouwanthimtotakeyourphone?”Mr.Blackbourneasked.Hemotionedtoasetteeinasmall

sittingareanearby.Iwenttoit,sittingcarefully,holdingthecupinmypalms.

Hemovedtositnexttome,closeenoughthathislegwasbrushingmine.Heundidthebuttononhis

suitcoat,andthemaroontieswayedabitasheleanedforward,lookingatme.Quiet.Patient.Waiting.

Myheartrattledinmychest.Itriedtobreatheslowlytocalmmyself,buthewassoclose.Iwanted

hishelp,buttalkingaboutitwasdifficult.

Itwasafullminuteofmetryingtofigureouthowtoanswerhimbeforehefinallyresponded.“I’ve

beenmeaningtoaskyousomething,”hesaid.“Ithinkit’sagoodtimetotalkaboutit.”

“Aboutwhat?”Iasked,knowingfullwellwhathemightbecuriousabout.Wouldhebeupsetthat

Silasaskedmeout?They’dhadarulethattheycouldn’tkissfirst.Wasbeingagirlfriendtooneofthem
notallowedatall?Whenitwasexplainedtome,itdidn’tseemlikelythatitwas,butthen,therewasa
kissingrule,soitwasn’tinconceivable.Ihadn’tthoughttoaskhowfartheserulesmighthaveextended.

“Doyoufindyourselfattractedtoanyoneinparticular?”heasked,ascoollyasonewouldaskthe

time.Hetouchedbrieflyatthecornerofhisglasses.Itwasaminorcorrection,themovesubtle,butI
understoodittomeanhewascalculatingsomething.“Anyoneonmyteam?”

Myskinwasalive,feelingeverylittlebreathofaircrossingthroughtheroom,sensingwarmthcoming

fromhim.Ilistenedforanyothersoulthatmightcrossourpathandhearourconversation.“I...”Iwanted
toanswerhim.Iwasdyingto.Hiseyeswereluringmetotalktohim,butIcouldn’tadmittoanything.I
couldn’tdare.Ididn’thaveanexactanswerforhimlikeIthoughtIshould.

Iwantedtotrusthim.
Ididn’twanttodisappointhim.
HewentonwhenIdidn’tanswer.“I’venoticedsomeoftheboyshavegottenratherfondofyou,”he

said.“Haveyounoticedit?”

Inoddedandtheheatroseinmycheeks.Againthedesiretoanswerhimwashedoverme,butIwas

unabletoanswerproperly.Ijustcouldn’tdoit.Anothertopic,anytopic,andI’dhappilyanswer.Thisone
wasmorecomplexthanIdaredtoadmit.

Myeyeshadstartedtodrifttohistie.Hisheaddipped,tryingtocatchmygaze.
Hismillimetersmileappeared.Mymindwentintoawhirlwind.Hewasamused?Happy?
“YoudoknowthatSilaslikesyou,right?”heaskedquietly.

Inodded,slightly,justenough.
Hewasstillandquietforsolong,Ithoughthewaswaitingforabetteranswerfromme.Mytongue

wasgluedtotheroofofmymouth.Whatelsedidhewanttoknow?

“AndwhatdoyouthinkaboutNorth?”heasked.“Doeshelikeyou?”
“Ithinkso,”Imanagedtowhisper.Howmuchdidheknowabouthimandhowhefelt?Didheknow

NorthandIspentthenighttogetherinahotel,amongotherinstanceswherewe’dbeentogetherinclose
quarters?

“AndVictor?”heasked.
Awaveofheatsurgedthroughme.Wouldheaskmeaboutalltheboys?Whatdidhereallywantto

know?Inodded,buttiltedmyhead,tryingtofigureoutwhyheasked.

“Idon’tmeantoembarrassyou,”hesaidsoftly.
“I...”Isaid.“Idon’t...”
“It’snormalforyoutobeinterested,”hesaid.“Myparticularworryis,ifoneisbeingtoo

overwhelming.Weneedforourentireteamtogetalong.Iwantyoutofeelcomfortablefeelinghowyou
wishtofeelabouteachofthem,butIdon’twantanyonespendingtoomuchtimewithyouandyouendup
neglectingspendingtimewiththeothers.”Heleanedinalittlecloser,hiseyesfixedonmine.“Ifyou’re
comfortablewiththat.”

“Youwantmetodividemytimeupbetter?”
“Notjustyourtime,”hesaid.“IunderstandDr.Greenandyousharedakissbefore.”
Ifmyfacewasheatedbefore,itwasonfirenow.Ihadfiguredheknew,buthisabilitytosayit

outrightandsocalmlywasstunning.“Y...yes.”WhatelsecouldIsay?Icouldn’tdenyit.Icouldn’tlie.

“IunderstandNathanhas,too.”
Inodded.
“Anyothers?Silasperhaps?Ihaven’theardaboutlastnight.”
“Notyet...”Iwantedtoaskhimiftheytoldhimeverything,abouthowfartheywent.Myheartwas

exploding.Hedidn’tseemupsetbythenewsorevensurprised.Hiseyesshowedconcern.Theslighttilt
tohisliptoldmehewastryingtomakemecomfortable,totalkhonestlywithmelikethis.Iwasn’tsure
howtohandleit.HeknewIkissedtwoofthem.Thatthey’dpossiblybrokenarule.

“NotSilas?”heasked.
Ibitmylip,shakingmyhead.Thetruthwasno,wehadn’t.Hewasgettingclose,though.Isensedit

whenIwasaroundhim,andaroundsomeoftheothers,too.

“Willyouletmeknowifhedoes?Ithinkhewillsoon.”
“Ifyouwant,”Isaidquietly.
“I’dliketobeupdatedonhowyoufeel,”hesaid,hisvoicesoftening.“MaybeI’moversteppingabit,

butIsenseyoumightbeabitconfusedandmightneedsomeonetotalkto.Icanbethatperson.”There
wasn’tanedgetohisvoicewiththefamiliarcommandandconfidence.Thiswasn’tMr.Blackbourne,the
administratoratmyhighschoolandanofficialmemberofthesecretAcademy.ThiswasMr.
Blackbourne,partofthefamily,reachingouttomeasafriend.

“Why?”Iasked.Thequestionwasonmylips,awhisper.Ihadn’tmeanttoask,butitslipped.
“It’simportanttomethatyou’recomfortable,”hesaid.“Iwanttomakesurenothinghappenstoyou

thatyoudon’twant.I’msureit’sbeendifficultforalittlewhile,tryingtofigureoutwhatyoushoulddo.
FromwhatIhearfromtheotherguys,you’vegottenquiteabitofattentionfromafewofthem.I’msure
it’sconfusing.”

Inodded,myheartsoaring.Heunderstood!“Yes,”Isaid.Moreconfidentnowthatthishadbeenthe

rightmove.

“I’mheretohelp,”hesaid.Hesatbackalittle.Whilethesmiledidn’treturn,hiseyesturnedfrom

steeltoasoftgraysilverandhismoodseemedtolighten.Hewaspleased.“Ifyou’llallowme.Youcan
tellmeanythingyou’dlikeinstrictconfidence.Whatyouhavetosaywon’tgototheotherboys.”

Thepossibilitieswereamazingtome.ItwaswhatI’dbeenneedingandnowIdidn’tknowwhereto

start.Hedidn’tseemtothinkitwrong.Hedidn’tsaytostoporthatIorSilasoranyoneelsehaddone
somethingweshouldn’t.“Idon’tknowwhattodo,”Isaid.

“Withwhat?”heasked.
“Theyalldothings,”Isaid.“Atfirstitwasjustholdingmyhand.ThenextthingIknow,there’sa

kiss...orsometimeswhatIthoughtwasgoingtobeakiss.Iknowtherewasaruleaboutthat.”

“Iapologizeforthat,”hesaid.“Ithoughtitwasforthebest.Weallagreedandwediditoutofrespect

foryou.”

“Iunderstanditnow,”Isaid.“But...Iworryabout...”Icouldn’tputitintowords.
“Jealousy?”heasked.
Inodded.“Nathan...”IthoughtaboutwhatNathanhadsaidbefore.Thathewantedtoonedayrunoff

withme.Thathecaredalotaboutme.Heflittedaroundthewordlove,butIsenseditbeingonhismind,
onhislips,almostreadytosayatsomepoint.Hewaswaitingtohearsomethingfromme.Ifelthethought
theotherboyswereinterested,too,andhewaswaitingformetorealizehecaredaboutmemorethanthe
otherscould.Itwasromantic,butIwastoointimidatedtoeventhinkaboutitrightnow.

“I’veheardsomeofhisthoughts,butIhaveafeelinghe’sholdingbacksomethingmore.Ithinkthe

issueswithhisfatherhadmadehimdesperatetoholdontosomeonehereallycaresabout,buthadalmost
lostseveraltimesalready.”

Fromhistone,andthesteadygazeonme,Isensedhewastalkingaboutme.“Youdon’tthinkhe

meant...”

“Hemeantit,”hesaidquickly.“He’sprettysureyouwantsomethingspecific,andhe’stryingtofulfill

whatyouwant.He’salsogotveryromanticnotions,eveniftheyareunrealistic.Hejustdidn’tthinkit
through.Givemesometimewithhim.He’llcomearound,Ithink.”

“Comearoundtowhat?”Iasked.
Mr.Blackbournekepthiseyesonmine.“Weshouldallgetalongwitheachother,atwhateverlevelof

feelingsyoumightwishtohave.Ifwe’retosucceedinmakingyoupartofthefamily,Ithinkwe’refacing
aninevitableconclusion.YouandImustworktogethercloselytomakesurethisfamilystaystogether.No
matterwhatittakes,thisisourchallengetoovercome.IfeelyouwantitthesamewayIdo.”Hiseyes
intensified,withaslightbitofsteel,butthenagleamofsilverflashedthroughit.“Willyouhelpmewith
this?Tokeeptheteamtogether?”

Ifeltitthroughmywholebeingthatnomatterwhat,nomatterwhatpathImighthavewiththe

Academy,Ididwanttostaywiththem,andtohavethemalltogetherandhappyliketheyhadbeen.I
couldn’timagine,forinstance,NathanrunningoffwithmeandleavingtheAcademy.Itwassomethinghe
loved.HelovedKota,too,andtheothers.DespitewhatNathanthoughthewanted,maybeMr.
Blackbournewasright,andweneededtobecarefulwitheachofthemtomakesurewestayedtogether.

“I’llhelp,”Isaid.
“ThenIneedyourfulltrust,”hesaid.Hishandmoved,untiltwofingertipstouchedthebackofmy

hand,justbelowtheknuckle.Hedidittogetmetofocusmyattentiononhim,butmyattentionwas
directedmoretowardhiswarmtouch.“Ifanyoftheboysaretooforward,movetoofast,ormakeyou
uncomfortable,Iwanttohearitfromyou.Infact,anymovetheymakewithyou,Iwanttoknow.”

“I’lltry.Idon’treallyknowwhattodo.”Ipressedmylipstogetherbutthenforcedthemopen.He

neededmetokeepthefamilytogether,andmybeingquietwasn’tgoingtohelp.“Silasaskedmelastnight

to...behisgirlfriend.”

Aperfecteyebrowroseabovetheblackrimofhisglasses.“Didhe?”
“Isaidyes.ButIhaven’ttoldtheotherboys.AndIdon’tthinkNathanwouldlikeif...”
“Wait,”hesaid,releasingmyhandtoholdhisownupinastopsignal.“Onethingatatime.Yousaid

yestoSilas.Ishetheonlyonethatyouwouldsayyesto?”

Thatwasn’tthequestionIwasexpecting.“Idon’t...youmeanifsomeoneelseweretoask?”
“IfNorthweretoaskyouthiseveningtobehisgirlfriend,wouldyouwanttosayyes?”
Iwantedtoblushallover,tonotanswerthequestion,buthedidn’tseemdisappointedorupset.“I

don’tthinkI’msupposedto.”

“Don’tworryaboutwhatyouaresupposedtowantorwhatyouthinkmightbenormal.Iwanttoknow

howyoufeel.Itisimportantwe’rehonestwitheachotherabouthowwefeelaboutothermembersofthe
team.”Hetouchedhisfingersbrieflytohischest.“Forexample,Icareverymuchforeachofthem.For
you,too.I’dworkhardtomakesureeveryonewashappy,nomatterwhatittook.”

Itwaswhatfamilyshoulddoforeachother,butIfeltthiswasdifferent.Stronger.Itwasachoice.

Familywasachoice,they’dsaid.Iwantedtobelieveit.“WhatshouldIdo?”

“Gowithhowyoufeel,”hesaid.“IfNorthwashererightnow,wouldyoutellhimno?”
Ishookmyhead.
“You’dsayyes?”
Inodded.
“Iwon’tgodownthelist,”hesaid,“andIwon’tpretendtoknowhowyoufeel.Ijustwantyoutotalk

tome.WhenIsaidyoucouldtalktomeaboutanything,Imeantit.”

“Itry,”Isaid.
“Iknowyoudo.Anythingelseyou’dliketosharewithme?”
“Whatifthey...ifsomeonedoesgetjealousor...”
“Callme,”hesaid.“Themomentanyofthoseboystrytomakeyoufeelbadforhowyoufeel,Iwant

youtotalktome.I’lltakecareofit,Ijustneedyoutotrustme.NomatterwhatI’mdoing,nomatter
whereIam,I’llbetherewhenyouneedme.”

Iwaswarmedatthethought.IknewitwouldbehardtocommunicateallIwasfeeling,butIdidn’t

seemtoneedtospeakmuchatall.IfIjustgavehimthebasics,heseemedreadytoacceptitandknew
exactlywhatIhadtodo.

“Weshouldspendmoretimetogether,too,”hesaid.
“Okay,”Isaid,withoutreallythinking.Ididagreewithhim,butIwonderedhowhemeantit.More

familymeetings?AndthenIrealizehemightnothavemeantallofus.Maybehemeantjustthetwoofus.

Atouchofthatmillimetersmileappearedagain.Heshiftedtostandandthenheldoutahandtome.“I

wanttotalkmore,butnothere.Let’sfindtheothers.”

Itookmycupwiththeflowerwithme,holdingontoitwhileheassistedmeupandthenreleasedmy

handtowalkwithmetowardthedoor.

Ididn’treallywanttoleave.Iwantedtotellhimeverything.Ijustdidn’tknowwheretostart.

FocusYourEfforts

emettheothersandheadedtothecars.Aftercheckingouttheplace,itwasdeterminedthatthegoal

wastousethephonenetworkforobservation.Theywantedtomakemoreplans,buttheydidn’twantto
talkaboutitatMiddleton.

“Whatdowedonow?”Victorasked.
Mr.Blackbourneglancedathisphone.“It’stimetopickupMr.Coleman.”
Victornodded.HelookedatKota.“Areyoucomingalong?”
“IneedtocheckinwithNorth,”hesaid.Heglancedatme,lookinglikehewantedtosaysomething

butthenfocusedonVictor.“I...”

“Youshouldcomewithus,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.
IturnedmyheadinunisonwithKota,VictorandLuke,lookingatMr.Blackbourneandwaiting.Was

theresomethingelseweneededtodofortheAcademythatKotahadforgotten?

Kotascratchedabsentlyathisarm,lookingataloss.“I’vealreadygotasuitIcouldwearto

homecoming.Iwasn’tevensureifI’dwearit.IthoughtImightteamupwith...”

“Everyoneonourteamwillberegularguests,”Mr.Blackbournesaidfirmly.“We’llallbein

attendance.”

Thisnewsseemedtomakeeveryonecheckinwitheachother.Forsomereason,whenthey’d

mentionedtheAcademywouldbeinattendance,I’dassumedevenIwouldhavesomeminorpartto
participatein.MyheartracedatthethoughtofadancewiththeboyswiththeAcademywatching.

“Whataboutyou?”Kotaasked.“Yousaid‘we’.
Mr.Blackbourne’ssteeleyesfixedonhim.“I’llbecloseby,butI’llstayoffthegrounds.”
“Youcan’tdothatbyyourself,”Kotasaid.“Someonehastogowithyou.”
“Imayuseanotherteam,”hesaid.“Ifyou’reallattheparty,andI’malonesomewhereelse,we’llbe

followingMr.Hendricks’plan,butwon’tbegoinginblind.Ifanyofyouaremissing,it’llbesuspicious
thatwe’vesetourowntrap,andthelastthingweneedismoreofourteamtargeted.We’llbetakingcare
oftwoissuesinonenight.Besides,I’llneedyouherewithMissSorenson.”Hemadeamotiontothe
cars.“Butweallneedtheproperwardrobe.Thisisn’tjustaformalaffair,butahomecomingwitha
Halloweentheme.We’llbeincostume.We’llallbeoutfittedappropriately.”

Ihadn’tthoughtaboutthehomecomingdancebeingonHalloween,andthatitmightrequireacostume.
I’dneverparticipatedinHalloween.Notonce.Atschoolgrowingup,whenwewereaskedtodress

upforschool,Itapedkittyearstoablackhairbandanddrewblackwhiskersonmyfaceanddressedup
inasmuchblackasIhadavailable.ItwasjusttoblendinandIhadtogetridofalltheevidencebeforeI
wenthome.Butmyparentsdidn’tallowMarieorItogotrickortreating.Ourhousewasisolatedfrom
ourneighbors,andstayeddarkonHalloween.

Kotanoddedslightly,hisfacetight.Isensedhewantedtosuggestanotheroptionbutdidn’twanttogo

againstMr.Blackbourne’swishes.Didhenotliketheideaofaschooldance?Wasitthepossibledanger?

“IrideinwhatevercarSang’sridingin,”Lukesaidwithagrin.
Mr.BlackbournelookedatLukeandthenatKota.“WillyoutakeMr.TaylorandMissSorenson

downtown?Mr.Colemanwantedtoworkwithaparticularseamstress.I’lltextyoutheaddress.”

“We’llmeetyouthere,”Kotasaid.
Victorwavedtomeshortly.Iwavedback.Mr.Blackbournehadalreadyturnedtowardhiscar.Itwas

anoddparting.I’dbeseeingthemagainsoon,butafterspendingtheafternoontogetherinsuchanice

place,itwaslikebreakingthespell.

KotadroveandIsatinthefrontseatnexttohim.Isecuredmycupwiththeflowerinthecupholder.

Lukeslumpedintheback,staringoutthewindow.

Istaredoutthewindow,too.TherouteKotatookwassimilartohowtheygottoVictor’shouse,but

thenfollowedstreetsfurtherintodowntown,andintoplacesI’dneverbeenbefore.

DowntownCharlestononaSundayearlyafternoonwasn’tparticularlycrowded.Peoplemeandered

downthestreet,andcarsmovedslowly.Ileanedforward,myfacenearlypressedtothewindow,asI
triedtoglimpseupatbuildings,checkthesignsandpeekattheshops.

Lukenudgedmyarm,drawingmyattention.“Lookonthisside,”hesaid,pointingtowardKota’s

window.

Iwastrying,althoughavoidingtouchingKotawhilehewasdriving.
Kotasmirkedandtookhisrighthandoffthewheel,restinghishandontheheadrestofmyseat.“Just

likethefirsttimeItookyoutothemall,”hesaid,withalaughinhisvoice.“Withyournosepressedtothe
window.”

Mycheeksheated,butLukestartedpointing.“Seethosebuildings?”
IleanedagainstKotatolook.Kotastoppedataredlightandleanedoutoftheway.
Astreetsplitandalongthemiddleofitwasanopenairbuilding.Thestartofithadoutdoorvendors

sittingoutsidewithtablescoveredwithbaskets.Peoplestrolledalongthesidewalksoneitherside,and
thenrightthroughthecenterofthebrickbuilding.Somewalkedthroughtheroad,slowingdowntraffic.

“Ilikethisplace,”Lukesaid.“There’ssomegreatcandyshopsalongthisway.”
Iwasgoingtoreplywhenthelightchanged.Kotamovedtotakethewheelagain.Isatback.
Oncehewasdrivingstraightagain,slowlymakinghiswaythroughthestreet,Kotamovedhishand

untilhispalmwascoveringmyknee.

Myheartfluttered,warmedbyhistouch.IlookedbackatLuke.Didhesee?
HewasstaringrightatKota’shand.Myheartleaptintomythroat.Theothershadalwaysheldmy

hand,orevenhadmeintheirlapsinfrontofeachother.IletithappenbecauseIassumeditwasokay.In
thatstretchoftimeittookforLuketolookupandmeetmyeyes,myhearttightenedinmychest,readyto
shatterifhelookeddisappointedorunhappy.

Instead,hiseyesglowed,andhesmiledinastrangeway.Iwasconfused,holdingmybreath.Iwas

surehe’dchangetoafrown.

Heneverdid.Hewinkedatme.
Itwasalmostasbadashimbeingupsetwithit.Itwaslikehewastellingmeitwasokay.Wasit

really?

“Weshouldparkandwalk,”Lukesaid.“It’snottoocoldoutyet.”
“Lookingforaspot,”Kotasaid.Hekepthispalmonmyknee,untilhehadtoturn.Oncetheturnwas

complete,hishandcameback,reachingjustabovethekneethistime,likehewasmorecomfortablewith
touchingme.“We’llstillbewaitingfortheothers.”

Iwasquietthewholetimeittookhimtoparkalongthestreet.Istaredoutthewindow.Myfocuswas

onhishandonmythigh,butItriedtonoticethenewsurroundings.Kota’stouchfeltreassuring.Maybeit
hadrattledhimearlierwhentheboyswereteasingmeandhewastryingtoshowmesomequiet
encouragement.

Ifollowedtheguystothestepsofaritzyshoppingcenterwithbrassdoorknobsandfreshlypainted

carvedwoodframingthearchway.Westoodtogetheratthefrontofadoorway,waitingontheothersto
arrive.

Iwasstaringoffatpeoplewalkingby,occasionallytryingtopeekintoawindowoftheshops,butthe

glasswastinted.Therewereotherstoresfurtherupanddownthestreet,andacrossthestreetwasthe
startoftheoutdoormarket,withonlyafewpeoplewalkingaround.Itwastheweekend,butlaterinthe
day,andIsuspectedonalateSundayafternoon,peoplewerewindingdowntocloseearly.

Therewasapokeatmyarm,andIinstinctivelyturned,thinkingitwasoneoftheboys.
Alittlefacewithbigbrowneyeslookedupatme.Hespokequickly,“Ma’am,wouldyouliketobuya

grassrose?Imadeit.Ma’am,wouldyou?Ma’am?Onlythreedollars.”Hehelduparosemadefrom
whatlookedlikethickgrassleaves.

MymouthunhingedandIstaredathimlikehe’dbeentalkinginGreek.Hehadtobeonlysevenor

eight,withasmallframe,buthisfacewassoserious.Heneverstoppedspeaking,either.Hepushedthe
grassroseatme,liketryingtopushitintomypalm.WhenItookastepback,hesteppedforward,
thrustinghishandoutandtherosetowardme.

“Idon’t...”Istartedtosay.
Hecontinued,“Comeon,lady,it’sthreedollars.Imadethisrosemyself.You’lllovethis.Just—”
TherewasmovementandLukewasrightbehindme,hishandonmywaist,hisotherhandhekept

behindhisback.“Don’thaveanycash,kid,”hesaid.“Sorry.”Hetuggedmetowardtheshop.Kotahad
movedahead,openingthedoor.

“Sir!”Theboycriedashefollowedus,holdingouttherose.“Shewasabouttobuyit.”
“Getyourlittlefriendsoffthestepsbeforethesecurityguysgethere,”Lukesaid.Hedidn’tletgoof

me,pushingmetowardthedoorsuntilIwasinside.Themomenthesteppedinbehindme,Kotaclosedthe
door.

Myheartwaspoundinginmychest.ThewayKotaandLukehadmovedsoquickly,ifIdidn’tknow

themanybetter,Iwouldhavethoughtthemcompletelyrudeandabrupttosomeonesoyoung.“Thekid...”

“Hewasprettytrained,”Kotasaid,comingupbesideme.Henudgedatthecornerofhisglasses.We

wereonlystandingjustinsidethedoorsoIcouldseewhenthekidturnedtowardthesteps,checkingup
anddownthestreet.AsfarasIcouldtell,hewasalone.

“Hustlers,”Lukesaid,thenchuffed.“Andhisbuddieswerewaiting.”
“What?”Iasked.Iscannedoutsideagain,butIdidn’tseeanyoneelse.“Who?”
Luketurned,hisbrowneyeslightingup,muchmoreamusednowthanamomentago.“Theytarget

tourists.Youpullyourwalletouttopayhimfortherose,andtheyfigureoutwhereyourwalletis.Or
maybetheyaccidentallybumpintoyouwhileyou’repayingandgrabthewallet.”

“He’snotjustsellingthings?”Iasked.“Imeanhe’sprettyyoungtobeonthestreetand...”
“HisparentsarenearbyIbet,”hesaid.“He’snotalone.Butdidyouseehisbag?”
Ihadn’tnoticed,butwhenIcheckedback,theboyhadaplasticgrocerybag,itwasalmostempty

exceptasmallshapeofwhatlookedlikemoregrassandonehalfmaderoseinside.“Thestuffhewas
makingthemoutof?”

“Heonlyhasonemade,”hesaid.Hescannedthestreet,searchingthepeople.Heslippedhisarm

aroundmyneckandthenpointedout,anglingmetoseeofftotheside.“Seethemomoverthere?”

Ichecked.Overattheoutdoormarket,onthefaredgeoftheentrywaywastwoparalleltablessetup

withbasketsallover.Lukewaspointingtooneofthewomenmakingbaskets.Whileherpartneratthe
oppositesideofthetablehadherbacktous,theoneLukepointedtokeptlookingupasherhandswere
busymakingoneofthosegrassbaskets.Herfocussettledonthekid,thentopeopleinthestreet,thenback
downtoherwork,inthatpattern,overandover.

“Sheprobablymadeit,”Lukesaid.“Buthe’sonlygotone,sohe’snotreallytryingtosellthem,or

he’dbetherewithdozens.He’sgotjustenoughsoitlookslikehe’smakingthem.”

“Buthowdoyouknowthey’restealing?”Iasked.
Hechecked,andthenturnedmebymyshoulderstolooktheoppositeway.Hepointedout.“Right

there,”hesaid.Hewaspointingtotwokids:onemaybefifteen,andagirlwholookedtobetwelve.They
lookedrelatedwithsimilarfacialfeatures.Theywerestandingonthesidewalknexttooneofthetrash
bins,watching.

“They’llsteal?”
“They’vegotalookoutandsomeonetobumpintotherightperson,”Kotasaid.“Whenyoupullouta

walletoropenupyourpurse,theflowerkidisshowingtheotherkidswherethemoneyis.He’lleither
takeitwhileyou’retryingtobuytheflower,orfollowandwaitforyoutomakeamistake,maybeputyour
walletdownsomewherewhenbuyingsomethingelseorwhenyouleaveyourpurseonacounter.Depends
onthetargetandtheopportunity.Ifyourwallethasalotofcash,you’remoreofatarget.”

“Shouldwedosomething?”Iasked.
“Securitywillbearound,”Kotasaid.“There’safewpolicementhatwalkthroughhere,watchingfor

them.Theyaren’tgoingtoletkidshustlepeopleenteringtheshops,eveniftheywerejustselling
flowers.”

“But...”Iwasn’tsurehowtoputit.Maybeitwasthefactthatthekidwassoyoung,andhissiblings

werethere.Shouldn’ttheybeathomestudying?Orplaying?

AndwhataboutLukeandKota?TheywereAcademyguys.Couldn’ttheytalktothemandgetthemto

stop?

“Nogood,”Lukesaid,squeezingmealittlearoundtheshouldersbeforeheturnedmeawayfromthe

doorsandfurtherintotheindoorshoppingcenter.“Iknowthefeeling.Butit’snouse.Tomorrow,it’llbea
differentkid,adifferentadult.Orthekidswillbeinschool.Itdoesn’thappenalot,andmaybesomedays
theyreallyaresellingflowers,butrightnowtheyaren’t.Butifwetriedtotalktothem,theparentsgetall
intoyourfaceaboutharassingtheirkidsandtrytocallthecopslikeyouweretheonedoingsomething
wrong.They’reveryprotective.”

“Soyou’vetriedtotalktothem?”
“Maybenotthesepeopleinparticular,”Kotasaid.“It’ssomethingtheAcademymightsendayounger

teamouttodo.Theparentsarelesslikelytoharassanotherkid.”

Youngerkidsdealtwiththis?IkeptforgettingthatKotaandtheothershadjoinedwhentheywerevery

young:aroundtenorso.Forsomereason,evenifthey’dbeenpulledoutofschool,Istillimaginedthey
wentsomewhere,studiedlikeregularstudents.ButiftheywerewiththeAcademy,theyprobablyhad
specialjobstodo,too.“Whynotjustselltheflowers?”Iasked.“Whysteal?”

“We’reoutoftouristseason,”Kotasaid.“Sothere’snotalotofopportunitiestosell,andlocalsdon’t

wantthem.Somefamiliesdon’tsavefortheoff-season.Theyspenditall.Mostlybadmoneymanagement
andlackofknowingwhatelsetodo.Yougetinarut,andyourevertbacktosomethingyouknow.That
momprobablyusedtodosomethingsimilar.”

“Andalotofthemarejustbad,”Lukesaid,hislipsdippingabitintoafrown.
“Isn’tthereanythingwecoulddo?”Iasked.Itstruckmeasoddthathewassoquicktodismissand

notwanttohelp,especiallywhenitwasayoungkid.

“Somepeoplecan’tbehelped,”Kotasaidquietly.Hereachedouttobrushapalmacrossthesmallof

myback.Itwasaquietmotion,urgingmefurtherintotheshoppingsection,butalsoareaffirmingtouch.
CoupledwithLuke’sarmaroundmyneck,itfeltamazingtobeprotectedoneachside.“Andwecanonly
dosomuch.Familyfirst.Afterthat,wecanonlyhelppeoplethatwantit.That’sthetrick,though.They
havetobewilling.Wecan’tstretchourselvessothintofightforpeoplewhowon’tevenusethe
opportunitieswegivethem.”

Ipressedmylipstogether.They’dalltoldmebeforetheydowhattheycould.IknewIshouldtrust

themontheirjudgment,butmythoughtskeptturningtothekidwiththosebigeyesandsuchastrong
personality.Washereallybeyondhope?

Isupposedthemostintriguingpartaboutthewholethingwasthefactthattheywereusuallysohelpful

andconcernedanddidtheirbest,andherewasoneinstancewheretheydrewalineandsaiddon’t.Don’t
andcan’tweren’twordsIoftenheardfromthem.Theysawthatinvisiblelinesomewhereandtheyboth
knewexactlywhereitwas.

IquelledmythoughtsasLukepointedtooneoftheshops.“Hey,there’sajewelrystore.Let’sgo

look.”

ItwasenoughofachangeoftopicthatIfocused.NotalltheshopswereopenonaSunday;somehad

theirdoorsclosedandlightsoff.Thewholeinterioroftheshoppingcenterwasmuchmoreelegantthan
themallthey’dtakenmetolasttime.Thefloorsweremarble,andtherewerefancychandeliershanging
fromthewall.Therewasastationdownthehallwaywitharowofseatsandplacestopropupfeet,andit
tookmeaminutetofigureoutitwasforshiningshoes,somethingIhadn’tseenexceptinmoviesand
couldn’tbelievestillexisted.

Lukewaspointingtoadisplaycasefilledwithnecklacesandringsjustoutsideanopenjewelryshop.

Thedisplaywasprettyfancy,withvelvet-coveredneckmodelsandboxesdecoratedwithcrystals.There
wasatinyjeweledclockandagildedboxcoveredinexpensive-lookinggemstonesinsideaswell.

“Gabriel’sbirthdayiscomingupsoon,”Kotasaid.
“That’sexactlywhatIwasthinking,”Lukesaid.
“Hisbirthday?”Iasked.IknewhisbirthdaywasinNovember,butI’dnotthoughtofthingslike

birthdaysforawhile.Iusuallyforgotmyown.Rememberingtothinkofsomeoneelse’swasnewtome.
“Shouldwedosomething?”

“Beonthelookoutforsomethinghe’dlike,”Lukesaid.“Mightaswelltakealookwhilewe’re

waiting.”

Iwalkedin,stayingascloseaspossibletoKotawhileLukemovedforwardandstartedlookingatthe

displaycases.Myarmbrushedhis,andhishandreachedouttomine,holdingontoit.Iclaspeditback,
waitingwithhim.

Asalesmancheckedusout.Hedidn’tsayanything,buthekepthiseyesonus.Isupposebecauseof

ourage,heprobablythoughtwewerejustbrowsing.

Icheckedouttheclosestdisplaythatwasfilledwithdiamondbracelets.Ididn’tseeapricetagon

anythingintheshop.Isupposedyou’dhavetoask.Myeyeskeptgettingdistractedbysparklinghereand
there.Kotamovedfurtherdowntheline,andIfollowedtostaynearhimandhangontohishandstill.I
wasn’treallylookingatanythinginparticular,butadmiringthesettingsandtheprettycolorsoftherings
inthecases.

Jewelrywasoneofthosethingsthathadnevercrossedmymindmuchgrowingup.Iknewitexisted,

butIdidn’twearanybecauseIdidn’thaveany.Itwaslikeknowingcaviarexistedbutifyouneverwere
goingtoexperienceit,whywastetimethinkingofit?

“Yourearsaren’tpierced?”Kotaasked.
Ashedid,Isensedmovementbehindus,andnoticedthesalesmanhadmovedtoleanagainstthefront

ofthecounterandwasstaringatus.Itwasmakingmenervous.

“No,”Isaidquietly.
“Didyouwantto?”heasked.“Iguesswithyourparentsyouprobablynevergotachance,butwe

could...”

“Noearpiercings,”Lukesaid.“Ilikethatshedoesn’thaveany.She’slikethisperfectlittleclean

slate.”

KotareleasedmyhandandturnedtoLuke,touchingafingertothecornerofhisglassestoadjustthem.

“Didyouasktoseeifshewantedthempierced?Whatifshedoes?”

Luke’sbrowneyeswidenedinsurprise.Hisheadtiltedandhelookedatme.“You’venever

mentionedit.”

MyfaceheatedandItookasmallstepback,almostknockingintotheglasscase.“Ihaven’treally

thoughtaboutit.”

Kotaputapalmatmybacktoguidenexttohimagain.“Wecouldifyou’dlike.Youcantelluswhat

youwanttodo.”

Myheartracedalittle.IappreciatedthethoughtandhowtheybothlookedeagertohearwhatIhadto

say,butthetruthwas,Ididn’treallyknowwhatIwanted.Somethinglikegettingmyearspiercedhadn’t
beenonthetableasanoptionbefore,likemanythingsinmylife.NowsuddenlyIhadeveryopportunity
anddidn’tknowwheretostart.

TheproblemwasmaybeIsimplyneverassumedI’deverhavesuchachance,soIneverthoughtabout

exactlywhatIwanted.Ialsolikedknowingwhattheguysliked.IfIdidn’treallylikesomething,I’dsay
so,butsomelikedmeinsportyclothes,andsomelikedmetodressformally.Ilikeditall,andwantedto
wearwhatwascomfortable.Somethinglikegettingmyearspiercedprobablywasn’tabigdeal,butI
didn’thaveastrongopinionaboutitonewayoranother,andLuke’sconfessionaboutlikingmewithout
mademewonderifIshouldn’t.

TheuneaseinsidemetoldmeIdidn’twanttogetmyearspierced,atleastnottoday.“Idon’twantto

atthemoment,”Isaid.“I’dratherlookforsomethingforGabriel.”

Thisseemedtoappeasethemboth.Lukereachedbackandadjustedtheclipinhishair.Whenacouple

oflocksfellbackagainsthisface,makinganiceframe,Istared.Withthehighcheekbonesandthestrong
chinandfriendlyeyes,heremindedmeofmalemodelsinmagazines.“Iusuallygethimsomenewcrystal
earrings,butI’mthinkinghemightlikeagoldhooportwo.Ormaybearing.Somethingforhispinkie.”

“Hementionedgettinghistonguepierced,”Kotasaid.“Orhislip.”
“Mr.Blackbournesaidnotothelippiercing.Buthecouldhaveoneofthosemagneticonesorthefake

hoopsthatdon’trequire...”

“Excuseme,”avoicesaidandweallturned,lookingatthesalesman.He’dapproachedusquietlyand

hekepthishandsbehindhisback.“MayIinterestedyouthreeinanything?”

“Pardonus.We’restillbrowsing,”Kotasaidinaneasytone.“We’rethinkingof—”
“Ifthereisn’tanythingspecific,”hesaid,cuttingKotaoff,“whydon’tyoutrythejewelrystoreatthe

mall.”

Fromhistone,Igatheredifweweren’tgoingtobuy,thathe’dwantustomoveon.Myspinerippled,

sensinghewasdispleasedwithafewkidstalkingaboutpiercingbodyparts.Iimagineditwasn’tthetype
ofthinghe’dwantothercustomershavingtolistento,evenifweweretheonlyonesinhisboutiqueatthe
moment.

Kota’seyesnarrowedandhislipspursed,butonlyforaquickmoment.Thenhestraightenedandthe

expressionwascompletelygone,replacedbyonethatwasunreadable.“ActuallyIwasinterestedin
somethinginatanzanite,”hesaid.

Thesalesmanblinkedathim.“Pardon?”
Kota’seyebrowsliftedinmildsurprise.“Tanzanite.Ithasapurple-bluecolortonethroughout.It’sa

rare—”

“Wedon’thaveany,”themansaidquickly,hislipstwistingdown.

“Actually,Isawtwointhatcaseoverthere,”Kotasaid,pointingtooneofthefancierdisplaycases

ontopofthecounter.

Thesalesmanflickedhiseyestowardit,andthenscrunchedhiseyebrows.“Youmeanthesapphire?”
“Thatcenterringisatanzanite,notasapphire.There’sadifference.Apricyone.Anotherstorewas

sellingonesimilarforaroundtenthousand.”

“Itwastwelvethousand,”Lukesaid.Ilookedbetweenthem,tryingtofigureoutiftheywerelying,but

itdidn’tappeartobethecase.Weretheyreallylookingforsomethinglikethat?Lukemovedtowardthe
casewiththetanzanitering,studyingthecontentsbeforepokingattheglassonce.“Butnowthatyou
mentionit,Iliketheotheronebetter.Ithadmorepurple.”

“Isupposeweshouldgoback,”Kotasaid,withaslightsighattheend,likehedidn’twantto.
“Icouldshowyouthering,”thesalesmansaid,anedgeofeagernessinhisvoicenow,hisdemeanor

changing.“Ifyouwerelookingtobuytoday...”

“Whywouldweevergointoastorewithouttheintenttobuy?”Kotaasked,andwhilehisfacehelda

lookofmildindifference,therewasthehintofanupwardliftatthecornerofhismouth.“Butyou’reright,
Luke.VictorMorganhasaparticulartasteinsuchthings.We’dwanttomakesuretogetthebestone,no
matterthecost.”

AtthementionofVictor’sname,thesalesman’sfacedropped.“DidyousayMorgan?”
“Areyoutalkingaboutme?”Victor’svoicesaidfrombehindus.Iturned,spottingVictorinthelead,

followedcloselybyMr.BlackbourneandGabrielbehindthem.Tomysurprise,Gabrielwasdressed
classier,withdarkslacks,andafitteddarkblueshirt,thebottomhemuntuckedinastylishway.Hewore
blackloafersandhishairwascombedback.Eventheblondlockswerecombedinneatly.Hewas
dressedtoshopinexpensivestores.

Thechangeinhisappearanceblewmeaway.Thethreeofthemtogether,withVictor’susualArmani

shirtandblackslacks,andMr.Blackbourne’stailoredsuit,maroontieandperfectfeatures,weresimply
stunning.

IstoodalittleclosertoKota,whowasdressedalittlemorecasuallikeIwas.
“Mr.Morgan,”thesalesmansaid,hiseyeswideandhismouthhangingopen.IsensedVictorhadbeen

inthestorebefore.

“Didweseeanythinginteresting?”Victorasked,lookingdirectlyatKota,studyinghim.
Therewasaflurryofsilentcommunication,aslighttwitchofaneyebrow,aliftofalip.Kotaand

Lukewereexplainingwithoutsayingaword.

Kotaspoke,“Wewerelookingforsomethingfittingforyournextconcert.Somethingalittle

extravagant.Ididn’tseeanythingofinterest.Apparentlytheyaren’tcarryingtanzanite.”

“That’sthepopularstonethesedays,”Gabrielsaid,histonemoreformalthanwhatIwasusedto.

“Nextmonth,it’llbebacktoemeralds.NotthoseSouthAmericanpaleones,buttheAfricanoneswiththe
richcolor.”

“Still,”Mr.Blackbournesaid,notmissingabeat.“Ifthereisn’tanythingofinteresthere...”
“PerhapsIcouldshowyou—”thesalesmansaid.
Victorputahandup,wavingathimdismissively.Hereachedoutformyhand.“Itisn’taboutme

today,anyway.”Hetuggedmetowardhimuntilhecouldwrapanarmaroundmyshoulders.“Letmeshow
youthisoneshopacrosstheway.IheardtheyhavesomenewfashionsinfromParis.Youhavetopickthe
clothesbeforeyoupickthejewelrytogowithit.Right,Gabriel?”

“Right-o.”Gabrielwinkedatme,lookinghighlyamused.
Wewalkedawayandthesalesman’sfacelookedpanicked.

Victorplacedagentlehandonthebackofmyhead,massagingmyscalpthroughmyhairandgetting

metoturnmyheadaround.“Don’tlook,”hesaid.“Justwalkaway.”

“Howdidyouknow...?”
“Icantakeahint,”hesaid.HelookedoveratKota,whowaswalkingonmyotherside.“Rude?”
“Hewastryingtokickusoutfortalkingaboutgettingherearspierced.”Iguessedsincewewere

reallytalkingaboutGabriel’sbirthday,andGabrielwasrightthere,theyavoidedthattopictonotspoil
thesurprise.

Victor’sfireeyesignitedwithcuriosity.“Shewantsto?”
“She’sthinkingaboutit,”Kotasaid.
Mr.Blackbournespokefrombehindus.“IbelieveMissSorensoncantellyouifshe’sinterestedor

not.She’srightnexttoyou.Don’tspeakforher.”

Isuckedin,stoodtallerandstaredstraightahead.ItwastheboyswhoweregettingalectureandIfelt

themstiffenbesideme.

“Iwasn’ttryingto,”Kotasaidquietly.
“Ididn’tmeanto,”Victorsaid.
“There’snoneedtospeakaroundher,”hesaid.
“It’sjustconversation,”Lukesaid.Iturnedmyhead,findinghisbrowneyes.“Andshe’sveryquiet

whenthere’salotofusaround.Butshesayssomethingwhenshewantsto.”

“Idon’twantanyonetoforgetsheisverymuchapartofthisgroupandshouldbelistenedto,”Mr.

Blackbournesaid.Helookedatme,hislipssofteningabitandhissteeleyesdemandingmyattention.
“Wouldyoulikeyourearspierced,MissSorenson?”

Myfingersfluttered,temptedtotouchatmylip,butIforcedmyhandtomyside.“Maybenottoday?I

haven’treallyconsideredit.”

Mr.Blackbournenodded.Lukesmiled;sincehepreferredmyearsnottobepierced,Ithinkheliked

thatIwasatleastnotgoingtodoittoday.

Gabrielmovedahead,thenstoppedandturned,facingtherestofus.“Okay,nowthatwe’rehere,who

wantstostart?”

“Wherearewegoing,anyway?”Lukeasked.
“Theshopshouldbeonthesecondfloor,”hesaid.
“There’sasecondfloor?”Iasked.
Gabrielkepthiscrystaleyesonme,grinning.“Yeah,Trouble,we’reatthegoodspots,now.Timeto

indulgeabit.”

“Wedon’thavetoomuchtime,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Let’sfocusonwhatweneedfor

homecoming.”

“Afterthat,wecanplay,”Victorsaid.
IglancedbackatMr.Blackbourne,waitingforhimtosaysomethinglikewewouldhavetogetback

toworkorbackhome.Hesaidnothingofthesortandsimplycontinuedwalkingwithus.

Withsixofustogether,itturnedintoVictorandGabrielwalkingbesidemeandLukeandKotafalling

backtotalkwithMr.Blackbourne.ItfeltoddtohaveMr.Blackbournehangingoutwithus.Wasthis
normalforthemoutsideofschool?Nowthatweweretogetheroutsideofficialenvironments,changing
gearstohavingMr.Blackbournepresentasapartofthegroup,thefamily,wasaninteresting
development.

Attheendofthehallwayofshops,thebuildingopenedupintoanelegantblackandwhitetitledcenter

space,withtwowindingstaircasesgoinguptoasecondlevel,alargechandelierhangingdownbetween
thestaircases.Belowandbehindthestairswasanelegantrestaurantfurnishedwithleatherwingback

chairsandrichwoods.Therewerepeopleintherestaurantandsomeaboveonthesecondfloor,butmost
ofthespacewasquiet.

Thiscertainlywasn’taregularmall.
Gabrielhookedanarmaroundbehindme,puttingapalmonmylowerbackandleanedinaswe

startedupthestairs.“Andwhothefuckdressedyouthismorning?Haven’tItaughtyouanything?Weneed
tobuyyousomethingbetter.”

“Iwaslittlebusy,”Isaidquietly.
“Noshit,”hesaid.“ThankgodI’vegotthenightoff.”
Wefinishedclimbingthestairs,wherethereweremorestores.Gabrieldirectedustothelastoneat

theendofthehall.

TissuDeuxwaspaintedingoldacrossnearlyeverywall,indifferentfonts,stylesandangles.There

werenoracksatallinthisstore,justdisplaysofeachoutfitensembleonamannequin,completewith
shoes,handbags,hats,andotheritems.Therewasn’tareceptionistdesk,justacentersectionwithpure
whiteleathersofassurroundingashortcenterplatforminfrontofarowofmirrorsinthemiddle.

“Iwasluckytogetinanappointment,”Gabrielsaid.“Ihadtodropaname.”
“That’swhatI’mherefor,”Victorsaidwithagrin.“Name-dropping.”
“I’massumingthisistheMorganparty,”afemalevoicesaid.Weturnedtospotawomanwithshort

brownhairandapairofstylishframedglassesanddressedallinblack,exceptforalightbluescarf
knottedartfullyaroundherneck.SheheldoutherhandtoVictorfirst.“IthoughtIrecognizedtheface.
Pleasuretomeetyou.I’mGretta.”

Victorflashedasmileandnoddedhishead.“Nicetomeetyou,Gretta.Sorryfortheshortnotice.”
Thisfeltsomuchdifferentfromtherudesalesmandownstairs.Grettawasprettyandseemed

genuinelypleasedtoseeus.Shewasolder,maybelatetwenties,andcarriedaconfidencethatIenvied.
“Notroubleatall.That’swhatI’mherefor,”shesaidandturnedhereyestoGabriel.“AreyouGabriel?
Andyou’regoingtohelp?”

“That’swhatI’mherefor,”hesaid.Hepointedatme.“Let’sstartwithher,though.Ihaveabetter

ideaofwhattodowiththeothers.Mightaswellstartwiththehardone.”

“Youmentioneditwashomecoming,”Grettasaidasshestrolledforward.Shewastallerthanme,and

especiallysowithherimpossiblyhighblackheels.Shestartedtocirclemeandtheotherssteppedaway,
givingherroom.“Idon’tthinkI’vedressedanyoneforaschoolevent.”

“We’llprobablyuseitagain,”Gabrielsaid.“I’dlikesomethingflexibleonher.”
“Somethingmoreelegant,”Victorsaid.“Eveningwear.”
Mr.BlackbournesteppedupbesideVictor.Hehadhishandsdrawnbehindhisbackandspoke

quietly.“Pardonmeforsuggesting,Mr.Morgan,”hesaid.“Perhapsweshouldlookforsomethingwitha
subtleelegance.It’llbeeasiertoaddaccessoriesthatwillallowforflexibilityfordifferentneeds.”Mr.
Blackbourneturnedhiseyesonme.“Whatdoyouthink,MissSorenson?”

Inoddedquickly.Simpleelegancesoundedlessexpensive.Itriednottoprotestaboutcostand

wantedthemnottoworryaboutme,butIknewfromexperiencethiswaspointless.

“That’sagoodidea,”Gabrielsaid.Hesteppedbackandhisarmsfoldedacrosshischestashetilted

hisheadandlookedatme.Oneoftheblondlocksslippedtorestagainsthiseyebrow,makingastriking
image.“IthinkIwanttodoasimplemaskforthis,too.Somethingverypretty.Oneofthosehalfmasks
thatcomeuparoundthecheeks.”

“She’sgotthefaceforit,”Grettasaid,standinginfrontofmeandanglingherheadclosetowardmy

face.“IthinkIseewhereyou’regoing.Imighthavesomethingclosetoit.Thecolormightnotberight,
butit’llgiveyouanidea.”

“Let’sputitonher,”Gabrielsaid.Hereachedout,takingmyarmandtuggedmetowardhim.“Where

dowego?”

Gretta’seyebrowswentup.“Shouldn’tIjusttakeher?”
“She’sgoodwithme,”hesaid.Helookeddownatme.“Right?”
Inoddedmoreaggressivelyatthis.Grettawasfine,butmystomachwasinknotsthinkingofhavingto

beseparatedfromanyofthemandundressinginfrontofGretta.I’dratherhaveGabriel.

I’dnoticedMr.Blackbournewasabouttosaysomethingatthesametime,butstoppedthemomentI

startednodding.Hiseyebrowswentupinacuriousexpression,butheclosedhislipsagain.

IwashustledthroughadoorIhadn’tevennoticed.Amomentlater,Iwasdownahallwayandina

completelymirroredroomwithasoftoverheadlightandavelvetcouch.Therewasatableandacouple
ofantiquecoatracksinthecorners.

“Waitherewithher?”Grettaasked.“I’llgofetchthesamples.”
“Gotcha,”Gabrielsaid,noddingtoher,asmirkonhisface.
Grettaclosedthedooronus.Gabrielturnedimmediatelyandsuddenlywrappedhisarmsaroundmy

waistandback.Hehuggedmesohardmyfeetwerepulledofftheground.Hestaggeredforwardastepor
two,draggingmewithhim.

“Holyshitfuckdamn,”hesaidallinonebreath.Heburiedhisheadintomyneck.“Trouble,youandI,

sweetie.We’vegottogetourselvestogether.”

IwasholdingonaroundhisnecksoIdidn’tfallover.Iwasoutofair,andyettryingtogiggleathis

suddenhug.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

“IsawyouyesterdayandIhardlyhadachancetoeventalktoyou.”HeslowlyputmedownuntilI

wasonmytoesandthenkissedmynose.“Iguessdressuptimewillhavetodofornow.”

“We’vebeenbusy,”Isaid.Ibreathedindeeply;heworeacitrusmusktoday.Itwasaninteresting

combinationbutIwasn’tsureitsuitedhim.

“Iknowwehave.Fuckallthisshit.Weneedavacation.Let’sgetcaughtdoingsomethingatschool

andgetsuspendedforaweek.”

Iknewhedidn’treallymeanit.IknowMr.BlackbournesaidIneededtospendmoretimewiththe

boys,andsomeboysseemedtoneedmoretimethanothers.“Canyouspendthenighttonight?”

Hiscrystaleyeslitup.“Shit,yeah.Youwantto?I’llcrashatNathan’sanytime.Ishouldgothrough

yourclothesanyway.”

“Youalwayssaythat.”
Helookedmeover.“Youalwaysdresslikeshit.”
Hewascursingalotmorethanusualanditmademesmile.Theboysdidn’toftencurse.Somedidn’t

doitatall.Othersdiditwhentheywereangry.Gabrieldroppedcurseslikeflies,happy,sad,excited,
angry.Itwasthewayhesaidthemthatmademesmile.Sometimeshehidthatpartofhimselfinfrontof
otherpeople,likeatschool,butforsomereason,itdidn’tfeellikehimifhewasn’tcursing.“Iheardyou
wantedyourtonguepiercedforyourbirthday.”

“Whatdoyouthink?”hesaid.Hestuckhistongueoutandthenspokearoundit.“Woulditbecool?”
Inodded.Ireallydidthinkso.Itwouldgowithalltheotherpiercings.“Won’tithurt?”
“Probablyforaminute.”Hecuppedhispalmsovermyfaceandthenleanedclosetome.“Allright,

seriousquestionnow.Youwantmeinherewhileyou’rechanging?”

Iswallowed,andfoundIwasnoddingbeforeIcouldeventhink.Yes,yes,Idid.Ididn’twanttobe

aloneinhere,nordidIwantGrettainherewithme.

“Ithoughtso,”hesaid.“Don’tsweatit,okay?YouandIneedtoworktogetheralot,andthatmeansI

mayneedtoseeyouinyourunderwearwhileyou’regettingdressed.I’dratheritbemesoIcanmake

sureyou’redoingshitright.Yougoodwiththat?I’mnottryingtobeaperv.”

“It’sfine,”Isaid.Really,afterallwe’dbeenthrough,itwastheleastofmyworries.He’dseenme

throughgettingdressedinswimsuitsandinmyunderwearandevennakedinacloset.IknewI’dblush
andbeabitshy,buthewasright.Wehadtoworktogether.Hedidthiswiththeothers.We’dgetusedto
it.

Iwantedto.I’dratherhavesomeoneItrustedwithmeonthis.Whobetterthanhim?
Hegrinnedandthenstuckhistongueoutandlickedmyforehead.
Ilaughedandthentriedtowipewherehe’dlicked.
“Nope,”hesaid,takingmyhandawayfrommyhead.“IfIlickit,it’smine.”
“Myforeheadisyours?”
Hestartedlaughingandhuggedmetightagain,liftingmeupoffthegroundashebentbackandburied

hisfaceintomyhair.“Ohmyfuckinggod,arewestartingthatgame?Fine.ThistimeI’veclaimedyour
forehead.Gottoworkonespotatatime.”

Iwasgladhecouldn’tseemyface,asmymouthwasgapingopen.Seriously?
Therewasaknockatthedoor,andhedroppedme,steppingbackandsmoothingahandthroughhis

hair.

ItriedtolooknotasshookupasIfelt.
Grettahadreappeared.Shecarriedseveralgownsanddisplayedthemonthetable.“There’sseveral,

butI’mthinkingacorset.”

“That’salittlerisquéforahomecomingdance,”Gabrielsaid.Histonechangedslightly,morepolite,

andalsoaslightedgeofcommand.Thiswashisarena.Hewasincharge.

“ButnotforaHalloweenhomecoming,”shesaid.“Stickwithmehere.Itisn’tgoingtobeasvibrant

oras...steampunkasthis.”Shepulledonedressoutofthecollectionandhelditup.Thecorsetwasred,
withsleevesjustbarelyhangingfromtheshoulders.Laceandsomebrassboltsandgadgetshungfromthe
sides.Theskirtandsomeaccessorieswereblack.“Don’tlookattheembellishments,justtheshape.”

Gabrieltiltedhisheadatit,studying.Hereachedout,feelingthematerial.“Iwouldn’tuseleatheron

thecorsetpart,butIseewhatyou’regettingat.”

“It’lllookgoodonhershape,especiallywithashorterskirt.”
“Let’sseeitonher.”
Iheldmybreath,lookingatthedress.Itwasaprettypiece,butIcouldn’tseehowitwouldwork.The

skirtwasreallylong.Itlookedweirdwiththeredandthebrassembellishments.

“There’ssomethingsimilar,butitisinsolidblackwithashorterskirt,”shesaid.Shemovedthrough

thepieces,pullingouttheotherone.Thecorsetwassmallerandwouldonlycovermywaist.Theskirt
wasalittleabovetheknee,orwouldbeonatallergirl.

“Ilikethesleevesoftheotherone,”Gabrielsaid.
“Icanfakeit,”Grettasaid.“Icantieacoupleofscarvesoverhershouldersfortheotherstoseefor

now.”

Henodded.“Actually,”hesaidashereachedouttosmoothhisfingersoverthematerial.“Let’sgo

withthisblackone.Ithinkshorterskirtsaremoreforher.”

“It’llworkbetterwithamask,”shesaid.“Andyoucouldwearitforalotofdifferentevents.”
“Simpleelegance,”hesaid.“Whattheyordered.Okay.Let’stry.”
TherewasaknowingnodfromGabrielandmyeyeswidened,wonderingwhattodo.
“Givehersomespace?”Gabrielasked.“She’sshy.”
“Sure,”Grettasaid.Sheundidthecorsetandthenshowedittome.“Justpulliton.It’sgoingtotake

anextrapairofhandstotieitupbehindyou.Icancomeback...”

“I’lldoit,”Gabrielsaid.“I’llstayinhere.She’smorecomfortablewithme.Shegetsshyaround

peopleshedoesn’tknow.”

“Oh,”Grettasaid,andwhilehereyeswerecurious,noneofherotherfeaturessaidanythingotherthan

awillingnesstoplease.“Justcallmeinifyouneed.”Shewenttothedoorandsteppedoutside,closing
theroombehindher.

“Yeah,sheprobablythinksI’mpervertnow,”Gabrielsaid.Heshruggedandthenheldupthedress.

“Juststripdownintoyourunderwear.Ithinkyoucanleavethebraon.”

Iturnedslightly,andGabrielturnedpartially,too.Wetalkedagoodgame,butwhenitcametoshow

time,Iwasstillnervous.Icouldseeoutofthecornerofmyeyethathewasfocusedonthedress,touching
certainpartsofit,whichleftmetogetundresseddowntomyunderwearandbra.Thepantieswere
modest,likeshorts,andthebrawasaracerbackbikinitypewiththeclaspinthefront.I’dbeeninless
aroundhim,butIstillcoveredmystomachwithmyarms.“Nowwhat?”Iasked.

Hemovedwhilefocusingonpositioningthedresslowandinfrontofme,theskirtdrapingonthe

floor.Ihadafeelinghewaskeepingmeinhissideviewtotrytomakethingseasier.“Okay,juststepinto
themiddle.Thatmightbebetterthantryingtoliftitoveryourhead.

Placingmyhandonhisshoulderforbalance,Isteppedintotheopencorsetanddress.Hepulledthe

wholeensembleupmyhips.Thecorsetpartgotcaughtatthewidestpartofmyhip,andhetugged.

“Ugh,”Isaid,gettingliftednearlyupoffthefloorandbroughtbackdownashejostledme.Igrabbed

ontohisshoulderstohangon.Iwasbreathinginthecitrus,thefragrancestrongernowthatIwassoclose,
anditwasalittleheady,makingmynosetinglelikeIwasgoingtosneeze.

“Hangon,letmeunlacethispart,”hesaid.Hehookedhisfingersintothecordandtuggedatitto

loosen.

Thistimeitslidupmyhipseasier.Hetuggeditupovermychest,andthenhelditupagainstmybody.

Hisbreathwaswarmonmeashewassocloseandsofocusedonthedress.I’dseenthislookaloton
him,whenhehadanimageinhishead,andheusedmeashismodel.Itwasmycuetosimplydoashe
toldme,becausehewouldn’tstopuntilhegottheresultshewanted.

Hetwistedthedressarounduntilitlookedlikeitwasonright.Istuffedmybreastsintothetopofthe

corsetpart.Heleanedbackabit,watchingasIdid,andthentiltedhishead.“Ihatetosaythis,”hesaid,
“butyoumightneedtotakethatbraoff.It’swhiteandthisisblackandthedressmaterialthereissee
through.”

“MaybeIshouldn’tgetadresslikethis,”Isaid.IknewGrettahadsaidthatitwouldhavesleeves,but

Iwasn’tsureifitwouldbeenough.Thetopfeltlikeitwouldslideoffandexposeme,andIwasn’tsureif
Iwascomfortable.

“Ithinkitcanwork,”hesaid.“Giveitachance.”Hereachedoutslowlytowardthetophemofthe

materialatmychest.“Don’tfreakout.I’mjustadjusting.”

Inoddedandputmyhandsbehindmyback,allowinghimtodowhathewanted.
Hesmirkedandshiftedthematerial.“Thelightinhereiskindofbright,andthehomecomingdance

willprobablybealotdarker.Butifwecanmakeitlookgoodinthelight,it’lllookfantasticinthedark.
Allmysteriousandshit.”Hetuggedthematerialthatwentbetweenmybreastsdownabit.“IneedGretta.
Idon’tknowifyou’llneedabraforthisatall.Hangonasecond.Letmegether.”

Gabrielwentforthedoor,andamomentlater,Grettawasstandinginfrontofme,surveying.“You’ve

gotitonbackwards,sweetie,”shesaidwithasmile.“Thiscorsettiesinthefront.”

“Whatthefuck?”Gabriellaughed.Heplacedapalmonhisforeheadandrubbed.“Iwasstartingto

wonder.”

Grettasmiledandthenapproachedme,herhandsout.“Letme?”sheasked.“I’llbegentle.”

Iswallowedandnodded.WithGabrielthereandthatIwascoveredupmostlynow,Ifeltabitbetter

aboutit.

Grettatwistedthecorsettoparounduntilthelacesweregoingupmystomach.Shetuggedatthebra

top,whichcameupalittlehigherandactuallycoveredthebraI’dbeenwearingbetter.Shesmoothedout
thelowerdresspart,andthenstartedtyingupthelaces.“Waituntilyou’retiedin,”shesaid.“You’llsee.”
Shestartedpullingonribbonsfirmly,tuggingmearound.“Thisshouldbesupportive,notsqueezingthe
lifeoutofyou.Youshouldbeabletobreatheeasily,butfeellikeitwon’tfalloffandshouldn’tneedto
adjust.Youcanusereversibletapeonthebratoptomakesureitstaysinplace.”

“Weshouldprobablydoherhairup,”Gabrielsaid.“Likeinasweep.”
Grettanodded,gettingtothetoppartofthecorsetandthreadingthefinallacesthroughandtyingitoff.

“Upisbest.Youwanttheshouldersexposedasmuchaspossible.She’sgotniceones.”

“Tellmeaboutit,”Gabrielsaid.Hesteppedupnexttoher,hisarmsacrosshischestagainashe

studiedme.“Thismightwork.”

Grettasteppedawaytowardhercollectionofitemsatthetable.Shepulledouttwoblackscarvesand

startedweavingthemaroundmyshoulderstomakefakesleeves.Theywerejustafewincheswideand
hangingjustofftheshoulder,butoncetheywereinplace,itreallydidmakealotofdifference.Ididn’t
feelsoexposed.

“Youshouldmovearound,”Grettasaid.Shemotionedtothemirrorsontheothersideoftheroom.

“Walkoverthereandthenback?”

Istartedwalkingassheasked,turningandlookingbackatthemthroughthemirrors.Itgavemea

chancetoreallyseewhatthedresslookedlike.Thewaistmademelookalittlesmaller,buttheskirt
flowedoutloose,andgavemeabitmoreshapethanIreallyhad.Withthefauxsleevesinplace,itmade
formodestblackattire.Inthelight,youcouldseethecorsetribsmovingup.Insomeparts,thecorsetwas
see-throughwithlace.

“It’sabitgothonher,”Gabrielsaid.“ButIseewhereyou’regoingwithit.”
“Itwasmeantforagoth-costume.”Grettawassmilingthroughthemirrorrightatme.“Andlookat

her.Shewalkslikeahuman.”

Gabrielstartedlaughing.“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”
“Heeltotoe,”shesaid.“Girlsthesedayswalkontheirtoesfirst,anditannoysme.Youhaveheelsfor

areason.”

Iwaswonderingwhyshemadethecomment.Wasshetryingtomakemefeelbetter?Maybeshewas

worriedIwasputoffbyhersomewaywhenIrejectedtheideaofherbeingintheroomwithmewhile
gettingdressed.

Gabrielrolledhiseyesandthencurledhisfingersatme.“Okay,okay,let’sshowtheothers.”
Isuckedinabreath,wonderinghowIwasgoingtofacethem.
“Hangon,”Grettasaid.Shewenttothedoorandpickedupsomethingfromthefloorjustoutside.She

camebackinwithablackfeatheredmaskandapairofblackshoeswithathickheelandribbonaround
theanklepart.“Let’sgetheringear.Probablynotexactlywhatshe’llwear,butmightaswellsellit.”

CostumeDesign

littlebitlater,Iwasstumblingbackdownthehallwayintheshoes.Gabrielwasholdingontomyarm

tomakesureIdidn’tfallover;Ihadn’teverwornanythingwithmuchofaheel.

Ihadthemaskonovermyface,anditjustcoveredthecrestsofmycheeks.Iwasgratefulforthat.The

guyscouldn’tseemeblush.

Infact,withthemask,itwasalittlehardtosee.IusedGabrielalottoshowmewheretogo.
Theothersweretalking,butthemomentwesteppedout,theyallwentquiet.Gabrielmovedmetothe

platforminthemiddleandcontinuedtostandwithme,holdingupmyhand.Iwaslookingdown,forthe
mostpartwatchingmystepandwherehewantedmetostand.

Ithoughtbeforehe’dlookedreallyhandsomeinhisfittedshirtandwiththewayhe’dstyledhishair,

butundertheplatformlight,hewasparticularlystunning.Ifeltbraveraboutstaringathimthroughthe
mask.Hemetmyeyesoften,withasmileandslightlifttohisbrow.Hewaspleased.

Gabrielgesturedtowardthedress.“Trytofocusontheshape,”hesaidforeveryonetohear.“Wecan

addcolor.”

Noonewassayinganything,anditmademenervous.Ihadtolookup.
Kotahadhismouthopen,hiseyeswide.
Lukehadasidegrin,hisheadtiltedashelookedatmylegs.
Victorsatup,scootingtotheedgeofhisseat.Icouldsee,evenfromadistance,hisfireeyesasthey

seemedtolightupinablaze,veryintense.

WhenIfinallymusteredthecouragetolookatMr.Blackbourne,hestoodupandstartedwalking

aroundtheplatform.Hisfaceblank,emotionless.Hissteeleyeswereeverywhere.Hecircledaroundme.

Iheldmybreath,waiting.Thecorsetwasfirm,notlettingmeslouchatall.Itstoppedmefrom

shaking.IthoughtImightlikecorsetdresses.

“Removethescarves?”Mr.Blackbourneaskedquietly.
Mycheekshadbeenwarmbefore,butnowtheywereveryhot.Withoutthescarves,mybreastswere

moreexposed,andthey’dallseethebrastraps.

Gabrielthreadedhisfingersthroughtoundotheknotsofthescarvesthatweretiedtogether.Mr.

Blackbournestoodbehindus,alittleofftothesidesoIcouldn’tseehim.Ifocusedontheothers.Victor
wassittingback,curiousandobservant.Kotahadstoodthenmovedcloserandwasnowfocusingonme.
Lukehoppedupandthenmovedtocircletheplatform.

“Itdoesn’tevenlooklikeher,”Lukesaid,thenleanedintowardme,archinghisneck.“Thatyou

underneath?”

Istartedtogigglealittle.Thehumorrelievedsomeofthetensioninme.“Yes,”Isaid.“It’sme.”
Gabrielremovedthescarvesandsteppedaway,circlingtothefront.“IthinkIlikethesleevesbetter.”
Mr.Blackbournemovedaround,stillonthefloor,standingbetweenLukeandKota.Hereachedout

andpointed.“Yes,buttheyshouldbehangingmore,Ithink.Awave,likethedress.Thedresspartmight
lookbetter,too,ifitwaslowerintheback,ormoredraped.”

“Whataboutasidesweep?”Grettasaidsomewherebehindme.Handswentaroundme,andI

recognizedhertouch,knowledgeableandquick.Shegatheredsomeofthefrontoftheskirtandbunchedit
atmythighbeforemovingasidetostandoutoftheway.ShetouchedGabrielontheelbow.“Moveover,
sweetie.”

Gabrielsteppedbackwiththerestoftheguys.Grettahadaclip,andshediduptheundersideofthe

skirt.“Icanmakeitlongeringeneral,ofcourse.”

“No,actually,that’smuchbetter,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Rightthere,butwiththebackpartjusta

touchlongertogiveitanotabledifference.”

Theshorterpartwhereitwassweptupfeltliketherewasnothingthereatall,likeapairofshorts.

Theclipheldthefabricawayfrommyleg,makingitfeelnaked.WhenIcouldn’tfeelthematerialagainst
mythigh,ithadmeimaginingtherewasnothingatall.

ThenIrelaxed,knowingtheboyswouldneverallowthat.Thefinaldresswouldprobablyfeel

different.

“Andwiththesleeves?”Gabrielasked.
Mr.Blackbournenodded.Theotherswerestudyingme,buttheystayedquiet,lettingMr.Blackbourne

andGabrielworktogether.Ihadn’tknownMr.Blackbournetohaveopinionsonfashionlikesomeofthe
othersdid.Iactuallylikedhearinghisthoughts.He’doncepickedoutaT-shirtdressforme,whichIstill
had,buthadn’twornagainsince,notdaringtowearittoschool.

“Ilikewherethere’slacethat’salittlesee-through,”Gabrielsaid.Hepointedtoaspotonmy

stomach.“Ithinkweshouldhavemoreofthat,butforthisdance,haveaninsidepartwherethat’s
covered.Butifwecanremoveitfordifferentevents...”

“Thatcanbedone,”Grettasaid.“Doyouwantadifferentcolor?”
Therewasaflashoflight,andthenanother.IturnedtoseebothVictorandLukewiththeircellphones

out;they’dsnappedpicturesofmeatdifferentangles.Lukegrinnedandputitaway.Victorheldhisout
andmovedtothesideandsnappedanother.“IthinkIliketheblack,”hesaid.“That’llworkwithallsorts
ofevents.”

“Accessoriescanaddcolor,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.HelookedoveratVictor.“I’mthinkingahot

pinkforhomecoming.”

Myheartflutteredatthementionofpink.Ihadafeelinghewassayingthatforme.
“Dowewanttomatchwithher?”Victorasked.
“Allblackwithasplashofcolor,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Differentcolors,butbrightlikethepink.

That’llprobablyworkbest.Andwithfullfacemasksforeveryoneexcepther.”

“I’mthinkingmorePhantomoftheOperastyle,”Gabrielsaid.“Likelipsandcheeksexposed.”
“I’vegotanidea,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“I’llshowyoulater.”
Gabrielpursedhislips.IgotthefeelingtherewassomethingAcademybehinditifhedidn’twantto

mentionitinfrontofGretta.

Grettasteppedaside,withawidesmile.“Icantakehermeasurementsandgetstartedonit.”
“Weneedarushorder,”Victorsaid.Heturnedtoher.“Ifyoucangetitclose,wecanmakeany

adjustments.”

“Ihatelettingapiecegowithoutseeingthefinal,”shesaid.“It’smynameonthetag.”
“It’satightdeadline.Wouldyoumakeahousecall?”Mr.Blackbourneasked.
“Ofcourse,”shesaid.“Afterhours.”
“Thatworksforus,”hesaid.“WeneeditbySaturdaytomakeadjustmentsthatmorning.”
“IcanprobablyhaveitpreppedanddeliveredFridayevening,”shesaid,thengesturedtowardthe

gown.“Isthisawinner?Arewegoodwithit?”

“You’vegotagoodeye,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Ithinkthiswillwork.”Hefocusedonme.“Butdo

youlikeit,MissSorenson?Areyouhappywithit?”

Inoddedquickly.Ifeltalltheireyesonme,waiting.Iwantedtoredirecttheirattentionbyagreeing.I

wonderedifsuchadresswouldattractmoreattentionthanIreallywanted.Themaskwouldmakeit

tolerable;easiertofocus.

MaybethatwaswhyVoltoworeone.Hefeltbraverwearingit.
AfterInodded,Mr.BlackbourneturnedtoKota,LukeandVictor.“AmImissinganything?”
“Ifshereallylikesit,getitforher,”Victorsaid.“Buyhertwo.”Herefocusedonme.“Doyoulikethe

shoes?Shouldwegetanecklaceforit?”

“ForHalloween,findsomethingthatgoesaroundherthroat,”Grettasaid.“Somethingwithablack

cordorlaceandsomethingthicker.It’llbemorestriking.Ifyou’regoingwithhotpinkthistime,makeita
hotpinkstoneinthecenter.”

“IthinkIsawsomethinginatourmaline,”Kotasaid.Itwasthefirsttimehe’dsaidanythingandIwas

surprisedhe’dbeensoquiet.“They’vegotahotpinktype.”

“Somethinginaheartshape,”Lukesaid.
“That’sgoingtoneedtobeorderedtoday,”Victorsaid.“That’lltaketimetomake.”
“It’llmakeabigdifference,”Grettasaid.
“Knowanyonewhowilldoitquickly?”Mr.Blackbourneaskedher.
“Andpleasedon’tsaytheguyinthejewelryshopdownstairs,”Lukesaid.
Grettalaughed.“Theirstoreisabouttoclose.They’retoosnobby,fromNewYork.They’llneverlast.

Theydon’trealizedownherethatsomeofourrichestclientscanshowupinoverallsandmudasmuchas
they’llshowupinsomethingfancier.Butyeah.Icangiveyouanumbertoacoupleofpeople.”Sheheld
outherhandtoVictor.“We’regood?”

Victornodded,reachingtoshakeherhand.Iunderstoodthismeantsomething,likethey’dreachedan

agreementandthiswasGretta’sverificationtogoaheadandmaketheensemble.

Pricewasn’tevermentionedatall.Itwasliketheydidn’tcarewhatitcost.Whatevertheywanted,

evenifitwasforme,they’dpayit.

“Youboysready?”sheasked.Shelookedatme.“Youwanttogogetoutofthat?I’lllookfor

somethingfortheguys.Ishouldactuallyhavealotofitinstockrightnow,andI’lljustneedtofitand
makeadjustments.”

“Gabrielfirst,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Andthenmyself.I’dliketotakeMissSorensontopickupa

fewmorethingswhiletheothersaregettingfitted.”

Moreshopping?IlookedatKotaandtheothers,whosimplynoddedlikethishadbeenexpected.
“Wecancatchupwithyou,”Kotasaid.“We’llcomefindyouwhenwe’redone.”
“Don’tgooffindividually,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.
“Letmehelpheroutofthisthing,”Gabrielsaid.“YougoaheadwithGretta.”
Mr.Blackbournenodded
Iletoutaslowbreath,gratefultheshowwasover.
WhatIreallylikedwasthatIdidn’thavetomakethechoiceinwhattowear.Ifeltitwouldhavebeen

impossiblesinceIhadnoideawhatIlikedorwhatlookedgood.Havingtheiropinionshelpedsomuch.

Maybeitwasn’thowothergirlsshopped.Iunderstoodotherpeoplemusthaveopinionsaboutwhat

theywear.Ilikedalittlebitofeverythingandbecameindecisive,buttheboysmanagedtosettlethe
decisionmakingprocess.

WhatIloved,whatreallywarmedmyheart,wastheirapprovalandseeingtheywerepleased.I

walkedwithmoreconfidencethen.Thatlittlebitofboostmadeallthedifference.Theyworkedtogether
withme.Iwantedtodothesamewiththem.

Gabrielhelpedmeoutofthegown,andIgotdressedagain.Bythetimewereturnedtothefrontofthe

shop,theothershadgoneintotheback.

Gabrielhunganarmovermyshoulder.“I’mgoingtohangbackwithyouuntilsomeoneshowsup,”he

said.Hetookouthisphoneandtappedatit.“Wearen’tallowedtosplitup.”

“Finebyme,”Isaid.
Wespentafewminutescheckingoutthedisplays.Itdidn’ttaketoolongbeforeMr.Blackbournewas

back.HemotionedtoGabriel.“Headback,”hesaid.“Justletherrecheckmeasurements.”

“It’sthesameaslastweek,”hesaid,whichmademewonderwhathappenedlastweekthathe’d

neededmeasurementstaken.“Butokay.”Hesteppedawayfrommeandheadedtowardthedoorthatlead
tochangerooms.

Themomenthewasgone,Mr.Blackbourneturnedonmeandmotionedtothefrontofthestore.“Come

on.”

Iwassurprisedbutfollowedhimoutsidetheshop,whereheturnedandwestoodlikewewere

lookinginatthedisplays.

Hepulledouthiscellphone,andthenmine,whichhepassedtome.“Youshouldkeepthis.”
Inodded,andthenawkwardlyplacedmyphoneintomybra,becausetherewerenopocketsinthe

shortsIwaswearing.

HewatchedasIputitawayandthenrefocusedonhisownphone.Hepokedatthescreenandthen

showedittome.“Doyouknowthisplace?”heasked.

Icheckedhisscreen,anditwasapictureofabuilding.Atfirst,Ididn’trecognizewhatitwas,and

thenhechangedthepicturetoanotheroneanditwasthesamebuilding,differentangle.Itwasachurch,
anditlookedold.Thewoodwaswhiteandtherewasatinycemeteryintheback.“Idon’tthinkso,”I
said.

“It’snotfarfromSilas’sapartment.Youmighthavepassedit.”
“Maybe?”Icouldn’treallyrecall,buttherewerealotofbuildingsnearSilas’sapartmentcomplex.

“ShouldIknowit?”

“It’snottherenow.Itburneddownlastnight.”
Myeyeswidened.“Oh?”
“Lastnight,atSilas’shouse,didyoumeetTheo?”
“Hewasthere,”Isaid,gettingastrangefeeling,aheavinesshoveringoverme.
“Doyourememberwhattime?”heasked.“CanyoutellmewhensawTheo?”
Ilookedatthedisplay,mostlytryingtorecallthedetails.ThisfeltlikeAcademywork,andIwas

changinggears.“Ifirstsawhimafterdinner,aroundeightorso,Ithink.Andthenthismorning.Ialsosaw
himinthemiddleofthenight.”

Heturnedtostandcloserbesideme.Hespokequieter.“Whattime?Theoneinthemiddleofthe

night?”

“I’mnotsure,”Isaidsoftly.“Maybearoundtwo?”
“Whathappened?”
IrelayedtohimhowI’dgottenup,andthensawTheogettingacigarettelitfromhisfatherandthen

retreatingbacktohisroom.“Ididn’tunderstandwhyheneededhiscigarettelit.Charliechewedona
cigarbuthedidn’tseemtolightthem.Whynotjustpassoverthelighter?”

Mr.Blackbournesighedandthenputhisphoneintohispocket.“ItrustSilas,”hesaid.“ButTheo’s

beendeterioratingwithinthelastyear.Hehasanaddiction.”

“Oh,”Isaid.Wasitdrugs?
“WithSilasmoreinvolvedatthisschool,hehasn’tbeenhomelikeheusedto.However,heshouldn’t

havetobabysithisownfamily.YoushouldkeepyourdistancefromTheo.He’snotphysicallydangerous.
He’sgoingthroughaveryhardtime,though,andthatcanmakeapersonunpredictable.”

“Whatdoesthishavetodowiththechurchfire?”
“Addictiontakesshapeinmanyforms,”hesaidquietly.“Itisn’talwaysasubstance.”
Didhemeanfirecouldbeanaddiction?“Doyouthinkhesetthefire?”
“Actually,ifhewashomeattwo,itcouldn’thavebeenhim.”
Irecalledthenewsreportabouttheotherburnedchurch.“Whatabouttheotherone?TheoneNorth

wasworriedabout?Isthatwhyeveryonewasworried?”

“WecheckedwithCharlie,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Theowashomeatthetimethefirestarted.He’d

wokenhimupaboutoneinthemorning,aboutwhenthefirestarted.Thatbuildingwasfurtheraway.
Therewasnowayhecouldhavesetit.Ourconcernisthatitmighttriggerareactionfromhimifhe’s
seeingthisonthenews.”

“Whatkindofreaction?”Iasked.“Why?Idon’tunderstand.”
Helookedup,intotheshopasifcheckingtoseeiftheotherswerecomingandthenturneddownthe

hallway,lookingforotherpeople.“I’dpreferifSilaswereheretotalkaboutit.Idon’tmindyouknowing
anything,MissSorenson,butcertainthingsrequiretheproperpersontotellit.Thirdpersonstoriesaren’t
thebestwaytohearaboutwhathappened.JustknowthatwhenIgottoSilasyearsago,whenIfoundhim
inGreece,hislifeandhisfamilywastornalmostbeyondrepair.Ittookseveralmonthstogethisfamilyto
movetothestates,withalotoffavorscalledinfromtheAcademy.Partoftheagreementwasthatwe’d
keepTheoundercontrol.We’vebeenokaysofar,butthisyear,Theohasrefusedtocontinuehistherapy.
Ifhedoesn’tgosoonandstarttochange,TheocouldbedeportedbacktoGreece,andSilasisatrisk.If
Theodoessomethingwrong,Silascouldbesentback,too.”

Myheartfeltlikeithadfallendownintomystomach,andmyshouldersslumpedwiththeweightof

thisnewknowledge.“Silaswouldbeforcedback?”

“Andhe’sonassignmentalotrightnow,”hesaid.“KotaandNathanmighthavetostakeouthis

apartmenttonightjusttokeepaneyeonthings.”

“Isn’ttheresomethingweshoulddo?”
“Wecan’tforceTheotogototherapyanddowhathe’ssupposedto,”hesaid.“Butweneedto

monitorhim.”Hebrushedhispalmacrossthebackofhisneck.“We’rewearingourselvesthin.”

I’dneverseenhimsonervous.Heworkedhardtokeepthefamilytogether,andthiswasamajor

concern,ontopofwhatwehadtodealwithfromschool.Myhandflutteredup,andIforcedmyselftoput
itonhisarm.IwantedtoshowIwassupportive.Itwasjustthetipsofmyfingerstouchinghimthrough
thesleeveofthesuitcoathewore.

Hisarminstantlystoppedmovingandhefocusedonme.Therewasalong,sharedlook.Thesilverin

hiseyeswasstrongernow.IthinkitwasthefirsttimeIreallysawhimasnotanauthorityfigure,but
somethingmuchmorepersonal.Mr.Blackbourne’sauthoritativenaturewaspowerful,butbehinditall,he
waspassionatelydriventoprotectandtokeepthosehecaredabouttogether.

“Familyfirst,right?”Iasked.ItwassomethingthatIstruggledwithmyself.Maybetheboyonthe

stepsoftheshoppingareawe’djustseenshookmyrealityabit.Theboyshadtosaynotosomethingsto
focusonwhatreallymattered.Irealizednowalittleofwhytheydidso.Maybethatboyonthestepswas
stealing,buthewasn’tinimmediatedanger,sohecouldwait.Silaswasatrisk,andoncethefamilywas
safe,wemoveontootherissues.Wecouldn’tdoitifweweresplitup.Itwashardtobemotivatedto
focusonanythingelsewhensomeoneyoucaredaboutcouldbehurtordisappear.“Weshouldconcentrate
onTheo.Wecan’tletSilasgettakenaway.”

“Idon’twanttospookTheo,”hesaid.“Ifweconfronthim,hecouldresistandfightbackandretreat

furtherintohimself,causingmoreharmthangood.Hemaynotbedoinganythingrightnow,andour

confrontationcouldtriggerhimtodosomething.Beingblamedforsomethingyouhaven’tdonecould
causeanegativereaction.Ourpositiveeffortshaven’tbeenworking,though.”

“IstheresomethingIcando?”Iasked.
“Keepyoureyesopen,”hesaid.“NotifymeanytimeyourunintoTheo.Iwanttoknowhismood.

Don’tbealonewithhim,though.StaywithSilaswhenyoucan.”

“Youmeanathishouse?”
“Ishouldhavesomeonewithhimatalltimesrightnow.”Hepursedhislips,hisexpressiondarkening.

“Idon’tusuallysaythis,butifsomethinghappens,wemayneedtoletTheogo.”

“BacktoGreece?”Iasked.“Alone?”
“We’llalwayslookoutforhim.TheAcademywillalwaysmonitoranddoourbesttokeeppeople

safe.Mr.Griffinwasanexampleofsomeoneweneededtosendawayforhisowngood.TheoKorba
mightbenext.ForSilas’ssake.IfTheotakesadangerouspath,wedon’twantSilastakendownwith
him.”

Iwasn’tsosurewhatwastherightpath.WhenIhadmetTheo,Isawsomeonewhoseemedalone.

Silasbrushedhimoff,andCharliewasabruptwithhim.MaybeifSilasandCharlietriedtogetalong
withhim,thingswouldturnoutbetter.Didtheykeeptheirdistancebecausetheyfelthewasdangerous?

“Thereyouare,Owen,”saidavoicedownthehall.WeturnedatoncetoseeDr.Greencomingdown

thehallway.

Ifocusedonhisface,almostnotrecognizinghimbecausehewaswearingdarkbluejeansthathad

beenfashionedtoappearwornandwithacoupleofthinspots.Hisshirtwasblack,withlongsleevesand
hisdirtyblondhairhadbeentrimmedsinceIlastsawhim,andwasbrushedbackawayfromhisface.His
cheekswereflushed,andhehadthatfullenergeticlooklikehe’dbeeninahurry.

Dr.GreenwinkedatMr.Blackbourneasheapproached,hookedanarmaroundmyneckandplanteda

kissonmyforehead.“Heythere,prettygirl.Havetheyplayeddressupwithyouyet?DidImissit?”

MybreathstuckinmythroatandIwaswide-eyed,blushingandlookingrightatMr.Blackbourne.I

waswaitingofhimtosaysomethingaboutthekiss,thetouch,thepublicshowofaffection.

“You’relate,”wasallMr.Blackbournesaid.
“Blamethehospital,”Dr.Greensaid.Hekepthisarmaroundmyneck,hangingontomeandkeeping

meclose.“Theyletinjuredpeoplejustwaltzinanydamntimetheywant.Noconsiderationatall.”

Mr.Blackbournesighedandthengesturedtowardthehallway.“Wewerejustabouttolookfor

somethingalittlemorecasualforher,butyoushouldprobablygetfitted.”

“Ihaven’tseenherinawhile.Let’sgoplayabitandI’llcomebacktogetpokedandproddedlater.”

Heturnedmetowardthehallwayandstartedwalking.Ihadtomovequicklytokeepup.“There’sthatone
downstairsthat’sstillopen,isn’tit?Theonewithallthedresses?IjustpasseditbutIforgetthename.”

ItriedtolookbackatMr.Blackbourne,butIcouldn’tseeoverDr.Green’sarmaroundmyneck.
Dr.Greenpulledmeincloser,andIhadtokeepanarmaroundhiswaisttokeepfromfallingintohim.
Dr.Greensmiled.“Hi,Pookie,”hesaid.
Istartedtogiggle.“Hi,”Isaid.
“ThenexttimeI’vegottimeoff,Iwantourowndate.Yougoodwiththat?”
Isuckedinaquickbreath.WasI?“Sure,”Isaid.Thiswasadatewithallofthem?
“We’vegotworktodo,”Mr.Blackbournesaid,hisvoicecomingfrommyleftandbehindme.Iheard

hisfootsteps.Amomentlater,hewaswalkingonmyotherside.“Weshoulddothisnowbeforestores
close.”

Dr.Greenlaughed.“Wecouldskipadayofschoolandgo...”
“Notpossible,”Mr.Blackbournesaid,cuttinghimoff.“Notrightnow.”

Wegotbacktothesteps,andDr.Greenletmego,choosinginsteadtoholdmyhandaswedescended.

Itwasstrangetofeelhimnearbysoclose,especiallyinfrontofMr.Blackbourne,wheneventheothers
seemedtokeepasmalldistancearoundhim.

Dr.Green’shandheldtightthough,keepingmecloseaswecontinueddownthehall,theoppositeway

we’dcomein.Ihadn’trealizedhowfarthisshoppingareaextended.

Weapproachedashopthatshowcasedmen’sandwomen’sfashionsinthefrontdisplays.Itwasmore

likearegularshop,withracksofclothingandchangingroomsandmannequinsthatweredressedmore
casuallythanatTissuDeux.Oncewewereinside,Iwasabletocheckoutthetags,anddespitebeinga
morecasualstore,theywereevenmoreexpensivethanthemall.

“Idon’treallyneedmoreclothes,”Isaid,feelingstrangetobebuyingmorewhenwhoknewhow

muchthedressthey’djustorderedwouldcost.

“Summerhasended,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.Hewasscanningthemannequins,studying.Hemovedto

oneoftheracks,checkedthesizes,andpulledoutahalterdresswithashortskirt.Hehelditout.“Itmight
notgetascoldaswhatyou’reusedto,butwinterdoessettlehere.You’llneedwarmerclothes.Weshould
alsoprepareyourclosetwithmorefittingattireforalloccasions,ratherthanjustschoolandcasual.”

Dr.Greenpointedtothedress.“Shecan’twearthattoschool.”
Mr.Blackbourneheldthedressupalittlehigher.“Ididn’tsuggestthiswasforschool,”hesaid.
“Youdorealizethatisadatedress,right?”Dr.Greenasked,asmileforming.“Yourfirstpickisa

dateoutfit?”

MylipspoppedopenandIinhaled,staring,waiting,afraidtomove.Dr.GreenwascallingoutMr.

BlackbourneandIwaswaitingforoneoftheirfights.Ifeltitcoming.

“Isthataproblem?”Mr.Blackbourneasked,hisfaceunreadable,buttensionbehindhistone.Itwasa

challenge.

ThisseemedtocatchDr.Greenoffguard.Hechokedonashortlaugh.“Byallmeans,”hesaid.“Let’s

startwithdateclothes.”

Mr.Blackbourneturnedtome.“Istheresomethingyouseethatyou’dliketowear?”
Iwasshakingmyheadandshruggingatthesametime.We’djuststeppedintothestore.Icouldn’t

thinkofanythingIneeded,muchlesswanted.Iturnedtolookaroundandtrytocreateabitofdistanceto
getmyhearttostopflutteringsomuch.

Dr.Greendidn’tleavemyside.Hesteppedbesideme,andhispalmwarmedthesmallofmyback.

Hepointedtoarowofdisplayedoutfits.“Here,”hesaid.“Thismightbeeasier.Pointtooneyoulike.”

Itwasdifficulttofocuswithhishandonmyback,becauseIkeptwantingtolookathim.Sincewe’d

sharedakiss,Ihadn’tseenhimoutsideofschool.

Everyonceinawhile,Icaughthiseyeduringclass,andwe’dsharealonglook.I’dblushandlook

away,tryingtonotmakeitobviousinschoolthatIknewhimmorethanIshould,sincehewaspretending
tobemyteacher.Theaccumulationofthoselookssettledonmenow.

Istudiedtheoutfitsandpointedtoonethatlookedcomfortable,yetstillelegant.“Somethinglike

that?”Themannequinworetightercasualcottonpants,almostlikeyogapants.Ontopwasaloose-fitting
sweaterthatrestedofftheshoulderononeside.IthinkIwaschoosinganoutfitIwouldratherbeinright
nowratherthanthesupercasualshortsandblouseIwaswearing.

“Andyoupreferskirts,too?”Dr.Greenasked.Hemovedawayfrommetolookthroughthesweaters

thatwerenearthedisplay.“Youcouldprobablygetsomethickerskirtsbutkeepthemthesameshort
length.”Hehelduphishandsandthenrepositionedthemathisownlegs,pointing.“Thenyouadd
somethingthicklikestockingsandbootsandthenyou’rebothwarm,comfortable,andstillveryinfashion
rightnow.Doyoueverwearlongerskirts?”

Ishookmyhead.UsuallyIavoidedclothesthatdidn’tallowmetoblendin.“Notalotofgirlswear

themto–“

“Mr.Blackbourne!”Kota’scommandingvoiceringingthroughtheaircausedmetostiffenonthespot.

Weallturnedtowardhim.

Kotajoggedin,hiseyesfocusedonMr.Blackbourne.Hishandswereclenchedintofistsandthe

paniconhisfacehadmeshakingbeforeheevenspoke.“Wehavetoleave.Now.”

TherewasasplitsecondwhereDr.GreenandMr.Blackbourneexchangedlooks.BeforeIcouldeven

register,Dr.Green,stillwithacasualsmile,returnedthesweatertothetable,puthisarmaroundmy
shouldersandthenheadedforthedoor.“Stickbyme,Sang.”

Myheartwasracingbecausewhileweweremovingquickly,theykeptcool.Ididn’tknowwhattodo

butmyfirstinstinctwastoaskwhatwaswrong.“What—“

“Shh,Pookie,”Dr.Greensaid,tighteninghisarmaroundme.HiseyeswereonMr.Blackbourne

again,whohadputhisselectionsawayandwewereallheadingouttowardthehallway.Atthedoor,
Kotamadeahandsignal,pointingintwodifferentdirections.Mr.BlackbourneandKotaturnedleftdown
thehallway.AsIturnedtofollow,Dr.Greenpulledmeintheoppositedirection,headingawayfromthe
others.

Ikeptmylipspressedtogether,myeyesoneverythingandeveryonearoundus.Dr.Greenwhistleda

cheerfultune,walkingfastandstayingfocusedonadoorattheendofthehall.Nooneseemedtonotice
us,butIwasparanoidaboutwhomightbewatching,andwhywewereleaving.Theyhadn’tasked,just
followedKota’scommand.

IleanedintoDr.Green,andinanefforttomovemoreeasilyaswewalkedtogether,Iputanarm

aroundhiswaist,holdingontohim.

“That’sright,pumpkin,”hesaidquietly.Ashecontinuedtotalk,histonechangedtocasual.“You

know,Ithinksincethestoresaregoingtoclosesoon,maybeweshouldgoouttodinner.Orpick
somethinguponthewayhome.Haveyoueatentoday?”

Iwasn’tthinkingaboutfood,andIcouldn’trememberanythingifIhad,becauseIwasdistracted.

“Whatwouldyouliketopickup?”Iasked.Igotthefeelinghewantedtokeepustalking.Iwasn’tsurefor
whosebenefitweweredoingthis,butdidmybest.

“Somethingotherthanpizza,”hesaid.Heputhisfreehandonhisstomach.“IthinkI’veeatentoo

muchofthat.They’rejustsoclosetothehospitalandtheyknowwheremyofficeisnow.Theyslipthose
couponsunderthedoor.”

Hemovedaheadofmeaswegottotheendofthehallwayandthedoor.Hepushedhisbacktoopen

it,holdingthedooropenforme.

Iwalkedoutandstopped.
Onthestepsinfrontofuswasawhitemask,aVoltoone.Itwaslayingontheground,likesomeone

hadleftitonpurposeforustofind.

Istaredatit,sensingDr.Greencomingupbehindme.Iglancedupanddownthestreet,butitdidn’t

appearlikeanyoneelsewasaround.

“Isit...him?”Iaskedsoftly.
Dr.Greentookmyhandandtuggedmeawayfromthemask,downthestepsandkeptusmovingalong

thesidewalk.“I’mnotwaitingaroundtofindout.It’sHalloween.Itcouldbeanything.Let’snottakeany
chances,though.”

Ibreathedindeeply,keepinganeyeout.
WhenwegottoDr.Green’scar,LukeandGabrielwerealreadyinside,andLukewasatthewheel

withtheenginerunning.Theymusthaveusedtheirkeys.

Dr.Greenopenedthebackdoor.“Hoponin.”
Idid,andslidoverasDr.Greengotinnexttome.
“Doweneedtogo?”Dr.Greenasked.“Canwetalkyet?What’sgoingon?”
Lukeimmediatelyputthecarintoreversetogetoutoftheparkingspotandthenzoomeddownthe

road.“Wewereallinthebackgettingoutfitted.Gabrielranoutoncehewasfinished...”

“Motherfuckerleftmasksonallthedisplays,”Gabrielsaid.Hislipscurledandhebaredhisteeth.He

pointeddown,wheretherewereseveralmaskspileduponthefloor,identicaltotheonewe’dseenonthe
steps.“AllofthosemannequinsinGretta’sshop.Hemanagedtogetoneonallofthem.Iranaround
grabbingthemall,andtoldKotatogogetyouguys.Ididn’twanttouseaphone.”

“Goodcall,”Dr.Greensaid.Hereachedforward.“Passmeone?Weshouldcheckthem.”
“I’vebeendoingthat,”Gabrielsaid,andhepassedonetoDr.Green.“They’rejustplastic.No

trackers.Nothingfancy.Mightcheckforfingerprintslaterbutthat’sifhe’sstupidenoughtohaveleft
some.Icanonlyhope.”

“Nowhedecidestostickhisheadout?”Dr.Greenasked.Helookedoverthemask,andscratchedat

histemple.“Idon’tgetit.Howdidheknowwewerehere?”

“Whoknows,”Lukesaid.“Maybehe’sstilltracingphonesandcantrackus.”
“Orhe’sjustfollowingus,”Gabrielsaid.
“Howcouldhe?”Iasked.“Imeanwiththemasks.Mr.BlackbourneandIwerejustthere,lookinginto

thestore.Wehadn’tleftbutafewminutesagototheothershop.Hemanagedtogetallthosemaskson
thosedummiesjustintimewithoutanyoneseeing?Wedidn’tpassanyonegoingupthestairsalongthe
way.”

“Therecouldbeanotherdoorin,”Lukesaid.“Maybeheknewwe’dbethereand...”
“Hejusthappenedtocarryabunchofmasksaroundlikethat?”Dr.Greenasked.Heshookhishead.

“Something’snotright.Idon’tbuyit.Wedidn’tevendecidewhereweweregoinguntilthismorning,did
we?Noonesaidanythingonthephones.Hewaiteduntilsomeofusweregone,andthenshowedup
assumingyouallwouldseethemasks.Howcouldhehavepreparedforsomethinglikethissoquickly?”

“Thebigquestion,”Lukesaid,“iswhatdowedoaboutit?”
Dr.Greensighedandrubbedapalmacrosshisforehead.“Lookslikewe’llspendthenightatthe

hospital.”

“Wecan’tgohome?”Gabrielasked.
Lukestoppedataredlight,andturnedslightlytolookatGabriel.“IfwegotothehospitalwithSang

runningfromaguyinamask,there’sgoingtobeaninvestigation.We’reutilizingemergencyprotocols,
buthehasn’tdoneanythingthreatening.”

“It’stheonlystepIcanthinkof,”Dr.Greensaid.“Whenwecan’tidentifyouradversaryandthere’s

questions,retreattoasafehouse.He’salreadyinfiltratedourusualone,soweshouldmovetoamore
securelocation.Whatdoyousuggest?”

“Maybeweshouldgohome,”Lukesaid.“Orsomewhereelse.Idon’twanttobringthistothe

hospitalwhenhehasn’tbeenviolenttowardus.Imean,hekidnappedSang,butheneverdidanythingto
her.Hejustwantedtotalk.Thisissomesortofmessage.”

Dr.Greentiltedhishead,andtappedafingerathiseyebrow.“I’mnotsurethebestmove.

Overreactingmightallowhimtocornerusinthehospitalwhilehe’sfreetodowhathewantselsewhere.
ButhewasworkingwithMuriel.ThatgirltiedupVictorandtheothers.Withhermentalstate,sheeasily
couldhavekilledseveralofusandhewasn’tevenaroundher,justencouragedher.Iwantcheckinwith
Owen.”

“Let’scatchthem,”Gabrielsaid,sittingup.Herolleddownhiswindowacrackandthenpointed.

“Luke,Mr.Blackbourne’scarwasparkeddownthisway.Turnhere.”

Lukespedupthecar,weavingaroundtraffic.Iputmyfeetontheseat,curlingup,andmostlyhanging

onsoIwasn’tslidingaround.Dr.Greenputhisarmoverme,andthenheldontoahandlebythedoor
abovehishead.“Let’snotkillourselves,”hesaid.

“Nottoday,”Lukesaidwithagrin.
Dr.GreenreachedoutandchoppedLukeonthehead.“Notever.”
GabrielguidedLuketowhereMr.Blackbournehadparked,butthecarwasn’tthere.Lukerolled

downthestreet.“Theycan’thavegottentoofar.Theyhadfurthertowalk.”

“He’sthatway,”Gabrielsaid,holdinguphisphoneandpointingdownoneofthesidestreets.“Two

blocksdown.They’restopped,sotheymightbeatalight.Wecancatchup.”

“Youshouldn’tbeusingthetracking,”Dr.Greensaid.
“Hefoundussomehow,soleavingGPSoffisn’tworking.Ifhe’susingit,thenwhycan’twe?Isit

betternottoknowandlethimknoweverything?”Gabrieltiltedhisphoneagain.“Kota’scarhasn’t
moved.”

“Let’scatchupwithOwenfirst,”Dr.Greensaid.“Kotawaswithhim.They’reprobablytogether.”
“Where’sVictor?”Iasked.
“StillwithGretta,”Gabrielsaid.“FinishingtheorderandmakingsureVolto-fuck-facedoesn’tcome

backwhilewe’regone.”

Lukemadeaturn,andevendroveintheleftlanetogetaroundsometrafficthathadslowedtoacrawl

aspassengerscheckedoutashopfront.Bythetimewegottothelight,ithadchanged,buttrafficwas
slowlymovingonward.Ishiftedforward,nearlyhoveringbetweentheshouldersofGabrielandLuke,
tryingtokeepaneyeout.Dr.Greenkeptahandonmylowerbacktostabilizeme.

LukefinallyfoundtheBMW.Hestartedmaneuveringtogetbehindit.Dr.Greenpulledmebackinto

theseatandwrappedanarmaroundmeagaintohangontome.“It’llbemyheadifOwenfindsoutI’m
lettingyousitinacarwithoutaseatbelt.Putyourson.”

GabrielandIinstantlyreachedforourbeltstoputtheminplace.Isharedalookandagrinwithhim,

nothavingrealizedDr.Greenmighthavebeentalkingtohim,too.

LukepositionedthecarbehindMr.Blackbourne’sandthenhonkedquicklyonce.
Mr.Blackbourne’scarturneddownalane,pullingoveralongthecurb.Kotahoppedoutofthe

passengerside.

Lukepulledinbehindandstopped.GabrielrolleddownthewindowmoreasKotaapproached.
Kotapoppedhisheadin,lookedateachofusasifcountingandthennodded.“What’stheproblem

now?”heasked.

“Weweren’tsurewhereweweregoing,butthoughttobunkupatNathan’s,”Gabrielsaid.“Camping

outatthehospitalseemedlikeoverkill,consideringwe’dbebringingherandthey’daskalotof
questions.”

“Youmightberight.Thisisabitmorecomplicatedthanwethought.Ineedtwoofyoutocampoutin

frontofSilas’sapartmentandkeepaneyeonTheo,”Kotasaid.“ThatwasmyjobtonightbutImightnot
beabletomakeit.We’vegotanotherproblem.”

“Where’syourcar?”Gabrielasked.
“NotwhereIleftit,”Kotasaid.Hetouchedthecornerofhisglassesandhischeekstinted.“Looks

likeitwasstolen.”

“Stolen?”Gabrielsaid.Hepickeduphisphoneagainandfiddledwithit.“YourGPShasitwhereyou

parkedit.”

“Itgotremoved.Itwastheonlythingleftbehind.Weweren’tsureifIshouldtouchitandmoveit,or

leaveitthere.IfitwasVolto,hedidn’twanttobetraced.Thiscouldbebad.Hecouldplantitanywhere.”

“Orsomeoneelsestoleit,”Lukesaid.“Wedon’tevenknowifit’shim.”
“Noproofeitherway,”Kotasaid.Hepointedinmydirection.“Youguysstaywithher.Nooneleaves

her.Ever.We’regoingtodoasweep.”

“Weshouldhelp,too,”Lukesaid.
“Justgetheroutofhere,”Kotasaid.“Thisisgoingtobeagoosechaseanyway.I’llneedyoutoputin

aflagtohopefullytrackthecardownbeforewhoeverhasitdoesanydamageandittracesbacktome.I
needtogobackandreportastolencarifwecan’tfindit.Thebestthingyoucandoiskeepaneyeoutand
makesureTheoisn’tdoinganythingstupid.”

Kotawalkedawayquicklyandgotbackintohiscar.Wewentseparatewaysagain.Isettledintothe

backseat,andblewoutabreath.

Silashadbeenright.Wedidn’thaveanypropertimeoffthesedays.

LostHimAlready

elaxinginthecarontheridebackwasimpossible.MyeyeskeptgoingtothemasksGabrielhadinthe

frontseat.

Kota’scarhadbeenstolen.Voltodroppedoffsomemasks.Whygotothetroubleofputtingthemasks

aroundthestore?Itcausedanuproaramongus,scramblingtofigureoutwhathappenedandwhy.

Voltoseemedtolikeputtingusintoapanic.MaybeLukewasright.Maybeifwedidsomething

unexpected,Voltowouldn’tbeabletocontrolus,tomakeusscatterjustbecausehewasaround.

Assoonaswepulledontothehighway,Dr.Greensatback,breathingoutslowly.“Okay,sowecan

setupsurveillanceandthengotoNathan’sforthenight.”

“Maybenot,”Gabrielsaid,lookingathisphone.“SomeofushavetobabysitTheoattheapartment.

That’sjustincasehedecideshewantstorunoffordosomething.It’llbeeasiertokeepaneyeonhimif
someone’sthere,andSilasisn’tgoingtobearoundtonight.SowhogetstocampoutatSilas’s?”

Dr.GreenandLuketalkedatthesametime:
“Notme!”
“Notme!”
Thentheybothglancedatme,expectant.
Iwaswide-eyedforamoment,tryingtofigureoutwhattheywantedmetosay.“Gabrielcan’tgo

alone,”Isaid.“We’renotsupposedtoseparate.”

“SangandIcangobyourselves,”Gabrielsaidwithagrin.“We’vegotthiscovered.”
“NotwhileI’vegotaneveningoffandnowheretobe,”Dr.Greensaid.“I’mnotgoingtositathome

alone.”

“Idon’thavetogettothediner,”Lukesaid.“IwanttohangoutwithSang.”
Gabrielgrunted.“It’sgoingtolookallfuckedupifwe’reallbabysittingTheo.”
“IsCharliehome?”Lukeasked.Hespeduptogetaroundanothercaronthehighway.Icheckedhis

speed,andhewastenmilesoverthelimit.Theothersdidn’tseemtomindordidn’tcare.

Gabrieltookouthisphoneandstartedpushingbuttons.“Charlie’sattheoffice.Hemightbemanning

thephonestonight.”

Ihadn’trealizedthattheymighthaveGPStrackersonfamilymembersandnotjusttheirownphones.

“Where’sTheo?”Iasked.

“Inhisroom,”Gabrielsaid.Hetappedagainathisphoneandthenliftedittoshowmetheimage.It

wasatopdownview,soIcouldseealmostthewholethingfromonecorner,probablyaventlikewhere
theyinstalledcamerasatmyhouse.Ihadn’tseentheroombefore,anditwashardtorecognizeTheo,but
hewaslyingonhisbed,sprawledoutandstaringattheceiling.Thebedjusthadablanketoverit,no
pillows.Theroomitselfhadatelevisionandastereo.Icouldn’thearanything,butitdidn’tlooklikethe
televisionwason.Somewallshadposters,someclotheswerescatteredacrossthefloor.

“Doweneedtogoinside?”Iasked.“ImeanwasKotajustgoingtositinacarallnightwatching

fromhiscellphone?”

“Idon’twanttositinthecar,”Gabrielsaid.“I’dratherstayinSilas’sroom.”
“IwishTheowouldcarryacellphone,”Lukesaid.“Thiswouldmakethingssomucheasier.We

couldjustGPStrackhimthatway.Seewherehegoes.”

“Wecan’tgivehimone?”Iasked.
“He’snotallowed,”Gabrielsaid.Heputhisheadbackontheheadrestandclosedhiseyes.“Heends

upcallinghisoldfriendsinGreeceandthatalwaysworkshimuptodoingsomethingstupid.Can’twin

forlosingwithhim.”

Thiswassoundinghorribleeverytimetheytalkedabouthim.Myheartstartedtoacheattheideaof

Theobeingsoalone.MaybeIdidn’tknowhim,buthewasSilas’sbrother.Wasn’ttheresomeofSilas
there?ItwastooclosetowhatI’dbeen,lockedawayformyownsafety,andyetseeinghiminhisroom,
possiblyforhoursonend,Iwouldn’twishbeingsoconfinedonanyone.Itsoundedliketheyweredoing
theirbesttoprotecthimfromhimself,butwasn’tthereabetterway?“Maybeweshoulddosomething
withhim,”Isaid.

“What?”Gabrielasked,pickinghisheadupandlookingatme,hiscrystaleyessuper-focused.“What

doyoumean?”

“Imeanwhycan’twejust...havehimsitwithusthroughamovie?Orinvitehimout?”Iasked.“I

meanwhydoeshehavetostayinhisroom?”

“Hewon’thangoutwithus,”Gabrielsaid.“Weusedtotry.Hewouldn’tcome.”
“Can’tweatleastask?”
“Pumpkin,”Dr.Greensqueezedmealittletighterwithhisarmwrappedaroundme.“Wecantry,but

everytimewe’veaskedhim,hesayshe’stiredandretreatstohisroomagain.Wecan’tforcehimtocome
out.”

“Hewentforawalktheotherday,”Isaid.“HecallsfriendsfromGreecewhenhehasaphone.Does

hereallywanttobeisolated?”

Everyonewentquietforalongmoment.Thesunwasalreadystartingtosetnow.Ihadn’trealized

howlongwehadbeenattheshopsfor.Eventually,Luketurnedthecarintotheparkinglotofthe
apartmentcomplex.“Theodoesn’treallytrustus,Iguess.Orhedoesn’tlikethatwe’reSilas’sfriends.To
him,we’realljustabunchofkids.Hethinksheshouldn’thavetolistentous.”

“Let’satleastgetinsideSilas’sroom,”Dr.Greensaid.“We’llcampoutheretonight.Maybeacouple

ofuswillheadhome,andtwowillwaithere,butfornow,let’sstaytogether.Thereshouldbesome
leftoversinthefridgeifwegethungry.”

“Yay,”Lukesaid,soundingmoreenthusiasticnow.“IloveGreekfood.”
“Whatdon’tyoulike?”Gabrielaskedwithachuckle.
“Brusselssprouts,”Lukesaid.“Andcollardgreens.Andcarrots.Ihatecarrots.”
GabrielandIstartedgigglingatthesametime.Dr.Greenreachedaroundmyhead,clampingapalm

againstmymouthandheglaredatGabriel.“Don’tstart!”hecriedout.“She’llgoallnightandwe’re
supposedtokeepthingsonthedownlow.”

Lukeparked,andweallpiledout.ItfeltoddtobegoingtoSilas’shousewithoutSilasbeingthere.I

walkedascloseaspossiblenexttoDr.Green,behindLukeandGabriel.

Theyledthewayuptothesecondfloor,thefarthestapartmentontheright.Insteadofknocking,Luke

usedhiskeystoopenthedoor.Hereturnedtome,hand-signalingtoeveryonetobequiet.

Luketiptoedin,withGabrielbehindhim.Ifollowed,andDr.Greenclosedthedoor.
TheoddpartwashavingDr.Greenwithus.WhenIlookedbackathim,Isawsomeoneonlyacouple

ofyearsolderthanus,beingapartofus,ratherthanateacheratschool.Itwasalmostlikehewasnewto
meinsomeway.Itwasn’tbad,justdifferentandunexpected.

Welinedup,singlefiledownthehallway.LukeandGabrielwalkedintoSilas’sroom.Ilingereda

minute,lookingdownthehallwayandlistening.ThestereowasplayingfromTheo’sroom.Itwasalow
rumble,slow.Thetonewasdepressing.

Dr.Greenputawarmhandonmybackandleanedforwardtowhisperclosetomyear.“Iknowthe

feeling,”hesaidquietly.“ThebestthingwecandorightnowisprotectSilas.”

Iwasn’tsurehowstayingoutofTheo’swaywasthesamethingashelpingSilas.Couldn’twehelp

SilasbymakingTheohappiersomehow?

IsteppedintoSilas’sbedroom.Lukefloppeddownandsprawledoutonthebed,kickingoffhis

shoes.Gabrielsatatthedeskandopenedupthelaptop.Heenteredinapasswordandstartedclickingthe
mouse.

Dr.GreenmovedaroundmeandsatonthebednearLuke.Hesnaggedhisfingersintothecollarofhis

shirt,andtuggedatit,liftingitoverhishead.Themovecapturedmyattention.Myheartracedatseeing
Dr.Greenremovingtheshirttorevealthesnugblackundershirt.Theleanmusclesinhisarmsandalong
hischestwereinfullviewandmyheartwaspitter-patteringatthesight.

“Doweworkinshiftstonight?”Dr.Greenasked.
“LukeandIaregoingtoscouttheareaabit,”Gabrielsaid.
“Wecouldjustsetupthealarmsystem,”Lukesaid.Hehadhiseyesopen,staringattheceiling.He

turnedhisheadtoremovethehairclipandsetitaside.Hisblondhairspreadoutaroundhishead.He
turnedoveronhisside,grabbingoneofthepillowsandstuffingitunderhishead.“Thenwecanjusthang
out.”

“Ivotealarmsystem,”Gabrielsaid.“Ivotethat.That’saplan.”
“Whatalarmsystem?”Iasked.
“Ifanyoneopensthedoor,”Lukesaid,liftinghishandupandpointingouttowardwherethefront

hallwaywas,“there’sanalarmthatgoesoffononeofourphones.Itletsusknowifanyoneleavesor
comesin.”

Dr.Greenpattedthespotnexttohim.“Comeon,Pookie.Relaxabit.”
Imovedtositdown,andGabrielstartedlaughing,stillfocusedonthecomputerscreen.“Pookie?

Whatthefuck?”

Luke’sshouldersshookashegiggled.“IsitworsethanTrouble?”
“SheisTrouble,”Gabrielsaid.Hereachedupandrakedhishandthroughhishair,messingupthe

blondandthebrownthathadbeencombedback.“Pookiedoesn’tmakeanysense.”

“It’scute,”Dr.Greensaid.Hebumpedhisarmintomine,lookingdownatmeandgrinning.“Like

her.”

“Yeah,yeah,”Gabrielsaid.Hetappedatthekeyboardandturnedaround,stretching.“Okay.I’vegotit

setuptomakeitringLuke’sphoneifanyonecomesthroughthedoor.”

“Let’sgetsomethingtoeat,”Lukesaid.Hesatupquicklyandthenscurriedtotheedgeofthebed.He

pressedhishandonmyshoulderforsupportasheliftedhimselfup,puttingalotofweightonmeuntilI
wasfallingoveronthebedashemovedtothedoor.

Dr.Greenlaughed,grabbedmyarmandtuggedme.
GabrielandLukeandDr.Greentiptoeddownthehall,andheadedtowardthekitchen.
Ilingeredbackthistime,temptedtohideinSilas’sroomincasesomeonelikeCharliecamehome.
Iwasstandingthere,listeningtomusicfromTheo’sroom,whenInoticeditwasalittleloudernow.

Curious,Isteppedclosertohisendofthehallway.

TherewasabeamoflightcomingfromTheo’sroom;thedoorwaspartlyopen.
Ilistenedquietlyformovement,calculatingwhereLuke,GabrielandDr.Greenwere.Oldhabits.I

wastryingtofigureouthowmuchtimeIhadtocheckthingsoutwithoutgettingcaught.

Itiptoedovertothedoorwayandpeekedintotheroom.Ididn’tmeantopry.IthinkIwantedtomake

sureTheowasokay.

Thesmellofcigarettesmokeincreased.Iliftedmyhandovermynose.Ileanedin,surveyingwithout

openingthedooranyfurther.IrecognizedtheroomfromwhatIhadseenthroughthecamera,butalittle

disorientingwiththechangeinperspective.IspottedthewallandTVfirst.Ileanedinfurther,tryingto
scan.

Thebedwasempty.
Ipaused,afraid.Maybehelefthisbedroomandwasinthebathroom.Icheckedoncemore,making

surehehadn’tgottenupandmovedtoanotherpartoftheroom.

ButTheowasgone.Iswayedbackandforth,lookingaround;unlesshewasstandingrightbehindthe

door,hewasn’tinthere.

Itiptoedbackdownthehalltocheckthebathroom.Thedoorwasopenandthelightwasoff.
Ipaused.MaybehewentintoCharlie’sroom?
Ifollowedthesoundofmovementinthemainlivingarea.Istoppedoutsideofthekitchen,wherethe

guyswereheatingupleftoversfromSilas’sfridge.Thelivingroomwasempty,too,andtheguest
bathroomhadthedooropenandthelightoff.

“Where’sTheo?”Iasked.
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Lukesaid,staringdownthetimeronthemicrowave.“He’sinhis

room.”

“No,heisn’t,”Isaid.
Therewasapauseineveryone’smovements,andeyesshiftedtome.Dr.Greenturnedtotheboysfor

amoment,andthenputdowntheplasticcupshe’dbeenholding.Hecametothekitchenentrance,andthen
gentlyeasedmetotheside.“Stayherewiththem,”hesaidquietly.

Iwrappedmyarmsaroundmystomach,leaningagainstthecounter,lookinginatLukeandGabriel,

whoseemedcuriousandwatchedDr.Greenasheslippeddownthehall.Themicrowavedbeeped,and
Lukeopeneditquicklytostopitfrommakinganymorenoise.Gabrielmovedover,putanarmaroundmy
waist,butwasstandingwherehecouldlookovermyshoulderandkeephisfocusbehindme.

“He’snothere!”Dr.Greenshoutedsuddenly.
Gabrielreleasedme.IturnedandfollowedhimandmetupwithDr.Greendownthehall.Luke

smackedintomewhenIstopped.

Gabrielshookhishandsintheair.“Howthefuckdidhegetoutside?We’vebeenherethewhole

time.”

“Maybeawindow?”Lukeasked.“Didwesecurethose?”
“It’sthesecondstory,”Gabrielsaid.
“So?”Lukegrinned.“Doesn’tstopme.”Maybehesneaksout.”
Dr.Greenslicedhishandthroughtheair.“Howeverhedoesit,weneedtofindhim.Hecouldn’thave

gonetoofar.”

WefollowedDr.Greentothefrontdoor.Weallspilledoutontothewalkway.Theredidn’tappearto

beanyoneoutsiderightnow.Theparkinglotwasquiet.Wescannedthearea,buttherewasn’tany
movement.

“Nowwhat?”Lukeasked.
Dr.Greensighed.“Someone’sgoingtohavetostayhereincasehecomesback.“Andsomeonegoes

outandtriedtofindhim.”

“We’llgo,”Gabrielsaid.“LukeandSangcancomealong.Youstay.”
“What?”Dr.Greenasked.“LeaveSanghere.”
“No,”Lukesaid.“Weshouldsplitup.We’vegotthealarmsetforthefrontdoor.Twoofusshouldgo

onfootandcircletheblock.Twoofusshoulddrivearound.I’lltakeSangwithme.”

“No,”Gabrielsaid.“WethreeshouldgoandDr.Greenshouldcirclethecomplexandcomeback.See

ifhetriessneakinginthewindoworcheckouthisroomandseeifthere’sanythingintheretotelluswhat

he’sbeenuptolately.”

Dr.Greenrifledthroughhishair,grabbingatit,andmakingthesmoothedouthairpuffupalittle.“I

hateitwhenyouguysareright,”hesaid.HepointedatLuke.“Don’tyouloseher.”HepointedatGabriel.
“Don’tgetherarrestedorhurt.”Heswunghisfingerandpointedatmynoseandthenbeepedit.“And
you.Ifyouseeanytroubleatall,leavetheseidiotsandrunaway.Gotit?”

Inodded.
“Owen’sgoingtokillme,”hesaid.“Theohadbetterbeoutbuyingcigarettes.”

TheThreeAmigos

HuntforTheo

curledupinthepassengerseat.Thesunwasgone,withjustasliveroflightleft,darknesstryingtotake

over.It’dalreadybeenalongday.Myheadwasbackagainsttheheadrest,andIreachedback,takingout
thehairclipandtwistingmyhairontopofmyheadtore-clipsoIcouldleanmyheadbackwithoutit
beingintheway.

Lukewasdriving.HeglancedoverwhileIwasarrangingmyself.“I’vegotalotofyourhairclips,”

hesaid.“Youneedsomeback?Ididn’trealizehowmanyIhadathomeuntilyesterday.”

Ithoughtaboutit.“Idon’tknowwhereanotheroneis,actually.Thismightbemylastone.”
“Good,”Gabrielsaid.Hewasmessingwithhisphone.“Youdon’tneedanyclips.Wearyourhair

downforonce.AndIdon’tknowhowVictordoesthisshit.HowarewesupposedtotrackTheoifhe
doesn’thaveacellphone?”

“Let’scheckoutthechurches,”Lukesaid.“That’swherewesuspecthe’sgoing.Ifheisn’tatanyof

them,whybother?”

“There’stheonethatburneddownnearhere,”Isaid.“Isthereanotheronenearby?”
“Hangon,”Gabrielsaid.Hesatup,andputahandonmyshoulder,buthefocusedonLuke.“Wait,

wait,wait.Weshouldgocheckouttheoldchurchthatburneddown.”

“Why?”Lukeasked,buthepulleddownasidestreetandthenturnedagaintoalmosttakeustheway

we’dcomefrom.

“Thathappenedlastnight,didn’tit?”Gabrielasked.“Theremightbesomeonestillaroundtotellus

whathappened.Weneedtofindthefireprint.”

“What’safireprint?”Iasked.
“It’showafirestarted,”Gabrielsaid.Heheldhishandup,countingoffbytouchingafingereachtime

hemadeapoint.“There’swhenthefirestarted,theaccelerantsused,windconditions,locations,pointof
entry...”

“It’showyouIDanarsonist,”Lukesaid.“It’sreallyhardtodo.Mostlyitworkswithserialarsonists.

Sometimesfiresarestartedbyaccident,orforinsurancepurposes,soitonlyhappensonce.Serial
arsonistsarereallyhardtocatch,though.Evidencegetsburnedup,whichmakesitdifficulttotrace.
Basicallyyouhavetogetluckyorcatchthemintheact.”

Ipressedmyfingerstomyeyebrowandrubbed.“Sohowwillknowingthefireprinthelpusfind

Theo?”Iasked.

“We’remoreconcernedifhe’sbeensettinganythingonfire.Orifthesefiresaren’thim,ifitwill

triggerhimtostart,”Gabrielsaid.Hesatback,crossinghisarmsoverhischest.Hislipspursed.“Ifthat
motherfuckerscrewsupSilassomehowwiththis...”

“Wedon’tknowwhathe’sdoing,”Lukesaid.
“Butwecan’tkeepchasinghimaroundwhenthere’speopleouttherestealingKota’scar,orthebomb

threatswe’resupposedtobedealingwith.We’realreadywastingtimetryingtobabysithimwhenhe’snot
doingwhathe’ssupposedtobedoing.Andnowhe’sclimbingoutthewindow?That’snotwhatanormal
persondoes.”

Iwantedtosuggestsomething,awaytofixit.Ididn’twantSilasintrouble,butIalsofeltTheo

neededsomeonetounderstandhim.HowmanytimeshadIescapedoutthebackdoorwhenIfelttoo

confined?Iwassuspectedofdoingwrongconstantlywithinmyownhomewithoutanyproof.Maybe
TheodidsomethingbadbackinGreece,butbeinglockedawaylikeadirtysecretwouldmakeanyone
wanttoescape,atleastforawhile.

Luketurneddownanotherroad,andbeforehefinishedstraighteningthecar,Icouldseetheruinsof

theoldchurch.Threeofthewallswerestillintact,withscorchmarksrisingoverthebroken-out
windows.Theroofwasgone,anditlookedlikeabackwallmighthavecrumbled.Therewasaheavy
smellofburnedwoodseepinginthroughthecar.Iswallowed,tastingitatthebackofmythroat.

Linesofyellowpolicetapecrossedoverawidearea.Thestreetwasquiet,andtheplaceappearedto

bemostlyabandoned.

Lukepulleduptotheoldparkinglot,andparkedclosetoasetoftreesbytheroad.Wesatinthecar,

lookingoutthewindows.IwasnearlyleaningoverLuke.Mostly,IwasscanningtheareaforTheo,in
casehewaslurkingaroundsomewhere.

Ireallyhopedhewasn’t.Ihopedwewerewrong.Maybewecouldfindhimandhecouldtellushe’s

gotagirlfriendhesneaksofftosee.Ormaybehereallydidgooutforcigarettes,andwejustmissedhim
somehow.

Luketurnedoffthecar,openedthedoorandthenlookedatme.“Okay,”hesaid,andhepointeda

fingeratmeandthenathisseat.“Iwantyoutositrighthere.”

Myeyeswidened.“Why?”
“I’mgoingtorunaroundthislot,”hesaid.“Gabrielcancircletheblock.We’llcheckoutwho’shere.

Ifsomeoneapproachesthecarthatisn’tmeorGabriel,Iwantyoutodriveoff.”

“Uh,no,”Gabrielsaid.Hegotup,shovingLukeoutthedoorandtakinghisseatbehindthewheel.

“We’renotreallysupposedtosplitup.Eitherweallgo,orIhavetostayherewithher.”

Lukeputhishandsonhiships,andsmirked,lookinginatus.“Theoisn’ttheonlyonewehaveto

watchoutfor.Theremightbeafewpeoplewhowillcheckouttoseeifthere’sanythingvaluablehanging
around.Scavengers.Orhobos.”

“Whichiswhysomeonehastostayherewithher,”Gabrielsaid.
Lukesighed,pinchingatthebridgeofhisnoseandsqueezinghiseyesshut.“Okay,maybeweshould

alltakeawalkaroundthething.Butifwe’rechasedbyahobo,I’mleavingyoubehindwhileSangandI
runforthecar.”

“I’llkickhisfuckingass.I’mnotrunningshittonight.Ihaterunning.”Hisvoicewasalittlemore

gravellyanddeeperthanusual.GabrielshovedLukeinthechest.Lukebackedupafewstepswhile
Gabrieleasedhimselfoutofthecar.“Let’sjustgetTheo.”

Iopenedmydoorandgotout.Theair,heavywiththesmellofburnedwoodfilledmythroatandnose

then,makingmesneezeacoupleoftimesintomyelbow.Iswallowedandkeptmyeyesclosedtotryto
keepfromdoingitagain.

“Ohmygod,whatthefuck.Sheevensneezescute?”Gabrielwaslookingatmeoverthetopofthecar

whenIliftedmyhead.Hismouthwashangingopenandpartoftheblondlockofhairfellawayfromthe
russetbrown.Somestrandsflewintohismouthandhespitthehairbackoutandrakedhisfingersthrough
tofixit.“Comeon,Trouble.Let’sgobeforeyoustartfartingbunniesandrainbowsorsomeshit.”

Lukestartedlaughinghard,andclampedhishandoverhisstomach,squeezinghisbrowneyesalmost

shut.

Evenwiththecrispbitetotheairasitbecameevening,mycheeksflushedwarmly.
Astheboysstartedwalking,Ispeduptowalksuperclosebetweenthem.Theymusthavebeencold,

too.Gabrielgrabbedmyarmandheldmineoverhis.Hewasinhistankshirtandhisarmswerebare.
Lukewaswalkingreallyclose,keepingmebetweenthemsoweweresharingbodyheat.

Wetookawidecirclearoundtheentirechurchyard.Therewerepartswherethegroundwasalittle

soggy.Lukeeventuallyhadmegetuponhisbackandhangontohimtogetoverasupermuddypatchwe
foundourselvesinfrontof.Iclimbedbackoffwhenwegotbacktotheedgeoftheparkinglot.

“Okay,”Gabrielsaidaswecamebackaroundandtowardwheretheolddoorsofthechurchusedto

be.Hehadhisflashlightoutandwasshiningitintobushes.“Idon’tseeanyone.Let’sgoscopeoutthe
nextchurch.”

“Maybeweshouldchecktheinside?”Lukeasked,pointingtothedoorway.“Justbecareful.Wedon’t

want—”

“Hey!”Avoicecriedoutbehindus.
Weallturnedatthesametime,althoughLukeandGabrieljumpedinfrontofme.Theyremained

elbowtoelbow.IwastiptoeingtopeeroverLuke’sshoulder.

Acopcarhadstoppedatthecorner.Thedoorwasopen,thelightsoninside.Acopwaswalking

towardus,alone.Hehadhishandsupinacautiousway.Fromthelightofhiscarandsomestreetlights,I
couldseehisshort-croppedhair,andhewastall.Hedidn’tappearirritatedorwary,mostlycurious.How
hadwenotnoticedit?ThenInoticedhisheadlightsweren’ton.Hesnuckuponus.Howdidheknowwe
werehere?

“Yes?”Lukeanswered.
“Youshouldn’tbehangingaroundhere,”thecopsaid.“Anddon’tgoinside.Thefloorboardsmight

break,andthosewallscouldcomedownatanytime.”Hestoppedmidwayintotheparkinglotandthen
madeagesturethatweshouldapproachhim.

LukeandGabrieldid,slowlyatfirst.“Sorry,”Lukesaid.“Actually,wewerewonderingwhat

happened.Wehearditonthenews.”

Thecopwaiteduntilwewerecloseenoughthathecouldtalkwithoutraisinghisvoice.Heputouta

hand.“What’syourname?”

“Luke,”hesaid,andheputouthishandandshook.
Thecopnodded.“I’mDavid.Ididn’tmeantospookyou,butIwantedtomakesureyouweren’t

makingtrouble.Doyoulivearoundhere?”heasked.

Hewasverycasualforacop.HestruckmedifferentlythananotheroneI’drunintobeforewiththem.

Veryinformal.

“Atanapartmentcomplexnearby,”Lukesaid,pointingtowardwhereSilas’sapartmentswere.
“How’dthefirestart?”Gabrielasked,althoughhisvoicewasdifferent.Verycurious,likehedidn’t

knowanythingatallaboutwhathappenedandwasverystunnedtoheartherewasafire.

ThecopsquintedatGabrielandthenturnedhisattentiononme.“FromwhatI’veheard,itwasa

slow-burningaccelerant.Theydon’tknowwhatexactlywithouttakingittothelab,theyjustfolloweda
timeline.Somesortofchemical.Maybeitwasmeth-headscookingorsomething.Ormaybeahomeless
guywaslivingthere,startedthefire,anddidn’thaveawaytocontainit.”

“Whendiditstart?”Lukeasked.
“Thefirewasn’treporteduntiltwo,afterithadalreadystarted.”Thecopshiftedhisweightandthen

noddedtowardthechurch.“SomewhereclosetothealtarfromwhatIhear.Orwherethealtarusedtobe.
Iwasn’tsureitwasthereanymore.Someonesaiditwasliketheothertwothatburned,butthisonewas
differentfromtheothers.”

IfeltGabrielandLukeshifting,tense.“Couldtheystillberelated?”Gabrielasked.
Thecop’sfacechangedthen.Therewasasmallsmugsmileinthecornerofhislip.Iwasn’tsureif

theotherscaughtit,butitwassignificanttome.HegotsomeinformationhewantedsimplybyGabriel’s

question.Irealizedthenhewasbeingopenwithinformation,becausehewashopingtosteerusinto
seeinghowmuchweknew.Wasitbecausetheyweren’tsurprisedtohearaboutthetwoadditionalfires?

“Youdon’thappentoknowsomeonewhowouldwanttodothissortofthing,doyou?”Davidasked.

Hemotionedtothechurch.“Imean,Iknowitisrundownandall,butthat’snotaplacetohangoutand
juststartfires.Usuallyanarsonistworksupfromsomethingelse.Theydon’tjustautomaticallytargeta
specificbuildinglikeoldchurches.Imean,there’snotthatmanyabandonedonesinatowneventhissize.
Eventuallyyourunoutoftheabandonedonesandworkuptopropertydamage.”

“Won’tthepolicecatchwhoeveritis?”Lukeasked.“Aren’tthereanysuspectsorleads?”
Thecopshookhishead.“Honestly,theywouldiftheyranintosomesolidevidence.That’sjust

wishfulthinking,though.Tospendtheresourcesinreallytracingdownchemicalcompoundsinthe
accelerantstofindoutwhatitisandtodevelopaprofile,itcoststoomuchmoney,andtheyaren’tgoing
towastetime.Ifitwasprivatepropertyburningdown,maybe,butusuallyinsuranceteamswilldothe
footworkinthosecasesandtheygiveusthereportwemightbeabletoworkfrom.Ifpeoplewerehurt,
thatwouldbedifferent.Thepolicehavebetterthingstodo,higherpriorities.Iwishthisguywouldcutit
out,though.Ihatehavingtocomeouttosomethinglikethis,whensomeonewhoreallyneedsmyhelp
mightbeoutthere.”

Iswallowed,feelinglikeIwasgettingalectureforsomethingIhadn’tdone.Ididn’tthinkhewas

accusinganyone,butIhadafeelinghewastalkingaboutcheckinguponusandpossiblyneedingtobe
somewhereelse.

“Sorry,man,”Gabrielsaid,holdingupahand.“Wishwecouldhelp.Wewerejustwonderingifthe

guywasgoingtostarthittinghomesorsomethingelse.”

“Sometimeswhentheseguysgounchecked,theyescalate,”hesaid.“Theystartwaitinguntilpeople

arearound,sotheycanshowoff.Thatmakesitdangerous.Thensomeonereallycouldgethurt,burnedor
worse.It’llbeonhishead.”

Lukeshruggedandthenstartedtoturn.“Hopefullyhe’llthinkbetterofitsoon.Imean,that’sapretty

meanthingtodo.”

Davidstoodquietly,hishandsrestingonthehandleoftheflashlightinhisbelt,andontheradiopiece

ontheotherside.Hesmiledforamoment,andthenreachedintohispocket,pullingoutacard.“You
know,ifyouhearofanything,anyrumorsthatseemliketheymightnotbejustrumors,youcangivemea
call.Mycellphonenumberisontheback.”

Luketookthecard.“You’vegotit.”
Thecopwaitedwherehewaswhileweretreatedtothecar.Ikeptmymouthshutuntilwewereinthe

car,downtheroadaways,andoutofsightfromthecop.Myheartwasbeatinghard,wonderingifthecop
wouldcallinaboutus,andifhesomehowknewwhowewere.

Gabrielhadtakenthefrontpassengerseatthistime,andIsatintheback.“Whew,”hesaid.He

coveredhiseyeswithhispalms,pressingatthem.“Hecouldhavebeenarealdickandtookournames
andshit.Ortookusinfortrespassingorcorruptingacrimescene.”

“Wegotwhatwewantedtoknow,though,”Lukesaid.“Theyaren’tinterestedrightnow,buttheywill

beifthischangestoprivateproperty.”

“Andtheslow-burningaccelerant,”Gabrielsaid.Hedroppedhishandsandthenfishedouthisphone.

“ThisisaVictorthing.Heshouldchecktoseeifthefiredepartmenteverreallyidentifiedanydetails.
Theaccelerantdoesn’tjustlightthefire.Somethinghastostartit.”

“Thefactthatthereisaccelerantmeanssomeone’sdoingthisonpurpose,”Lukesaid.“Thisisn’t

coincidenceoranaccident.Thiswasn’tmethheads.Therewouldhavebeenmethandjunkaroundthat

wouldhavemadeitobvious.Thehobothing...maybe.Butitwouldhavebeenthesamething,itshouldbe
obviousnotaquestion.”

“IsitTheo,though?”Gabrielasked.“Imean,heusedtoburndownshedsandshit,andthenthe

buildingsnexttothemwouldcatch.Hewouldn’tgointotheactualbuilding.”

“Whathappened?”Iasked.“DidheburnabunchofshedsinGreece?IsthatwhySilasandhisfamily

wereintrouble?”

“It’smorethanthat,”Lukesaid.Heturnedthecarontothemainroad,andpushedtheacceleratoron

thecar.“Butlet’sdrivearoundtheotherchurchesandseeifthere’sanythingwithinwalkingdistance.”

Gabrielstartedpickingoutotherchurchesusinghisphone,andtheyneverwentbacktoexplainwhat

hadhappenedwithTheo.

Thenextchurchwasoccupied;therewerecarsintheparkinglot.
Wecircledaroundit,butLukeandGabrielwassureTheowouldn’tstartafireinanoccupied

building.

Wespentseveralhoursinthecar,drivingbetweendifferentchurches.
Itgotdarker,andthenitgotlate.Istruggledtostayawakeafterawhile,butbeforelong,Iwas

stretchingoutinthebackasLukemadewidesweepsaroundSilas’sneighborhood.

IwasthinkingaboutwhattodoifwefoundTheo.Imeanttoclosemyeyesforonlyaminute.

SchoolLessons

waswokenupbysomeoneliftingmeoutofthecar.Icurledintohim,smellingvanilla.Iwasputintoa

bed,andthenwasdeeplyasleepagain.

Iwokewiththejoltofadreamthatthreatenedtotakemedown.Itwasarush,likeI’dbeenholding

mybreathandIrealizedatthelastminuteI’dbeendoingso.WhenIstartedbreathingagain,Iwasso
focusedonthefactthatI’dstoppedbreathingthatIforgotwhatthedreamwasabout.HadIreallystopped
breathing?WasIjuststartled?Itwashardtofocus.

IlookedaroundandrecognizedIwasatNathan’shouse.Nathanwasnearby,deadasleep.Hisclock

readfourinthemorning.IttookmeamomenttorealizeLukeandGabrielmusthavebroughtme.They
hadn’tstayed,buttheymighthavebeenoutstilllookingforTheo.

WherewasTheo?Didtheyfindhim?Ihadn’trealizedhowexhaustedI’dbeen.
Imovedslowly,tryingnottowakeupNathan.Icrawledoutofbed.Afterwakinguplikethat,I

wantedtoavoidsleep.Ifoundsomeclothesintheclosetandmyphoneonthenightstandandtakingboth,
tiptoedoutoftheroom.

Istoodinthehallforamoment.Thebathroomdoorwasopen.Therewereafewboxesoftileonthe

floor,waitingtobeputin.

Theshowerwasn’tinstalledyet.TheAcademyworkandschoolissueswereslowingthingslikehome

repairdown.Inaway,Iwasgratefulforthingsslowingitdown,hopingtheymightchangetheirminds
aboutthetub.

Quietly,Ishuffledthroughthehousetotheotherside,andenteredNathan’sdad’sbedroom.
ItwasquietanddarkandIturnedonthelampnearthebed.Onthewaterbedwasabasketwithtowels

andotherbathroomitemsthey’dmovedfromthedestroyedbathroom.Igrabbedoneofthetowelsand
tiptoedovertothesecondbathroom,lookingin.

Idrewabath.I’dforgottentocollectarazor,andfoundamen’sdisposableinapackage.Ifeltguilty

forborrowingit.ItmademerealizeImightneedtosomehowfindawaytogettothestoretobuythingsI
needed.NowthatIgotsomemoneyfromworkingatthediner,IcouldprobablygetthingsIdidn’twantto
havetoasktheguysfor.

Ispentalongtimesoakinginthetub,almostfallingasleepagain.Igotout,driedoff,anddrainedthe

tub.Iputonaskirt,andasoftT-shirt,andthenovertop,Iputonathinsweater.Ihoveredinthebathroom
foralongtime,knowingitwasstillearlyandwithnoideawhattodo.

Iendedupsittingonthesofaandtappingatmycellphone.Ithoughtaboutdownloadingafreegame.I

didn’twanttofallasleepagain.

“Peanut?”
Isatupstraight,rubbingatmyeyes.Theyblurredfromstaringatthebrightphone.Icouldn’texactly

seewhereNathanwasinthedarknesswhilemyeyesadjusted,butIturnedtowhereIthoughtIheardhis
voice.“Yeah?”

“Youokay?”heasked,hisvoicegruffanddeep.Heshuffledaroundthecouchandsatnexttome.

“Can’tsleep?”

“Iguessnot,”Isaid,andstretched,puttingthephoneinmylap.
Hereachedout,puttingahandonmyleg,warmingmythighwithhispalm.Heturned,pickinghisleg

uptofacemeonthecouch.“Comeon,”hesaid.

Ishiftedalittle,andwithhimguidingme,Iendedupcurledupnexttohimonthecouch,facinghim.

Hisarmwasundermyhead,hislegsmixedupwithmine.Ihadtoputmyhandsonhischest.Hebenthis
andkissedthetopofmyhead.

Heheldmelikethatforseveralminutes,withhisfacepressedupagainstme,andhisbodyentwined

withmine.Hehadonboxers,noshirt,andhisbodyheatamplifiedthroughme.

“DidtheyfindTheo?”Iasked.
“Yeah,”Nathansaid.“He’sathomenow.North’stherewithSilas.Theygrilledhimabit,buthe

wouldn’tsaywherehe’sbeen.”

“Doyoureallythinkhesetthefires?”
“Idon’tknow,”Nathansaidquietly.“Ireallyhopehedidn’t.”
“Everyoneelseseemstowanttogetridofhim,”Isaidquietly.“Why?Whyaretheysoworried?I

heardheusedtoburnsheds,notchurches.”

Heburiedhisfaceintomyshoulder,hislipsbrushingagainstthecornerofmyneck.“Itwasan

accident,”hesaidevenquieterthanbefore,almostawhisper,buthisvoicewassodeepthatitcarried.“I
wanttobelieveitwas.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Hewasreallybadbackthen,fromwhatI’veheard.”Hispalmflattenedagainstmyside,rubbing

warmlyashesnuggledintome.“Hewasmixedinwithagroupthatusedtopickonhimprettyhard.He
hadtobewhat...wellSilaswastenatthetime,sohehadtobethirteen?Maybealittleolder?Anyway,
kidsoutthereareprettytoughoneachother,andhewasaskinnykidtryingtoprovehimself.Whenhe
wasalone,hesetfires.Itwaslikesomethinghefelthecouldcontrol.Somethingheknewhowtodoand
inhisownmind,hewasbraveenoughtostart.”

“Andhestartedwithsheds?”
“Hesetfiretotheirownshedandburneditdown.Thenhewenttohideinothershedsanddothe

samething.Itwentonformonths,buthisparentsdidn’tmaketheconnectionthatitwashim.The
neighborsdidn’tknowwhoitwas,either.”

Isighedheavily.“Whatchanged?Whathappened?”
“FromwhatIknow,”Nathansaid.“Onedayhewasatalocalchurch’sshed.Thisonewasreally

closetothechurch.Hewaslightingfires,andforsomereason,oneofthechemicalskeptintheshedhad
spreadout,seepingtotheothersideofthechurchunderneaththeconfessionbooththings.”Nathantucked
hisheadtighterintomyshoulderandthenmovedlikehewasshakinghishead.“Iwasn’teventhereandI
can’timagine...”

Thewayhe’dsaidithadmestiffeningandmyheartandbreathfroze,almostafraidtomoveandhear

thenextpart.“Anditburnedthechurch?”

“Yeah,”Nathansaid.“Andthepriestinsidetheconfessionbooth...andTheo’sandSilas’smother.”
Ashuddersweptthroughme,andsuddenlyIwasinGreece,tryingtopictureayoungSilaslearning

thisforthefirsttime,thathisbrotherhadsetafireandhadcausedthedeathoftheirmother.

“Hedidn’tknow,”Nathansaid.“Theowasamessedupkid,butheneverwouldhavedonethattohis

ownmom.Ittookawhiletosortoutwhathappened,butitwasSilaswhofoundoutitwasTheo.Theo
triedtokillhimselftwoweekslaterwithsomepillsandSilassavedhislife.Afterthat,Theoconfessed
whathappened.”

“Mr.BlackbournewenttogetthembecauseNorthaskedhimto?HowdidNorthknow?”
“They’dbeenfriendsandkeptintouch.Silascalledhimafterhefoundout.Northwasinhisown

troublebackthen.WhenMr.Blackbournefoundout,though,Northrefusedanyhelpuntilsomeonecould
helpfixSilas.Hemighthavebeenjustintime,too.Theywereallprettybadoff,andTheo...Imeanit’s

fuckedup.Silaswasmessedupbad,too.Hehatedeveryone.Hedidn’twanttomovefromhome.He
wantedTheodeadandregrettedsavinghislife.Northwastheonethatinsistedhecomeover,andbring
TheoandCharliewithhim.”

TheyescapedGreecetosavethemselvesfromdestroyingeachother,andNorthandMr.Blackbourne

madeitallpossible.Ithoughtoftheleatherchair,theonethatwaspracticallybrandnewandCharlie’s
worndownone.Thosecouldn’thavebeenbroughtfromGreece,couldthey?Buthehadreservedaspot
forhisdeadwife,andstilloccasionallysoughtoutahandthatwasn’tthere.

Inaddition,SilasandCharlielivedwithTheo,whohadkilledher.Theyprobablyfoughttheurgeto

hateandblameTheoeverytimetheytalkedtohim.Whatdidtheyhavetogothroughinordertobeableto
livewitheachotherlikethat?

IfTheohadbeenmessedupandsettingfires,andfeltsobadaboutwhathappened,wasthatreally

Theo’sfault?IsupposenowIwantedtofixit.“Can’twedosomething?”Iasked.“Shouldn’twehelp
Theosomehow?”

“We’retrackinghimnow.Weneedtokeepaconstantvisualonhim.NorthandSilastookthisnight

shift.VictorIthinkisstayingbehindfromschooltoday.I’llreplacehimtonight.Youmightendupat
Kota’shouse.”

Slowly,IpulledmyselfawayfromNathan.Ineededtobreatheandhavinghimwrappedaroundme

wastooconfininginthemoment.Iputmypalmstomyeyes,grindingoutsleepandthenstretched.“I
shouldhelp,”Isaid.“Andweshoulddosomethingmorebesidesbabysit.”

“We’llgetsomeonetotalktoTheo,”Nathansaid.“Wedon’thaveanyproofhe’ssettingfiresatallor

doinganythingwrong.”Hereachedoutfromwherehelay,andpressedhispalmtomyback,rubbing
alongmyspine.“MaybeIshouldn’thavetoldyouallthis.Youshouldknow,though,thatTheohashis
reasonsforbeingthewayheis.Itisveryhardnottodomore,butyoucanonlyhelppeoplewillingtobe
helped.Likemydad.He’ssomewhereelsenowbecausehecan’tcontrolhisanger.”Hesighed.“Ihaveto
watchmine,too.”

Iturnedslightly,lookingdownathim.“Yours?”
Hemovedtotheedgeofthecouchandsatbehindme,withhislegsoneithersideofmine,andhis

armscircledaroundmywaist.Hereachedupandpulledasidesomeofmyhairandthenkissedtheback
ofmyneck.Itwarmedmethrough.“IhadtotellMr.BlackbourneIkissedyou.AndhewasaskinghowI
feltaboutyou.Ihadtotellhim.”

Isuckedinabreathandthistimehelditforsolong,refusingtosayanything.Ididn’twanttointerrupt,

orsaysomethingwrong.

Nathankissedmyneckagain,andthenpressedhischeekagainstme.Theroughhairalonghisjaw

scratched,butitwasacozysortoffeeling.“Kota’sbeenmybestfriendsinceweweresmall.Theothers
don’tfeelanydifferenttome.They’rethefamilythatreplacedmyown,likeforalotofus.Butacouple
ofweeksago,Iwasreallyangry.”

Hewastalkingaboutthetimehe’dconfessedtowantingtoleavethemall.WhenhefoundoutDr.

Greenhadkissedme,hewasangryathim,andthenmadaboutthebitingfromNorthandhickeysfrom
Gabriel.“You’renotangrynow,”Isaidquietly.

“No,”hesaid.Hispalmrubbedagainstmysideagain,andhisarmsheldstrong.“I’mnottotallyover

it.Mr.Blackbournewasright:We’vegotthingstodohere,andIcan’tleavethem.Idon’treallywantto,
anyway.”

“Whatdoyouwant?”Iasked.
“Whatdoyouwant?”heasked.“That’stherealquestion.IneveraskedbeforeandIshouldhave.”

Thereweresomanyanglestothatquestion.“Idon’twantanyonetoleave,”Isaid.“Ifeellike

we...likeIjustgothere.Imean,withyouall.Istilldon’tknow...”

Hechuckledbehindme,arumblethatshookme,too.“Youdon’tfeelapartofthisyet?”
“Ididn’tknowaboutSilasandhismomuntiljustnow.There’salotofyou,andalottolearn.”
Hisheadmovedagainstmyshoulder,anod.“AndIwasthinkingofpullingyoufromtheonlygroup

evenIwouldn’tnormallyhaveleftforanything.Ishouldn’thaveeventhoughttodoit.Ijustcouldn’tstand
thethoughtof...”Hislipstwistedandthenitturnedintoakissonmyneck.“ButwhatdoIhaveto
complainabout?You’reherewithme.Can’tworryaboutlater.Havetofocusonrightnow.”

“LikeonTheo?”Iasked.Iwantedtotalkmoreaboutdifferentthings,howhefelt,butIsensedthis

wassomethingheneededtimewith.Mr.Blackbournehadtalkedtohim.Thatwastheimportantpart,
right?

“Yeah,”hesaid.“We’vegottohelpSilas.Thenthere’sthisjobwe’reon.Thishomecomingweekis

goingtobecrazy.Hopefullyourbombergetscaughtatthedancewithoutanyissues.”

Nathansatwithmeforafewminutes,butheeventuallyleftmetotakeashower.Icurleduponthe

couchanddozedoff.

Later,heshookmeawaketoletmeknowKotawasoutsidewiththecar.
“Whatcar?”Iaskedbeforewemadeitoutside.“Wasn’thisstolen?”
“OneofNorth’s,”hesaid.“Atemporaryreplacement.Actually,I’mhopingwedon’tfindKota’scar.

Thatoldthingneededtodie.”

Outsidewasablackfour-doorsedan,lookingbrandnew.Ithadsmoothlinesandbrownleather

interior.Kotawasinthedriver’sseatwaiting.Nathanopenedthefrontpassengerdoorformetogetin.
Heputhimselfinthebackseatwithourbookbags.

“Keepthecar,Kota,”Nathansaid.Hereachedover,tappingataflatscreendisplaypanelbetweenus,

pushingbuttonsatwhatseemedlikerandom.“Kota,I’mtellingyou,keepthecar.”

“Wecan’tdrivethisthingtotheschool.It’llgetbrokenintoandstolenquickerthanminewas.”Kota

reachedout,pattingawayNathan’shand.“Putyourseatbelton.”

Nathanpulledhishandback,grinningasheputhisbelton.“Theywouldn’tdaretouchit.Notwiththe

alarmsonthisthing.”

“We’realreadyinsometroublewithit,”Kotasaid.Hepulledthecaroutofthedrivewayandnodded

hisheadtothedriverinthecarthatwasparkeduptheroad,ourescortsentfromMr.Hendricks.“They’re
goingtowonderwhereabunchofkidscameupwithacarlikethis.”

“Thenwhyevendriveit?”Nathanasked.
“ItwasNorth’sidea,butI’mnotsureIagreewithit.Ifwemakethemtrytofigureoutwhereweget

carsfrom,it’lldistractthemasweinvestigatewhatthey’reupto.”

Theideaofgoingbacktoschoolwasdaunting.Forthepastcoupleofweeks,I’dmovedthrough

schoolmuchlikeazombiefromoneofNathan’shorrormovies:mindlesslydoingwhatIwassupposedto.

ThatstateofmindhadstartedafterJadehadbeentakenoutofschool.I’dheardaboutitlater,and

knowingshewasn’ttherewasprobablytheonlyreasonIevenwentbackassoonasIdid.OnceIwasin,
Ithrewmyselfintoschoolworkanddoingwhatevertheboysaskedmetodo.Iwasexcusedfromgym
classforacoupleofweeks,butthisweekIwassupposedtoreturn.Iburiedthethought,tellingmyself
Jadewasgone,remindingmyselfoverandover.

Puttingoffthinkingaboutiteasedthings.Keepingbusymadeiteasytonotthinkofitrightnow.
Walkingintothemainhallway,though,itwasimpossibletoforgetwhereIwaswithhomeworkor

Academywork.Homecomingwasthisweek,andtherewerepostersandballoonshangingupallover.
Thehallwayswerecrowdedandstudentswerelouderthanusual.

Nathanstoppedonourwaytothecourtyardandnudgedmyarm.“Hey,checkitout.”
IlookedupandKotaturnedatthesametimesothatwealmostbumpedintoeachothertoseewhat

Nathanwastalkingabout.

Silas’spicturewasonaposterofhomecomingcandidates.
I’dheardbeforethathewasintherunning,butbecauseSilashaddismissedit,Ididn’texpecta

poster.Imovedforward,awayfromtheotherboys,wantingacloserlook.

ThepicturewasofSilasatfootballpractice,andthenInoticedanotheroneofhiminthehallway.

“Whotookthepictures?”Iasked.

“Probablyschoolphotographers,”Kotasaid.Hestoodbesideme,closeenoughthatthematerialof

hisjacketrubbedagainstmyarm.Headjustedhisgreenmessengerbagonhisshoulderandthenpointedat
someoftheotherpictures.“See?Theothersaresimilar,eitheratasporteventorduringschool.”

“Mightbeyearbookpictures,”Nathansaid.Heranhishandthroughhisreddishhairandrubbedathis

head.“Shouldwedosomethingaboutit?”

“Wemayneedtofindoutwherethevotingstands,”Kotasaid.“Weneedtobeawareifhedoes

managetogethimselfelected,evenifheisn’ttrying.”Helookeddownatme.“Feellikebeingnosy?”

Mylipsparted.“What?Why?”
“You’rehisgirlfriendrightnow,”hesaid.“Youcouldask.”
“Wouldtheylether?”Nathanasked.“Theymightthinkshe’scheating.”
Kotashruggedandturneddownthehall.“Doesn’thurttofindout.Idon’tseehowit’scheatingjust

beinginformedofwhoseemstobethemostpopularcandidates.”

Myheartstartedpoundingveryhard.Iwasn’tsurewhattosayorwhotoask.Kotaseemedtohavean

ideathough,soIfollowedhim,weavingmywaybehindhimthroughthecrowdedhall.Nathanshadowed
me.

WeendedupinasectionofofficesIhadn’tbeeninbefore.Iwasn’tevensurewhattheydid,butI

guessedtheymusthavebeensomesortofadministration.Thedesksfacedeachother,withnameplates
andphonesthatwerealreadylightingupforthedayoneach.

Wewerestandingclosetogetherjustinsidethedoor.Kotascannedtheroom.Therewasabustleof

otherpeoplearound,filinginandsittingattheirdesksandgettingreadyfortheday.

“Excuseme,”someonesaidandweallturnedtowardthevoice,surprisedtofindMr.Morrisstanding

besideoneofthedesks.Heworejeansandapoloshirtandhiscriticaleyeslandedonme.“Whatareyou
doinginhere?Studentsshouldn’tbebackhere.”

“Sorry,”Isaidquickly.HeseemedtobetalkingdirectlytomesoIfeltobligatedtorespond.
“Wewerejustlookingforsomeoneonthehomecomingcommittee,”Kotasaid.
Mr.Morrisnarrowedhiseyesathim.“Don’twehaveenoughtoworryaboutwithoutconcerning

ourselveswithsomethinglikethat?”

IcaughtNathan’seye,meetinghisgazeandhissilentlookofsurprisethatmatchedmyown.Mr.

Morrisseemedtesty.

“It’sallpartofthesame,”Kotasaid,hiscasualtonereflectingthathehadn’tnoticedtherudenote

fromMr.Morris’s.“Weneedtoknowwherethey’revoting.”

“It’sstartingnow,”hesaid.Hepointedtothedoor.“Readthesigns.Votingisinthegymthisweekup

untilWednesday.”

“We’llgocheckitout,”Kotasaid,backingup.“Thanks.”
Mr.Morrisrolledhiseyes.KotaandNathanstartedtowalkbackoutthedoor.Ididn’tknowifithad

beenKota’sintentiontosimplyasksomethingsoobviousandthenwalkout,butMr.Morrishadmadeus
changehisplan.

IwasstillwatchingMr.Morrisastheotherswereleaving.ItwashowInoticedMr.Morris’sback

pockets.Theyweresmallforthejeanshewaswearing,andpeekingoutofeachpocketwasacellphone,
oneinablackcase,andoneinapinkcase.

Istaredatthemforsolong.Ididn’tknowatfirstwhatstruckmeasoddaboutit.“Kota,”Ibreathed.I

didn’tdaresayitanylouder,afraidtocatchanyoneelse’sattention.

Kotaturnedback,andIkeptstaringatMr.Morrisashewaswalkingaway.Iwasafraidtopointand

drawanyattentionfromtosomeoftheotherpeoplesittingatdesksandtalkingonphones.Outofthe
cornerofmyeye,IsawKotacheckingwhatIwaslookingat.

“Ishe...married?”Iasked,tryingtogothroughthepossibilities.Wouldhecarryhiswife’sphone?Or

adaughter’s?Wouldheusetwo?”

“Outside,”hesaid,andhetookmyelbowinhishand,turningmebacktothedoor.
Inthehallway,wemovedtogether,Nathanleaningin.“What’sup?”heasked.“Somethingwrong?”
“He’sgottwocellphones,”Kotasaid.“Sangcaughtit.Oneblack,onepink.”
“Ha,”Nathansaid,andheclappedahandonmyshoulder,leavingitthereasheheldontome.“Nice

job,Peanut.Butitcouldbeastudent’s.Orwhoknowswhoitbelongsto.”

“Wouldhekeeponeheapprehendedfromastudentinhispocket?Andthisearlyinthemorning?”I

asked.Wewerewalkingamongthestudents,andhadtotaketurnscuttingthroughbecauseitwasgetting
crowded.Wehadtotrekourwaybacktothecourtyard.

Oncewewerebackoutintheopenair,wewalkedovertothebenches,whereNorth,LukeandSilas

weresitting.Gabrielwaswiththem.Victorwasn’tthere,butIrememberedhewouldbewatchingover
Theotoday.

OnceIwascloseenoughtotheothers,Silasimmediatelyreachedoutahandtome.Hewaswearing

hisfakeschooluniform,allexceptthebluejacket,whichhehadhangingoverthebench.Thewhiteshirt
wasbuttonedalltheway,butwasuntucked.Hisshouldersseemedbroaderwiththewayhefilledoutthe
shirt.

Northshovedhisbookbagoffthesideofthebenchuntilitfellontheground,movingovertoleave

meroom.Hewasinhisuniform,too,buthisshirtunderneathwasblackinsteadoftheusualwhite,andhis
pantswereadifferentshadethannormal,alittledarker.Hisshadowedeyeswereasintenseasever,and
theyneveronceleftme.

IletSilastakemyhandandIsatdownbetweenthem,feelingsmall.
Silaspickeduphisjacketandputitaroundmyshoulders.“Youcoldouthere?”heasked.
Ihadn’thadtimetoeventhinkaboutifIwashotorcold,butItuggedhisjackettighteraroundme,

smellingtheoceanscentandcatchingNorth’smusknearby.“WejustranintoMr.Morris,”Isaid.

Kotafilledtheminquickly,sittingontheoppositebenchbetweenNathanandLuke.
“He’snotmarried,”Northsaid,hisvoicealittlemoregruffthanusual.WhenIlookedathim,hewas

lookingatKota,andIcaughttheshadowsunderhiseyes.IlookedbackatSilasandhehadthesame.They
reallyhadbeenupallnight.

“Soitisn’thiswife’sphonehe’shangingonto,”Nathansaid.
Kotapulledouthisowncellphoneandtappedintoit.“LookedalotlikeoneofSang’s,”hesaid.

“MaybeI’mparanoid.”

“Allherphonesareaccountedfor,”Northsaid.“Buthe’sonmyshitlist,soIwanttoknowwhoit

belongsto,too.”

“Wedon’tneedtoaddmoreworkontopofwhatwe’redoingnow,”Lukesaid.“Wecan’tjumpat

everylittlething.”

“Wedon’twanttotakechances,”Kotasaid.Hefinishedhismessageandthenheldthephoneand

waited.Aminutelater,itvibratedandhecheckedthescreen.“Mr.Blackbourneagrees.We’retogosee
whoitbelongsto.”

“Awman,”Lukesaid.Herolledhiseyesbutwassmilingandstoodup.“IneedanothercoffeeifI’m

goingtomakethispull.Where’sthephone?”

Iwasn’tsurehowKotamanagedtorelaythemessageandgetaresponsesoquicklyfromMr.

Blackbourneifweweren’tsupposedtodiscussAcademybusinessonthephone.Weretheyusingsome
code?MynerveswerejumbledandaliveforLuke.Iknewhecouldprobablystealthephone,butIwasn’t
sureabouttheriskifhegotcaught.“He’sgotitinhisbackpocket,”Isaid.“Onthe...lefthandside.The
pocketsaresmall,sobothphonesarestickingout.”

Lukemadea‘comehere’gestureatme.“CanIborrowyourphone?”heasked.
“Youcan’ttradephones,”Northsaid.“Notusinghers.”
“Justneedthecover,”Lukesaid.“Ifyouguysthinkitwashersoranoldone,thenwecanswapout

onewiththesamecoverandhemightnotnoticeadifferencelongenoughforustocheckitout.”

Ipulledmyphoneout,andbeforeIcouldhandittoLuke,Northtookitfromme.Heslidhisfingernail

betweenthecoversectionsandremovedit.“Anyonehaveaspare?Preferablyadeadspare?Idon’twant
himtohaveaccesstoanyofourlivephones.”

“I’vegotone,”Kotasaid.Heshuffledthroughhisbag,findingaphoneandhandingitofftoLuke.“It’s

ablank.Neverbeenused.”

“Neverthoughttocarryaspare,”Lukesaid,takingitandthecaseandputtingittogether.Oncehehad

it,heflippeditonceinhispalm.“LuckilySanglikespink.Sheearnsabrowniepoint.”Heapproached
me,pattedmeontheheadandthenwinked.“AndIgettwelveifIpullthisoff.Thatmeanswemake
browniestonight.I’llbeback.”

Lukestartedwalkingoffacrossthecourtyard.IturnedtoNorth.“Shouldhegobyhimself?”
“Ifheneedssomeone,he’lltellus,”Northsaid,althoughhiseyesfollowedhisbrotherandstayedon

thedoorsevenafterLukehadmovedbeyondthem.North’sshouldersseemedtoswellabit,andthe
intensityonhisfaceincreased.“Sometimeshavinganotherpersonaroundhimcanthrowhimoff.It’sbest
tolethimgo.”

Maybehethoughtso,butthemomentLukewasoutofvisualrange,IfelttheintensityNorthseemedto

carry.Iwaslistening,watching,waitingforLuketoreturn.

Silasputapalmonmyback,smoothingthematerialofhisjacketagainstmyback.“Don’tworry,my

littlenightflower,”hesaidinalowvoice.“He’llbefine.”

NorthinstantlybrokehisgazewiththedoorandfocusedonSilas.“Whatdidyoujustcallher?”
MyspinerippledandIsatupright.Ilookedstraightahead,butmyfullattentionwasonSilasand

North,listeningtoeveryword.

Silashoveredclosertome,hisarmtuggingmeintohim.“What?Doesthatmeansomethingelsehere?

Ithoughtitwascute.”

“You’venevercalledherthatbefore.”
Silaswasquiet,butIfelthisshouldersmoveinashrug.
IdaredalookatNorth,butmymovementcaughtNorth’sattentionandheturnedhisfullstareonme.

“IstheresomethinggoingonIdon’tknowabout?”heasked,althoughIsensedhewasaskingSilasandnot
me.“Whycallherthatnow?”

“Isitwrong?”Silasasked.
IcheckedwithKotaandNathan,whowerestaring,mouthsopenandeyesonSilasandNorth.Both

lookedconfused.Neitherlookedliketheywantedtogetinthemiddleofit.Kotascratchedathiselbow.

Nathansimplywatched,hisjawset,hisblueeyesintense,mostlyonSilas.

Myheartraced.WouldSilastellthemallrightherethathehadaskedmeoutandIsaidyes?Iwas

itchingtosendamessagetoMr.Blackbourne,butNorthwasholdingontomyphone,andIwouldn’tdare
askforitnow.

Northgrunted.“Ijustwanttoknowwhyit’snotthataggeleshitnow.What’sitmean?”
“Ican’tcallheranythingbutthatnow?”Silasasked.
“Stopchangingthesubject,”Northbarkedathim.“Youalwaysdothat.Iaskasimplequestionand

youpullitinadifferentdirection.”

Icringed.Don’tfight!WhywasNorthsoagitated?ItwasthefirsttimeIfeltSilaswasactuallytrying

topickafightback.Sittingbetweenthemmademefeeldivided.Theedgewascuttingthroughmyheart.
Wasitbecausetheyweretired?IshotapanickedstareatKota.

Kotastartedtostand,lookinglikehewasgoingtosaysomethingwhenthecourtyardstartedtoring

withthesoundofalarmsgoingoff.Withinthewalledspaceofthecourtyard,thesoundwasechoing,
amplified.ItwasashockandIinstinctivelycoveredmyears.

Northpushapalmagainsthiseye.“Christ,notanotherone.”
“Abombthreat?”Nathanasked.“Schoolhasn’tevenstartedyet.”
“Whoeveritis,heisn’twastingtime,”Kotasaid.Hepickeduphisbagandthenmotionedtome.

“Let’sgetoutofhere.North,Iwouldn’tnormallyask,butmakesureLuke’sokay.”

“Onit,”Northsaid,gettingupquickly.
Everyonemoved,joiningthethrongofpeoplestartingtogobackouttowardtheparkinglot.Silas

grabbedmybag.Kotawasononesideofme,Silashadanarmaroundmyshoulders,buteventually,we
weresquishedintoaline.IendedupbehindKota,Silasbehindme,withahandonmyback.Ikeptmy
handonKota’sshouldersoheknewIwasbehindhim.IlostsightofNathan.Northsplitfromusinthe
hallway,headingtowardthemainofficearea.

Thespacewaschaos.Streamsofstudentsflowedoutthedoorandwalkedthroughthelot,while

peoplewerestilltryingtoparkandfigureoutwhatwasgoingon.Parentsdroppingoffkidswereoutof
theircarsandaskingquestions.Acopcarrolledin,drivingonthegrasstogetaroundthecommotion.He
musthavebeenclosebyandafirstresponder.Anothercopcarshowedup,andstarteddirectingtraffic,
gettingparentsdroppingoffkidstostopcomingthrough,andclearingtheentrance.

Themomentwecouldgetoutintotheopenintheparkinglot,Kotamovedtowardthestandsnearthe

baseballfield,whileeveryoneelsewasdirectedtothelongstripofgrassonthefarsideoftheparking
lot.

Kotascopedoutthearea,checkingtheundersideoftheseats.Hegaveustheokayandweclimbedon

andsatontheverytopfacingtheongoingchaos,checkingoutwhatwasgoingon.Ourfeetdangledbelow.
Theseatswerecoldmetal,thechillbitingintomyclothessoIstuffedSilas’sjackettighteraroundme.

“Whatamess,”Kotasaid.“Iwouldn’twanttobeinchargeofthis.Thoseparentsarecreatingmore

problems.Ourbomberplannedagoodonethistime.”

“Shouldwedoanything?”Iasked.“Aren’twesupposedtobecatchinghim?”
“Waititout,”Kotasaid.“Keepaneyeoutforanythingunusual.Sofar,nooneisindanger.It’sjust

chaotic.Weshouldprobablylookforanyoneactingsuspicious.Butjustincase,weshouldstayoutof
range.Thekidsareriledupandcouldbedangerousrightnow.”

Itwashardtofocus,butIfounditeasierifIwaslookingoutforindividualpeoplewholooked

familiar.Amongovertwothousandstudentstryingtostandalongastripofnarrowland,itwashardto
pickoutanyonethatIknew.

ThenIfoundDerrick,andKarenwaswithhim.Theyskirtedaroundtheoutsideofthecrowdof

students,focused,liketheywerelookingforsomeone.Karenhadonaleatherjacketwiththesleeves
pushedupabitonherarms.Derrickhadhishandsstuffedintohisjeans,hislipspressedtogetherintoa
thinline.

Atfirst,Iwasgoingtodismissthem.Maybetheywerelookingforanotherfriend.ButthemoreI

observed,themoretheystudiedthestudents,lookingforsomethingorsomeone.Theyleanedoverand
whisperedtoeachother.Karenlookedupset.Derrick’slipstwistedintoafrown.

Kotaleanedoverme,puttinghisheadnearmine.Ismelledhissoothingspiceandcontinuedtowatch

KarenandDerrick.“Whataretheydoing?”heasked.

“Youknow,”Isaid.“RememberthelasttimewewenttothefootballgameandIsatwiththem?”
“Yeah,”hesaid.“Didsomethinghappen?”
“Whenthatonekidgotcrazyandstartedattackingpeople,shegotreallyinterestedandwentofftogo

askwhatwasgoingon.DerrickstayedbehindandImentionedwhatKarensaidandthenhefollowedher
andtheyneverreturned.”

“Sang,”Nathansaid.“Derrickwasneverinterestedingettinginvolved.Hwouldn’tstickhisheadinto

trouble.Maybethey’rejustlookingforanotherfriend.”

“I’mnotsure,”Isaid.“KarenseemsinvolvedwithMr.Hendricks.Heusesalotofstudentsand

teacherstodowhateveritishe’sdoing.Ithinkmaybeshe’swrappedupinthat.Derrickmightnotbe
involved,butKaren’shisfriend.Hemightatleasthelpalittle.Maybewithoutevenrealizingit.”

“Itcouldbe,”Kotasaid.Hetouchedgentlyatthecornerofhisclasses.“Itmightmakeanysituation

she’sinmoredangerousifweinteractwithher.”

“She’snotathreat,”Nathansaid,histonedeep.“Trustme.Iknowsheisn’t.”
Kotaturnedtohim,frowning.“Justbecauseshehelped...”
“Shewasflippingout,too,”Nathansaid.Helookedatme.Hisentirefaceturnedserious.“Ifitwasn’t

forher,SangcouldhaveendedupalotworsewithJade.Iknowweshouldn’ttakeanythingforgranted,
butIsawherface.ShewasterrifiedforSang.Ican’timagineshe’dbeuptosomethingthatwouldharm
us.”

ThesoundofJade’snamesentarippleofdreadthroughme.WhateverI’dwantedtosaygotcaughtin

mythroat.Idrownedoutthethoughtscreepingintomyheadbyforcingmyselftothinkaboutthebomb
threat,toscanthecrowdofstudents.I’dlosttrackofKarenandDerrick.They’ddisappearedamongthe
others.

Still,somethingdidn’tfeelexactlyright.Duringgymclassforthelastfewweeks,I’dbeendismissed

fromattending,thankstoDr.Greenandgivingmeamedicalexcuse.SoI’dbeensittingonthesidelinesin
mynormalclothes,watchingeveryoneelseparticipate.I’dsaidhellowhenKarencameby,andwe’d
exchangedsomewords,butwenevergotachancetotalkaboutwhathadhappened.ThelongerIwent
withouttalkingtoheraboutit,themoreIrealizedIcouldn’tbringupthetopicforsomereason.Icouldn’t
evensaythankyou.IknowNathanandtheothershad.Isimplycouldn’ttalkaboutit.

Iwasn’tsureifitwasKaren,orifIsimplywasn’treadytotalkaboutwhathadhappenedyet.I’d

cometorealizethewayIdealtwiththingsthataffectedmesostrongly,wastowaitaslongaspossible,
untilthefeelingsandemotionsaboutthesituationnumbedthemselvesinsideofme.Ipreferredtohandleit
slowly,bitbybit,overtime.

Awarmhandtouchedthebackofmyneck.ItwasKota.Histouchsteadiedme,andencouragedmeto

lookathim.

“Ifyouthinkthisissomethingweshouldlookat,”hesaidquietly,“we’llkeepaneyeonher.”

Ifoundstrengthandcomfortinhistouch,andleanedintoit.“IknowdealingwithMr.Hendrickswill

meandealingwithhisholdoneveryone.FocusingonMr.Hendricksandtryingtostophimhelps
everyone.Ifwespreadourselvesouttoomuch,we’llnevercatchuptohim.Wealreadyknowsomeof
whathewilldotodistractus.”

“Likeshowingupatyourhouse,”Nathansaid.
“Orpostingpeopleonourstreettokeepaneyeonusandfollowus,”Kotasaid.Hekepthishandon

me,movingittomyshoulderstorubdeeply.Hesighed,lookingoutamongthecrowd.“Mr.Blackbourne
isright.Thesebombthreatshavetoend.They’reamajordistractionrightnow.”

“Aren’tthey?”Silas’sdeepvoicewasevendeepernow.Helookedoutacrosstheschool,toward

wherethefiretrucksandpoliceofficerswerecounselingnotjustteachers,butparentsaswell.

KotaandNathanleanedtolookaroundmeatSilas.“What?”Nathanasked.
Silaswasquietforalongmoment,stillstaring.Heliftedhishand,andpointed,notsayingaword.
IfollowedhislineofsighttoMr.Hendricks,whowasonhiscellphone,standingawayfrom

firefightersandpoliceofficers.Hewasn’ttalking,justlistening,andwatchingthecrowd.Whensomeone
approachedhim,hewavedthemoff,tookastepback,andpointedtohiscellphone.

“Watchhisface,”Silassaid.
Idid,andIknewKotaandNathanwerestudyinghim,too.Itwashardtotellfromthedistancewe

wereat,andwithpeopleintheparkinglottryingtofigureoutwhatwasgoingonbeingadistraction.

However,Mr.Hendricks’sstaturewascasual.Unconcerned.
Notevenconcernedwiththeparentswhowereholdinguptheprocessofgettingeveryoneinside.No

stressthatthiswasthebeginningofhomecomingweek,aweekhewantedthingstogowell,orsaidhe
did.Wasn’thetheonethatwasworriedbeforeaboutparentsbeingaroundforeventsandmakingthings
worseiftherewasabombthreat?Herewasone,andhedidn’tseemirritatedorupset.

“Isn’thesupposedtobedoingsomething?”Iasked.“Imean,whatisaprincipalsupposedtodowhen

there’sabombthreat?”

“It’snotsittingonyourcellphone,”Kotasaid.Hestraightened,slidingofftheedgeoftheseatonto

thegrass.“WaitherewithSilas.Nathan,let’sgo.”

Nathanmovedinstantly,droppingtothegrassandwalkingbesideKota.Kotaledtheway,andNathan

kepthishandsinhispockets,scoutingaroundthemastheywalked.Theykepttheirheadsdown,walking
amongpeopleandblendingin.

“Whataretheydoing?”IaskedSilas.
“Idon’tknow,”hesaid.“WhenKotagetsafeeling,he’llactonit.”
Iwantedtosuggestwecoulddosomething,too,butIrealizedthatthebestthingwecoulddowasbe

thelookouts.Fromourvantagepoint,wecouldseewhereMr.Hendrickswas,keepaneyeonstudents,
andmostofwhatwasgoingon.

SittingbesideSilasthen,feelinghimclose,Islowlyreachedouttohim.Wrappingmyarmaroundhis.
Hefoundmyhand,hisownenvelopingmypalm.Heheldfirm.
“WasImakingyoufeelawkward?”heaskedashekeptaneyeonNathanandKotawhoweavedtheir

waythroughthecarsandseemedtobeheadingforNorth’sJeepparkedinthemiddleofthelot.“WhenI
calledyounightflower?”

“No,”Isaid,althoughIwasn’tfullysurewhattosay.“Ididn’trealizeyouhadn’ttoldanyoneelse

about...youknow,us.”

“Ihaven’thadthetime,”hesaid.“AlthoughNorthissuspicious.”Histhumbmovedoverontopof

mine,rubbingalittle.“Ithinkhelikesyou.He’sprotectiveabouttalkingaboutyou.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Iasked

“I’veknownhimforalongtime,”hesaid.“He’sabrothertomeinalotofways.I’veknownabout

allthegirlshe’severhadaninterestin.Buthewon’ttalkaboutyou.Notinthesameway.”

“Wouldn’t...thatmeanhe’snotinterested?”
“He’skeepingyouclose,”hesaid.Heturnedhishead,lookingdownatme.“ButIknowaboutyou

spendingthenightwithhimatthehotel.AndInoticedhistattoo.”

Myeyeswidenedathim.“Tattoo?Whattattoo?”
Silas’slipscurledintoasmileatthecorner.“Theoneonhischest.Youhaven’tseenityet?”
Mymouthwashangingopen.Iwasstaring,andamongthechaos,Iwastryingtomaketheconnection.

“Isawabruise,”Isaid.“Ithink.”

“Itlookslikeone,doesn’tit?”Silasreturnedtostaringoutatthecrowd.“Hesaiditwasfromyou.He

wantedtokeepit.”

Isuckedintheslowestbreath,holdingitforsolong,IthoughtImightneverneedtobreatheagain,I

wasstuckinthatmoment.North’smarkonhischestwasfamiliartome,becauseitwaswhereI’dbitten
him.It’djustbeensolongsincethattime,thatI’dassumeditcouldn’tbe,becauseitshouldhavefaded,
likeminehaddone.

AndthenIrememberedthatnextmorning,whenNorthhaddroppedmeoffatthehouse,andhewas

supposedtogotothediner,butinsteadwashourslate.Hadhegoneoutthatdaytotattoomybiteontohis
chest?

Myfacewasburning,aswasmyheart.
Silas’sheadturnedquickly,andIinstantlygotcaughtuptryingtofigureoutwhathewaslookingat.
IspottedKotainsideNorth’sJeepinthepassengerseat.Thecarwasrollingforward,soNathanmust

havebeendriving.

Amidthechaos,whilecarsweretryingtoclearout,NathanrolledtheJeepthroughitall.We

watched,andIleanedintoSilas,waiting.

TheyangledthecartowardwhereMr.Hendrickswasstillonthephone.Therewasalineofcars

gridlocked,tryingtogetinorout,andamidthepolicecars,peoplewereweaving,cuttingeachotheroff,
andgenerallystoppingtheflowoftraffic.NathanwedgedtheJeeprightintothemiddle.

“Whataretheydoing?”
“Gettingaclearlineofsight,”Silassaid.“Theymightbeabletohearwhatisbeingsaidonthephone,

ifanything,andwhathemightsayinreturn.”

“Fromthecar?”Iasked.
“There’safewspecialfeaturesVictorandMr.BlackboureputinsidethatJeep.”
Ipausedforalongmoment,watchingtheJeep,asifIcouldseeinsideandtellwhatwasgoingon.

“WhatelsedoesNorthkeepinsidehisJeep?”

Silaschuckled,adeeprumble.

Worse

ewerecalledintoclassbeforeKotaandNathanreturned.SilaswalkedwithmetomakesureIgot

therewithoutincident.Wehadn’thearddetailsaboutwhathappened.

Thesilencewashardtobear.Ikeptlookingatmyphone,waitingforanupdate.Silashadtoremind

methatsilencewasprobablygood.Iftheywerecallingforassistance,thatwasthetimetoworry.

Afterallthemorningchaos,schoolstartedtwohourslate.Onceparentswereclearedandeveryone

wasparked,IendedupinsecondperiodwithNathanandNorth.

Northsatbehindme.IstaredatthebackofNathan’sheadinsteadofpayingattentiontothelesson,

wishingtheycouldhavetoldmewhathadhappenedintheJeeporwithLuketryingtogetthecellphone,
buttheteacherhadstartedbeforetheymanagedtomakeitintoclass.

Aftertheteacherhadcollectedhomework,avoiceranginovertheloudspeaker.Icouldtellitwas

beingbroadcastthroughoutthewholeschool,becauseIcouldheartheechofromthehallway.

“Willthefollowingstudentspleasereporttothefrontoffice:
SangSorenson
ArthurPrescott
JayWilliam
Iwasn’tsurprisedthatmynamewouldcomeacrossthosespeakers,eventhoughI’dhopedit

wouldn’t.

Istoodup,andbeforeIcollectedmybag,Northwaspickingitup.
Iwaswaytootiredtofightwithhimabouthowheshouldstaybehind,andNorthseemedtooagitated

tobothertorespondtotheteacher,whotoldhimtositdown.

Thehallwayswereemptyandourfootstepsechoedaswewalked.
“You’llprobablygetdetention,”Isaid.
“No,Iwon’t,”Northsaid.
“It’snotlikeyoucangowithmeintotheoffice.”
“Idon’treallygiveashit,”Northsaid.Heheftedourbagsonhisshoulders,makingfistsasheheldon

tothestraps.“I’msofuckingtiredofthisschool.I’mtiredofthebullshit.”

Thatedgestartedtosliceupagainstmyheartagain.Tensionhoveredintheairbetweenus.Itriedto

thinkofsomethingtosayordotoeasehisthoughtssohedidn’tflipout.

“Dowe...havetohurry?”Iasked.Mostly,Iwantedachanceforhimtocalmdownabit.Ithoughtif

wetookadvantageofbeingoutofclassforamoment,itmightwork.

North’sdarkeyebrowsliftedandheturnedhisgazetome.“What?Somethingwrong?”
“Something’swrongwithyou,”Isaidquietly.“Canwetalk?”
Hegrunted.Hisheadmoved,scanningthearea.Hepointeddownahallway,changingourdirection.

Twomoreturns,andwewereatasetofrestrooms.Hepointedtotheboys’bathroom,andIblushed,
stoppingatthedoor.

HewentinandafewminuteslaterafterIheardthesqueakingofstalldoors,hecalledout,“Clear.”
Iwentinsideandclosedthedoor,lockingitbehindus.Inmyoldlife,Iwouldhaveneverdreamedof

doinganythingofthesort.Itstruckmeinthemomenthowthingshadchanged.

Northdroppedourbookbagsonthefloor.Heturned,smackedthewatertostartrunning.Hescooped

hishandsundertheflowandthenbroughtittohisface,rubbingathischeeksandeyes.“Christ,”hesaid.

“I’mabouttokillTheo.I’mabouttokillMr.Hendricks.Thisbomberbetterwatchout.AndIheardabout
Voltoyesterday.IfIfindKota’scar,I’musingittorunhisassover.”

Isteppedtothecounternexttothesinkandcrossedmyarmsjustundermybreasts,watchingashe

rubbedathisface.“You’renotmadatSilas,areyou?”

Hisheadsnappedaroundandhiswildeyeslockedonmine.“Whatthehellareyoutalkingabout?”
“Youjustseemedupsetwithhimearlier.”
Hegroaned.Hesnappedupsomepapertowelsthatwerepiledonastackbythemirror.Hedriedhis

face.“I’vebeenupallnightwatchinghisbrother,andarguingwithSilasaboutwhyheshouldn’tmove
backtoGreecewithhisfamily.”

Itwaslikehehaddroppedcoldwateronmyface.“Silas?What?”
“Hefeelsguilty,”Northsaid.Heleanedaway,crumplingthepapertowelandtossingitattheopen

trashcan.Heturnedbacktome.“Hethinksshitthathappenedfiveyearsagowashisfault.”

“Youmean,withhismother?”Iasked.
North’seyesflashed.“Youknowaboutthat?”
“Ijust...”Iwasn’tsurehowtorespond,ifhe’dbeangryNathantoldme.Isimplynodded.Betternot

tosaywhotoldme.

Northfrownedandshookhishead.“Weallgothroughthat.There’salwayssomeonewecouldhave

helped,somethingwecouldhavestopped.Hethinksifhe’dstayedwithhisbrother,maybewatchedhim,
hecouldhavestoppedwhathappened.Nowhe’sblaminghimselfforwhatTheoischoosingtodo.He
thinkshe’saburdenorwhatever.Icalledhimonhisbullshit.Idon’tknowifIgotthroughtohim.”

“Whywouldhegoback?”
“TogetTheooutofourhair,”hesaid.Hemoved,touchingapalmateachofmyhips.“Sitdowna

minute.”

Irelaxed,allowinghimtopickmeupandputmeonthecounter.HestoodcloseenoughthatIparted

mylegssohecouldleanagainstthecounter.

Northheldmycheeksbetweenhispalms,keepinghisgazefixedonme.“Ineedyourhelp,”hesaid

quietly.“I’mtryingtokeepmyfamilytogether.ThatincludesSilas.Imightyellathim,butheneedsus
rightnow.Youmightbeabletohelp.”

“How?”Iasked,myheartinanuproar.Iwaspanicking,worriedaboutwhereSilaswasevenatthis

moment.Ijustsawhim,nolessthanmaybetwentyminutesagowhiletryingtogettoclass.Now,North
wastellingmehewasthinkingaboutgoingbacktoGreeceandIwantedtofindhimagain,worriedhe
couldalreadybeonhisway.

“IthinkI’veconvincedhimtostay,butIneedyoutomakesurehedoes.”
“WhatdoIdo?”Iasked.
“Anything.Idon’tknow.”Histhumbsslidovermycheekbones.Helickedhislipsandthenclamped

hismouthclosedforaminuteandIcouldtellhewasthinkingbeforehespokeagain.“I’mgoingtoask
yousomething,”hesaid.“I’mnotsupposedto,butIneedtoknow.Youcareaboutme?”

Thequestionwasn’twhatIwasexpecting,butInoddedagainsthishandsalmostinstantly.OfcourseI

did.

“WhataboutSilas?”heasked.“Doyoucareabouthim?”
Inoddedmore,asifthatcouldproveit.“Whydoyouask?”
Northsighed,againmovinghisthumbsacrossmycheeks.Heleaneddown,kissinglightlybetweenmy

eyebrows.

Myeyesclosed,andhelingeredthereforthelongesttime.Hismusklingeredthroughmynose.Iknew

wecouldn’tstaylong,butthatmomentwasquiet,andwithNorthrightthere,Ifeltprotected,likehecould

stoptimeandkeepthismomentforaslongaswewanted.

North’slipstracedalongmyskinashewhispered.“Ineedafavor,SangBaby.Iknowyouprobably

won’tunderstand.IneedyoutogetascloseaspossibletoSilas.Becomethereasontoconvincehimto
stay.NomatterwhathappenswithTheo,Silasdoesn’tdeservetobeburiedforit.Charliecanmakeup
hisowndamnmind,butSilasbelongsherewithus.There’snothingforhimbackinGreece.”

“He’sjustupset,”Isaidsoftly,unwillingtomoveoropenmyeyes.“Hewouldn’treallygoback.”
“Hesayshemissesit.Whathemissesisalifethatdidn’texist.Whathemissesisnotfeelingguilty

backwhenhismotherwasalive.Hemissesher.ButIrememberGreece.Irememberbeingtherewith
him.Hehatedit.Thekidsweremean.Thepeoplewererude.Hedidn’treallyfitin.Thosekidshis
brotherfellinwithtreatedhimlikea...worsethanadog.Hewouldn’tbehappygoingback.Butifhe
leavesnow,Idon’tknowifwewouldbeabletoconvincehimtocomeback.”

“Maybe...maybeifCharlieandTheogoback,andTheoishappier,hewon’tbelikethis.Andthen

whentheysettle,Silaswouldcomeback.”

“He’dwanttowatchoutforTheo,”Northsaid.Hepulledbackabit,andhishandsloweredtocup

aroundmyjawwhilehisthumbstracedloweralongmycheeks.“Baby,sometimeswehavetoletgo.
Familyisachoice.Iknowhowharditistoletgoofapast,buthispastiscatchingupwithhimhardright
now.Heneedstorememberwherewearenow,andwhat’simportant.”Hepaused,swallowed.Hetilted
hisheadalittlecloser,hoveringovermealmosttooclosetolookat.“Heneedsyou.”

“Idon’tknowwhatIcoulddo,”Iwhispered.
“Iknowyoucandoit,”hesaid.
Myheartwasthunderinginmychestforsomanydifferentreasons,butattheforefrontwasNorth,so

closethatIthoughthemightkissme.“He...Silas...”Isaid.“Silasaskedme...out.”

Northstopped,andveryslowlypulledbackjustabit.“What?”
“Silasaskedmetobehisgirlfriendtheothernight.WhenIspentthenight?”Idon’tknowwhat

compelledmetotellhim.MaybesomehowitwouldhelpwithSilas.

Northwasquietforalongtime,studyingmyface.Mycheeksheatedathisscrutiny.“Whatdidyou

say?”heasked.

“Isaidyes.”Iwasgoingtofollowupwithsomethingelse,butonceIgotoutthetruth,theotherthings

IthoughtIwantedtosaydisappeared.Thewordsjumbledinmyhead.

North’sthumbtracedacrossmycheekslowly.Hislipspursed.Hismoodwasimpossibletojudge.

Thequietwasalmosteerie.“Didyoutellanyoneelse?”

“No,”Isaid,andatfirstImeantit,becausethewayhewastouchingme,Iwasjusttalkingandnot

reallythinking.“Imean,yes.Mr.Blackbourneknows.”

Northreleasedabreathbetweenhislips.“Good,”hesaid.“Whatdidhesay?”
“Hesaidtotrustyouallandtokeephiminformed.”
Henodded.“Youshoulddothat.Rightnow,Ineedthatfavor,though.I’llbefightingwithhimlater.

Hewon’twanttoshare,youknow.”

Myeyeswidened.“What?”
Northmovedhishandsfrommyfaceandleanedforwardalittle,bracinghimselfonthecounter.“You

thinkI’dgiveyouuptohim?You’recrazy.Ifhe’stryingtocuteveryoneelseoffbymakingyouhis
girlfriend,he’llneedtowaitinline.”

Everyfiberinsidemeheatedup.Didn’tMr.Blackbourneexplainedweallneededtogetalong?Or

wasthatwhattheytalkedabout?“But...”Isputteredforananswerbutdidn’thaveone.

Northsmirked.Hemovedhisheadandhoveredoverme.“Doyoustilllikeme?”
“Yes,”Ibreathedoutquickly.“Do...doyoustilllikeme?”

“Worse,”hesaidasheleanedinalittlefurtherbutthenstopped.
Iwaited,anticipatinghimleaninginfurther,maybetobitemesomewhere,buthestoppedwhenhegot

closetomylips.Ididn’tknowwhatworsemeant,butthewayhesaidit,withalmostagrowl,itdidn’t
feellikeabadthing.Myheartnearlytrippedoveritself.He’dbeenclosetokissingmebeforebuthadn’t
yet.

Myeyeswerepartiallyclosed.Hewastooclosetolookat.
“Tiltyourprettyhead.”Hisdeepvoicerippledthroughme,acommandthistime.
Idon’tknowwhy,butIinstinctivelymovedtotiltmychindown,awayfromwherehewashovering.
Hehuffed,hisbreathwarmingmyface.“Otherway,Baby.”
Idid,slowly.ThistimeIdidn’tlook.Ididn’tthink.Imovedwherehewantedme.
Mylipstouchedhis,andsoonpressed.
Hepuckered.Ididthesame.
Foralongmoment,thatwasit.Therealizationwasslowlysinkinginthatitwasakiss.Itwasmyfirst

withhim,andonewhereIkindofsawitcoming,andreallywantedit.NotthatIwouldn’thavewiththe
others,butinthisinstance,knowingitwascomingsentsomedifferentemotionsscurryingtothesurface.
AnticipationandinNorth’sownway,assurancethatthiswaswhathereallywanted.

Hishandscameuparoundmyface,likethey’dbeenbefore,andheldmycheeks,cuppingmyface.His

lipsstartedmoving,pushingbackagainstmymouth,andheleanedinalittle.Ididn’tknowwherehe
wantedmetogo,andafraidofhittingsomethingbehindmeorfallingbackwards,Ipushedbackalittle,
resisting.

Agrowlcamefromhim.Itstartedlow.ThemoreIpushedbackonhimtryingtopushme,themore

vocalhegot.Itwasafightbetweenourlips,aswellofsomethinglikeangerbuildingup,butIwasn’t
reallyangrywithhim.Iwasn’tangryatanyone.Itwasjustenergy,anditbuiltupfromhislipspressedto
mine.

ImimickedhismovementsasbestasIcould,unsureifIwasdoingitproperly.
Therewasaloudgroanfromhimandhepulledback.Theflareinhiseyesandthesternnessinhis

facescaredmeforamoment.HadIdoneitwrong?

Hequicklyreleasedonesideofmyfaceandthenyankedhiscellphoneoutofhisbackpocket.He

frownedandthenansweredit,onehandstillcuppingmyhead,hisroughthumbrubbingagainstmyskin.
“What?”hebarkedintothephone.“Yeah,I’vegother.Shejustneededaminute...I’llbringherina
second.”Helookedatme,quietlyleanedin,kissedmynoseandthenbentdowntoquicklykissmylips
beforepullingbacktotalkintothephoneagain.“Yeah,Ihearyou.Nothing’swrong.We’reheadingthere
now.”Hepunchedatthephoneandtuckeditbackintohispocket.“We’retakingtoolong.”

“Doyoufeelbetter?”Iasked.
Northlaughed,shakinghishead.“SangBaby,I’llfightwithSilas,orHendricks,orgoddamnterrorists

anydamndayifIgettohideinthebathroomandmakeoutwithyou.”

UnexpectedTerrorists

orthwalkedmetothefrontoffice,whereacollectionofpoliceofficersandmeninsuitsstoodaround.

BeforeIwentinside,Northgavememybagandphone.Itnolongerhadthepinkcase,andIalmost

didn’trecognizeit.“Keepitinyour...bra,”hesaidwithasidesmirk.“Youneedpockets.”

I’msuremycheekswereredasheheldopenthedoorandletmewalkin,followingbehind.
Theusualchaosafterabombthreathaddescendedonthefrontoffice.Thephoneswerebeing

monitoredbytheassistantsasstudentssatoutfront,waiting.

“Sang,”snappedawomanatthefrontdesk.Shepointedbacktothedoor.“Downthehalltotheleft.

Seconddooronyourright.”

Istaredather,hearingherbuttakingaminutetoprocesswhatshehadsaid.Sheknewmyname,my

face,andwasdirectingmeelsewhereandnottoMr.Hendricks’soffice.

“Okay,”Isaid,startingtoturn.
“Idon’tlikethis,”Northsaidashepulledopenthedoorandhelditforme.Hewaiteduntilwewere

aroundthecornerandinthehallwaybeforehetookouthisphone.Hetypedintoit.Itvibratedalmost
immediately.“Shit,”hesaid,hisvoicelowered.

“What’swrong?”
“Thisisn’taMr.Hendricks’scall.Thisisthepolicefollowinguponleads.Yournamecameup

somewhere.”

Myeyeswidened.“AsinMr.Hendricksgavethemmynamesomehowasasuspect?”
“Idon’tthinkso.”Hehesitated,lookingaroundthehallway.“Iguessthat’swhythey’reinarush.”
“WhatdoIdo?”
“Whatcanyoudo?”heasked.“Don’tworry.Atthispoint,aslongasitisn’tMr.Hendricks,you’re

justgoingtoplaydumb.Youdon’tknowanything.”

Thatseemedprettyeasytodo.
TheroomI’dbeendirectedtowasreallyonelongspacewithanofficeandseveraldoorsontheother

side.Awomansatbehindawidedesk.Leaningoverthetopofthedeskwasamalepoliceofficer.He
waswritingsomethingonanotepad.

AsIenteredtheroom,Istopped,lookingbackatNorth.Hestayedinthehallway,andIcouldtellby

thelookonhisfacethatthiswasasfarashecouldescortmewithoutbeingnoticed.

BeforeNorthcouldshutthedoor,someoneshowedupbehindhim.“Inorout?”theguyasked.
Northpartiallyturnedwhilestillholdingthedoor.ItwasJaybehindhim.Ihadn’trealizedtheJay

beingcalleddownwashim.

Hiseyeswerecold,andhewasfrowning.Heusuallyseemedneutral,evendistant.Butrightnow,he

wasangry,which,withhistall,broadframeandshavedhead,madehimlookintimidating.Itookahalf
stepbackintotheopenofficetogetoutofhisway.

Butbeforehecamein,heandNorthsharedalook.Iwasn’tsurewhattheyweresayingtoeachother.

I’dthoughtthataftereverythingthathadhappened,theyweregettingalong.Maybetheywere,butright
now,Jayseemedagitated.

Jaydidn’tsayanythingtoNorth,butaftertheexchangedlook,walkedaroundhimtogetintotheroom.
“Sang?Jay?”Thewomanhadfinishedtalkingtotheofficer.Thepolicemanwentthroughanotherdoor

downthehallandthewomanatthedesksnappedherfingersatus,gesturingthatweshouldapproach.

IglancedonceatNorth,whogavemeanencouraginglookandthenclosedthedoor.Ihadafeeling

he’dbelisteningandwaitingjustoutsideinthehallway.IwonderedifMr.Blackbournewasalready
listening.

Jaymovedwithme,standingnexttomeatthefrontofthedesk.Wesharedourownlook,silently

askingeachotherwhatthiswasabout.Heseemedsuspiciousofme,butIcouldunderstandwhyhewould
feelthatway.Hedidn’treallyknowmeanditwasstrangeweweregettingcalleddownatthesametime.

Thewomanswungapointedfingerbetweenusasshespoke.“EitheroneofyouknowArthur?”
“IknowanArthur,”Jaysaid,seemingtorelaxabit.“Whichoneareyoutalkingabout?”
“Palekid,freckles,redhair?”Shespreadoutafileontopofherdeskandthenpulledupaphototo

showus.

ItwasaschoolIDphotoofthesameArthurI’doncemet.He’dbeeninafightatschool,druggedby

Jade,andthenlaterIhadtalkedtohimatafootballgameaboutwhathadhappened.He’dseemedfriendly
enough.Wasthisabouthimbeingdrugged?Wouldtheybotherwiththisnow?

Mybreathingbecameshallowandhardtocontrol.Iheldontoit,tryingtonotappeartoocrazy.Was

thisaboutJade?Wouldtheybeaskingusquestionsabouther?HadArthurmentionedI’daskedquestions
abouther,andhadJayfoundoutsomehow?

DidtheyknowaboutwhatJade...
“I’veseenhimaround,”Jaysaid.“What’sthisabout?”
“Wethinkhe’stheonecallinginthebombthreats,”shesaid.“Oratleasttheonethismorning.”
Myeyeswidened,mymouthdroppedopenandIleanedforwardagainstthedesk,pressingmyhands

againstthewood.“What?”Iaskedwithoutthinking.

Thewomanturnedtome,hereyebrowsscrunchingtogether.“Soyouknowhim?”
“I...bumpedintohimafewtimes,”Isaid.“Idon’tknowhimthatwell.Buthe...Idon’tthinkhe’ddo

that.”Ireallycouldn’tpictureArthurbeingsomeonetocallinathreatlikethat.Andwhy?

“We’restilltryingtosortitout,”shesaid.“Someonesaidhewasdatingyouorhadacrushonyouor

something.Whenwebroughthimin,hehadyournamescrawledoutononeofhisnotebooks.”

Shocked,IrockedbackwhereIstood.Ididn’tevenknowwheretostartwiththisinformation:Arthur

hadbeenwritingdownmyname,thiswomanknewaboutit,andsomehowitwasrelevanttothebomb
threats.

“What’sthishavetodowithme?”Jayasked.
“Heknowsyoursister,”shesaid.“Andwethoughtyoumightknowsomethingsinceshe—”
“She’sbeenexpelled,”hesaid,hisvoicedeepandcold.
Istaredatthewoodofthedesk,feelingtheburnatmycheeksandnotwantingtolookatJayanymore.

Ididn’tknowhowhefeltaboutJade.Iwassmotheringtheflightypanicinsideofmeatallofthis.

“OhIknow,”thewomansaidcasually.Shewavedusoff.“Don’tworry.Justhaveaseatforabit.

Someonewilltalktoeachofyou.Nobigthing,justtoaskafewquestions.”

IfollowedJaytoasmallsittingarea,withchairsthatwerecushionedinuglyorangeandbrown.Isat

acrossfromhimandIstudiedthearea.Iwonderedwhereacamerawouldbeiftherewasoneinhere.
Plus,withtheschoolsocrowded,Iwasn’tsurewhatthisofficewasusedforexactly,andwhothewoman
wasbehindthedesk.Whatwassheinchargeof?Shewasorganizingtalkingtoeachofuswiththepolice,
butcouldn’tthathavebeendoneinthemainoffice?

Foralongtime,Istayedquiet.Jayhadhisphoneoutandwaspokingatthescreen.Whenthewoman

atthedeskseemedpreoccupiedwithsomethingelse,andJaywasn’tpayingattention,Ipulledmyphone
out.Ididn’thavemuchelsetodo.

BeforeIcouldthinkofwhattodowithmyphoneonceIhadthescreenturnedon,itbuzzedinmy

hand.

Mr.Blackbourne:TalktoJay.AskhimaboutArthur.
Iswallowed,tryingtofindsomecourage.Iputmyphoneinmylap.Don’tthink.Justsaysomething.
“Jay?”Iaskedquietly.“DoyoureallyknowArthur?”
Jaylookedup,hiseyesfocusingonme.Thatcoldnesswasstillthere,butalsoatwitchof

understanding.Weweresortofinthistogetherandweren’tintrouble,andIwasn’tathreat,somaybehe
consideredmesafe.“Notreally.I’veseenhimaround.”

“Kindofthesamehere,”Isaid.“AlthoughIwouldn’thavesuspectedhimtomakethosecalls.”
Jayshrugged,droppinghisphoneface-downontheseatnexttohim.“Heseemsmorelikeaguywho

givesinunderpressure.I’veheardhe’llgetintoafightifprovoked.Someguyswilldodumbthingsif
they’retoldwhattodo.”

“Doyouthinkhemighthavebeentoldtocallinabombthreat?”
Jayshruggedagainandshookhishead.“Hedoesn’tseemthetypetodoitonhisown.Couldhave

beenadare.Couldhavebeenhe’sbeenframed,orhedidn’tevendoit.Idon’tknow.I’mnotpsychic.I
justknowaloserwhenIseeone.”

Ibitmylip,notwantingtosayanything.Ididn’tlikethelosercomment,butIunderstoodwhathewas

gettingatanddidn’twanttoconfronthim.“It’sjustoddthattheycalledusdownhere,Iguess.Imean,
I’veonlyrunintohimacoupleoftimes.”

“Whoknows,”hesaid.“Ifthey’vegotthisguyonlockdown,they’llfollowwhateverleadtheycan.

Yougetnotesinclasssometimes,right?Silastoldmeaboutthat.Isheoneoftheoneswritingtoyou?”

Thethoughthadn’toccurredtome,buthehadapoint.“Idon’tknow,”Isaid.“Honestly,Ineverread

them.No...Silasmighthavelookedatafew.Igenerallythrowthemaway.”I’dalmostslippedandsaid
Northreadthem.

“Iusedtothinkyouwereasnoborsomething,”hesaid.“Kidssaidyouwouldn’ttalktoanyone.But

Silaswassayingyou’rejustshyandgetpickedonalot,soyoutendtostayclosetohimandhisfriends.I
canunderstandthat,though.Alotofkidsaroundhereareprettystupid.”

Inodded,notreallyagreeingwithwhathewassaying,buttryingtobesympathetic.“Idon’tmeanto

nottalktopeople,”Isaid.“I...”IwaslookingforatermwithoutsayingoutloudthatIwasshy,orthat
priortocomingtoAshleyWaters,thatIwasoftenignored,forperhapsthesamereasons.

Jayslicedhishandthroughtheair.“Yeah,Igetit,”hesaid.“Iusedtodateagirlthatwasanintrovert,

too.”

Therewasasuddenflurryofactivityoutinthehallwaythatechoedthroughtousintheoffice.Ilifted

myheadtolookoutthedoor.Jaytwistedwherehewassittingtocheckitout.Eventhewomanbehindthe
counterstoodupandleanedover,too.

Asecondlater,theoverheadspeakerscamealivewiththesoundofalarms.
Ifroze.Itwassuretobeajoke.Maybesomeonewastryingtoresetthealarmsanditwentoffagain?
Jayturned,staringatme.Alookofconfusionspreadacrosshisface.“Anotherone?”
“Notakingchances,”thewomanbehindthecountershoutedoverthealarms.Shepointedtoaside

doorthatreadexit.“Goonout.

Ididn’tlikeit,becauseitwasn’tthedoorthatledtothehallway.Ididn’thavemuchofachoice,

though.Ipickedupmybookbag,andcaughtupwithJayashewasheadingoutthedoor.

“Jay,”Icalledoverthealarm,hopinghe’dhearme.
Heturnedhishead,hiseyebrowsgoingup.“What?”

Studentswerealreadystreamingoutofthebuilding.Ihadmyphoneinhand,readytotextNorthtolet

himknowwhereIwas.IwantedtostaybyJay.Maybeitwastheconfusion,orthefactthatwe’dbeen
calledinandthechaosearlier,butIdidn’ttrustwhatwasgoingon.Ididn’twanttobealoneamongthe
otherstudents.

Iwasafraid.Itstruckmeinthatmoment,butsinceI’dbeenback,I’dalwaysbeenwithoneofthe

boys.Evenduringgym,Nathanranintogetdressed,andGabrielwaitedwithmeinthegymbythe
bleachers.ThenwhenNathangotbackinside,Gabrielwenttogogetdressed.They’dsaiditwassoI
wasn’tbymyselfincasesomethinghappened.

NowIrealizedthatwithoutthem,Iwasterrifiedofthisschool.HavingNorthoutsidethedoor,and

withJay,whomItrustedwouldn’thurtme,madeadifference.MaybeitwasalsobecauseIwasunder
administrationsupervision,too.

Butoutamongalltheotherstudents,fearcreptin.
WhenIdidn’trespondquicklyenough,Jayturnedtowardme.Hehadhishandsinhispockets,andthe

wayhestoodmadetheT-shirtonhisbodytighterandhisdefinedmusclesunderneathseemedmore
obvious.Hiseyeswerelitwithconfusion.“Somethingwrong?”

“Ijust...”Isaid.Astudentbrokethroughbetweenus,andIleaptbacktogetoutofhisway,surprised

bytheinterruption.

Jaytiltedhisheadandthenshrugged.“WanttowalkoutwithmeuntilSilasshowsup?”
Inoddedrepeatedly.“Sorry,”Isaid.
“Don’tbe.”Hejerkedhisheadinthedirectionoftheparkinglot.“Let’sgo.”
Ibreathedoutslowly,walkingbesidehim.Withtheloudsirensgoingoff,crowdsofkidsaroundus,

andalltheconfusion,itwaseasytosimplybequietandjuststickbyeachother.

Itdidn’ttakelongforJaytofindsomeotherpeopleonthefootballteamstostandnextto.Iquietly

stoodalongsidehim,usingmyphonetoletNorthknowwhereIwas.Jaydidn’tacknowledgeme,but
talkedtotheothersandIstoodjustcloseenoughtoappearwewerestandingtogether.Theotherfootball
playerslookedcurious,butdidn’tsayanything.

Notlongafter,NorthandSilasshowedup.Silaswavedtotheotherteammembersandstartedtalking

asheandNorthcasuallywedgedthemselvesbetweenmeandtheothers.

Becausewewerearoundotherpeople,wedidn’tsaymuch,butNorthstudiedmeandItriedmybest

toconveythatIwasfine,butatthesametimeaskwhatintheworldthisalarmwasabout.

Insteadoftalking,welistenedtootherstudents.Theywereallaskingthesamequestions.Another

bombthreat?Aretheyserious?Whatarewedoingouthereagain?

Thefiretruckreturned.Thepolicemenwhohadbeenattheschoolearlierwerejoinedbyadditional

units.

“Thisisgoingtobeafuckedupweek,”Northsaid.
Iagreed.

Unyielding

twasanotherhourbeforewereturnedtoclass.Despiteeffortsfromteacherstosettlepeopledown,the

restofthedaywasfilledwithtalkofwhytherehadbeentwobombthreatsonthesameday,andofall
days,duringhomecomingweek.

Afteritwasover,throughMr.Blackbourne’sinvestigationandlater,Kota’s,welearnedthatanother

studentwasbroughtinforquestioning.WhileIwasn’tcalledbackintotheofficeforanything,therewere
otherstudentscalledinasadministratorsandthepolicetriedtofigureoutwhatwasgoingon.

OnTuesday,therewerethreebombthreatcalls.Schoolwascalledoffanhourearlyafterthethird

one.Busseswerebroughtinandeveryonewastoldtogohome.

Threemorekids,threemorephonecalls.
AccordingtoMr.Blackbourne,noneofthemappearedtobeinchargeoftheiractions.
“Ourbomberisusingproxies,”hesaidwhilestandinginNathan’skitchenTuesdayevening.Nathan,

KotaandIweresittingatthetable,alongwithLukeandVictor.NorthandSilasweretrainingforthe
footballgameonFriday.“Insteadofmakingphonecallshimself,he’sgettingthesekidstomakethecalls
forhim.”

“Thenwhyaren’ttheyrattinghimout?”Lukeasked.“They’reallgoingtogetsuspendedatbest.”
“They’refacingexpulsionforterrorism,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.
Isuckedinabreath,holdingmypalmtomymouthtocovermyresponse.Istaredwide-eyedatVictor,

whoseconcernedfireeyeswereanexplosionofflames.

“Cantheydothat?”Kotaasked.“Iknownormallyit’sabigoffense,butthesekidssoundlikethey

weremanipulatedintoit.”

“Theywere,butMr.Hendricksisfollowingprotocoltotheletter.Thesekidsarebeingtoldtouse

theirowncellphonestomakethecalls.Theircallswererecorded.Theywerereadingascript.Once
they’recaught,theydon’tsayanything.They’rebeingblackmailedsomehow.”

Laterintheevening,IspenttimewithLukeatthedineruntilIwastootiredtomove.LukeandVictor

sleptoverwhileKotaandNathantookturnswatchingTheo.Amidthechaosofthebombthreats,I’d
almostforgottenabouthim,butatthemoment,hewasdoingwhathewassupposedto,sotherewas
nothingtoprovehewasoutcausingtrouble.

DuringEnglishclassonWednesday,IsatinmyusualseatandLukefellinbehindme.Ihadmyarms

foldedwithmyheadrestingonmydesk.Withthesoundofthechaircreaksbehindme,itseemedlike
Lukewasdoingthesame.

Forawhile,Irested,listenedtothesoundofotherstudentsshufflingin.
Ahandfellonthebackofmyhead,massagingdeeply,awarmtouch,followedbythescentof

soothingspice.“Areyouillorareyoujustsleeping?”Kotaasked.

“Mergh,”Imumbled.Iwasfine,justwornoutandthethoughtofawholedayofschoolworkahead

hadmeonedgeandIwantedtowallowinthesleepystateIwasin.

“That’ssoundslikeasleepygroantome,”Gabrielsaidsomewhereoverme.Morefingersthreaded

throughmyhair,catchingafewlocksandtwisting.“Didyouevenbrushyourhairthismorning,Trouble?”

Igroanedandthenliftedanarmtowaveawayarmsandhands.“I’mfine,”Isaid.“I’mjusttired.”
Gabriellaughed.“Tellmeaboutit.”
“Didyoutakeyourvitamins?”Kotaasked.
“Yes.”

“Didyousleep?”
“Yup,”Lukesaid,althoughhisvoicewasecho-yandmaskedbehindme,likehehadhisheaddown,

too.“Webothdid.Morethaneighthoursthistime.I’mstilltired,too.”

“It’sthestress,”Gabrielsaid.“It’smessingwithallofus.”
“Iknow,”Kotasaid,insuchalowtone,softandfullofconcern.“IwishIcouldfixit.”
ItwasallIneededtoheartofindmysecondwindandliftmyhead.Ididn’twanttoappearlikeI

couldn’tkeepupandworryKotaontopofeverythingelsewewereconcernedabout.“I’mfine,”Isaid.“I
justneededamoment.”

“Thisschoolshitontopofeverythingelseiswhat’skillingus,”Gabrielmumbledquietly.“It’seight

hoursoutofthedayofsittinginclassroomswhenwecouldbe—”

“I’veneverknownyoutogiveuponajob,”Kotasaid.Heputhisbookbagdownandsunkintohis

seat.“You’renotaquitter.”

“You’refuckingright,I’mnot,”Gabrielsaid.
“Gabe,”KotasaidinatonethatIknewtobehimwarningGabrielabouthislanguage.
Gabrieldroppedinhisseatandslumpedback,puttinghisarmsoverhischest.“I’mjustsayingthe

schoolpartisn’treallynecessary.Wecoulddomoreifweweren’tstuckinclass.”

“Shh,”Kotasaid.“Talklater.”
Lukestayedhunchedoverhisdeskforafewmoreminutes,andthenliftedhishead,butsatwayback,

hisarmsfoldedandhislegsundermychair.Gabrielwasalmostthesame.Kotawasupright,looking
forward.

Foramoment,hishandstretchedbehindhim,andhefoundmyknee.Hestrokedmyleg,givingmea

comfortingfirmtouchbeforeretreating.

Myheartfluttered.Kotareachingtotouchmemorewarmedmethroughandthrough.
Ms.Johnsonstartedtopassoutpapers.Thebellrangforthestartofclass.
Andthentherewasablendofsoundasanotherringingstartedontopoftheclassbell:thebombthreat

siren.

Awaveofgroansstartedupthroughouttheroom.
Surprisingly,Ms.Johnsontookthepapersshewasholding,andtossedthemintotheair,showinga

give-upgesture.Thepapersflutteredoutandspreadacrossthefloor.Ifeltherfrustration.Sheleftthe
papersonthefloorandwavedahand.“Okay,everyone.Seeyoutomorrow,”shesaidangrilyasweall
reluctantlyfiledout.

Everyonewastiredofbeingoutofclass.Everyonecomplained.Maybenoteveryonelikedtobein

class,buttheydidhatethelongwaitsofstandingoutinthelawn.

Whenthesecondbombthreatwascalledin,almostallstudentswhohadacarjumpedinandleft,

everyseatpackedwithfriends.Thiswasevenwiththethreatofteachershalf-heartedlysayingthey’dget
suspendedforskipping.Noonewasbuyingit.Schooladministrationwastoobusytocare.

Whenthethirdbombthreatwascalledinthemiddleoflunch,busseswerebroughtin,andeveryone

wastoldtogohome.Theboyswerebusylisteningtopoliceandstudents,keepinganeyeon
administration.Victorspentlonghoursgoingovervideofootage,especiallyofMr.Hendricks.Weall
tookturnslistening,watchingandwaiting,onfullalertatalltimes.

Onestudentafteranotherwasbroughtin.TheywerenooneIknew,butsomehadbeenclassmates.

Theywerequietstudents.Eachonedidn’tseemthetypetomakebombthreatcalls.

OnThursday,agoodportionofthestudentpopulationdidn’tevenbothertoshowup.Itdidn’tseemto

matter.Afterthesecondbombthreatinthirdperiod,eventheteachershadgivenupandwastelling
everyonenottobotherstaying.

Morestudents.Eachoneusingthephone.Eachonethreatenedwithexpulsion.Thepoliceremained

presentthroughtheschoolnearlytheentireday.Becauseofthis,Kota,IandtherestoftheAcademyteam
hadtowalkcautiouslyandbehavelikenormalstudents.

Mr.Blackbournewasunavailableduringmostofitasheinterviewedstudentsandtriedtokeepup

withtheonslaught.

DoingtheUnexpected

yFriday,everyonewasonedgethroughouttheday,anticipatingthenextalarm.Kidskepttheirbooksin

theirbags,notriskingtakingthemoutandhavingtowalkoutsideagain.

Thereweresecuritypeopleparkedateveryentrance.ThepolicehadMr.Hendricksandtheschool

boardhireauxiliaryofficerstonottohavetobabysittheschool,althoughtherewereafewleftwalking
around.K-9unitspatrolledthegrounds.Thewholeschoolwasonlockdown.Bagswerecheckedforcell
phones,andweweren’tallowedtobringtheminside.NolaptopsorCDplayersoranythingelectronic.

Everyonewasonedge,waiting.
Nothinghappened.Nobombthreatsallday.Everytimethebellrang,everyonejumped,assumingit

wasthestartofabombthreat.Whenitwasclearitwasjustthebell,everyoneshuffled,butwithcautious
eyes.

IwalkedintoMusicRoomBforthirdperiod,alongsideNathanandNorth.
Idroppedmybookbagontoachairandsatinonebesideit,andthenthoughtbetterofitandspread

outamongmultiplechairsinasortofhalflayingdownwithmyfeetonthefloorposition.Ihadn’tbeenin
thisroomallweekbecauseofthedifferentthreats.

“Ihatethisschool,”Nathansaid.“Canwejuststayinherewithherthisperiod?We’renotdoing

anythinginclass.”

“Mightaswell,”Northsaid.Hereachedforhisphone,pullingitoutandtypingsomethingintoit.I

suspecteditwastoMr.Blackbournetoletthemknowwherewewere.

Nathansatonthefloorcross-leggednearwheremyheadwasonthechair.Hebrushedawaysome

strandsofhairfrommyfaceandthentouchedmyforehead.“Tiredorsick?”heasked.

“I’mnotsick,”Isaid.“You’renottired?”
“AllIknowis,”hesaid,“thisplanwe’vegotforhomecomingbetterwork.Ithinkthewordisthatit’s

schoolpranksleadinguptohomecoming.Ifabombthreathappensnextweek,it’llbeadisaster.”

“It’salreadyadisaster,”Northgrumbled.Hedroppedhisbagloudlyontothefloor,knockedmineto

thefloornexttoit,andthenpickedmyfeetup.Hesatinoneofthechairs,andkeptmyfeetinhislap.
“There’stoomanycops,toomanyeyeballswatchingwhat’sgoingon.Wecan’tdoanything.”

“Mr.Hendricksseemstobeenjoyingthis,”Nathansaid.
“Iwouldn’tbesurprisedifhe’stheonethreateningkidswithsomethingworseiftheydon’t

cooperate,”Northsaid.“Idon’tknowforsure,butI’vegotsomesuspicions.”

“Ithinkheknows,”Nathansaid.“I’vegotthesamefeeling.Wejustcan’tseemtocatchhim.Idon’t

knowhowhe’sdoingit,becausewe’vebeenwatchinghimatschool.Victor’scomputersarefullof
materialandwegothroughthematnight.Mr.Hendricksdidn’ttalktoanyofthesenewbombcallersthis
week.Heonlytalkstothemafterthey’vebeenputonthesuspectlist.”

“Shouldn’tthehomecominggameanddancebecalledoff?”Iasked.
“Probablyshould,”Northsaid,“butMr.Hendricksissayingthingsshouldbeheldasnormal.”
Irolledmyheadagainstthechair,staringupattheceiling.Ikeptmygazeonthelight,nearlyburning

myretinaswiththebrightness.Iwasinadazetryingtothinkofanswerstoeverythinggoingon.Like
everyoneelseonourteam,wewerewornthin.“MaybekeepingusbusyispartofMr.Hendricks’splan,
too.”

“Histeamofgoonsarekeepinganeyeonus,”Nathansaid.Iheardhimshift,butwasn’tlookingat

himtocatchwhathewasdoing.Amomentlater,ajacketdroppedovermystomachgently.“Makesit

hardertodoanything.Butwe’rerunningaroundkeepinganeyeonwhat’sgoingon.We’rereally
scattered.BetweenTheoandMr.Hendricksandthenewstudentswe’rewatching,plusMr.Morrisand
others,we’regoinginalldifferentdirections.”

“That’sthepoint,isn’tit?”Northasked.Heshifted,andIstartedtoliftmyfeet,buthepushedthem

backdownintohislap.“You’refine,”hesaid.“Juststaywhereyouare.”

Iwaswearingaskirt,butitwasalittlelongerthannormalandkeptmemodestwhilelayingdown.
Mostteacherssofartodayhadbeenonneedles,too,takingattendanceandbasicallygoingoverthat

we’dbedoingonMondaytomakeupfortheweekwe’dlost.Weweregoingtohavetoshiftschedulesto
fitlessonsinbeforeanymajortestswerescheduled.

Thedoortothemusicroomopened.IpoppedmyheadupjustenoughtocheckandspottedVictor

comingin,followedbyKota.

“Whatareyoutwodoinghere?”Northasked.
“We’rehavingameeting,”Kotasaid.“Mr.Blackbourne’sorders.”
“Here?”Northasked.“Inthemiddleoftheschool?”
“Weneedone,”Kotasaid.Hetouchedbrieflyatthecornerofhisglasses.“We’vegotother

problems.”

Nathangroaned,asdidI,andIdroppedmyheadbackontothechair.
Victorcrossedtheroom,andthennudgedmyarmwithhisthigh.“Isthatevencomfortable?”
Isighedandstartedtositup.“Ijustneededamoment,”
“You’veneededalotofmoments,”Kotasaid.“Weallneedone.Wecan’tcontinuelikethis.”
“Noshit,”Northsaid.Hegesturedtowardthemusicroomdoors.“There’safuckingconartistfora

principalandwe’resupposedtobefiguringoutwhathe’supto.That’sit.That’sourjobhere.I’mtiredof
thegamesandthehorseshit.”

“Ihearyou,”Kotasaid.“We’reallfrustrated.Unfortunately,wecan’tquit.”
“Ididn’tsayquit,”Northsaid.“Butwe’renotdoingwhatwe’resupposedto.”
“Maybeweshouldn’tbedoingwhatwe’resupposedto,”Victorsaid.
IwasupnexttoNorthintheseat,andreadjustedtheclipinmyhair.EveryonelookedatVictorbutI

wastheonethatspoke.“What?”

“Thinkaboutit,”hesaidandsatdowninthechairnexttome.“Butwaituntiltheothersgethere.Then

I’lltellyouwhatI’mthinking.”

Nathanpickedhimselfupoffthefloor,andthenpulledoneofthechairsoutuntilhewassittinginit

backwardswithhislegsoneitherside,hisarmsfoldedagainsttheback.Ashedidso,themusicroom
dooropenedagain,andLuke,Gabriel,Dr.Green,SilasandMr.Blackbournecameinside.

Wehadn’tallbeeninthesameroominawhile.Seeingthemalltogetherinthisspacefeltoddtome.

Once,I’dbeenintimidatedevenenteringthisroom,seeingMr.Blackbourneasateacher,intentonviolin
lessons.Today,IwaslessintimidatedbyMr.Blackbournehimself,inaway,andI’dbecomemore
comfortableinthisroomovertime.

Luke,GabrielandSilasallpickedoutchairsandshedbookbagsandjacketstositinasemi-circle.

Dr.Green,Mr.BlackbourneandKotadraggedchairsovertositaswell.

Mr.Blackbourneclearedhisthroatandstarted.“I’mnotsurehowmucheveryoneiscaughtup,so

forgivemeifyou’veheardthis.Firstthing,”heheldupasinglefinger.“Theowentonawalkandcame
backaroundtwointheafternoonyesterday.Hewasmonitoredandwashometherestoftheevening.
However,therewasafireatachurchalmostthreemilesawayfromthoseapartments.Thistime,the
churchwasrundownandinabadpartoftown,butitwasstillbeingused.Becausethechurchdidn’t

haveinsurance,andtheplacewasunoccupied,thepolicedon’thavemuchtofollowon,andother
prioritiestodigintotheinvestigation.”

“They’retoobusybabysittingthisschool,”Gabrielsaid.
“That’sabigreason,”Dr.Greensaid.“ButasfarasTheoisconcerned,we’restillnotsureifhe’s

behindit.”

“Wedidhearfromthatlocalcopthatslow-burningaccelerantswereused,”Lukesaid.
“It’snotenoughevidencetopointatTheo,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Andwe’renotgoingtoaccuse

him.Sofar,whileitmightbepossible,there’snoproof.Unfortunately,whoeverisdoingthishaspickeda
badtimetostart.”

“ButwithTheo,”Dr.Greensaid,“wemayhavetoaskafavorofanotherteamtokeepaneyeonhim

whilewedealwiththeschool.”

TherewasasmallgruntfromSilas,andheshookhishead.
“We’llbeaskingthefavor,”Dr.Greensaid.“Andinthisinstance,weneedtheextrahands.We’ve

nowadvancedAcademyinvolvementforMiddletonandforthehomecomingdance.We’vegotourpeople
inplacereadytogo.”

“Whataboutthefootballgame?”Northasked.“Weneedtosurvivethat.”
“Luckily,they’llextendthesecurityherethroughtonight,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Andthephonelines

arebeinghighlymonitored.AnyonegettinginoroutofthegamewillhavetoshowstudentID,oranIDof
somesort.Noonecangetontothefootballfieldwithanythingbiggerthanawalletorpursewithout
securityknowingaboutit.”

Lukeshookhishead,frowning.“ThesecuritywashiredbyMr.Hendricks.”
“AndI’mwonderingifitisn’tMr.Hendrickstrickingthesekidsintocallinginthebombthreats,”

Northsaid.

“We’vegotsomeofthesamesuspicions,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.Heleanedforward,puttinghis

elbowsonhisknees.Hisvoicedroppedalittlelower.“Unfortunately,ifhedidplanthis,orispartof
this,he’snottheoneprovokingthesestudents.”

“Maybeit’sthatsuperintendent,”Victorsaid.
“Idon’tthinkso,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“He’sbeenconfirmedasbeingathisofficeallweek,with

onlytheoccasionallunchmeeting.Iftheyareinvolved,it’sthatthirdparty.”

“Whowouldhavethepowertomanipulatekidslikethat?”Northasked.“Noneofthemaretalking.”
“I’vebeencheckingphonelogsontheircells,”Victorsaid.“Whoeveristalkingtothem,isdoingitin

person,becauseitisn’toverthephones.There’snounusualnumbersontheirlists.”

“Let’sfocus,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.Heliftedahand,pointingathisknee.“He’sgotusrightnow

becausewe’rescattered.Weneedtosetasidesomethingsatthemoment.TheTheosituationis,forthe
mostpart,undercontrol.Tonightisthefootballgame.Weshouldallattend.”

“I’veactuallygotanideaforthat,”Victorsaid.“Iwastellingtheothersthatwe’rebeingmanipulated

andwatchedover.We’remonitoredtokeepuscontainedsowedon’tmove.Maybe...maybeweshould
makeamove.”

Mr.Blackbourne’ssteeleyesfocusedonhim.“Whatareyousuggesting?”
“He’skeepingusdistractedandbusy,let’skeephimbusy,instead,”hesaid.“Let’ssetupdistractions.

Fakephonecallstosecurityaboutasmallfirehere,acomplaintaboutafightthere.Idon’twanttomakea
dangeroussituationoutofthis,butwecanseehowheandsecurityreacts.Ifsecurityishiredbyhim,and
he’sgotthemtrainedtoworkaccordingtohisplan,maybeweshouldbeoccupyinghim.”

“It’sarisk,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Wedon’tknowwhatthebomberoranyoneelsehasplanned.

Andwecouldbebarkingupthewrongtreecompletely.Wedon’thaveanyproof.”

“Let’sgetacoupleofolderAcademypeopletoactas‘parents’,”Victorsaid.“Ifwecanbringsome

in,theycanbeplantedindifferentlocationstodistractormonitor,andalsoforsafety.It’llbeagoodtime
todoit,becauseparentsandrelativeswillbearound,sothey’llblendin.They’llalsobelesssuspected
ofbeingpartofourteam.”Victortickedofffingersasherhymedoffnames,“DocRoberts,Uncle,maybe
Roseifshe’sfeelingbetter,and...”

Myeyeswidened.Uncle?LukeandNorth’suncle?HewasintheAcademy?
Mr.Blackbourneslicedhishandthroughtheair.“Iunderstand,”hesaidquickly.“Icanmakeafew

calls.Alotofteammembersarefocusedonthedance.Thisgamewasn’taprioritybefore,becausethe
danceseemedamorelikelylocationforattention.Afterthesebombthreats,thehomecominggameshould
bemonitored.”

“Ilikehisidea,”Dr.Greensaid.“Idon’tknowwhocanmakeitouttonight,butIcanputinsome

phonecalls.”

“We’llcreateaplan,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Ifthey’llbeprovideddistraction,therestofusshould

bethesupplementalsecurityincaseanythingshouldhappen.We’llhavetomonitorthefieldandthe
stands.”HepointedatNathan,KotaandI.“Iwantyouthreeonthehometeamstands.”Hepointedto
Victor,LukeandGabriel.“Youthreeontheawayteam’sstands.NorthandSilas,keepaneyeonthe
teams.Trytonotbeonthefieldtoomuch.Fakeaninjuryifyouneedto.I’mwillingtoforegowinningthe
gameifitmeansyoucankeepabetterfocus.”

“Notaproblem,”Northsaid.
“Don’ttakeanyoneforgranted,”Dr.Greensaid.“Ifthephonecallsarecomingfromkidsnow,anyone

couldbemakingthatnextcall.Trytotalktothembeforethey’recaughtbythepolice.Maybewecanlearn
something.”

“Butthemainfocus,”Mr.Blackbournesaid,“andthefirstpriority,isgettingthroughthisgame

withoutapanic.Let’sgetthroughtoday.Iwanttomakesureweaddresshowthekidsarehandledasfar
asexpulsionandseeifwecan’tputastoptothat,butitwillhavetowaituntilnextweek.Wealsoneedto
meetwithGrettaforfinalfittings.Everyoneshouldbeonalertatalltimes.Keepthephonelinesclearfor
emergencies.Safetyfirst.Familyfirst.”

Everyonenoddedatthesametime.“Whataboutschooltoday?”Kotaasked.“Anythingweshould

do?”

“Actually,let’sstartnotdoingwhatwe’resupposedto,”Victorsaid.“Let’spretendwe’reactually

makingamove.We’vealreadystartedbynotbeinginclassrightnow.”

“Idohavetoteachaclass,”Dr.Greensaid.“Ican’tleavethoseminionstotheirowndevices.”
“Let’spositionourselvesaroundtheschool,”Victorsaid.“UnderordersfromMr.Blackbourneand

theschoolboard,we’rehereforsafety.Weshouldbemonitoring.Let’stalkquietly,communicateinfalse
codes,andslipfalseinformation.Let’sseewhatkindofattentionwecanattract.Wedon’tblendin
anymore.”

“There’saplaninactiontochangeourstatusatthisschool,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Itdependson

oursurvivalherethisweek.Isupposenowisagoodtimetostart.”

“Let’snotgettoocrazy.NottomentionnotlettingMr.Hendricksfindagoodreasontokickanyofus

out,”Dr.Greensaid.

“Onethingatatime,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Let’sjustbecareful.”

♥♥♥

Fortherestoftheday,IwasassignedtoLuke.Weweretoldtowalkthehallwaysduringclass.Weran
intosecurityonoccasion,someofthemaskingusquestions.

WhenLukeanswered,herepliedthathewasgivenordersfromMr.Blackbourne.Whenaskedwhat

thoseorderswere,Lukewouldpassitoff.“Asktheschoolboardfordetails.I’mnotallowedtotalk
aboutit.”

Itworked.Securitywasfollowingusaroundafterawhile.Wemadecircles,testedlockerstoseeif

theyopened,butthenclosedthem.Weenteredthemainoffice,wentintotheprivateofficeusedbyMr.
BlackbourneandDr.Green.Lukepickedupafileandthenwewaitedfiveminutes,leftandwalked
around,lookingatthecontentsoffolders.Weenteredthelibrary,heaskedpermissiontousetheshredder.
Weshreddedpapersandthendistributedtheshreddeddocumentsindifferentbinsacrosstheschool.

Victortoldusthatateachbinweused,asecuritypersoncamealongandcollectedthecontentswe’d

leftandweretryingtonowpiecethemtogether.

LukeandIsattogetheronthestairsforashorttime,quietlysmiling.Maybethiswasworking.Maybe

foronce,doingwhatMr.Hendrickssuspectedwewoulddowouldkeephimbusy,insteadoftheother
wayaround.

Ihadalotofhope.Iwantedtobelievethiswasthestartofchangeonhowthingsworkedatthe

school.Iwantedtoseetheboyssucceedintheirplan.

Icouldn’tbeselfishandwishthey’dneverleave.

Pranks

obombthreathadbeensentoutthatafternoon.

Sincenoonehadhomework,everyonewaspreparingforthegameinstead.
GabrielstoodinsideNathan’scloset,andstartedtosortthroughmyclothes.NorthandSilaswereat

theschoolgettingreadyforthegame,withDr.GreenandMr.Blackbournemonitoring.“Wearegoingto
goshoppingagain,”Gabrielsaid.“Wegotcutshortlasttime.ButMr.Blackbournewasright.Youneed
clothes.”

“Icanmanagefornow,”Isaid.“CanIwearjeanstonight?It’llbecold.”
“It’stheonlywarmthingsyouhaverightnow.”Hepulledapairofjeansdownfromtheshelf,and

thenpluckedthroughthehangingshirtsforasoftV-necksweater.“Thehoodieswon’tbeenough,”hesaid.
“Youneedacoat.”

“Ihadanoldonesomewhere,”Isaid.
“Toothick,”hesaid.“Andit’sugly.”
Igrimaced.Gabrielhadprettystrongopinionsaboutclothes.
GabrielsighedandthenpulleddownajacketIdidn’trecognize.“Thisisanoldoneofmine,”hesaid.

Heshowedittome.Itwouldbebig,butitwasthickerthanthethinhoodiesIhad.Hegrinnedandhis
crystaleyeslitup.“Alwaysstealingmyclotheswhenyoudon’thavewhatyouneed.”

Ismiledathim.“Myfault,Iguess.”
“Shutup,”hesaid.Heleanedoutofthecloset,checkedaroundandthencurledhisfingersatme.

“Comehereasecond.”

MyeyebrowswentupandIjumpedupoffthebed.Afterbeingsuccessfultoday,Iwasfeeling

energized.Maybethefootballgamewouldn’tbetoobad.Maybewe’dfindoutwhothebomberwasand
beabletohaveagoodtimeathomecoming.

IfollowedGabrielintothecloset.Atfirst,Iturnedtocheckoutclothes,surehewasgoingtohaveme

trysomethingon.

HeslippedanarmaroundmywaistandleanedinandbeforeIcouldthink,heplantedaquickkisson

mycheek.Iturnedmyhead,realizingwhathewasdoing,andthenhedroppedhisheadandkissedmy
neck.

Isuckedinabreath,eyeswide.Iwasexcitedthathewasexcited,andalsowatchingthedoor,

listeningforothersinthehouse.“Gabriel,”Ibreathed.

“I’mnotgoingtoseeyouallnight,”hesaid.Hedroppedtheclothesonthefloorandthenslippedboth

armsaroundmyshoulders,huggingmetightintohim,nearlyhardenoughtopickmeupoffthefloor.My
toestracedagainstthecarpet.Heburiedhisfaceintomyshoulder,hislipsagainstmyskin.“Fuckingshit,
Trouble.Ifeellikewe’renevergoingtogetoutofthisshittyschool.”

Myheartracedwithhispassionandthendroppedathisstressedplea.Icircledmyarmsaroundhis

waistwhereIcould,holdingtightly.“Meanie,”Iwhispered.“IknowIcan’tleave,butIknow...”

“Shutup,”hesaid.Hesqueezedmealittletootightly,causingmetolosemybreathforasplitsecond

andthenrelaxedhishold.Iwasonmyfeetagainandhethreadedhisfingersupthroughmyhairatthe
backofmyhead.Hegripped,holdingtight,notpulling,justholdingfirmtokeepmewherehewanted.
“You’recomingwithus.Iknownoneoftheotherswillletyouspendaminuteinthatschoolwithoutus
around.”

“There’snoway,”Isaid.

“Thereisaway.Ibetyou’llbeAcademybythetimewe’redone.”
Iswallowed,lookingathiscrystaleyes.“Maybe,”Isaid.“Idon’tknowif...Imeanhow...”
“It’llhappen,”hesaidquietly.“IaskedMr.Blackbourneaboutittheotherday.Youknow,attheother

familymeeting.I’dbeenwonderinghowweweregoingtomanagetogetyouin.He’sworkingonmaking
suretheotherswantyouin,too.”

“Kotadidn’twantmein,”Isaid.“HowwasMr.Blackbournegoingtogethimtochangehismind?”
“Idon’tknow,”hesaid.“Heaskedmeaboutyou,whatIthoughtaboutyou,though.”
“Oh?”Iasked.
“Yeah,”hesaid.Hesmiledandthenmassagedhisfingersagainstmyscalpdeeply,likewhenhe

washedmyhair.“Ididn’tlie.Iwasn’treallyhonestwithhim,though.”

Myeyeswidenedandmyheartstartedbeatingharder.Ikeptmylipstogether,afraidtosayanything.
Hesmirked,thenleanedforwardandkissedmeonthenose.“Don’tlookatmewiththosefucking

eyes,Trouble.I’llnevermakeitoutofthiscloset.”

“Iseemtoendupinclosetsalot,”Isaidquietly.
Helaughed,alowrumbleagainstme.“Ican’tcomplainaboutthecompany,”hesaid.Hepulledhis

headbackandlookedmedeadon,thosecrystaleyeswide.Heleanedin,andIthoughtitwasgoingtobe
anotherkiss,andthenIfelthistongueflatagainstmycheekandlickingup.

Outofreaction,andwithagiggle,Ipulledmyheadback,andgentlypushed.“Hey!”
“IfIlickit,Iownitright?”
Imadeafaceandlickedmyownhand.“Myhandismine.”
“Thatdoesn’tcount,”hesaid.“Itonlycountswithme.Ilick,Iclaim.Youcantrytorun.”
Hesaiditlikeagame.Ismiled,almostrollingmyeyes.
Aknockandarustleinthebedroom,andIinstinctivelytookastepbackawayfromGabriel.He

releasedme,butputanarmaroundmyshoulderandwebothturnedtocheck.

Nathanpoppedhisheadin.HelookedatmeandthenatGabrielandthenhiseyebrowsshotup.

“Gretta’shere,”hesaid.

Gabrielreleasedme,suckedinabreath,andthencombedhisfingersthroughhishairtosmoothit

down.Helookeddownathisclothes,ablackshirtwithneongreenwritingandjeans.“Ilooklikeshit,”
hesaid.

“Areyoutryingtoimpressher?”Nathanasked.
“Atleasttolookprofessional,”hesaid.Heflippedthroughsomeoftheclothesinthecloset,pulled

outawhitebuttonupshirtandthenthreadedhisarmsthroughthesleeves.“Ifweneedheragain,wedon’t
needherthinkingwe’reslobs.”

IlookeddownatwhatIwaswearing:thesamelongskirtandblouse.
Achoplandedonmyhead.“Shutup,Trouble.You’reperfect.”Ihadn’tsaidanything,andhejust

smirkedatmyreaction.

“Damnrightsheis,”Nathansaid.Hereachedouttotakemyhand.“Comeon.”
Grettawasinthelivingroom.Thecoffeetableandtheleatherarmchairhadbeenmovedovertothe

sideoftheroom.

Lukewasalreadyinablacksuit,withababybluetieon.“Ilikethese,”hesaidaswecamein.
Gabrielleanedintomeandwhispered.“Thesearereallygood,”hesaid.“Atthisdance,wecould

shedthetieandthemasks,andblendinwithshadowseasierifweneedtocreeparound.Wecanalso
changetiesandconfuseanyone.”

Inodded,understandingheprobablydidn’twanttoopenlytalkaboutthatpartofwhytheywanted

blacksuitsinfrontofGretta.

GrettaslappedLukeonthethighandthenpinchedthematerialatthecuffofhissuitcoat.“Either

you’vegrownaninchsincetwodaysago,oryouputonthewrongjacket.Takethatoff.”

“Itwasinthebagwiththebluetie,”hesaid,slippingthejacketoffhisshoulders.”
Grettafrowned,andthentiltedherhead.“Areyour...thecuffsofyourpantsdon’tlookright.”She

turnedtoGabriel.“Alittleshort.”

GabrielmovedawayfrommeandthenlookedcloseratLuke’sfeet.“Mightneedtoletitout.”
Grettagroaned.“Whatthehell?Idouble-checkedmymeasurements.Shebentoverandthenstarted

adjustingthebottomoftheleg,andfoldedacrease.“I’mgoingtohavetopinyouandmakeadjustments
here.Idon’thavetimetogobacktotheshop.”SheturnedtoGabriel.“Canyougeteveryonetotrytheirs
onatonce?Maybemyassistantmixedupthetiecolorsandthesizesindifferentbags.There’ssomanyof
you,maybeshegotconfused.”

Gabrielnodded.Helefttheroom,asdidNathan.IwatchedGrettadowhatsheneeded,pinningthe

pants.Isupposedthegowntheyorderedformecouldwait.Theyneededtosortouttheirsuits.

“Sang!”ThevoicewasVictor’s.“Comeinhereaminute?”
IglancedatLuke,whoshrugged.IscurriedawayfromthemandheadedtowardMr.Griffin’s

bedroom.

Therewereclothesspreadoutacrossthebed.Therewerethevariouscoloredtiesnexttodifferent

suits,andIspottedadarkerblueandablackandothersfortherestofthem.

Victorwasshirtless,withthestartofhispantsundone,andwasholdingupapairofslacks.Heputthe

slacksuptohiswaist,andthelegswereclearlytoolongforhim.“IknowI’vegotablacksuit
somewhereathome,”hesaid.“OrIcanjustweartheshirt.”

“It’stheshirts,too,”Gabrielsaid.Hepulledoutonethathadagreentie,andIimagineditwasfor

Kota.Gabrielhelduptheshirttohisbody,revealinghowitwasalittletoosmallforKota.“Maybethis
isyours.”

“Doyouwantmetohelp?”Iaskedquietly.
Victorpointedatthesuitbagsleftfortheguysthatweren’there.“Canyouopenthoseup,Princess?”

heasked.“Maybeshe’srightandtherewasjustamixup.I’mjusthopingwe’renotmissingaset.”He
swappedtheshirtfromhisbagwiththeoneGabrielwasholding.

ImovedtotheothersideofthebedandpulledtheshirtoutmeantforSilas.WhenIspreaditout,and

thencomparedittoNorth’s,itwasclearthatneitheronewouldfitthosetwo.Theywereacoupleofsizes
toosmall.

“Gabe!”Nathan’sshoutcamefromthebathroom.ThedooropenedtorevealNathanstandinginthe

doorwayinhisboxersashirthangingoffhishand.“Whatthefuck,dude?Thisoneisatent.”

“Mixup,”Gabrielsaid.“Maybethat’sSilas’s.”
“Thisonemightfityou,”Isaid,holdinguptheonethatwasinNorth’sbag.
Nathansteppedabitintothebathroomagain,andthentookoutthepantsandheldthemuptohiswaist.

“Theseseemlikemine.”

“Yeah,”Gabrielsaid.“See?Justamixup.There’ssomanyofus.Herassistantprobablymismatched

themsomewherealongtheway.We’llbefine.”

“Wedidn’tpayenoughforthemtonotmixthemup?”Nathanasked.
“Shutupandputthisshirton,”Gabrielsaid.HesnappedhisfingersandthengesturedforNathanto

gobackintothebathroom.HesnatchedtheshirtIwasholdingandbroughtitovertoNathan.“Backupa
second.Iwanttomakesure.”

Theyclosedthedoor.Isuckedinabreath,holdingit.Ihopedtheyweren’tsnappingtoomuchateach

otherbecauseofthestress.

“Sang,”Victorsaidinalowbreath.Hecurledhisfingers,encouragingmetocometohim.
Icircledthebed,tryingnottostaretoomuchsincehehadhisshirtoff,andthetopofhisboxerswere

exposednowwithhispantshalfundone.Hadtheygottensocomfortablewithmethattheycouldwalk
aroundhalf-naked?

Thenagain,they’dseenmeinless,too.
Victorpickedupmyhandandthenkissedthepalmbeforeholdingitbetweenhishandsinfrontofhis

chest.“Iknowyou’resupposedtobegoingwithSilas,butI’mhopingwe’llfindachancetodanceatthis
thing.”

“Arewesupposedto?”ThiswassomethingIhadn’tconsidered.Weweretoattend,butthethoughtof

actuallydancingdidn’tseemtofit.“Ithoughtweweregoingto...Idon’tknow.Weneedtowatchoutfor
Mr.Hendricksand—”

“IftheAcademyiswatching,there’snowayabombthreat,Voltooranyonewillruinthenight.We’ve

gotitundercontrol.”

Itriedtofeelrelieved,butitwashard.TheAcademymightbetrustworthy,butIwasmoreworried

fortheirsafetyandbeingexposed.

Hereleasedmyhandandopenedhisarmsup.“Comeon,”hesaid,smiling.Hisfireeyeslittoan

amusedflicker.

Imovedcloserandhewrappedhisarmsaroundme.Hisfingerssmoothedovermyblouse.Hestarted

tracingmyribsthroughthematerial.Thegesturewaswarm,andIfellintohim,withmycheekpressed
againsthisshoulder.

“Don’tworry,”hesaid.“We’veallbeenthroughworse.Thiswon’tbesobad.”
“You’renotnervous?”Iasked.“Aren’tyouworriedaboutMr.Hendricks?”
“Worstcasescenario,”hesaidquietly,“weleavetheschoolandwefailourjob.Willwetrynotto?

Yes.We’llworkatitaslongaswecan.Willitkillus?No.Ifnothingelse,wehandoverwhatever
evidencewe’vegottothepolice,letthemcookupaninvestigation.Itisn’tthebestoption,butifwe’ve
doneourbest,that’sallwecando.”

“Andyou’llgobacktotheAcademy?”Iasked.
“We’llgobacktonormal.Youmightactuallylikenormal.”
Icouldn’timaginewhatnormalfortheAcademymightbelike.Iwasexcitedthathewasincludingme

withtheidea.

“Sodon’tworrysomuch,”hesaid.Hemassagedbetweenmyribsalittlemore,andthendidcircles

acrossmyspine.Itwassmall,atfirst,butthenhisfingersputmorepressure,anditfeltgood.Iclosedmy
eyes.

Heswayedalittlebit,andIthoughtIheardhimhumming.ItwassoftandatfirstIdidn’trecognizethe

tune.

Hislipsmetwithmyskinquicklyatmyneck.“Somaybeathomecoming,wecansneakinadance...or

two.”

“Ifwecangetawaywithit,”Isaid.
“I’llfindaway,”hesaidsoftly.
“Everythingokay?”Kota’svoicejoltedmeuntilmyheadwasupright.Hewasatthedoor,now

wearingafreshpairofjeans,agreenpoloandajacket.Hishairwasfreshlycombed.Thegreeneyes
behindtheblack-rimmedglasseswerewidewithcuriosity.

Victorpulledhisheadback,butkepthisarmsaroundme,holdingfirm.“Nothing,”hesaid.“Just

talkingaboutthedance.”

“Let’sworryaboutthefootballgame,fornow,”hesaid.Hesteppedintotheroom,scanningthe

clothing.“Shouldwetryourson?”

“Seemslikesomemightbemixedupindifferentpiles,”Victorsaidashereleasedme.Ibackedupa

fewstepsasVictorapproachedthebedandpickeduponeoftheshirts.“You’regoingtohavetofindthe
onethat’syours.”

“Odd,”hesaid.“Isawherwritedownnamesandsizes.”
“Ithinkshe’sgotanassistantthatmighthavemixedthingsup.”
Kotalookedcriticallyattheclothing,pickingupasleeveandsmoothinghisfingersoverthematerial.

Hepickeduptheshirtthatwaswithhistieandthenputituptohisbody.“Thisoneseemsokay.”

“Well,justtryiton,”Victorsaid.
Lukeshuffledintotheroom.Hisshirtsleeveshadbeenrolledup.“Yeah,thisoneisn’tmine,”hesaid.

“RememberthattimewewerelikethirteenandwealldecidedtogoforHalloweenassuperheroesand
fiveofusshowedupasBatman?”

Kotapickedhisheadupquickly,andturnedpartially.“Didyouswitchourclothesaround?Likehow

youswappedoutSilas’sBatmancostumeforGabriel’sandheendeduprippingaholeinit?”

Lukemadeasurprisedface,butitwashardtoread.“WouldIdothat?”
“Yes,”VictorandKotasaidtogetherinaloud,accusingreply.
Iputahandtomycheek.WasitreallyLukethatswappedthings?
“Icouldn’ttakethecredit,”Lukesaid,butthenhewinked.
“Ugh,”Victorsaid.Heturnedonthepileofclothes.“Justcomehelpusfigureouttherightones.”
Theboyseventuallysortedouttheirclothes.Itriedonmydresslast,andGrettaandGabrielonly

spentafewmomentsgoingoverthefinaldetails.Ilikedit.Thesleeveshungaroundmyshoulders.The
corsetwasloweronmyhips.Ididn’tputonshoesoramaskthistime,butGabriellookedveryexcited,
soIwas,too.

Soon,though,IwasinjeansandGabriel’sjacket,andinthebackoftheblackcarKotahadborrowed

fromNorth.NathanandLukewerewithus.GabrielandVictorwereinVictor’scar.

ThecrowdattheschoolwasoneI’dneverseenbeforeforanyofthefootballgamesI’dattended.
“Alumnisometimescomeoutforthegame,”Kotasaid.“Let’shopewe’reabletogetthroughthis

withouttoomanyissues.”

“Ithinkeveryone’shopingsomethinghappens,”Lukesaid,hisnosealmostagainstthewindowashe

lookedthroughthecrowd.Heturnedhisheadback.“Iforgottolook.Wasanyonefollowingus?”

“IthinkitwasMr.Morris,”Kotasaid.“Itlookedlikehiscar.Heseemedtobetheonlyone.Everyone

elsemightbebusy.”

“WhathappenedtoMr.Morrisandthepinkcellphone?”Iasked,suddenlyrememberingit.
“Nothing,”Lukesaid.Hepulledbacktolookatme.“Imean,Ipulledthephone,andreplaceditwith

‘your’fakeone,buthiswasbusted.Itwouldn’teventurnon.Victor’sbeentryingtofixit.”

“Wethoughtmaybeitwasastudent’sorsomeonelostit,butsinceitwasbroken,therewasn’taway

tofindoutwhoitbelongedto,”Kotasaid.“Theredidn’tseemtobeanydataonit.”

“Oh,”Isaid.Ilookedoutthefrontatthecars.ItseemedoddofMr.Morristohaveablankcellphone.
“Luckilythatalarmwentoffwhenitdid,”Lukesaid.“Itactuallygavemesomecover.”
Afterweparked,wemetupwiththeothers.Westucktogetherthistime.Itdidn’tseemtomatterifwe

appearedtogether.Thecrowdsarounduswerethick;mostlyadultswherewewere.Theparkinglotwas
full,andsomepeoplewerestartingtoparkinthegrassyareas.

Wegottothegate,andKotaboughtallourtickets.

Wedidn’thaveachancetosaymuchwithallthepeoplearoundus.Ididn’tknowhowtheirplanwas

goingtoworkwithsomanypeoplehere.Mythroatthickened,andIwasmakingfistsagainstmythighs,
tryingtomakemyselfassmallaspossible.

Nathanwalkedclosetome.Hefoundmyhand,andcoveredmyfistwithhispalm.“Hanginthere,

Peanut,”hesaid.

Wemadeourwaytothestands.Luke,GabrielandVictorbrokeoff,wavingbackatus.Iwishedwe

couldhavesattogether,butwereallyneededtofocusandIunderstood.Itoldmyselfit’dbeoversoon.

Kota,NathanandIfoundseatsnearthetopofthestands.ThemetalwascoldandIhuddled,hoping

mybodyheatmightwarmitupalittlesoIwouldn’tfreezetonight.

KotaandNathanwerestanding,scanningourendoftheseating.Istoodup,too,afterIrealizedI

probablyshouldbekeepinganeyeonthings.

Iwasstillabitshortandtherewerepeopleinfrontofuswhowerehardtoseeover.Iheldonto

Kota’sarmtoclimbupontheseatandcheck.

Kotaputanarmaroundmywaisttoholdmesteady.
Theseatingwasfillingupfast,anditlookedliketheopposingside’sseatingwasjustasbad.Maybe

somefromourschooldecidedtositovertheresincerowswerefillingin.

“Sang!”calledavoice.
Iscannedthearea,butitwasKotawhopointedoutKaren.Shewasonherwayupthesteps,waving,

withDerrickrightbehindher.

IlookeddownatKotabuthewasn’tlookingatme.IwantedtoseeifitwasokayifsheandDerrick

satwithus.

KotaandNathandidn’tsayanythingtodiscourageit,soIwavedbackather.
Karenweavedherwaythroughthecrowd,splittingthroughpeopleandDerrickfollowedalong

behindher.

“Aretheydatingorwhat?”Nathanaskedusinalowvoice.
“NotthatIknowof,”Isaid.“Ithinkthey’refriends.”
“Maybetheywerefriends,”Nathansaid.“They’reonadate.”
KarenreachedusandgavealittlewavetoKotaandthentoNathan.“Higuys.Canwesitwithyou?

Thisplaceiscrazy.”

“Ifyouwant,”Nathansaid.Hegrabbedmyarmandthentuggedatme.“Comeonandscootdowna

bit.”

Idid.KarensatnexttomeandDerricksatnexttoher.Kotatookaseatbehindme.
“Canyoubelievethis?”Karenasked.Shewavedherhandatthepeople.Shewasinthesameleather

jacketI’dseenearlier.Herpixiehairhadgrownoutabit.“Okay,lastyear,thegamewasn’tnearlyso
crowded.”

“Maybeweshouldn’tbehere,”Derricksaid.
“Areyoukidding?”Karenasked.“Wecan’tmissoutonthis.Ibeteveryone’sthinkingthere’sgoingto

beanotherbombthreat.Ortheonesfromthisweekareallabuilduptotonight.”

IsharedalookwithKotaandthenwithNathan.I’dfeltthesamething,butwouldpeoplejustshowup

thinkingabombwouldactuallyhappen?

Thegametookanotherhourbeforeitstarted.FromwhatIcouldsee,apolicemanwalkedaroundthe

perimeter,ormaybeitwastwoandtheyexchangedplaces.Therewerebigguyswithblackshirtswith
yellowlettering,marked“Security”.

Theoverheadspeakerswereloudertoday.Theywereprobablyturneduptobeheardovereveryone

inthestands.Eventuallymostpeoplesettled,withhandfulsofpeoplecirclingtofindfriendsorseats.

ThereweresomestudentsthatIthoughtIrecognized.Withsomanypeople,though,itwashardtopinpoint
anyoneactingsuspicious.

Amidthechaos,andwhilethespeakersblaredthatthegamewouldstartsoon,andconcessionswere

beingsold,Ispottedafamiliarmanwithwhitehairandspeckledface.

InudgedNathanandthenlookedatDr.Roberts.Ididn’twanttopointwithKarenrightthere.
Nathanturnedhishead,staringoff.Henodded,grinnedandthenleanedintowhisper,“Wedidcallin

afewfavors,butinthiscrowd,it’llbeworthit.”

I’dheardoffavors,butImeanttoaskhimlaterexactlyifthatwasimportant.Theyseemedtobringit

upalot.

Karencarriedonaconversationbesideme,pointingoutpeoplesheknewandtellingDerricksome

gossip.

Nathanleanedinclose,keepinghisarmupagainstmine.Hemighthavebeenfeelingthechill,too.

Kota’skneesmetmyback,allowingmetoleanbackabit.

Inanoddway,IwaslisteningtoKaren,andatthesametime,Iavoidedlookingather.Shewasthere.

Shewasn’tathreat,Iknewthat,butIdidn’twanttomeethereyes.

Iknowitwassilly.WhenIturnedherway,Ilookedatotherpeopleinthestands,butthenturnedback

tolookatNathan,orlookedatDerrick.Ismiled,noddedatconversationpoints,butforthemostpart,I
wasquiet.Nathantalked.Kotatalked.

Icheckedmyphoneafewtimes.Nomessagesbutanotherexcusetolookpreoccupied.
Finally,thegamestartedup,withintroductionsofeachteam.Therewerefogmachinesatthehome

team’sendofthefield,andtheyfloodedthefieldatwaistlevelastheplayerswereintroduced.

Therewerescreamsandshoutsforalltheplayerssothatitwashardtohear.IstoodupjustasNorth

andSilasjoggedthroughthefogandjoinedtherestoftheirteam.

“Peanut,”Nathansaidinmyear.“Keepaneyeonthegame.Ifyouseeplayersactingfunny,nudgeme.

I’llwatchthestandsonthisend.Kota’sgoingtogettheotherside.Trytofocusonunusualactivity.

Iwasn’tsurewhat‘unusualactivity’lookedlike,butIpreferredhavingsomesortofjoband

somethingtofocuson.

Thegamewasstartingtobecomefamiliartome,evenifthisonehadmorefanfarethanothers.

Eventually,Ilearnedtodrownoutthesoundsaswhitenoise,andthatmadeiteasiertofocuson
individualsandnotgettoodistracted.

Dr.Robertswalkedbackandforthinfrontofthestands.He’dstandnearthefrontrail,leanoverit,

andthenwalktotheotherend,wavetosomeone,movebacktowherehewasstandingandthenleanover
therailagain.Itwassuspicious,butsinceitwasDr.Roberts,Iimaginedhewouldsoonfindawayto
keepsecuritybusy.

Itbeganimmediately.Assoonasthefirstkickhappened,Dr.Robertsstartedpointingandhollering.

Hewaslouderthanthepeoplearoundhim.Icouldn’treallyhearwhathewassayingfromwherewe
were,andIwasgrateful.Withahandovermyheart,IwasholdingitasifIcouldstophowintenselyit
wasbeating.

AcoupleofpeopleinSecurityT-shirtsshowedup.Theytalkedtohim.Itriedtokeepaneyeonthe

field,butdidn’tmissDr.Robertsgettingescortedtoaseat.Dr.Robertskepttalkingtothem,though,and
whenoneturnedaway,hegrabbedhisarmandwavedhishand,talkingmore.

Thislastedforatleastfifteenminutes.
“Crazyoldman,”Karensaid.“Starteddrinkingearly.Surprisedthey’relettinghimstay,butIguess

theyaren’tgoingtokickhimoutforshoutingtooloud.”

IhopedDr.Robertswasn’tgoingtoriskgettingkickedouttokeepSecurity’sattention.However,the

securityteamseemedreluctanttomovetooquickly,andtooktostandingbywhilesurveyingthecrowds.I
guessiftheyhadtobeanywhere,theymayaswellfocusonthestands.

Thegamedraggedonalongtime.Everycalltookseveralminutestosortout.Theannouncerwould

relaywhattheywere,andthecrowdwouldhootorgrowlback.

Forthemostpart,NorthandSilassatonthebenchforthisgame.
Byhalftime,theawayteammanagedtogetaheadbyatouchdown.
Dr.RobertscontinuedtotalktotheSecuritypeople,andIcaughtonthefieldhowotherSecurity

memberswerebeingkeptbusywithdifferentpeople.Icouldn’tseespecificallywhoitwasorwhatwas
happening,butVictor’splantokeepSecurityoccupiedseemedtowork.

Ididn’tseehowanyonecouldgetaphonecallintothegame.Itwassoloud.Peoplestompedonthe

metalsteps.Theoverheadspeakerswereblaring.I’dgonewithsomeoftheboystoaclubonce,andI
thoughtthenoiselevelatthisgamewaslouderthanthat.

Halftimefeaturedseveralgirlswhowererunningforhomecoming,andthewinnerwasgoingtobe

announcedatthedancetomorrow.Allofthemweregiventimetotalk,about...something.Thewholething
wasdrownedoutbythetalkinginthestandsandotherpeopleshushingthetalkers.

Nathanleanedintome.Ithinkhegroaned,butIfeltitmorethanheardit.
Kotaleanedforwardandspokeinmyear.“Didyouwanttorunforhomecoming?”heasked.“Inever

asked.”

Ishookmyhead,myeyeswidethemomentheasked.Iturned,lookingathim,quietlypleadingtonot

letthateverhappentome.Homecomingqueen?Ididn’tlikeitwhenstudentslookedatmewhenIwas
calledoninclasstoanswerquestions.I’dneversurvivehomecoming.

Kotasmiledandappearedamusedbymyresponse.Hereachedout,grippingmyshoulderandgiving

itarubandthenwinkingatme.Ididn’tknowwhatitmeant,butIguessIdidn’thavetoworryaboutit.I
wasn’tgoingtorun.

Atthatmoment,thephoneinmybrawasgettingcold,andkeepingitwhereitwas,itwasfreezing

againstmyskin.Ituggeditout,puttingitinmybackpocket.

Nathanspotteditandthenlaughed.“What’swrongwiththeshelf?”heasked.
Ishrugged.“Toocold,”Isaid.
Hemadeafacebutthenshrugged.Iwasn’tsureifheunderstoodbutdidn’twanttodistracthim.
Whenhalftimewasover,thegamestartedagain.Thethirdquarterseemedtotakeforever.Icaught

myselfwatchingtheclock,willingthegametohurryalong.Ifwemanagedtogettotheendofthegame
withoutanincident,Iwouldconsiderthatawin.

Thegamesuddenlychangedonthefield,andthenoisefromthecrowdwokemeupfrommyconstant

studyingofpeopletofocusontheplayers.Oneoftheopposingteammembershadstolentheball.Inthe
nextplay,theballwasdroppedagain,andourteamgotitback.

Therewasawhistle,achangeofplayers,andNorthandSilastooktothefield.Isupposedthey

couldn’tfakeinjuriesbysittingonthebench.They’dhavetoplayalittletogetawaywithit.

Theballwasputintoposition,andthentheteamplayersclashed.Therewasanuproarfromthestands

astheballwaslostamidapileofboysontopofeachother.I’dlosttrackofNorthandSilasinthe
confusion.

That’swhenInoticedmovementinthestandsandspottedSecuritywalkingawayfromDr.Roberts.

Heyelled.Hethrewhisfistintheairandcriedoutsomething.Securityignoredit.Theyretreatedtothe
bleacherstepsanddown.

Theyweren’ttheonlyones.Othersacrossthefield,recognizablebytheyellowlettering,started

movingtowardthefield,towardtheentrance.

Isatupsharply,watchingwhatwashappeningforamoment.Ireachedback,grippingKota’slegand

thenlookedathim.

Kotahadhisattentiononthestandsandthenlookedatme,hiseyeswide,askingwhatIneeded.
IcurledmyfingersathimtogethimtobendoversoIcouldtalk.HeputhisearnearmeandIcupped

ahandaroundit.“Securityismeetingupbythefrontgate,itlookslike.Isthis...acommotion?”

Hesatupquickly,andthenhisfirstglancewasdownatDr.Green.Dr.Greenwasfacingthefield,

watchingthegame.Maybehecouldn’tseethatothersecurityteamshadwanderedoffandwereacting
funny.Icouldn’tfindMr.Blackbourne.

Kotastood,glancingaroundthestands.Afteraminute,hestooduponhisseat,lookingaround.He

droppedafteramoment,takingouthiscellphoneandtypingintoit.

“What’sup?”Karenasked.“Lookingforsomeone?”
“Uh,”Kotasaid.Hetouchedhisglassesatthecorner.“Actually,yes,ourfriendwasgoingtojoinus

afterhalftimeandIforgottogomeethimtoshowhimwherewe’resitting.”Hestartedtomove,wedging
throughrowsofpeople.“Ishouldgofindhim.”

KarenreturnedtoherconversationwithDerrick.Ididn’tlikethatKotawasgoingalone.Itappedat

Nathan,andwhenhemetmyeyes,IwaspointingquietlyatKota.

Heshookhishead.Hepointedatmeandthenatthestadiumstands.Wehadtostayrighthere.
Atleasthewasaware.
Againthecrowdwasinanuproar,andIdirectedmyattentionbacktothegame.
Therewasanotherpileup,withourteamunderneaththeopposingteam’splayers.Refereeswerebusy

tryingtopulleachpersonup,andcheckingtomakesuretheywereokay.Northsatontheground,
clutchingathisankleandappearedtobeshouting.Silasstoodby.Guesstheycouldn’tgetinjuredatthe
sametime,either.Thatwouldlookfunny.

Overthecommotion,Isensedsomethingwasoff.Securitycouldn’tbeseenatallnow.Iwondered

whatwastakingsolong.IquietlyheldontoNathantotrytoseewhathethought.

Nathan’sattentionhadbeencaught,butnotatthefield.
Ifollowedhisgazetothescoreboard.Underneaththescoreandthetime,therewasabigTVscreen

thatusuallydisplayedcommerciallogosandsomepicturesoftheplayers.Someofthebulbsneeded
replacing,butitworkedforthemostpart.

Nowthescoreboardwasdisplayingawashofcolors,andthenstaticsnowlikethesignalhadbeen

interrupted.

Thenthelightsofthescreenchanged,displayingasimplesquareinthemiddle.Atfirstitwas

stationary.Thentheperspectivechangedintoa3Dbox.Itrotatedagain.Theboxstartedtoshakeonthe
screen.

Someoftheotherpeoplestartedpayingattentiontoit.Peoplepointedtowardit,redirectingattention

fromthegametothescreen.Karensaidsomethingnexttomeaboutit,butIwasdodgingmyheadtryingto
seearoundsomeone.Istoodupontheseat,tryingtolookovertheseaofheads.

Theannounceraskedpeopletocalmdownandleteveryoneknowthatthegamewouldcontinue

shortlyandthattheinjurydidn’tappeartobebad.Itdidn’tseemasthoughthepeopleintheboothhad
noticedanythingelse.

Inbrightflashes,theboxonthescreenblewup,acartoonexplosionwithlotsofblinking.Therewere

bitsofcartoondebristhatflutteredaroundthebox,scatteringthepieces.

Andthentheboxcameback.Itdiditagain,onlythistimethesequencewasfaster.

“Nathan,”Ishouted.Apanicwasfillinginsideme.Somehow,Iknew.Thiswasit,whateveritwas.

“Something’swrong.”Idon’tknowhowIknew,butIdid.Thatdisplayboarddidn’tshowanythingbut
adsbeforeandnowsuddenlytheimageoftheexplosionfeltlikeamessage.

Nathangrippedmyarm,sittingontheedgeofhisseat.Cautionwasonething.Givingintofearwas

another.Ifwestartedtomovetooquickly,itcouldescalateeveryoneelsearoundusintopanicking.

Karenstoodnexttome,herfacetrainedtowardthescreen.“Whomessedwiththescreen?”sheasked.

Derrickstoodupnexttoher,checkingit,too.Everyonearounduswaslookingnow.

“It’sgottobeajoke,”Derricksaid.“Abadone.Aftertheweekwehad.”
Arumblestartedbelowthestands.Atfirst,itsoundedlikeeveryonewasstompingtheirfeetand

makingnoisethatrattledthebleachers.

Thenathick,whitecloudformedbelowthestands,filteringupthroughthespacesbetweenthe

benches.WhenIturned,moreofitbillowedoutofpipeshangingineverycornerofthebleachers.

“Ohshit,”Karensaid.Shereachedformyarm,clutchingitlikesheneededtohangon.Nathanwason

myotherside,turning,lookingwherewewerelooking.Hisblueeyeswide,hismouthdroppedopen.

I’dneverseenhiminsuchapanic.Ifroze,notknowingwhattodo.
Afearfulscreamovertookthesoundsoftherattlingstands.Anotherjoinedit.Therewasarush,anda

swoopofpeoplestartedrunningforthestepstogetoutofthepathofthefogswirlingupatourfeet.

“Wehavetogetoutofhere,”Isaid,myvoiceoffpitchwiththefearfillinginsideme.Withthefog

liftingandthesmokecomingdownfromthecorners,itstartedcoveringeverything.Itcreptupmylegs,
lickingacrossmyskin,coolandthick.

Abroadhandmetmyback.Smooth.Confident.Calm.
“Derrick,”Nathancalledathim,loudinmyearbehindme.“GrabKaren.Wehavetogo.Now.”He

clutchedmecloseraroundthewaist,grabbingmyhandanddirectingmetosteplonganddown,stepping
downtheseatsinsteadofthefloodedwalkwaysfilledwithpeopletryingtogetaroundandgetoutofthe
stands.

Derrickfollowedhislead.Karenheldontomyotherarmandwemovedforwardtogether.Ifone

teetered,theothercaughtandstabilized.

Butweweren’tfastenough.Thefogovertookusuntilitwascoatingourfaces,surroundingour

bodies.Wecouldn’tseewhereweweresteppingbefore,butnowwecouldn’tseeinfrontofourfaces.
KarenandIgrippedateachothertohangon.Nathanclutchedmetighter.

“Keepmoving!”Nathancalled.“Don’tstop.”
“There’stoomanypeople,”Derricksaid.Icouldfeelit.IwasrightbehindKaren.Sheswayedata

rushofpeoplegoingby.Thestadiumwasshakinglouder.Screamswerelouderdownhere.Voices,
shouts,stompingfeet,therattlingofthestands.Itallconsumedusasmuchasthefog.

“Jumpthefrontofthestands,”Nathansaid.“Gooverthatrail.Don’tworryaboutthestairs.We’llrun

outintothefield.”

Mymouthfilledwiththefog,tryingtocatchmybreath.Nathan’shandmoved,coveringmymouth.
“Trynottobreathetoomuchin,”hesaid.
Itwashardtomoveforwardwiththewholestadiumshaking,butwewentasfastaswecould.
Atthebase,thecrowdofpeopletryingtogetoutwaspushingtothesidetofollowtherampdown.

Derrickclampedontotherailandjumpedover,gettingontheothersideandloweringhimselfdown.
Nathancaughtupandfollowed.

“Let’sgo,”Karensaid,squeezingmyarmandurgingmeforward.
Igrabbedtherail,throwingmylegoverandloweringmyselfdown.ThemomentNathanhadhisarms

aroundmywaist,Iletgoandheputmedownnexttohim.

“Run!”heshouted.
Itried.Foramoment,itwasallwhite.
Whenwebrokeclearunderneaththewalloffogfoldingdowninfrontofthebleachers,thechange

wassignificant.Isuckeddowncleanair.MylungsfeltchilledandthickandIneededfreshairtosqueeze
outthefog,andthefreshairwascoldandthecyclecontinued.

Nathantuggedmyarm,notstopping.WhenIstumbledagainontheunevenground,hegrabbedme

aroundthewaistandlifted.

Ihuggedhimaroundtheshoulders,watchingbehindus.
Thestadiumwasswampedwiththethicksmoke,someareasthickerthanothers.Thefogstill

billowedfromthetopcornersofthebleachers.OtherstudentshadtakenNathan’sideatojumpthe
bleachersandrunoutintothefield.Additionalstudentsandparentsweretramplingdowntheramps,
stampedingforward.Someteachersweretryingtodirectpeopleoutandtotheparkinglot.

Nathanslowedatthefarendofthefieldbythefence.Heputmedown,turningtowitnesstheongoing

chaos.

KarenandDerrickdid,too.Wewerewellawayfromtheothers.Moststudentsthathadfollowedby

jumpinggatheredonthefieldwiththefootballplayersandcoaches,checkingoutwhatwasgoingon.

NorthandSilassplitawayfromthem,helmetsoff.Northwavedtousandthenstartedjogging.Silas

ranafterhim.Nathanwavedback,signalingandwewaited.

“Whatwasthat?”Iasked.“Whathappened?”
“Whoriggedthefogmachines?”Silasaskedasheapproachedandstopped.
Nathanhadhisphoneoutandstartedpunchingatthenumbers.“CallingKota.”
“Sang,”Northsaid,reachingforme.“Where’syourphone?”
Ifeltforit,andthenhelditoutforhim.Hetookit,punchedatthescreen.
Itdidn’tlightup.
Hepunchedatitagain.
Nothing.
“Didthebatterydie?”heasked.
“Itwasfineearlier,”Isaid.ThenIlookedatmyphone.
Ithadapinkcover.
ThelasttimeithadapinkcoverwasafewdaysagowhenLukeborrowedittomaketheswap.Iwas

surewhenIlookedatitbefore,itwasn’tonthere.

Inthemoment,itescapedmewhymyphonewasnowdifferent.DidLukestealitfrommesomehow

andgivemycoverback?Butifso,whywasn’tthephoneworking?

Silasdartedaroundtheotherboysandthenscoopedmeup,clutchingundermybuttandacrossmy

backtoholdmetohim.“Aggele,”hesaidinmyear.Hewalkedaroundalittlebit.“Youokay?”

Isunkintohim,butfoundthehardmaterialofhisfootballpadsdifficulttoholdonto.Isettledfor

pressingmycheeknexttohimjusttofeeltherealSilas.Myfingersswamintohishair,holdingcarefully.
“Didyouseethescreen?”

“Whatscreen?”
Karensteppedupnexttous.“Afterthelasttackle,thescreenwasshowinganexplodingbox.”
“That’snotwhatitsaysnow,”Silassaid.
Karenredirectedherattention,andIpulledawayfromSilastoseewhatwasgoingon.
Thescreenhadchanged,showingonlyoneword.
Boom.

HowTheGreeksInventedKissing

Afterthefogsettled,itwasdiscoveredbysecuritythefogmachinesthathadbeenusedearlierhadbeen
refilledtoburstingwithdryice,andthepipingwasreallythehollowpartofthestand’sstructureandthe
smokewasdirectedtocomeoutofeveryholeinthosebarsalongthebleachers.

Ducttapedidtherest.Itwastheonlythingholdingitalltogether.ThemenintheSecurityuniforms

marchedaround,askingquestions.

ThatwasallIlearnedaboutitbeforeIwasrushedoutintotheparkinglot,sowecouldavoidthe

policewhohadshownuptotakestatements.Thereweresomeminorinjurieswithanklestwistedand
somescrapes,butforthemostpart,therewasn’tanydamage.

IgavemyphonetoNorth,pointingouthowitwasdifferent.Hetookit,saidhe’daskLuke.Maybeit

wasamixupandheputthewrongcasewiththephonebackwithmewithoutmenoticing.Lukewasbusy,
sowecouldn’task.

AftertheheandNorthchangedoutoftheiruniforms,IwastostaywithSilas.We’dgetareportlater

astheothersweregoingtostickaroundtofigureoutwhathappened.

ThemomentIwasinsidehiscar,Silastookoffdowntheroad.Itwasdarkandmylungsstillfelt

funnyfromthefogI’dbreathedin.HewasprettyquietforthewholeridebutIsnuckalookeveryoncein
awhile.

Hisdourexpressionchangedovertime.Atthestart,Iwasafraidtosayanything.Later,asweneared

hishome,heseemedtorelax.

“Thatwasall,”Silassaid.Heturnedhisheadtolookatmeashepulledintotheapartmentcomplex’s

parkinglot.“Youknow?Aprank.”

“Wasitallabuilduptothis?Thebombthreats?”
“Maybe,”hesaid.“Butdoyousee?Nobomb.Theguywantedattention.Thereweretoomanypeople

tobeabletofocusonwhoitcouldhavebeen.We’reclosewiththisone,Aggele.Tomorrowatthedance,
we’llhavesomanymoreAcademypeoplethere.Noonewillgetinoroutwithoutusknowing.We’ll
catchhimforsure.”

Heseemedsoconfident,andthenhissmilebroadened.Tohim,itwaslikewe’dalreadywon.Wejust

neededtogothroughwiththeplan.

Iwasn’tsosure,butforthemoment,Itrustedhim.I’dbeenscared.IhadmomentswhereIthought

therereallywasabomb.Withnoonehavingbeenseverelyinjured,thewholescenenowfeltlikean
elaborateprankinsteadofsomethingdangerous.

Assoonasweparked,Silasleaptout.Heranaroundtomyside,openingthedoor.Hewasinjeans

andabigblueT-shirtandhishaircombedback.Hisbreathdriftedlikesmokefromhislips.Ihoppedout,
stillunusedtotheguyswantingtoopenmydoorallthetime,buttheyseemedeagertodoso.

AssoonasIsteppedout,heclosedthedoorandtookmyhand.Hedidn’tsayaword.Hejustmoved,

andIfollowed.

Everythingheneededtosaywasbetweenourpalms,andhowstronglyheheldontomyhand.Ididn’t

understandthemeaningofit,butIknewhewantedtokeepmeclose.It’dbeenacrazynight,butwe
survived,anditprovedtobenotasbadashadexpected.Wellitwasn’tperfect,butitwasn’tabomband
itwasover.Maybesomethinggoodwouldcomeoutofit.

Hehadtoreleasemetounlockthedoor.WhenIsteppedinside,waitingforhimtolockupbehindus,

Iremainedquiet,listening.Sinceitwasevening,Iexpectedperhapshisfathertobehome,andmaybehis
brother.

Againthedifferentscentscaughtmyattention.SomeInowunderstood.Thelightsmoke.Thedifferent

colognes.Theexoticspices.Ibreatheditinslowly,Silas’sworldinascent.Pastandpresent,thiswas
whoSilaswas.

Thelivingroomandhallways,atleast,wereempty.Theowasprobablyinhisroom.Charliecould

alsobebehindcloseddoors.Thedaybefore,IfeltcalmbecauseIthoughtnoonewastherewithus.Now
Iwasintimidatedthinkingsomeonecouldwalkinonusatanyminute.

Silassteppedupnexttome,stretchedandthennudgedme.“It’sjustyouandme,AggeleMou,”he

said.“Theo’sinhisbedroom.Thealarmonmyphoneissetforthedoorsandwindowsthistime.Come
on.”

Iwasn’tsureifhemeantwewereawayfromthechaosorwewerefinallyawayfromtheothers.I

wonderediftheotherswouldarrivesoon,oriftheywouldbeupallnightdealingwithwhathad
happened.

Istartedtoturntowardthehallwayleadingtothelivingroom,butSilasredirectedme.
ThenextthingIknew,Iwasinsidehisbedroom,andhewasclosingthedoorbehindus.Heflickedon

theoverheadlight.

Myheartwentintoathunder.Myeyesflittedtothetelevisionnearhisbed,theclosedlaptop,the

sportsequipmentaroundhisroom.Therewasthebriskblowofcoolairfromtheventabove,but
otherwisethehousewasquiet.

Silasimmediatelywenttothebed.Hesatdown,andremovedhisshoesandsocks.Whenhewas

barefoot,hetuckedhisshoesasideandthensatback.Helookedatme,aneyebrowlifted.

Ilookedbackathim,myheadtilting,expectinghimtogetup.
Heheldoutahand,palmup.“Comehere,”hesaidquietly.
Itiptoedtohim.HecaughtmyhandbeforeIcouldreachouttohim.Hishandwassobig,itnearly

engulfedmineashecurledhisfingersaroundmypalm.

Istoodinfrontofhim,andthiswaywewerealmostface-to-face.“Whatwouldyouliketodo?”he

asked.

Mytonguegluedtotheroofofmymouth.Myheartwouldn’tstoppounding.Itwasjustlikethefirst

timeI’dbeenhere.Icaredabouthim,butIstillfeltterrified.Ididn’tmeantobe.Isimplycouldn’tthink.
Mymindblankedhavinghimsoclose.Ifelthim.Icouldsmellhisoceanscentstrongernow.Itmademy
heartflutter.

Hishandstwisted,untilhewasrubbingoneofminebetweenhispalms.Hiseyesneverleftmine.

“Maybewatchamovie?”heasked.

Inodded.
Hissmileelevatedslightly.Hetuggedme,untilIwassittingbesidehim.
Withoutaword,heliftedoneofmylegs.Hetuckedfingersintotheheelofmysandalandthenslidit

off,lettingitfalltothefloor.Hispalmcuppedthebottomofmyfoot,warming.Hekepttheleginhislap
andbroughttheotheroneup,removingtheshoeandputtingmysandalsnearhisshoes.Thisleftmesitting
backalittleawkwardlybutIkeptmyselfupright.

After,heslidhispalmsovermyfeet,rubbingwarmly.Hediditquietlyatfirst,focusing.
That’swhenIknewit.Hewassearchingforsomethingtosaytome.“Silas?”Iasked.
Helookedatme,aneyebrowgoingup.Hislipsparted,heclosedthemagainforamoment.Therewas

aslightshaketohishead.“Whatkindofmoviewouldyouliketosee?”heasked.

Iwonderedifthiswaswhathewasreallythinking.“Somethingfunny?”Ididn’thaveanythinginmind

tosee.I’dwatchedalotofzombiemovieswithNathanlately.Aftertonight,Ijustwantedsomethinglight
hearted.

Hepattedmylegandurgedmefurtherontothebed.Isatbackagainsttheheadboard,pullingmyknees

upalittle.

Hesatwithhislegsspreadout,histhighbrushingmine,andproppedhimselfupbesidemeagainstthe

headboard.Beingbesidehimalwaysmademefeelsmaller.Myeyesstayedonourlegs,onthefeelofhis
jeansagainstmyskin.

Hereachedoverforaremote,turningthetelevisiononandfindingalistofmovies.Hescrolled

throughabitandpickedalightcomedy.

Whenamoviestartedplaying,hestretched,andthenputanarmaroundme.Puttingmyheadback

againsttheheadboardbecameimpossible,andthemostcomfortablethingtodowastorestmytemple
againsthisshoulder.

WhenIdidthat,hepulledmecloser.IfIdidn’tkeepmyhandonhischest,Imighthavefallenintohis

lap.

Everythingwasquiet,andmyheartraced.Itwasimpossibletofocusonthemovie.Ibreathedin

slowly.Thestrongmusclesofhisarmpressedupagainstme,remindingmehowpowerfulhewas.

Hishandrestedagainstmybicep,andatonepoint,hisfingertipsstartedmoving.Slowly,atfirst,just

agrazeagainstmyskin.

Atapointinthemovie,whenacouplestartedtokiss,thosefingersbegantomassage.Slow,

deliberate.

Ifocusedonthescreen,butIwasn’twatching.Asdifficultasitwastopayattention,Icouldn’tbring

myselftolookathim.Myheartraced.Thewholenight,I’dbeenonaroller-coasterofemotion.

NorthdidsayIshouldencourageSilastostaywithus.
Frommyperipheralvision,Isensedhimlooming,close,watchingmeinsteadofthemovie.
Ibreathedinslowly,deep.Theoverwhelmingsenseofanimminentkisswasthickbetweenus.Ifeltit

fromitfromhim,strongerthanever.

Mr.BlackbournehadsaidtodowhatIfeltcomfortablewith.IfeltthiswaswhatNorthwantedmeto

do.ItwaswhatIwantedtodo,butitwaseasiersaidthandone.Ididn’twanttoescapeandnotkisshim,
butIwasterrifiedtomoveforwardaswell.Therewasnoreasonforit.ThiswasSilas.Iknewhim.I
caredabouthim.Iwantedtokisshim.Despiteknowingtheycouldn’tkissuntilIdiditfirst,Icouldn’t
bringmyselftoevenstart.Iwaslisteningtomoviesounds,listeningoutforhisfamily,listeningtohim
breathing.

Thetouchofhischeekmetwithmyforehead.“AggeleMou,”hesaidquietly,therumblingofhisdeep

voicesurgingthroughme.

“Silas,”Isaid,softly,myvoicecatchingattheend.
Thereitwas,asoftnudgefromhishandagainstmyarm,urgingmetoturnslightly.
Idid.Alockofmyhairfellawayfrommyear,brushingagainstmycheek.
Imethisdarkeyes,soclosetominethathewasalittleoutoffocus.Isometimesforgothowsoulful

hiseyeswere.Theyweresodark,almostblackattimes.Itwasstrikingwithhisdarkhairandoliveskin.

Heleanedin,andstopped,justshortofmylips.
Iwaitedforhimtomove.ItriedtogetmyselftomovebutIcouldn’t.DespitetheotherstellingmeI

should,despiteknowingwhatIknew,thattheyhadpromisednottountilIdiditfirst,itstilldidn’tstop
mynervousness.WhatdidIknowaboutkissing?

Henevermoved.Hehovered,abreathawayfromme.Hestayed,waiting.
Icouldn’t.EverytimeIthoughtto,Icouldn’t.Icouldn’tmusterthecourage.AsmuchasIwantedit,

thefirstmovewasharderthanIthoughtitwouldbe.

Andthentherewasagrowl,low,rumbling,fromhisstomach.

“Yourstomachisgrowling,”Isaid.
“Idon’tcare,”hesaidquietly.
“Ido,”Isaid.“Youshouldeatifyou’rehungry.”
“I’mnotinthemoodrightnow,”hesaid.
“Yourstomachsaysyouare.”
Hegroanedandshifted,pullingbacktorockhisheadbackuntilitrestedontheheadboard.Hepushed

apalmoverhisface,rubbingathischeek.“Okay,”hesaid.“Let’sgofindsomething.”

Myheartdipped.Iknewitwasn’twhathewanted,butIcouldn’thelpit.MaybeIneededthe

distraction.MaybeIneededamomenttocollectmybravery.Dr.Greenhadsimplykissedmebefore,soI
didn’thaveachancetothinkaboutit.Nathandiditquickly,too.

Maybethatwasmyproblem.ThemoreIthoughtonit,theharderitbecametomakethatmove.
Silasmovedtotheedgeofthebed,Istartedtoscootovertofollowwhenheturned,grabbedmeby

thewaistandhauledmeup.Mylegswrappedaroundhiswaistandhisarmswereundermybutt.

Ithoughtitwasahug,soIheldon,wrappingmyarmsaroundhisneck.Heturnedtothedoor,carrying

melikethatoutofhisbedroom.

MyskinelectrifiedandIcurledintohimtighter,shytothinkhisbrotherorhisfatherwouldseeuslike

this.Iwaswonderingifthebackofmyjeanswerehanginglowandsomeonecouldseemyunderwear.

Silascarriedmetothekitchen.Heputmedownonthecountertop.Thecoolofthemarblebitthrough

thematerialofthejeans,andIreleasedhim.Iclosedmylegsatthekneeandscootedbackatouch.

Whenhepulledbackalittle,hepaused,hoveringoverme.Hisfacewasalmostlevelwithminenow.

Myheartraced,feelinghim.Hestoppedaninchaway,almosttooclosetolookathiminhiseyes.

Hewatchedme.Hishandsmoveduntiltheywereontheoutsideofmythighs,touchingsoftly.“Like

mypictures?”heasked.

Didhemeantheonesofhisstomachandfacefrombefore?Inodded.
“Didtheboysgiveyouanytroubletoday?”heasked.
Iblushed,unabletolie.Troublewasn’thowIwouldputit.“Theyteasedalittle.”
“Didyoutellthem?Aboutus?Orhaveyoumentionedit?”
“Mr.Blackbourneknows.”
Hislipsliftedthen,likeheapproved.“Wentrighttothesource,huh?”
Source?“Ithinkhesuspected.”WasIsupposedtotellSilasabouttheothers?AboutwhatIwas

supposedtodo?Mr.Blackbournehadsaidtotellhimeverything,butIwasn’tclearonbeingabletotell
theothersallthatwasgoingon.AccordingtoMr.Blackbourne,Ijustneededtocometohimandkeephim
informed,buthehadbeenpreoccupiedafterthegame.Unlessitreallywasanemergency,Ididn’twantto
botherhimwiththis.

Hiseyebrowspoppedup.“Didn’tthinkImadeitsoobvious.Tobehonest,Iwasn’tsureyou’dbethat

interestedinme.”

“Whywouldyouthinkthat?”Iasked.
“BecauseyouturnawaywhenItrytokissyou.”
Ifeltmylowerlipwithmyteeth,givingitasoftbite,unabletothinkuparesponse.
Hesmirked,thenhisbigbrowneyeslowered,focusingonmylips.
Silasmovedforward.Itwasafractionofaninch,theslighttiltofhishead.Hewashovering.
Hisstomachstartedtogrowlagain.
Asmallgiggleescapedme.Icouldn’thelpit.Itwasanoddmoment.Silaswasoverwhelmingandthe

gigglingrelievedalotofthattension.Ididfeelbad,Ijustcouldn’tstopmyself.

Herolledhiseyes,andthecurveofhislipsliftedmoreintoanamusedsmile.Hesteppedawayfrom

me,goingtothefridge.“Whatareyouinthemoodfor?”heasked.

Hewasstaringatapileoftakeoutcontainers.IdidwonderwhatwasintheotherpackagesbutI

didn’twanthimtogoshufflingthroughthemtoshowme.“Ilikedthe...shawarma,andthe,um...”

“Thegyro,right?”heasked.
“Yes,”Isaid.
Hestartedpullingoutcontainersandshufflingthemaround.Heopenedthem,checkingthecontents.

Hefoundwhathewanted,tookoutaplateandstartpilingonshawarma,gyro,kibbi,andafewother
itemsfromtheboxes.“Thesewillreheatbetterintheoven,”hesaid.

“Canyouwait?”
“Iwaswillingtowaitbefore,”hesaid.Hefoundadish,lineditwithaluminumfoil,andtossedthe

foodontoit.Hesettheovenandthenputthedishin.Hecheckedhisphoneduringthis,andthensetit
downonthecounterasheworked.NonewsmeantgoodnewsintheAcademyworld.

Whenhewasdone,heturnedtowardme.Hefoldedhisarmsoverhischest,leaninghishipagainstthe

counter.Helookedacrossatmewithacuriousexpression.

Myeyebrowswentup,lookingbackathim.AgainIsensedhewantedsomething,butthistime,I

waited,hopinghe’dbringupwhateverhewastryingtosay.

Hislipstightened,andthecornerofhismouthlifted.“Soyou’rekissingeveryoneelseexceptme?”
MymouthdroppedopenandmyhandflutteredupuntilIwaspressingmyfingertipstomycheek.

“What?”Isaid,sputtering.“Idon’t...you...whosaid...”

Heshrugged.“Gabrielmighthavementionedit.”Heunfoldedhisarmsandcountedoffonhisfingers.

“Him,Kota,Victor...IthinkNorth,too.Hewouldn’tconfirmbuthedidn’tdenykissingyoueither.”

Mylipstrembledandbloodsurgedthroughme.Theboystalkedaboutitwitheachother?Isthathow

Mr.BlackbournesaiditmightbeokaytojustgowithwhateverIwascomfortablewithdoing?“Notallof
themkissedme,”Isaidquickly.

Hisheadtitled,hiseyeswidening.“Theyhaven’t?”
“Notonthemouth.Onthecheek,yes.ExceptforDr.GreenandNathanand—”
“Hangon,”hesaid,holdinguphispalminastopgesture.“Thedockissedyou?”
Mylipspursed,andIwasunsureifadmittingitwasagoodthing.SinceI’dalreadydoneasmuch,I

couldn’tlie.“Yes,”Isaid,meaningtosaysomethingmore,totrytoperhapsexplainit,butIcouldn’tfind
thewords.Wouldheevenwanttohearaboutit?

Silasstaredatme,mouthpartiallyopened,hiswhiteteethacontrasttohisolivecomplexionandthe

darkeyes.Hecombedhisfingersthroughhishair.“You’vekissedthembutyoupullbackwhenItryto
kissyou?”

“Idon’tpullback!”
“Youdoiteverytime,”hesaid.
“Youdon’tmove,”Isaid.Ihelduptwofingersclosetogether.“Yougetthiscloseandthen...”
“I’mnotallowed,”hesaidquietly.
“Iknow,”Isaid.“Theothersjustdidit.Ididn’thavetimetothink.Whenyougetthatclose,Ican’t

thinkatall.”

Hestraightenedthen,focusingonme.“Theydiditfirst?”
Inodded.
“How?”
Ishrugged,shookmyhead,mylipsmovingbutunabletocomeupwithananswer.“Dr.GreensaidI’m

notthetypetomovefirst.”

Silasstaredatme,unmoving,hisfacehardtoread.Iwasn’tsureifhewascalculatingorwasjust

stunned.

Inaquickmovement,hecrossedtheroom.Ileanedbackabit,surprisedbyhowhewascomingatme.

Isuckedinasharpbreath.

Hemovedinclose.Histhighsandwaistpressedupagainstmyknees.Heplantedapalmoneither

sideofmyhipsandkepthimselfateyelevelwithme.“Tellme,”hesaid.

Iwasbreathless.Ididn’tknowwhathewanted.TohearaboutDr.Greenandhowhekissedme?To

learnmoreaboutwhyIwasn’tthetypetomovefirst?

Heslowlymovedhisheadforward.“Tellmeyouwanttokissme,”hesaid.
“I...”Idid,butsayingitoutloudwashardtodo.Hewashandsome,nice,caredaboutme,but

speakingaboutitwashard.

HeinchedforwardslowandintomeenoughthatIfelttheneedtoholdontohisshoulderstobalance

myselfandnotfallbackward.

Hecapturedmychinbetweenhisfingersandheldfirm,holdingmestill.“Sayit,Aggele.”
“Silas,”Iwhispered,butwithhimholdingontome,itwasdifficulttospeak.IguessedifIwasn’t

goingtomakethefirstmove,hewasgoingtogetmetosayIwantedit.Myheartraced.Itriedtosilence
mythoughtsandnervousness.NathanandDr.Greendiditsoquickly,Ididn’thavetimetothink.Don’t
think!

“Sang,”hesaidquietly.“Ineedtohearit.”
“Yes.”Itwasn’twhatIwantedtosay.Tryingnottothinkmadeithardertoanswer.
“Yes,what?”
“Iwantto,”Isaid.
Heretractedhisheadjustafractiontofocusonmyeyes.“Youwanttokissme?”
Itwasharderlookingathiseyes.Ionlynodded.
Histhumbslippedovermychin.“Sayitoutloud.Doyouwantmetokissyou,Sang?”
Iforcedmyeyesclosedlonger,findingsomebraverythatway.“Yes.”
Itmusthavebeengoodenough.
Silasclosedtheinchofspacebetweenus.
Atfirst,ourlipsjustbrushed.ItwaslikehewasmakingsureIreallywantedto.
Slowly,hereleasedmychintocuphispalmalongmycheekandhislipspressedagainstmineharder.
Itwasaslowkiss,withmebarelymovingatall,justpuckeringalittle.
Hislipspartedandhestartedtokissmore.
Iwasbarelymovingmylips,unsurehowtomove.Mypalmswereflatagainsthisshoulders,hanging

onandatthesametime,Ididn’tknowwhereelsetoputthem.

Hemovedsomemore,andItriedtofollowalong.Afterafewmomentsthough,hestopped,pulling

backjustenoughtolookatme.“Youreallyhaven’tbeendoingthislong.”

Myfacecaughtonfire.“Itoldyou!”
Helaughed.“Theyneverbotheredtoteachyouhow?”
“Ididn’tknowIneededtobetaught.
Hissmilelifted.“Youknow,theGreeksinventedkissing.”
Istaredathim,atfirstthinkinghewasserious.TherehadtohavebeenkissingbeforetheGreekswere

everaround.“Oh?”

“Ancientpeoplemighthavepressedlipstogether,”hesaid.“ButitwastheGreeksthatreallykissed

forthefirsttime.It’sinourblood.”

Ididn’thavearesponseforhim.I’dneverheardhimtalkaboutwhattheGreekswerelike,andthe

boastsoundedfunratherthancompetitive.

“Openyourmouth,”hesaid.“Makean‘o’shape.”
Idid,mymouthpoppingopen.
“Relaxyourlips.”
Iwastryingnottogiggle,butIwasgettinglessonsonkissing!Iclosedmymouthalittlemore,and

triedtorelaxmylips.

“Nowmake...Iguesstheclosestwouldbetomakelikeyou’resayingouch.”
Isaidaslow,silentouch,movingmylipsdeliberately.
“That’sit.”Heleanedin,movingcloseagain.“Keepdoingthat.MovewhenIdo.”
Myhandsclutchedtohisshouldersandashemovedin,myinstinctwastoleanback.Hereachedfor

myhips,pullingmeforward.

Hepressedhismouthtomine,andthenopenedup.
Ifollowed.
HemovedandImimickedhim,doingwhathetaughtme.Hestartedslowly,andattheend,hislips

lingeredmostlyaroundmylowerlip.

Hespedupalittle,mylipsdidthesame.
Hetiltedhisheadslightly.Istartedtomove,buthishandcameup,andhepressedhispalmtomy

cheek,encouragingmetostaystill.Istayedwherehewantedme,andwiththetiltofhishead,thekiss
wentdeeperanditfeltlikeIwasmovingwithhimandnotjusttryingtocatchuptowhathewasdoing.

AtfirstI’dwantedtogiggle,butthefeelingquicklysubsided.
Hediddifferentthingsliketiltingabitonewayandthentheother.Hishandonmycheekeaseddown

alongmyneckandtomyshoulder.

Heleanedinmore,andIhadtomovemyarmsfurtheraroundhimuntilIwashugginghisneck.
Hepressedhishipagainstmyknee.Withoutthinking,Imovedoneofmylegsover,tryingtofigureout

wheretoputthem.

Hisbodymovedbetweenmylegs,sohecouldleanupagainstthecounter.Hishandsmovedtomy

hipsandhepulledmeforward,untilmythighspartedmore,allowingmetogetclosertohisbody.

IalmostlostfocusonwhatIwasdoing,thinkingofhiswaistbetweenmylegs,feelinghiswarmth.

Hiskissatfirstwasmakingmesonervousbecausehewasteachingmesomethingnew.Nowitwasa
waveoffeelings.Surgesofexcitementrushedthroughme,followedbycomfortandeasingintoit,and
thenhe’dbrushhispalmagainstme,tilthishead,holdontomylowerlipbetweenhislipsalittlelonger,
anditwouldhavemyheartpulsinghardagain.

AnalarmstartedgoingoffthatIknewhadtobetheoventimer.Heignoredit,holdingmetighterashe

continuedtokissme.

Whenhestoppedforasecondandthetimerwasstillgoingoff,Imumbledbetweenkisses.“Silas...”
Hegrunted,kissingmeharder.
Itriedagain.“Thealarm.”
“Fuckthealarm.”Hekissedmeagain,andthenmovedtokissmycheekalittle,andthenthesideof

mymouth,holdingontome.

“You’restillhungry.”
Hegroaned,kissedmeoncemoreandthenstartedtopullback.“You’reasbadasNorth.”
“YoukissNorth?”
Herolledhiseyesandthenlaughed.“NotwhatImeant.”
Iknewit,butthethought,andhiskissandbeingabitnervousstill,hadmegrinningandthengiggling.

Hetookthefoodoutoftheovenandtouchedthepieces,testingthem.Helickedhisfingersandthen

setthemonthestove.

Andthenhereachedforthetimerontheoven.
Thetimerontheovenwasstillrunning,countingdownwithafewminutesleft.
Silasstaredatit.Iwonderedifthebeepingmeantsomethingelse.Maybeitwasapreheatingsignal?
Thenhepickeduphisphonethatwasonthecounter,andpressedhisfingertothebutton,turningoff

thealarm.“Shit.”

“What?”Iasked.
“Theo,”hesaid.Heturnedtheovenoffandstartedoutofthekitchen.
Ijumpedoffthecounterandfollowed.Thefrontdoorwasclosed,butthesmellofcigarettesmoke

wasstrongerthanithadbeen.Downthehallway,Theo’sdoorwasopen.Thelightwasoff.

“Heleft,”Silassaid.Hepointedtothefrontdoorandthenhisroom.“I’mgettingmykeys.Walkout

thereandseeifyoucancatchhim.”

Ihurried,openingthedoorandsteppingoutontothewalkway.
Istoodtheretoadjustmyeyestothedifferenceinthelight.Theconcretewascoldanditbitintomy

barefeet.

Atfirst,Ididn’tseeanything.
ThenIspottedafigurecrossingtheparkinglot.Hesteppedunderneaththelight.
ItwasthefirsttimeTheohadbeeninagoodenoughlightthatIcouldseesomeofthefeatures.Byhis

face,IcouldtellhewasolderthanSilas.Lanky,withhisdarkhairmessyaroundhisface,hewore
pajamabottomsandablueT-shirtthatcouldhavebeenSilas’ssinceitwassobig.

Asmellcaughtmyattention.TherewasastrongodorofcigarettesmokewhereIwasstanding.I

lookeddown,spottingtheendofaburningcigarettebuttontheground.

ThenInoticedTheohadacigaretteinhismouth,smokingitashewalked.
Iwasgoingtolosehim.Icouldn’twaitforSilas.Ihurrieddownthesteps,tryingtomovequietlysoI

wouldn’tspookTheo.Wedidn’thavetoconfronthim,butitwouldbehelpfulifwecouldwatchwherehe
went.Onewayoranother,weneededtoknowthetruth.

Ifollowed,nearlyhoppingasIwalkedacrosstheverycoldground.Ididn’thaveajacket,either.But

ifIlostsightofTheo,Iworriedwe’dneverfindhim.Silasshouldn’thavegoneforhiskeys,because
Theowascrossingoveryardsandweavingaroundthings,anditwouldhavebeenimpossibletofollow
himinacaranyway.

Hewalkedunderalamppost.Icouldn’ttakemyeyesoffofTheo.Ithoughtatfirstthatitwasbecause

Ididn’tknowhimthatwellyet,butitwasthewayhelookedashescannedthearea.Hewasn’tangry;it
wassomethingelse.

Almostavoid.Therewasnothingthere.Theexpressiononhisfacewascompletelyempty.
Heturnedagainandkeptwalking.NowIwasn’tsosurehesawme,butmaybehehadheardme.His

pacequickened,andheslippedthroughanopenspotinafenceintoaparkinglot.

Ihadtorememberhewasn’tdangerous.Hedidn’tmeantodowhathedid,butheneededhelp.He

wasclearlytornup.

Footstepsfollowedbehindme.IcheckedanditwasSilascatchingup.Ijustneededtokeepgoingto

makesureIdidn’tloseTheo.

WhenIgottothespotinthefence,Iduckedthrough.IcaughtTheocrossingthelotattheendand

headingdowntheroad.Heseemedtohaveadirectiontogoin,notjustoutforawalk.

IwashalfwaythroughtheparkinglotwhenSilascaughtupwithme.Hepassedmemypairofshoes.
“Youshouldgoback,”hewhisperedlow.“WaitforNorth.He’sontheway.”

“Weshouldgotogether,”Isaid.Istuffedmyfeetintomyshoesaswewalked.“Weshouldn’t

separate.”

Hegrunted,bitinghislip.“Iwanttotellyounottocomewithme.”
“Ishesick?”Iasked.“Isthatwhyyoutellhimtostayinthehouseallthetime?”
“He’smoresickthanyouknow,”hesaid.Heslicedhishandthroughtheair.“Don’tworryaboutit.”
Wedidn’tspeakatallaswefollowedTheo.Itwasdark,andfollowinghimwashardenough.

Luckily,hewalkedloudlyandthenightwasquiet.Heheadeddownstreets,occasionallycuttingthrougha
yard.

SilasandIkeptasfarbackaswecould,notwantingtobetooobvious.Itwasdifficultwhenhetooka

straightshotdownaroad.

Theowalkedquickly,anddidn’tturnaround.Heknewwherehewasgoingandmostlywalkedwith

hisheaddownanddidn’tstop.

Eventually,wecametoachurch.Thisonedidn’tappeartoberundownatfirst.Itstillhadlightson

theoutside.

ItuggedonSilas’sarm.“Weshouldstophim,”Isaid.
Silasshookhisheadandthenpointedtotheparkinglot,atadistantcornerundersometrees.“Iwant

youtostayrightherewithme.We’rejustgoingtowatch.”

“Watch?”Iasked.IlookedbackatTheo,whowasstandingbyawindowofthechurch.Hepeeked

inside,andthenliftedthewindow,crawlinginside.“Weshouldstophimbeforehegetsintotrouble.”

“He’salreadyintrouble,Sang,”Silassaid.“Weneedtolethimdothis,andletthisbetheendofit.”
Myheartfroze.“Wecan’t.”
"Giveup,Sang.Wecan'tsavehim."
IstaredatSilasforsolong,thatthedarknessaroundhimstartedtoblurandmixinuntilitwasjusthis

face.Hisjawwasset.HiseyeswereonthewindowthatTheohaddisappearedthrough.Hisshoulders
rolledforward.Hewasmakingfists.Hewasangry.

Insteadofbeingangry,Iwasdisappointed.Hehadn’tsetafireyet,butitwasn’tlikeTheohadsnuck

intoachurchtopray.Maybeithadbeenhimallalong.Apartofmereallyhopedthatwasn’ttrue.

“Canwereallynothelphim?”Iaskedquietly.“Orisitbecauseyoudon'twanttobecausehekilled

yourmother?"

Silasturnedhisheadandfocusedonme.Hiseyesblazed.“Whotoldyouaboutthat?”
Ididn’twanttosay,anditdidn’tmatterrightnow.“Don’tlethim,”Ibegged.“Please.”
“He’salreadydoneit,Sang,”hesaid,alittlelouderandIworriedTheowouldhearus.“Hefucked

up.Allhehadtodowasstayathomeifhedidn’twanttogethelp.Hecouldn’tevendothat.”

“Butsomething’swrongwithhim,”Isaid.“Andhewasalone.Therehastobesomethingthatdoesn’t

allowhimtomessuptherestofhislifebecausehe’sdepressedandfeelingisolated.”

Silasrubbedhisfacewithhispalm.“Wecancallthepolice.They’llpickhimupafterhelightsthe

fire.They’llprobablykickhimbacktoGreece.”

“Whataboutyou?”Iasked.“WhataboutCharlie?”
Silassteppedforward,hishandswide.Hisbigbrowneyeswerezeroedinonme.“WhatamI

supposedtodo?Keephimhereanotherday?Callhiminsaneandhavehimlockedup?”Hegrowled,low
andguttural,andthenamomentlater,droppedtohisknees,hishandscoveringhisface.“Ican’tprotect
himanymore,Sang.Ishouldn’thavelethim...”

Itwasamomentthatlastedalifetime.I’dneverseenstrong,steady,always-there-for-youSilasso

tornabouthelpinganyoneelse.

MaybethisiswhatNorthreallymeant.IneededtobenearSilas,becausewhenitcametomoments

likethis,someoneneededtoremindhimthattherewasanotherfamilywhocaredabouthim,andwe
workedtogethertomakesureeverythingwasokay.

LikewhenIwastiedupintheshower,andhebustedintosaveme.
Likealltheothertimesheeverhelpedme:withhomework,withgivingmeahugwhenIneededit,

whenIdidn’tknowhowtokiss,andheshowedme.

Silaswastornbecausehelpinghisbrothernowmeantpossiblyendangeringhisfamily,becauseTheo

wouldstillbearoundwhenhecouldbedangerous.Hewastornbecauseofloyaltytohismother,andhis
dadwhostillneededhim.Theocouldgotojail.SilasandCharliemightbedeported.

“Silas,”Isaidquietly.“Please.”
Hedidn’tmove.Hecontinuedtopushhispalmsintohisface.
Imovedforwardslowly.“Silas?”
“Ican’t...”
Idroppeddown,wrappingarmsaroundhisneck.
Ikissedhisforehead.Whenhedidn’tmove,Ididitagain.Ineededtobringhimback.Iembraced

whatfeltlikeanelevenyearoldSilaswhohadjustlearnedhismotherhaddied,hisbrothertheculprit.
Herewewere,yearslater,andSilaswasrelivingthenightmareoverandover.Maybetheburning
churcheshadaffectedhimmorethanevenherealized,diggingupthosememories.

SoIdidwhattheothershadtaughtmetodowhensomeoneneededtoknowtheybelongedherewith

us.

”Ineedyou,Silas,”Isaid,tryingtobestrong,eventhoughmyvoicesqueaked.“Please.Comebackto

me.Ineedyou.”

Hishandsmovedawayfromhisfaceandhepulledmeintohisarms.Heheldmetight,buryinghis

faceintomyneck.

“Let’sgetTheo,”Isaid.“He’sbeenaloneanddealingwithguilt,too,butnoonetalkstohim.Hestays

inhisroomallday.Iknowit’shard,butifyouwanttohelppeople,youhavetoletthemknowyoucare.
WhenIwasfeelingalonewhenmyparentswerestillaround,Iwouldhavegivenanythingtohave
someonelikeyouwatchingoutforme.”

“Hedoesn’twanthelp,Sang,”hesaid,hisvoicelow.“We’vetried.”
“Didyou?”Iasked.“Likewhenhewasinthehallwayandweavoidedhim?Wedidn’tsayhello.We

didn’taskifhewantedfood.”

Silasgrunted.
“Maybeitishard,”Isaid.“Whenmy...whenmystepmothertiedmeup...”
Hisarmstightenedaroundmesomuch,thatairwaspushedoutofmylungs.“Don’t...”
“Afteryouguysgotmeout,”Isaid,havingtotakeinshortbreathstotalk.“Ihadtostayinthehouse.I

hadtotry.Itriedtobringherfood.Itriedtobenicetoher.IthoughtifIjustshowedherthatsomeone
cared,she’dbeokay.Inevergotthechance.”

Hisholdwasfirmforamoment,andthensofteneduntilhewassimplypressingmeagainsthim.He

liftedhishead.“Whenisitenough?”heasked.“We’retoldtoletgooftheonesthatdon’twanthelp.How
longdowetrybeforewestepbackandletthemdowhattheywant?Beforeit’shurtingeveryoneelse
aroundyoutokeepthatpersonaround?”Helookedupandinthatmoment,hemetmyeyes,hewasSilas
again:everybitofhimstrengthandloyaltyandadesiretodotherightthing.“I’vechosen,”hesaid.His
handssmoothedovermyback,holdingmeashestartedtostand,pullingmeupwithhim.“Yourmother
hadtobeputawaytoprotectyou,becauseshewasdestroyingyou,andtakingeveryoneelsedownwith

her.Theo’snowdoingthesame.AndmaybeIcouldhavedonebetter,butkeepinghimherewithusis
destroyingourfamily.Iwon’tletithappen.”

“Whatshouldwedo?”Iasked.
“WewaitforNorth,”hesaid.

TheDarkestSecretsAlwaysFindTheLight

tdidn’ttakelongforNorthtoarrive.IwasworriedTheowouldstarthisfireandrunoffbeforewegota

chance,butIrememberedthecopshadsaidthefuelwasslow-burning,andTheo,whenhedidleave
before,wasgoneforseveralhours.Hemusthavelingeredateverylocationforawhile,eitherhanging
outorsettingupwhathewantedtodo.

TheblackJeeprolledinandbeforeitgotclosetothechurch’sparkinglot,Northshutoffthelights.

Heparkedjustoutsidethelotalongthestreet,andthenjumpedoutandcamerunningup.

“Whereishe?”Hisvoicewaslow,butcarried.
“Hesnuckinthewindow,”Silassaid.
“GositintheJeep,Sang,”Northsaid.
“Ishouldhelp.”
Hefixedhisintensegazeonme.“Youneedtogetoutofthecold,andoutoftheway.”
“Ishouldfollow,”Isaid,determined.IneededtomakesureSilasremainedstrong,andIwasscared

leavinghimwouldallowhimtoreturntoself-doubt.“Ishouldfollowandifsomethinghappens,Ican
call...”

“Letherfollow,”Silassaid.“She’sright.Itmighttaketwoofustoholdhimdownifweneedto.And

Idon’twanthersittinginthecaraloneinthisneighborhood.”

Northgruntedandthenrolledhiseyes.Hemadefistswithhishandsashestrolledforward.“Let’sget

thisoverwith,”hesaid,hisvoicedeeperthanbefore.

Myheartwasbeatingfast.Ifollowedbehindbothofthem.Neitheronehaddiscussedwhattheywere

goingtodo.NorthwalkedbesideSilaswithoutaword,withoutaquestion.Hewaswithhim.

Weapproachedthechurchbythefrontdoor.Northcheckedthehandle,butitwaslocked.Hepulled

outapocketknifeandwedgedthebladeintothesideofthelockandstartedtopry.

Ittookabitofwork,butNorthmanagedtopullthefrontofthelockout,exposingtheinside.He

reachedafingerin,yankedit,andthentwistedthehandle.“Damnidiotsleftanoldlock,”hesaid.“These
thingsdon’tdoshit.”

“They’llreplaceitwithanothercrappyonelater,”Silassaid.
“Notmybuilding,notmyproblem,”Northsaid.
Ilingeredbehindthemastheyenteredthechurch.Therewasasmallvestibule,wherepamphletssat

onatableandflyerscoveredabulletinboard.Thischurchwasclearlystillused.

NorthandSilastookseparatesidesofahallway.IfollowedNorthdowntheright.Theystayedclose

tothewallsastheyapproacheddifferentdoors.

Northslowlyturnedadoorhandle,andopenedittofindasmalloffice.Thenextonewasa

classroom,alsoempty.

“Thepolicemansaidthefireswerestartednearthealtar,”Iwhispered.
“Makingsurenooneelseishere,”Northsaid.“Andwhatthelayoutis.Wedon’tneedhimtoruninto

anotherroomandfindagunoraknifeinthere.”

“Kitchen,”Silassaidfromtheotherside.
“Lockit,”Northsaid.
Silasdidandthenreturned.Theylockedalltheotherdoors,too.
“Ifheruns,Iwanthimtonothaveanywheretogobutout,”Northsaid.
Therewasasetofdoubledoorsattheend,andIcouldonlyguessthatwaswherethechapelpartwas.

“Sang,”Northsaidbeforeheopenedit,“Idon’twantanyargumentsaboutthis.Stayintheback.Don’t

talk.”Hepulledhisphonefromhisbackpocketandhandedittome.“Holdontothisforme.I’llbeback
forit.”

Inodded.
“AndusethedamnredbuttononKota.Iknowthey’restillattheschool,butthisismoreimportant.”
Ihesitated,becauseIknewthephonesshocked.
“Doit,Aggele,”Silassaid.
Inodded,pushingthebuttontoturnonthephone,andthencoveredtheglowingscreenwithmyhand.
Northbracedthehandleandopenedthedoor.Itslidopenquietly,andheopeneditjustenoughthatwe

couldstepinside.

Thehugechapelwasfilledwithpewsandsmelledmusty.Northdirectedmetothelastpew,tosit

down.Heputhisfingertohislipsformetokeepquiet.

Idid.Ididn’tknowhowIcouldhelpTheo,andbeingnotofhisfamily,nothavingknownheeven

existedforlongerthanafewdays,Iwasprobablythelastpersonhewantedtohearfrom.

Instead,IfocusedonNorth’sphone.IquicklyfoundKota’sapp,hopedthathewasn’tholdinghis

phone,andpushedtheredbutton.ItwouldsendatextmessagewithourGPSlocation.Icrossedmy
fingersthatweweren’tdragginghimawayfromsomethingthatmightbeimportantafterall.

SilasandNorthwalkedsidebysidedownthemiddleofthepewstogether.“Theo?”Silascalled.
Therewasarustling,andthethinfigurestoodupfrombehindthealtar.
“Don’trun,”Northsaid,holdinguphispalms.
“Getoutofhere,”Theosaid.Hestayedbehindthealtar,notmoving.Icouldn’tseewhatwasinhis

handsandwasworriedhemighthavesomethinglikealighteroraweapon.

Theboysweretwopewsawayfromhimbeforetheystoppedwalking.“Wejustwanttotalk,”Silas

said.“Wereyousettingthefirestotheotherchurches?”

“Whatdoyoucare?”heasked.
“Answerthequestion,”Northsaid.
SilasputahandonNorth’sshoulder,lookedathimandshookhisheadbeforelettinggotowalk

forwardslowlytowardthealtar.“You’renotintrouble,”hesaid.“Butyou’regoingtogotojailifyouget
caughthere.”

TheospokeinGreek,andwhileIdidn’tunderstandaword,histonewasfullofdisgust.
Silasresponded.AtfirstcalmandthenmoreadamantasTheoreplied.Theconversationcontinued

thiswayforseveralminutes.

I’dneverheardSilasspeakGreekforsolongatime.Itwasamazingtometohearhimspeakitnow.I

feltlikeIshouldhavebeennervous,butSilasspokesmoothlyandcalmly.Theooccasionallygavean
intenseresponse,butSilaswasclearlytellingTheo,inhisownlanguage,somethingheprobablyneeded
tohear.

IheldontoNorth’sphone,clutchingitinmyhands.Ididn’tdaremove.Ididn’twanttointerrupt.
Theo,however,grewmoreagitatedthemoreSilasspoke.Wordsflowedfromhismouth,hisrage

escalating.IcouldtellfromhistoneandhisgesturesthathewascursingatSilasandtellinghimtogo
away.

Northsuddenlystartedshouting,too.HepointedfingersatTheo.Theechoesoftheirvoicesthundered

throughthechapel.Northstartedmarchingtowardthealtar.Silaswasgoingaround.IfTheowasn’tgoing
tocomealongwillingly,theyweregoingtopullhimout.

Inarush,Theoshovedhisbodyupagainstthealtar.Heputhisshoulderintoit,anditstartedtotopple

onitsstand.Amomentlater,itcrashedtotheground.

Thealtarexploded.Flamesburstoutofit.Instinctmademecovermyeyestoblocktheonslaughtof

light.

WhenIloweredmyarm,Northwasonhisbackontheground.Thecarpetbelowthestagewasonfire

andspreading.Icouldn’tseeTheo.

Silaswasslumpedoveroneofthepews,tryingtopickhimselfup.
“Silas!”Icriedout.Myvoicecatchingatthelastnote.IstuffedNorth’sphoneintomybraandjumped

overtheendofthepew.“North!”

Silaswasshakinghishead,holdinghisface,therestofhisbodystill.Washehurt?
Northwasstirring.Ihurriedtohim,checkinghimover,untilInoticedtheflamesweremoving

quickly,andthefloornearhisfeetwasalreadyburning.Ipickedupahymnbooksittinginoneofthe
pews,andtriedtosmashoutthefirewithit.Icouldgetthebookontopapieceofthefiretosmotherit,
butdroppingitgaveairtothesurroundingflames,spreadingit.

“Nogood,”Silassaid,alreadyonhisfeet.“Helphimgetoutofhere.”
Where’sthefireextinguisher?Ididn’tknowwheretostartlookingforone.Iturned,wantingtooffer

tohelpNorth.Ididn’tknowhowknockingoverthealtarhadcausedanexplosionthathadknockedthem
down,butthetemperaturehadrisengreatlyandsmokewasstartingtofillmylungs.Igaveuponthefire,
turningbacktoNorth,grabbinghisarm,tryingtopullhimup.

Silasrantowardthestage,leapingoverwhereflameswerealreadyatthefrontsteps.Theo’sslow

accelerantwasn’tthatslow.

Istalled,afraidSilaswouldgethurt,thatTheohadsomethingelsethatcouldburnorexplode.Was

thereawaytogetoutthatdirection,behindthestage?Therewasanexitoverthewaywehadcomefrom,
butnottowardthebackthatIcouldsee.

Northgrowled,coughedanddidasortofpushuptostartdrawinghimselfup.“Whatthefuckwas

that?”heasked.

“WehavetogetSilas,”Icried.“HewentafterTheo.Weneedtogetthemout.”
Northspitandthentuggedmyarmashestartedtowardthebackofthechurchwherewe’dcomein.

“Weneedtogoaround.”

MyfirstinstinctwastogetNorthandSilasbothoutandtogetawayfromthepolice.
“Weneedtohurry!Thepolicemightgethereand...”
“Good!”Northsaid.“Abouttime!”
“North...”
“Thatmotherfuckerjusttriedtokillus,Sang,”hesaid.Heshovedmeforwardandstartedhobbling

behindme.

WhenNorthkeptfallingbehind,Iwentbackandputmyselfunderhisarm.Iwasn’tsurewhatwas

wrongwithhim,butheseemedtobehavingtroublewalkingonhisleftside.IsupportedthebestIcould.
Usingmeasabrace,hemovedalittlefaster.

Weworkedourwayoutsidetotheparkinglot.Oncethere,Northdroppeddown,clutchingathisleg.

“Shit.Fuckingshit...ungratefuldickhead.”

“IhavetogofindSilas,”Isaid.
Northreleasedhislegandgrabbedmyarmhard,tuggingmeuntilIwasdownonthegroundnextto

him.“Ohno,youdon’t.You’renotrunninginthere...”

“Wecan’tleaveSilasalone!”
“Silascanhandlehimself.Youaren’tgettinginthemiddleofit.”
“Letmefindthem,”Isaid.“I’llsneakin.”IpulledoutNorth’scellphone,startingitup.
“Whatareyoudoing?”Northboomed.

IpunchedatMr.Blackbourne’sapp,andthenimmediatelypresseddownonthegreenbutton,

emergencycall.

Mr.Blackbourneansweredimmediately.“Whathappened?”
“North’shurt,”Isaid.“SilasisinsideafterTheo.Hestartedafire.”
“Kota’sonhisway.IsNorthokay?Doweneedtocallanambulance?”
“WeprobablyneedDr.Green,andIneedtogoafterSilas.StaywithNorth.”Itwasanoddthingto

tellMr.Blackbournewhattodo,butIfeltifanyonecouldconvinceNorththatIshouldbegoingafter
Silas,hecould.

Northheldfirmtothesleeveofmyshirt.Ipassedhimthephone,andhereleasedonehand,keeping

hisgriponme.Itwasenough.

Ileanedoverhim,kissedhismouthquickly,andatthesametimeIwashopingtodistracthim,I

twistedmyarmtowrenchmyshirt,tearingatit.Whenhetriedtomakeadjustments,Ipulledfreeand
madearunforit.Inearlyslippedontherockstodashtowardthechurchagain.

“Sang!”Northcried,andittoremyhearttohearhimsoundsodesperate.
Aroundtheothersideofthechurch,therewereadditionaldoors.Thefirewasbigenoughthatsmoke

wasspillingfromoldcrackswithinthewindowsofthemainchapel.Thefireseemedtobecontained
therefornow.

Itouchedthedoorhandle,checkingforheat,andwassurprisedtofinditunlocked.
Iopeneditslowly,lookingin.
TheoandSilaswereontheground,struggling.Silaswasontopofhisbrother,tryingtoholdontohim,

butTheowaswild,thrashing.ThedeadlookI’dseenbeforeinhiseyesgone.

HowcouldIhavebeenwrongaboutTheo?Thiswasn’tthesamepersonIhadseeninthehallwayand

evenearlierinthechapelwhenwefirstwalkedin.Instead,therewasasavagenesstohim.Hewaslikea
wilddogcornered,inattackmode.

TheywereshoutingateachotherinGreekandSilasoccasionallyslippedinsomethinginEnglish

betweenpunches.

Theohitbackastheycontinuedtostruggleonthefloor,seemingtonotnoticethefirestartingtocome

inaroundthem.

“Silas!”Icried.“Let’sgo!”
Silaslookedup,butwhenhedid,Theothrewapunchathisnose.Silasrearedhishead,rollingaside

abit,pinchinghiseyesinpain.

Theodidn’tstop.HelungedatSilas.
Iwasabouttorunin,butbeforeIcould,ahandgrabbedmyshoulderandIwaspulledback.
“Theo!”criedastrongvoice,heavilyaccented.Iturned,surprisedtoseeCharlieholdingontomy

shoulder,hisfocusonhissons.

Theodidn’tstop,punchingandkickingathisbrother.Silaswasholdinghisarmsup,andoccasionally

threwapunch.Hewasbig,andhewasstrong,butTheowasmovingfast,anddidn’tseemawareorcare
thathewasbleedingfromhisnoseandlipandaroundhisknuckles,too.

CharlietuggedmebackuntilIwasclosertothedoorandthenchargedinpastme.HegrabbedTheo

bytheshoulders,pickinghimupoffSilasandtossinghimtothegroundinaheap.

“Getoffyourbrother!”hecriedout.
TheoscreamedsomethingbackinGreek.Hestartedtogetup.
“No,”Charliesaid.HemovedinthewayofwhereSilaswasgettingupoffthefloor.Heputhisarms

out,blockingoffaccess.“Youboysaregoingtobethedeathofme.You’reluckyhisfriendcalledtotell
methepoliceareontheirway.”

Theospokeagain,stillinGreek.
“No,”Charliesaid.Hestraightenedthen,andwhileCharliewasshorterthaneitherofhisboys,he

wastheauthorityintheroom.Theoclenchedhisfists,baredhisteeth,butdidn’tgoafterhisfather.

Northwasatthedoornow.Helungedatmeandthenshouted,“Weneedtogetout!”
ItwasCharlieandSilasthatpulledTheoout,whileNorthhobbled,carryingme.
Asweexited,CharliecontinuedshoutingatTheo,“DoyouwanttogobacktoGreece?Fine.They’ll

putyouinprison.Isthatwhatyouwant?You’llbeluckyifyoudon’tgotoprisonhere.Youdeserveit.”

Theosaidsomethingelseandspitathim.
Aftertheygotoutsideintotheparkinglot,CharliereleasedTheoandshovedhimatSilas,whoheld

ontoTheofirmly.

“I’vetoldyou,”Charliesaid.HepointedafingeratTheo.“Nomore.I’veheardnothingbutexcuse

afterexcuse,andnowhereyouaresettingfiresagain.I’vegivenyouachance.Ifyouwanttogobackto
Greece,youcangotoGreece.Ifyougotojailhere,orifyoudon’t,fine.”Charliestompedforward,
rollingbackhisshoulders,staringdownhisson.“Butnotwithme,notwithyourbrother.You’reout.On
yourown.Don’tcomeback.”

Theostartedtosaysomething,butCharliehadturnedhisbackonhimandmotionedSilastofollow.

NorthpulledmeawayandSilasreleasedTheowithashovetothegroundandjoinedCharlie.

“OftheKorbas,therearenowonlytwo,”Charliesaid.
ItuckedmyselfintoNorth.
Theostartedtostruggletogetup,andthenherelaxedbackontheground,hishandscoveringhisface.

Hewasshouting,butitwasmumbledbyhishands.

Northcoveredmyears,andpulledmebacktowardhisJeep.Therewasanothercarnearby,asmall

blueonethatlookedsimilartoSilas’s,butstilldifferent.IimagineditwasCharlie’s.

Ablacknewcarshowedup,anditparkedclosedtotheJeep.KotaandNathanpoppedout.
Northwaslimping,andhereleasedmetoshovemetowardNathanoncewewerecloseenough.

“Sang!”Nathansaid,pullingmeaway.“ComegetintheJeep!”

Ihesitated,lookingatSilas,butitwasCharliewhoanswered.“It’sokay,doll,”hesaid.“Don’tworry

aboutus.”

IalmostfellapartwhereIstood.Wasthisit?WouldSilasgetintroubleandhavetogobackto

Greece?Ididn’twanttolosesightofhim,scaredtodeathitwasgoingtobethelasttimeI’dseehim.

“Aggele,”Silassaid,andthencoughed.“Go.I’llbeback.”
ItwaslikeheknewexactlywhatIhadbeenthinking.Ihadtotrusthim.
Iturned,runningafterNathan.Iclimbedintotheseat,andNathanturnedovertheengine,drivingoff.

KotaspoketoCharlie,andthentoSilas,andthentomysurprise,heandNorthgotintoKota’scar,leaving
behindCharlieandSilas.

ButwhenIturnedaroundtoseeiftheyweregoingtorunorgetintoacartodriveoff,theydidn’t

move.

Theystoodtogether,sidebyside,watchingthechurchburnsirensgettingcloser.
AndthenIknewtheyweren’tgoingtorun.Whateverdemonshadbeenhiddeninthepastwiththeir

family,theywouldfacethemnow.

Boo

herewereseverallargetentsarrangedacrossthelawnatMiddletonPlace.Therewassolidflooring

undermyfeet,notgrasslikeI’dbeenworriedaboutwhenGabrielsaidI’dbewearingheels.

Iworethecorsetdress,accessorizedwithahotpinkstonechokercollar,ahairclipwithhotpink

stones,andafullmaskglitteringwiththesamepinkaccents,plusoneineachoftheboys’favoritecolors,
matchingtheirties.

Themaskwasalastminutegiftfromtheboys,presentedinavelvetboxbyGabriel,beforegettingout

ofthetowncarVictorhadorderedtopicksomeofusup.

Thedancewasalreadystarting.Musicblared,somepopularsongIcouldn’trecallthenameof.The

spacewasmoderatelydark,withtheoccasionalflashoflightsfromprojectorsandothermachinesI
didn’tknowthenamesof.

WhileIwasimpressedwithitall,Icouldn’thelpbutseekoutstaff,knowingtheywereallAcademy

members.

Iwasn’tsurewhatIthoughttheywouldbe.Maybesecretninjaswithmasksandlotsofspygear,but

everypersonIsawlookedcompletelynormal.Icheckedforsigns:thegirlbehindthepunchbowlserving
drinks,thebandmembers,thephotographer,buttheyallappearedtobelong.Seamless.Forgettable.

Maybetheyreallywereninjas.
“Areyouready?”Mr.Blackbournewhisperedintomyear.
Hewasn’treallytherebesideme.Hewasn’tsupposedtobe.Butmymaskwasoutfittedwitha

microphoneandthey’dgivenmeanearpiece.TheAcademywasn’tgoingtogiveusthenightoff
completely.

“Iguessso,”Isaid.
Victorsteppedupbesideme,afterhavinggiveninstructionstothedriver.“Whew,”hesaid.Hewore

hisblacksuit,asilverpinthroughhiswhitetie.Heworeamask,too,ahalfmaskthatwaspaintedthe
samesilverasthepin.“Iwasafraidthesignalwouldn’tmakeitthrough,whatwithalltheinterference
fromotherdeviceshangingaround.”

Ididn’tknowallthedetails,butMr.Blackbourneinformedusthathewould,indeed,beashort

distanceaway.Hewaswearinghissuit,too,incaseheneededtomakeanappearance,andMr.Hendricks
wasinformedofhiswhereabouts.

Mr.BlackbournealsohadseveralAcademymembersstayingbyhimtoensureMr.Hendrickswasn’t

goingtosetatrapofhisown.

Gabriel,withanorangemaskandmatchingtie,steppeduponmyotherside.“Okay,wemighthave

overdoneitwithourcostumes.”

Therestofthestudentshadamixtureofvariousdressycostumes,withcatsandwitchesandpopular

bookandmoviecharactersmixedin.Thecostumeslookedgood,butknowinghowmuchthemasksand
ouroutfitsprobablycost,itdidfeelalittleoverthetop.

“We’llusetheseoutfitsagain,”Victorsaid.“Thereisprom,afterall.”
“Nuuh,”Gabrielsaid.“Youcan’tusethesamestuffforprom.That’snotthesamething.”
“Ilikethem,”Kotasaid,walkingupbehindus.Iturned,surprisedatseeinghimforoncewithouthis

glasses,thehalfmaskonhisface.

“Canyousee?”Iasked.
Hetappedthemaskclosetohiseye.“Contactlenses,”hesaid.

Mymouthpoppedopen.“You...”
“Idon’tlikethem,”hesaid.“TheycangetreallydirtyandIworryaboutgettinganeyeinfection.I’d

ratherhavetheglasses.”

“It’sjustfortonight,”Gabrielsaid.“Itwouldhavelookedweirdwiththeglasses.”
“Ilikeit,”Isaidquietly.
Kota’sgreeneyeslitupbehindhismask.
“Let’sgetinside,”Nathansaid,followingupnexttoKota.Hereallyfilledouthissuit,andtheredtie

swayedashekeptthejacketopen.

“Yeah,”Lukesaidasheapproachedinhissuitwiththebabybluetieandmask.Hecutinbetween

Gabrielandme,takingmyarmandtuggingmedeeperintothetent.“Ismellfood.”

Someoftheguyschuckled.
Ifollowedtheothersdeeperintothetent.Webrokeoffintopairs,mewithLukeforthemoment.Later,

I’dbeswitchingbetweenallofthemabouteveryfiveminutestowalkaround,dance,butmostofall,be
onthelookoutincaseanythingscrewedup.

“Atleastthere’snofogmachineshere,”Lukesaid.
“Andnoboxeswithbombsinit,”Isaid.
“We’vegottheplacecovered,”Mr.Blackbournesaidinmyear.“Nothingtoworryabout.Justmake

surethestudentsaren’tactingup.”

Thereweren’ttwothousandstudentsunderthetent,buttheplacedidstarttofillinafterawhile.The

lightinggrewbrighterandfadedwiththepulseofthemusic.Thereweretowersoftinypiecesofcakes,
littlefingersandwichesandlotsofbowlsofpunch.

IstoodbyLukewhileheloadedhisplateandkeptaneyeontheothers.Theywereeasytofollow

withtheirmasks.North’swastheonlyonethatwasblack,andhewaswithDr.Green,whoworeapurple
mask,andblendedinwiththestudentsratherthantheteachers.Theystoodbesideatablenearother
studentsholdingcupsofpunchandtalkingcasually.

Onlyabouthalfofthestudentsdancedatall.Therestsatatthetables,orstoodandwatchedthose

dancing,checkingoutcostumes.Someclusteredaroundthedarkercornersofthetent.

Lukeheldupaplatefullofcakesbetweenus.“Trythese,”hesaid.“Iknowthebaker.Theseare

good.”

IliftedmymaskalittleandIpinchedoffpartofasquareandtookabite.Thecakewasn’toverly

sweet.Itwasfresh,withahintofchocolate.“It’sgood,”Isaid,smilingathim.

Itwasachangefromthismorning.AfterreturningfromthechurchtoNathan’shouse,NathanandI

waiteduptohearthatNorthwasfine,thathe’djustsufferedsomeminorburnsandaconcussion,buthe
wasgoingtobereleasedinthemorningafterbeingmonitoredattheAcademyhospital.Kotastayedwith
him.

Mr.BlackbourneandtheothershadleftthesceneattheschooltotakecareoftheKorbas.There

wasn’tanymorenewsaboutthefogmachinesorwhomighthavemanipulatedthescoreboard.

ThenightstartedtopassbyinawhirlwindofmusicandspottingAcademypeople.Eachoftheboys

tookturnswalkingaroundthedancefloorwithme.

ThatwasuntilitwasVictor’sturn.Insteadofmakingacircle,hecutthroughthethickerpartof

dancers.Victorheldmebythewaistandswayedforabittooneofthefastersongs,butshooedKota
awayfromhisturn,whenaslowsongcameon.Kotarelented,allowingVictortwosongsandahalf
beforehefinallycutin.

Afterthatpoint,IwasonmyfeetforanhourasGabriel,Luke,Dr.Green,andNorth,eachtookturns

todancewithmeatleastonce.

Northwasthequietest.“Ihatethisschool,”hesaid.
Icouldn’tblamehim.Itwashardtoreallyrelaxknowingsomethingwasprobablygoingtohappen.

ThegoalfortheAcademytonightwastoensure,asfaraseveryoneelseknew,thatnothinghappenedat
all.

IstoodbyNorthassomeonefromtheschooltookthemictoannouncethehomecomingkingand

queen.Thekingwouldbefirst.

NorthandIpulledbackasmostofthestudentsstooduptogatheraroundthesmallstage.
“Hey,”Northsaid.“I’mgoingtogograbsomethingtodrink.Hetouchedhismask,adjustingit.I

didn’tthinkhelikedit.“Doyouwantanything?”

IspottedLukeandGabrielnearby.Lukemadeagesturewithhishand,atme,pointingtohisown

mask,andthenpretendingtoliftitup.

Ialmostdidn’thavethenerveforwhathewantedmetodo.
Almost.
“Youknow,Gabrieldidanicejobonmymakeuptonight,”Isaidtohim,recitingthelinesI’d

practiced.“Wouldyouliketosee?”

North’sdarkeyesblinkedinconfusion.“Uh,okay.”
“Comesee,”Isaid.
NorthleanedinandIhookedmyfingersundermymask,quicklyliftingit.Ileanedintorevealmy

face,andIcouldn’thelpmybiggrin.

Inajolt,Northretreatedastep.“Whatthe...Baby!”
Iwasalreadygiggling,knowingmyfaceresembledoneofNathan’szombies.WhenIwinked,the

makeupmadeitlooklikemyeyeballwashangingoutofmyface,andthereweregashesonmycheeksand
lips,fakeofcourse.ThemakeupwaslighterthanIexpected,apromiseGabrielkeptwhenLukecameup
withtheideathatafternoonasweweregettingready.Icouldfeelit,butitwascomfortableenoughto
wearfortheevening.

Northshookhishead.Heturnedaround,scanned,spottedLukeandpointedafinger.“You!”Hewas

loudenoughtoalmostbeheardoverthemusic.“Whatdidyoudotoherface?”

LukeandGabrielmadearunforit.
IlaughedasIpulledthemaskbackdown,watchingNorthstormoffafterhisbrother.Theannouncer

startedthedrumrolltodeclarethehomecomingking.

“Andthewinneris...”hesaid,“JaredAnson!”
Therewasathunderousapplause.Ididn’tknowtheboy,butIthoughthewasonthefootballteam.
Andmyheartsunkalittle.
“Hey,”saidadeepvoice.“Aggele.”
Iturned,spottingthedarkbluemask.Hereachedoutandputahandonmyshoulder.
“Hi,Silas,”Isaidquietly,smilingathim.
“NotdisappointedthatI’mnothomecomingking,areyou?”
“Areyou?”Iasked.
Silas’smasktiltedtowardme.“Ineverwantedtorun.”
“Justtoletyouknow,”Mr.Blackbournesaidinmyear.“Silas,youactuallycameinsecondplace.We

hadtomanipulatethedatabasetoloweryourvotecountandstillmakeitfairtotheothers.”

Silaschuckled.“Crazykids.”
“Soyoumighthavegottenupthere,”Isaid,noddingtowardthehomecomingking,whowasreceiving

hiscrownandfanfare.“Ifyou’dtried.”

“Notmystyle,”hesaid.“Besides,Iwouldhavebeenuptherewith...well...youdidn’trun,either.”

“Iwasn’tevenontheroster,”Isaid.
“Actually,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Tobeincludedontherosterofentrants,apersonneedsahundred

votestobeconsidered.Yournamecameuptwohundredandeightyfivetimes.”

Iwasgratefulforthemaskatthatmoment,surethatIwasblushingandthatmymouthwashanging

open.“How?”

“Itwasaballot,andpeoplecouldwriteinnames.Unfortunately,wehadtoeraseyoufromtheofficial

ballot.”

“Ididn’tknow,”Isaidquietly.
“It’sbeenabusyweek,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Iapologizefornottellingyousooner.”
“Comehere,”Silassaid,pullingmeintohimandhuggingme.“YouandIdidn’tdotoobadly.Maybe

onedaywe’llrunfor...well...Maybenothing.Let’sdosomethingelse.”

“How’sTheo?”Iaskedhim.
“Senttoaretreat,”hesaid.“Oncethepoliceshowedup,oneofourAcademyteammembersarrived

torepresenthimashislawyer.He’llgototrialsoonandwillprobablyfacedeportation.”

“Andyou?”
“IttookacoupleoffavorsfromtheAcademyagain,”hesaid.“I’moffthehookasfarasofficialsare

concerned,buttheAcademywantsameetingwithme...”

“Pleasedon’ttalkaboutthatrightnow,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Theshortwaveradiosinthesemasks

aren’texactlysecure.”

“Nothing’shappening,”Silassaid.“Thiswasthebigmomentofthenight.”
Wewatchedandwaitedasthehomecomingqueenwasannounced.ItturnedouttobeJenny,thegirl

whohaddroppedoffhercanatthedinerearlier.Ialmostforgotabouther.“Didshegethercanbackwith
donations?”

“Sheactuallygotthemost,Ithink,”Silassaid.“Whenshepickeditup,shehadtwootherjarstogo

homewithher.”

Iwasstunned.“Sheonlyhadthreedays.”
“Academypeoplegointhatdineralot.”
“We’vestillgotacoupleofhourslefttogo,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Wedon’thavetowaitlong

beforethenightisover.”

I’dbeengladtohearthismorningthatSilaswasfine,notcurrentlyintrouble,andwouldbegoingto

thedancelocationaheadoftimewithNorthandDr.Green.Ihadaskedalotofquestions,butitcame
downtoSilasandCharlieadmittingtothepolicethatTheosufferedfromanaddictiontolightingfires.

Atfirst,therewasmoreexcitementasotherhomecomingthingswereannounced,thekingandqueen

hadadance.Whenthemoodchangetoallowthedanceparttocontinueforall,thelightingaroundus
changed.Ididn’trealizewhatwasdifferent,untilIlookedaroundandsawglowingcatfacesandsome
othercostumeslightingupunderblacklights.

“Thisshouldmakethingsinteresting,”Silassaid.“Kidscouldsneakkisses.”
“We’vealreadycaughtone...youngcoupleinthebathroomtogether,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.
Silassighed.
Suddenly,behindSilas,Ispottedsomething,andatfirst,IthoughtIwaslosingmymind.
Iblinkedtomakesure,butitwasclear.GabrielandLukewerefacingawayfromusastheywere

checkingoutthephotographers.Oneachoftheirbacks,glowingalightgreen,wasamask.

ResemblingVoltomasks.
Stunned,IgrabbedSilas’sarmandpulledhimaround.“Doyouseethat?”
“What?”Mr.Blackbourneaskedinmyear.“There’salotofvideofeeds.Whatdoyousee?”

Silashadturnedbythen,takingseveralmomentstostare.“Volto,”hesaid.
“Where?”Mr.Blackbournesaid.
Silasturnedaround,tryingtolookoverhisownshouldertocheckouthisback.Hewasglowing,too.

Abigmaskonhisback.Ifeltthematerial.Therewasadistinctdifference,somesortofpaintthatonly
glowedundertheblacklight.

Somepeoplewerepointing,laughing.
“It’sonme,isn’tit?”Silasasked.
“Yes,”Isaid.“Mr.Blackbourne,we’vegotaproblem.Voltopaintedhismaskonthebacksofthe

costumes.”Iturned,showingSilasmyback.“DoIhaveone?”

“No.Mustbejusttheguys,”Silassaid.
“Didn’tthecostumesgetmixedup?”Mr.Blackbourneasked.
Theydid.Itstruckmeallatoncethen.ThemasksatTissubeingleftbehind.Later,afterGrettamade

hercostumes,itmustnothavebeentheassistantwhomessedthingsup,itwasVolto,paintinghismasks
andtuckingtheoutfitsintothewrongbags.

IcaughtNorthandDr.Greenturningtheirbackstoeachother,catchingon.Kota,VictorandNathan

werecrossingthetent,chargingatme.

Suddenly,throughmyearpiece,avoicespoke.
“Ihelpedyouonce,”saidtheelectronicallydistortedvoice.“I’llhelpyoutwice,butyouoweme.”
Iwaited,assumingMr.Blackbournehadheardwhatwassaid,andperhapsVictor,Kota,andthe

others,butneitherofthemchangedcourse.Silasdidn’tacknowledgethathe’dheardanything.

“What?”Iasked,myheartpounding.
“TellKotathenexttimeIleaveasignforthem,heneedstopayattention.Itriedtotellhimhiscar

wasbeingstolen.”

“Didyoustealit?”
“Notthistime.Bytheway,thethingyouwerewaitingfor?It’shappeningnow.Takeyourdatesoutto

theparkinglot.Don’tletthemtalkyououtofgoing.Youneedtoseethis.Don’tletthemkeepyouinthe
dark.”Thentherewasadistinctclick:aphonehangingup.

IgrabbedSilas’sarm.“Wehavetogo.”
“What?”Silasasked.“Why?”
“Youdidn’thear?”Iasked.“Voltowastalkingtome.Throughtheearpiece.”
“MissSorenson,”Mr.Blackbournesaidnowthroughearpiece.“Youcanhearmenow?”
“Wehavetogeteveryoneouttotheparkinglot,”Isaid.“Something’shappeningoutthere.Maybewe

canstopit.”Icheckedfortheexit,andstartedtohurryasfastasheelswouldallow.

“Sang,”Silastookmyelbow,pullingmeuntilInearlyfell,buthecaughtme.“Wecan’tjustrunin.It

mightbeatrap.”

“What’sgoingon?”Northasked,comingupnexttome.
“Wehavetohurry,”Itoldthemboth.“We’llmissit.Weneedtoknow.Andwehavetogoquietly,or

elsewewon’tfindout...”

“Youcan’ttrusthim,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Whateverhe’stoldyou.”
“Someneedtostayhereandwatchoverthestudents,”Isaid.“Butdon’tweneedtoinvestigateand

makesurethisisn’tgoingtobeatrapsprungonanyoneelse?Andwhatif...”

“I’mnotseeinganyoneoutintheparkinglot,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Wait...myfeeds.Victor,the

feedshavebeendivertedsomehow.Thetimestampisfrozen.He’scuttingthroughthesignal.”

“Itwastheriskweweretakinggoingwireless,”Victorsaid,lookingaroundattheotherboysasthey

gatheredaround.Wewereprobablycausingasceneandwiththemasksontheirbacks,theylooked

intimidating.“Anyonecanjumponthelines.”

Myheartwasracing,andIkepttryingtopullawayfromthem.MaybeIsenseditintheair,andinthe

wayVoltohadspoken,butwewererunningoutoftime.Weweregoingtomisswhateverhewastryingto
warnusabout.

That’swhatitfeltlike:Awarning.
“Please,”Ibegged.“Weneedtogosee.”
“No,”Northsaid.“Wehaveto...”
Therewasthudintheearpiece.Mr.Blackbournewassayingsomething,butitwasn’tintothe

microphone.

Suddenly,theearpiecegaveoffapiercingsqueal.Instincttookover,andIcoveredmyears,butsince

theearpiecewasinside,IquicklyscratchedatituntilIcouldpullitout,leavingithangingoffthesideof
themask.

Theboyshadalldonethesame.Kotaspokeintohismask,“Hey,youthere?There’sa...”
“That’snotfeedback,”Victorsaid.“That’sadisruptiontotheline.He’scuttingoffcommunication.”
“Hemightbeintrouble,”Northsaid.Hesnappedatme.“StayherewithSilas.We’recheckingoutthe

parkinglot.SomeofusmayneedtogoafterMr.Blackbourne.”

“But...”
Northpointedafingeratmynose.“Don’t,”hesaid.
Kotastarteddirectingtheothers.Kota,VictorandLukeweregoingtoheadtoMr.Blackbourneand

findoutwhatwasgoingon.Silasstayedwithme.Northandtheothersweregoingtocircletheparking
lot.

IhoveredwhereIstood,indecisive,butwantingtoobeytheboys.Theurgetogetinvolvedwas

overwhelming,especiallyknowingMr.Blackbournecouldbeintrouble,andthatwhateverVoltohad
done,itwashappeningrightnow.Whateverfavorhe’dplanned,weweremissingit.

IswallowedeveryounceofwantingtodisobeyKotaandNorth.Trust.
Silasstoodbymewhiletheothersranoff.TherewerecuriouslooksfromotherAcademymembers

aroundus.Somelookedliketheyweretalkingintoearpieces.Everyonewastryingtofigureoutwhatwas
goingon.Therewasaflurryofmovementasthemusicblaredalittlelouder.Theywerepossiblymasking
theirmovements.TheAcademywasonthemove.

Itallhappenedatonce.Therewerepeopleonthefloorofferingfood,peopletakingphotos.Everyone

wascheckingwhatthestudentsweredoing.Isupposeifanyonewasonacellphone,oractingweird,they
werelookingforthosepeople.

“Sang,”avoicesaid.Itwasfaint.Irealizeditwascomingthroughtheearpiece.Iputitbackinagain.

“Mr.Black—”

“Nowthatthey’regone,”Volto’svoicerangthrough.“Goinsidetheestate.I’llguideyoufromthere.”
“Silas,”Isaid.
“What?”hewasputtinghisearpiecebackin.“Isheback?”
“Voltois,”Isaid.“Hesaidgoinsidetheestate.”
“Ohshit,”Silasgrumbled.“Why?”
“Betterhurryup,”Voltosaid.
ItuggedatSilas’sarm.“Idon’tknow,”Isaidtohim.“Butlisten,Voltohasn’thurtus,right?”
“Areyoukidding?”Silasasked.
“Please,”Isaid.I’dhadenoughofbeingtoldtostaybehind.“We’retheonlyoneshere,andmaybe

he’sdivertingtheirattentionorwhatever,but...please,Silas?”

“Weshouldstay,”hesaid.

“Weneedtofindoutwhat’sgoingon.Isn’tthatwhatwe’redoingnow?Ifwe’regoingtocatchup

withhim,wehavetofindoutwhathe’sdoing.Wecan’tjuststandhere.”

Silaslookedlonginglytowardtheexitthattheothershaddisappearedbehind.Helookedtowardthe

otherAcademymembers,allseemingtoscrambleindifferentdirections,givingorders.“Idon’tknow.”

“We’llgoslowly,”Isaid.“Together.”
Silasgroanedandthentuckedhishandaroundmyelbowandstartedout.“Ifweendupkidnapped,I’ll

killhim.”

“Down,doggie,”Voltosaidinmyear.Silasdidn’treact,soIguessedVoltocouldhearwhattheywere

saying,butIwastheonlyonewhocouldhearhim.

IfollowedSilasout,andthenaroundthetent.Myheelssunkintothegrass,andIkickedthemoffand

pickedthemuptowalkbarefoot.ThedancewasoverforusintheAcademy.Weneededtohurry.

SilasandIjoggedtowardtheestate,goingthroughtheopenbackdoor.Thelightsweremostlyoff.I’d

heardthereweretoursavailableearlyontothosegoingtothehomecomingdance,buttheywerecutoff
oncethedancestartedtokeepeveryoneinonespot.Theonlypartleftwasthebathrooms,whichwereon
thesideofthehouseandlitup,alongwithacoupleofAcademypeoplewatchingit.

Myfeetmetwiththehardwoodfloor.Inthedimmerlights,theplacegaveofftheillusionofbeinga

realhome,feelinglesslikeamuseum.

Silasreachedformyhand.“Nomatterwhathappens,”Silassaid,“nolettinggo.”
Iagreed.Isqueezedhishandinreturn.Silaswasherewithus.Hemightactuallybestaying.Iwanted

tohangonandmakesureIwasn’tleadinghimintosomethingworse.

Wewalkedquietly,listeningnowtofigureoutwhywewerehere.Voltohadcalleditafavor.
Aswemovedthroughtherooms,Ieventuallyheardavoice.IsqueezedSilas’shandagain,pointingin

thedirectionitwascomingfrom.

Wecrouched,keepingtothedeepershadows.Thespaceswerelitupbynormallamps,sotherewere

spotsthatwereabitdark.

Asweapproached,IstartedtorecognizeMr.Hendricks’svoice.
“...realizewhatyou’vedone?”Therewasadistinctstampofahardsoleagainstthehardwood.

“You’vegotthepolicemakinginquiries.They’ll...”

“They’renotgoingtoletyouoffthehook,thistime,”avoicegrumbled.
ButIknewthatvoicetoowell,andhearingitmademestopinmytracks,notwantingtogoanyfurther.
Silastuggedmeforward,untilwewerepeekingaroundadoor.
Mr.McCoystoodinthefrontentrance,hishandsonhiships,wearingdarkslacksandasuitcoat.His

mustachewasthinnernow,likehe’dshaveditandnowwasre-growingit.Hisfocuswassharp.Icould
onlyseeMr.Hendricks’sback.

“Ithoughtweweregettingridofthelittleshitsthatgottoonosy,”Mr.Hendrickssaid.“Theplanwas

todoitslowly.Notalldamnweek.”

“Itwouldhavegiventhemmoretimetocatchon,”Mr.McCoysaid.“Yousaidtoworktactically.I

did.Didyouseethemscatter?ThoseAcademypunksdidn’tknowwhattodowiththemselves.Hewon’t
darebringinanymoreAcademykids.”

Hethoughtthereweremore?Mr.HendricksthoughtI’dbeenintheAcademybefore.Somehowhe’s

associatedArthurandotherswithbeinginvolved,too.Ididn’tthinkthatwastrue.Mr.Blackbourne
wouldhavesaidsomething.

Silashadhisphoneout.Ithoughthewasgoingtomakeacall,maybelettheothersknowwhatwas

goingon,butinstead,hepushedarecordbutton.Icouldseethetimertickingoffsecondsasitrecorded.

Silaswasbrilliant.Ididn’thaveaphoneatthemomenttobeabletodoanything.

“Thepolicearetooclose,”Mr.Hendrickssaid.
Suddenlywehadouranswer:Mr.McCoymusthavebeenbehindthebombthreats.Heknewthe

protocol.Heknewhowtogetawaywithit.Somehowhewasabletogettothestudents,andtrickthemor
threatenthemtocalltheminallweek.

He’dbeensoclose,andweneverknew.
“So?Letthem.They’llbeinvestigatingthoseguys.Pointafewfingers.Putkiddiepornontheir

laptopsorsomething.Whateveritis,getthepolicetofindit.”

Mr.Hendricksgrumbled.
“Hey,”Mr.McCoysnapped.Hetookasteptowardtheprincipal.“Whateveryou’reupto?Idon’t

evenwanttoknow.I’mdoingthistogetthoseAcademypeopleoutofourschool,andgetmyjobback.”

“Wewon’thavejobsatthisrate,”Mr.Hendrickssaid,hisvoicealteredslightly,thoughdistinctly.

“Nextyear,I’llbeluckyifIhaveanydecentstudentsleft.It’llbeaprison,notaschool.”

Itstruckmethatthechangeinhisvoicewaslikewhenmysisterwouldlie.Whenshedid,she

loweredhervoice.WhileMr.Hendricksdidn’tdothat,hisvoicedidalter.Ididn’tpickitupbefore,
becauseIwasn’tsureexactlywhatmightbealie.Butnow,IknewMr.Hendrickstalkingaboutbeing
aroundnextyearwasalie,becauseofhisplanwiththesuperintendentandtheotherpartner,theyweren’t
planningoncomingbackaftertheyearwasover.Onemoreyear.That’swhatMr.Hendrickshadmuttered
underhisbreath.

I’dfiguredouthowtodistinguishwhenMr.Hendrickswaslying.
“Wasthefogmachineployreallynecessary?”Mr.Hendricksasked.
“Wasn’tme,”Mr.McCoysaid.“Thatwassomeoneelse.Maybeyoucanblamethatonthoselittle

shits.Ijustdidthedisplayboard.That’swhyIhadyoucallinthesecurityteam.Distractthemsothey
weren’tlookingattheboard.Iwasabouttocallinthebombthreatwhenallthatfogrolledin.”

“Whatdoyouneednow?”Mr.Hendricksasked.“I’vegottogetbacktothisthing.Itoldyouwe

shouldn’tmesswithMiddleton.”

“I’mnotheretomesswithit,”Mr.McCoysaid.“IscopedoutMr.Blackbourneandhe’swherehe

saidhe’dbe.He’sbeentappingathisphone,andtalkingintoamic.Iscopedoutthearea,andhe’sgot
moreofhisgangthere.IidentifiedsomeofthemandI’llbeabletostartfollowingthem.Maybewe’ll
findoutwherethisAcademyisafterall.Itwasjustlikeyouthought:Someonewouldbearoundwatching
hisback.”

“Good,”Mr.Hendrickssaid.“We’vegotthem.Justamatteroftime.”
Therewasasuddencrashbehindus.Thebackdooropened.Footstepsechoed.
Myheartracedintoapanic,andIpulledback,tuggingSilasalong,notwantingtogetcaught.
Silasdidn’tmove.Hekeptwatchingthem.Ileanedintohim,tolookagainoutatthefoyer.
Mr.McCoywasalreadywalkingaway.Mr.Hendrickswasturned,staringdownadifferenthallway

thantheonewewerein.Hestartedoffinthatdirection,walkingtowardthenoise.

Mr.McCoywentthroughthefrontdoor.
Silasimmediately,backedup,steppingintothecorner.Hesentamessage,textingfuriouslyintohis

phone.Isawitbeforehesent.HewashavingAcademymembersfollowMr.McCoy.

WhenMr.Hendricksyelledatstudentswhohadstumbledintothehousetocheckitout,SilasandI

madeourescapeoutthefrontdoorafterMr.McCoy.

Outonthefrontsteps,Silas’sphonelitup.“They’vegothim,”Silassaidwhenheglancedatit.

“They’renotcapturinghim,butthey’regoingtofollowhimtoseewherehe’sstaying.We’vegothim.If
he’snothurtinganyone,we’llbewatchinghimtofigureoutwhattheirnextmovemightbe.Wewantto
catchMr.Hendricks,too.”

“Howdidwenotcatchhimbefore?Andwhodiddothefog...”
“Ohthatwasme,”Voltosaidintomyearpiece.“Andyou’rewelcome,bytheway.Hewasgoingto

pinthescoreboardonyourfriendKaren,youknow.Shewasnextonhislist.”

Achillrippeddownmyspine.Karen!Shecouldhavegottenexpelledorarrested.
“Thankmelater.Ohandbytheway,thanksforyourphone.I’llhangontoit.Nicepictures,bythe

way.”Againtherewasthesoundofhimhangingup.

Irippedmymaskoff,breathinginthecoldnight.Iwasfuming,amixofterrorafterseeingMr.McCoy

andthatKarenhadbeenthreatened.

“What?”Silasasked.“Didhesaysomething?”
“Yeah,”Isaid.“Weshouldfindtheothers.”
“Parkinglot,”hesaid.“They’restillthere.Ithinktheyfoundsomething.”
ThistimeSilasscoopedmeupandwehurried.Mr.McCoywasbeingfollowedbytheAcademy.

We’dfoundoutwhowasdoingthebombthreats.Maybewewereintrouble,butwe’ddoneit!

Voltohelped,inhisownway.Ididowehim.I’dhavetosortitoutlater.Maybehewasn’tasbadas

wethought.

Silashadmeonhisbackashejoggedtotheparkinglot.Iscouted,andthenpointedwhenIspotted

differentthecoloredmasksacrossthelot.

Aswegotcloser,Kotawasleaningintoacar,whichIrecognizeditashisoldone.Iwassurprisedto

seehim,sincehewassupposedtogoafterMr.Blackbourne,butmaybetheyhadchangeddirection.
Victorwascheckingouttheunderside.Lukehadthetrunkopen.Northhadthefronthoodopen.

“Whatarewedoing?”Iasked.
“Checkingfortraps,”Silassaid.“OrGPSunits.”
“Orevidence,”Kotasaid.
Hepulledoutaredcupthathadbeeninside.Hebackedup,lookinginsideit.“Wasthisinhere

before?”

“It’smyflower,”Isaid.IpattedSilas’sshoulderforhimtoputmedown.
Kotapassedthecuptome,Ilookedin.Theflowerlookedbiggernow.Idugin,tryingtogentlypullit

out.

Before,Iwasprettysuretherehadonlybeenoneflowerinbloom.Now,lessthanaweeklater,the

flowerhadbeenjoinedbyfivemore,lookinglikeabouquet.ItwaswhyMr.Blackbournehadgivenitto
meinthecup.It’dcontinuetogrow,providingmyownlittleflowerarrangementsimilartowhatwas
insideMiddletonPlace.

IleanedwithmyheadagainstSilas’schest.Mybodyrattled.Theshowwasover.
Thistime,whilewedidn’thavealltheanswers,wewerefinallycompletingthejobthey’dbeensent

todo.Onestepcloser.

IwasafraidasmuchasIwashappyforthem.Iwashappytoseetheywerefinallygettingaheadof

Mr.Hendricks.

Iwasafraidbecauseitwasallhappeningsoquickly,andIwasn’tsureifIwouldneedmoretimeto

jointheAcademy.

Becauseaftertodayandtonight,IwassureIwantedin.Icouldn’tpicturedoinganythingelse.I

couldn’timaginenotbeingapartofthisteam.Despitetheflaws.Despitetheboysoccasionallytreating
melikeadelicatesnowflake,Iwaspartofsomething,anditwasbiggerthanallofus.I’dfinallyfound
thethrillofasuccessfulmissionwherethepuzzlepiecescametogether.

AndafterSilashadalmostbeenthreatenedwithdeportation,IknewMr.Blackbournewasright.We

hadtoworktogethertokeepthefamilytogether.

Myfamily.

~A~

ilasKorbahadn’tbeenontrialinyears,butheknewtheroutine.Whenhewaseleven,he’dparticipated

inhisown,althoughhehadn’tknownittobeatrialatthetime.Mr.BlackbourneandDr.Greenhadstood
besidehimastheylistedreasonswhySilaswassomeonethey’dliketotrainandshouldbeincludedon
theirteam.

IthadbeenthebeginningofhisAcademycareer,butitcamewithaprice,becausehisdebtwasgoing

tobesignificant.BothMr.BlackbourneandDr.Greenwerewillingtopayanything,evenattheriskof
depletingtheirownpositivefavorcountstomakesureSilasKorbastayedwiththem.

Silassmoothedhispalmsoverthesuitcoathewore.Becausehewasinanofficebuilding,hehadto

looklikehebelonged.Hecheckedhisphonequickly,temporarilydistractedatthenewbackground—the
pictureofSang’ssmilingface—andtappedtocheckthetextmessagefromMr.Blackbourne.Itwas
coded,somethingthey’dmanagedtoworkoutquicklyforthisevent.

Topfloor,roof.
Theroofwasabovethetwelfthfloor.Silasmadeaface.Sohighup.Notthathedislikedheights,butit

wasacolddayandthewindwouldbestrongerupthere.That’sprobablywhytheywereheadingup.
Windcoulddeterlisteningdevices.

Silaspassedasecuritycheckpoint,wavedatthem,andtriednottolookatthebadgehecarried,afake

onethatwouldallowhimaccessintothebuilding.Hetookitoff,putitinthepalmofasecurityguard,
andthenwalkedthroughametaldetector.Whenhewascleared,heretrievedhistagandcontinuedonhis
way.

Twelvefloorsup,hewalkeddownahallway,andfoundthedoormarkedroofentrance.Hewent

throughit,tryingnottothinktoomuch.Heknewthistrialwasforhim,abouthisfutureintheAcademy.A
lotofithadtodowithhowhehandledhisbrother,andthenumberoffavorsitwouldtaketoensurehe
andhisfatherstayedinthecountry,andthatTheowouldbetakencareof.Despitewhathisfatherhad
said,theAcademywouldprobablyseekjusticeintheirownwaybyprovidingTheowithmentalhelpand
keepinghimcontained.

Thepricewouldbesteep,buttheAcademyhadwaystohandleit.Hemightendupinthesamemental

facilitythatMurielhadgoneto.Atleasthe’dbeoutoftrouble,andhisownfamilywouldn’thaveto
worryabouthim.

Outsideontheroof,thewindhadpickedup.Thegroundwasagritconcrete.Therewerenochairs.

Theycouldn’tpullsomeupherewithoutitlookingfunny.Theywouldusethelocationtoavoidtoomuch
surveillance,randomnesshelpedwithnotbeingtracked.

Hestuffedhishandsintohiscoatpocketsandtuckedinhisshoulders,bracinghimself.
Alltrialswerecomprisedofthesameparties:histeam,plusfiverandomlyselectedmembersfrom

otherteams,presidedoverbyamanagerwhohadcollectedallthedata.

TheirmanagertodaywasDr.Roberts.He’dbeentheclosesttotheteamwiththerecentactivities.He

hadnosayintheoutcome,andonlyprovidedtheevidence,makingsureeverythingwastreatedfairlyand
withoutbias.

SilasjoinedNorth,quietlysteppingupbesidehim.EveryoneexceptSangwasthere.Whenitcameto

atrial,everyonehadtobeincluded.

SangwasatKota’shouse,stayingupinKota’sbedroomwhilehismotherandsisterweredownstairs.

Itwasasprotectedasshecouldbewiththerestofthemoccupiedatthetrial.

Silas’sheartliftedthinkingabouther.She’dtoldMr.Blackbournetheyweretogether.Hehadn’thad

muchtimetohavehisownconversationwithMr.Blackbourne,butheknewthatwouldcomesoon.

Mr.Blackbournestoodinthemiddle,withDr.Roberts.Theywereinaquietdiscussion,andeveryone

elseremainedsilent.Silasslidalooktohisotherteammates.Eachoneworeasuit,andhadhands
claspedinfrontofthem,headslightlybowed,reverentandpatientlywaiting.Thiswasn’tatimetogoof
around.EvenGabrielhadcombedhishairback,lookingprofessional.

Ontheothersideofthecircle,fiveotherswerestandingbyandwaiting.Silasonlyrecognizedtwoof

them.OnewasKevin,fromanotherteam.HisdarkeyeswerecriticalbutSilasknewhimwellenoughto
knowhewasfair.He’dhaveanopinion,butwouldhearhimout.

Nexttohimwasalittletwelve-year-oldkidSilashadseenaroundtrainingsessions.Hewaspretty

surehewasonewhohe’dhelpedoutayearbeforeinself-defenseclass.Northhadledthatgroupatthe
time,andhadusedSilasfordemonstration.Itwasabasicsclass;hewasjuststartinghisAcademy
training.Thatwasonethingaboutthesetrials.Therewasn’tanageminimum,youonlyhadtobepast
initiationandafullmember.Itgaveperspective.

WhileSilasdidn’tknowtheotherthree,twomenandawoman,heknewhe’dprobablybumpedinto

themandjustcouldn’trecallwhereandwhattheirnameswere.TheconcentrationofAcademymembers
inthisareawasprettyhigh,sotherewerealwaysnewmemberstomeet.

Mr.BlackbournesplitofffromDr.Roberts,joiningKotawhostoodslightlyinfrontoftheothers.The

restoftheirteamwasslightlybehind,asMr.BlackbourneandKotawouldbespeakingmorethantherest
ofthem.

Introductionsweremade,butthroughthenoiseofthewindpickingup,Silasdidn’tcatchthenamesof

thekid,andtheothers.

“We’reheretodiscussseveralpoints,butmainlyaboutSilasKorba,”Dr.Robertsbegan.“Thistrial

istomakesurewe’retreatingthesituationasfairlyaspossible,andtoensurethefurthersafetyofthis
teamandourAcademyfamily.Ihopewerememberthattheultimategoaliskeepingustogether.”

Everyonenodded.Itwasstatedateverytrial:Keepthefamilytogetherasmuchaspossible.
“Let’sstartoutbyrecitingtheeventsofthepastfewdays,”Dr.Robertssaid.Heheldupasheetof

paper.Therewashandwritingonit,likehe’dbeenkeepingnotes.“IwanttofocusonjusttheKorba
family,tomakethisbrief.AsoflastSaturdayinOctober,SilasKorbawasonadifferentmissionwhenhe
wasnotifiedofafirethathadbeensetinanabandonedchurch.Aninquirywasmade,andTheoKorba,
hisblood-relatedbrother,wasproventohavebeenhomeatthetimethefirewasreportedand
investigated...”

Bloodbrotherwasadistincttermtouseforanydirectfamilymember.Bloodfriendwouldhavebeen

usedforafriend.

SilasslidaglanceovertoNorthwhomethiseyes.Intheirquietexchange,theylistenedtoDr.

Robertsrecountthelastfewdays.Northfrowned,notlikingtheideathatSilaswasbeingbroughtinfora
trial,notsimplyameeting.Theyhadn’tdonethisforNathanwhenhisdadreturnedandhewas
transportedtoSingapore.

Still,Silasknewwhy.He’dconfessedtoMr.BlackbourneandDr.Robertsthathewastheone

responsibleforTheogettingoutofhand.Hewasguiltyofneglect.

It’dbeentruewhatSanghadsaid.He’dblamedTheoforhismother’sdeath.Whilehetriednotto,

it’dbeeneasiertoescapetotheAcademy,tothrowhimselfintoworkandsupportinghisnewfamily.He
didn’tthinkhewasmeantohisbrother,buthedidn’tputoutthehandofsupporttohim,either.Andwhen
Theostartedtoretreatintohimself,Silasfoundittobearelief.SeeingTheolesscurbedSilas’sown
guilt,andthesadnessoverhismotherbeinggone.

“...finally,”Dr.RobertssaidcausingSilastorefocusedashewascominguptotheendofthestory,

“SilasKorbaandCharlieKorbaleftthechurchtogether,andstayedbehindtoreportofficiallywhatTheo
haddone.WeprovidedalawyertomakesureTheowastreatedfairly,andtoreportasaccuratelyas
possible.Asofnow,Theoisinholdingunderourcare,withreportsbeingbroughttoajudgeregarding
hismentalcondition.Therewillbeaprivatetrial,butitseemslikelythejudgewillbeagreeingtoour
requeststorelinquishTheotoamentalfacilityinsteadofinsistinghebedeported.He’sgotaproperty
damageandarsonchargeagainsthim,whichmightrequirehousearrestandjailtimedependingonthe
results.”Dr.RobertsturnedtoMr.Blackbourne.“DidIcovereverything?”

“Ibelievethat’sallthereis,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.
Dr.Robertsfoldedhispaperandputitintohispocketbeforestuffinghishandsintohissuitcoat.He

noddedtowardthemembersoftheotherteams.“Atthistime,I’dliketoinviteyoufivetoaskany
questionsofSilasorhisteam.”

“Mr.Korba,”Kevinspokefirst.“HowisitthatTheowasallowedtosmokeifyouknewhewasan

arsonist?”

Silasclearedhisthroat,andhetriedtotalkoverthewind.“Wemanageditbyallowinghimtosmoke,

buthecouldonlygethiscigaretteslitbyus.Itwaspartofthedealafterheasked.”

“Hewasn’tallowedhisownlighter?”Kevinasked.
“No,”Silassaid.“Wedeliberatelyheldontothose.Hisroomwassearchedonceaweek,eitherby

myself,myfather,or,onoccasionsomeoneonmyteamwoulddoasweep.Thetimeswe’vecaughthim
withalighter,weconfiscateditanddisallowedsmokingforaweekandhelaterstoppedtrying.”

“Silas...Imean...Mr.Korba,”beganthegirlattheend.Shehadapunklook,withshortcroppedhair

andatattoopeekingoutthroughthecollarofhersuit.Shewasolder,maybeinherforties.“So,doyou
thinksomethingspecificallytriggeredhisneedtolightfires?”

“Honestly,I’mnotsure,”Silassaid.“I’dbecomeawarelaterthathe’dbeenusinghiscigarettesto

burnhiscarpet,andthenhisownclothes.Hewouldgooutforwalks,whichwethoughtwasokay,since
ourneighborhoodisfairlyquiet,withoutmuchinthewayofgangactivity.Hewasalwaysbackquickly,
butnowwe’verealizedhehadtheabilitytosneakoutthroughoneofthewindowswhenhewanteditto
looklikehewasstillinhisroom.Ihonestlydon’tknowhowlongthiswentundetected.I’mashamedto
admit,thatIhaven’tbeenabletopayasmuchattentionlately.”

“Iwanttosay,”Kotasaid,steppingforwardandspeakingloudandclearasthewindpickedup.

“Silashasbeenextremelybusywithnotjustourwork,buthasbeenaskedrepeatedlybyotherteamsfor
hisassistance.Becauseofhisskillset,andhiswillingnesstohelp,he’sbeenunavailabletohisown
family.Hewasundertheassumptionthatthingswerenormalathome,andasfamilylead,I’mresponsible
tomakesurehisfamilyoforiginisindeedokaywhilehe’saway.I’vefailedonmypart,andnotallthe
blameshouldbeputuponSilas.”

“Ishouldremindeveryone,”Dr.Robertssaid,“thatthereistobenopenaltyorrewardfortimeswhen

Silaswasonjobsforotherteams,andundersuchtimeasthisparticularteamisundercoverina
dangerousassignmentaswell.DakotaLeeandhisteam,accordingtotheserecords,didwhatthe
Academywouldhaveexpected,butdirecircumstancesmadeitimpossibletostayontopofTheooncethe
firstchurchfirestarted.Everyfireafter,theywerealsodealingwithadditionalissuesregardingfamily
andtheircurrentassignments.”

“Iwishyou’dcalledusearlier,”amanstandinginthemiddleofthegroupsaid.Hehadroundglasses,

andabroadnose.“Really,Ithinkthisismoreofacaseofnotcallingforhelpwhenyoureallyneededit.
Youshouldneverbeafraidtodothat,consideringthecircumstances.”

“Ourknowledgewaslacking,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Whenwediscoveredthefire,westarted

keepingtabs,butTheobeingreportedasbeinginthehouseatthetimesfireswerereportedthrewusoff.
Wedidn’trealizeuntillaterhemighthavebeenaculpritallalong,becauseheusedhisowncigarettesto
lighttheslow-burningfuelinordertomakesurehewashomebeforethefirespread.Itputhimawayfrom
thesceneofthecrime.”

“Sohewasusinghiscigarettes?”Kevinasked.
“Yes,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Heconfessedlatertothepolicethathe’drelightanewcigaretteusing

analreadylitone.HeusedcleaningchemicalshebroughtfromtheKorba’sbathrooms,hissockssoaked
itin.”

“Sohehadafewmorals,”saidthelastofthegroupoffive,athinmanwithawiryframeandhollow

cheeks.“He’dburndownachurch,buthewouldn’tstealalighterfromastore?Orborrowonefroma
neighborhoodkid?”

“Ithinkitwasmoreofatwistofhismentalstate,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Iwon’tpresumeto

understandit,butthecigarette,tohim,wastheonethingheheldontothatburnedforhimconstantly.Like
mostarsonistswhocarryafireprint,theyhangontothingsthatmeansomething.Thechurchasone,
linkinghisdepressiontothedeathofhismother.Thecigarettewasanother,probablybitternesstoward
hiscurrentsituationwherehehadtoaskforsomethingassimpleasalighter.Theslow-burningfuel,
perhapssomethingthatwasspilledintheoriginalfire,thatwasanotherone.Thiswasn’tacaseof
maliciousintent,butadistraught,depressedpersonreactingtofeelings.Webelievehehadnoillintent
towardpersons.Itwasonlywhenweconfrontedhimthathelashedout.”

ThekidlookedrightatNorth.“Howareyou?”heasked.“Areyoustillhurt?”
“I’llbefine,”Northsaid.“Thankyou.”
“Let’strytostayfocused,”Dr.Robertssaid.“Rightnow,whatweneedtoconsiderisifSilasshould

requireanyadditionalsupport,ortraining,orifthereneedstobeanexchangeoffavorsormoney.Also,
wehaveaneedtoconsidertheactionsoftheteamaswell,andifthere’sanythingthatwouldbenecessary
toimplementtoimprovethings.”

“I’mawaretheteamhasdramaticallydecreasedinfavorsoverthelastfewmonths,”saidtheman

withtheroundglasses.HeturnedaconcernedfrowntoMr.Blackbourne,addressinghimdirectly.“Is
thereneedforadditionalsupport?Consideringyourcurrentjob,whileI’vebeenbriefedonthesituation,I
understandyourconcentrationmightbeessentialatthispointinyourinvestigation,andthese...family
mattersthatkeeppoppingupseemtoputyourteamindanger.”

“We’vebeenhandlingourownteam’sfamiliesforyears,”hesaid.“We’refamiliarwithhowthey

work,andwe’restillpartiallydealingwithcurrentadoptedmembersandtheirfamilies.Butwewon’t
hesitatetocallanyoneinasneeded,asproventhenightofourlatestsuccess.”

“Thegirl,”thewomansaid.Shepursedherlipsandthenremainedquietforalongmoment.“Iwantto

saySue,butthat’snotright.”

“Sang,”Kotasaid.“SangSorenson.”
“Yes.She’sinagoodportionofyourreports.Iknowshe’sunderclosedadoptionandthat’sbeen

approved.”

“She’sbeenanexcellenthelp,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.
“But,”Kotasaidquickly,“she’salsoveryvulnerableandinaverydelicatesituationthatwe’vebeen

handling.Atthistime,sheissafe,though.There’snoneedtobringinadditionalhelp.”

“MissSorensonisalsoundersomestress,”Mr.Blackbournesaid,histoneabitlouderthanKota’s.“I

agree,andduetocircumstances,mostofwhatwerequirehasfallenintoplacerecently,especiallywith
Theobeingbroughtin.Itrelievesalotofissuesonourend.”

“Andthenthere’sVolto,”theyoungAcademymembersaid.“Shouldn’tweworryabouthim?Isn’tshe

theoneheseemstobeinterestedin?”

“Idon’tknowifitisinterestinherinparticular,”Kotasaid.
“Butshe’stheonehekeepstalkingto,”thekidsaid.HelookedatKevin.“Doesn’tthatmean

something?”

“Itmight,”Kevinsaid.Hesmiledatthekid.“You’reprettysmart.Ithinkyoumakeagoodpoint.”
Thekidbeamed.
KevinrefocusedonMr.Blackbourne.“Consideringthecircumstances,thatVoltohasaparticular

interestinthisgirl,andthesurroundingissues,Ifeelweneedtobringherinforanintroduction.”

Silas’sattentioninstantlyswungtotheothersinhisgroup.Kotaclenchedhisfistsandhidthembehind

hisback.Theothersfidgetedandexchangedglancesnervously.

Silashadn’tbeensurebefore,butnowherealized:Sangwasn’tready.Ifshecameuptothemnow,

shewouldn’tunderstand.Theycouldsweepherup,takeherunderthecareofabirdteaminaninstant
withthepromiseofsecurity,promisingfavorsandallthethingstheyalllovedabouttheAcademy.

“Unfortunately,”Mr.Blackbournesaid,speakingforallofthem,“MissSorensonisn’treadyforsuch

anencounter.Iagree,itshouldbesoon,butrightnowadeparturefromtheschoolwouldbeadetrimentto
bothherphysicalandmentalsafety.Hersituationiscomplex.IwishIcouldexpanduponthisatthistime,
butIhavetodeclineanintroductionrightnow.”

“Wecangiveyoumoretime,”saidtheskinnyman.
“Yes,”thewomansaid.“WhynotbringherinDecember?We’llallbethere.It’dbeagood

introductionthenandwillgiveyoutimetoprepare.Don’tyouthinkthat’strue,Mr.Lee?”

“I...”Kotasaid.SilascouldalmostfeelthewheelsturninginKota,tryingtofigureoutthewordsto

saytodelaythisdecision.

“Ithinkitisimportanttotheteamthatwebecomemoreawareofthoseworkingaroundthem,”Kevin

said.“Youallareright.Silaswasluckytohavecaughtupwithhisbrotherwhenhedid,andtoprevent
somethingevenworsefromhappening.Sinceshe’sinvolved,andalotoftimeisfocusedonher,maybe
weshouldatleastbemadeawareofthefullstory,andtalktohertoevaluatewheresheisat.Sheshould
behere.”

“Iagree,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.HeturnedfirsttoKota,butthenturnedfullytoaddresstheteam.

“ThisNewYearcomingup,atthebigeventbeingheldyou-know-where,doyouallfeelwe’llbeableto
bringheralong?”

Therewasarustleofbothwindthepickinguparoundthem,andtheboysshuffling.
“Iagreetoit,”Lukesaidquickly,asmileonhisface.
“Iagreetoit,”Victorsaid.
“Iagreetoit,”Silassaid.Hewantedtoputinhisagreement,hopingNorthwillfollowwiththesame,

evenifSilasknewNorthwouldprobablydisagree,atleastalittle.Healwaysdid.

“I’mnotsure,”Northsaid,“ButI’llagreetoitfornowwiththeunderstandingthatcircumstances

mightchange...”

“Idon’twanttoagree,”Gabrielsaid,“butIwillbecausemaybeI’mbiased.I’mjustworriedabout

theevent.That’sabigstep.”

“Doyouthinkshecouldhandleit?”Dr.Robertsasked.
“Iguess,”Gabrielsaid.“Ijustknowmyfirstonewasscarytome.”
Theotherschuckled.“Yeah!”thekidsaid.“Minewas,too.Ihateditatfirst.ButnowIlikegoing.”
“Okay,”Dr.Robertssaid.“Providedhermentalstateatthetimeisn’ttoodistraughtbyoutside

influences,andwecertainlyhopeyou’llcallusifthisisthecase,willtheteamleadersagreetoallowus

aproperintroduction?”

“Ithinkwe’reallinagreement,”Mr.Blackbournesaid,checkinginwithDr.GreenandNathan,who

hadn’trespondedyet.Bothofthemnodded.Mr.BlackbournethenturnedtoKota.“Andyou?”

“I...,”Kotastopped,lookedattheground.“Iagree.”
Silaswassorrytoseehimdothat.HeknewKotareallydidn’twantSangintheAcademy,butwhat

Kotadidn’trealizewasthatSangwasalreadysoinvolved,andshehadconfessedtohimbeforeabout
wantingtobepartoftheteam.

Silaslovedhowherprettylittlegreeneyeslitupthenightthey’dclaimedasmallvictoryoverMr.

McCoyandMr.Hendricks.Thewarwasn’tover,buttheyfinallyhadabreakthrough,andshehadbeena
partofit.Now,Silasfeltsheunderstoodforsurewhattheydiditfor.Maybeitwasn’taperfectsuccess.
Voltohadinterfered,butnowevenSilaswasstartingtowonderaboutVolto’strueintentions,becausehe
hadledthemrighttoMr.Hendricks.Ifitwasn’tforhim,theymaynothavecaughtupwithhim.

AcademyteamshadfollowedMr.McCoy.He’dgottenonthegroundswithafalseIDattheentrance

inKota’scar,claimingtobeaparentdroppingoffastudent.He’ddriveninoneofthemalestudents,
droppedhimoff,andproceededtowalkaround,likesomeoftheotherparents,keepinganeyeonthe
students.

Howhehadgottenindidn’tmatter.Theycaughtwhotheywanted.
SilasrefocusedonDr.Robertswhowasspeakingnow.“AndwhatofSilasKorba?Let’snotforget

whywe’rehere.”

“Well,Theoisbeingtakencareof,”Kevinsaid.“Isupposeunderthecircumstances,consideringthe

extremityofthesituation,Silasshoulddetermineifheshouldgiveupafavorornot.Idon’thaveareason
tosuggestaspecificnumber.”

EyesturnedonSilas.Thiswasacriticalmoment.Youhadtobetotallyhonestwithyourperformance.

ThedistractionoftalkingaboutMissSorensonhadactuallyeasedalotoftheguilthe’dhad,andbrought
himbacktoreality.

Sangwouldn’tapproveofbeingdishonest,jadedbyguilt.
“I’vegotfourfavors,”hesaid.“I’llgiveuptwo.Oneforslackingonpayingattentiontomyown

family,andbeingareasonforrequiringotherstojoinin.Theotherisforattheveryend,whenIprobably
shouldhavecalledyouallsooner.Inwaiting,IputatrisktheAcademyandthosewhoweregetting
involvedonthescene.”

“Thatsoundsaccurateandreasonable,”theskinnymansaid.
“Iapprove,”saidthekid.
“Iapprove,”saidthewoman.
“Ihighlyapprove,”saidthemanwiththeglasses.
KevinturnedtoDr.Roberts.“Twofavorssoundsfair.”HeturnedtoSilas.“Butdon’tbesohardon

yourself.Wantingtotakecareofyourownbusinessisonlynatural,andsomethingweallstrugglewith.”

“It’swhywe’reinthistogether,”Dr.Robertssaid.“Sowedon’thavetodoitallonourown.”He

noddedtothefiveandthenturnedtoMr.Blackbourne.“Isthereanythingelseweneedtotalkabout?”

“Notatthistime,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.
“Thenthistrialisover.”Dr.Robertssmiled,andgaveathumbsuptotheteam.“Greatjobguys.

Thanksforcomingin.Don’tforgetaboutMissSorenson.”

“Wewon’t,”Kotasaid.
Silasagreed.AstheAcademymembersstartedtodisband,NorthandSilaslingeredbehind.
“Hey,”Northsaid.“Soyoudiddecidetostay.Iwassureyou’dconvincedyourselftotellthemyou

shouldgohomewithCharlie.”

“Aren’tIhome?”Silassaid.Hedidasideglance,lookingathisfriend’sface.“Isn’tthatwhatyou

weretellingme?”

“Itried,”Northsaid.“Youdidn’tagreewithmethen.Whatmadeyouchangeyourmind?”
“Idon’tknow,”Silassaid.“Sang,Ithink.Sheneedsme.”
North’sdarkeyeslitup.“Soshedidgettoyou?Good.”
Silassnappedhisheadaround,turningpartially.“What?Youtoldher?”
“OfcourseIdid,”Northsaid.“WhatwasIgoingtodo?Letyouleavewhenyoudidn’tdeserveit?

Youwerebeinganass.”

Silasgrunted.Hecouldn’tdenythat.Maybepartofitwasthathewasashamedwhattroublehisown

familyhadcausedtohisteamandtotheAcademy.Hedidn’twanttobelievehedeservedachancewhen
hefelthewastheonewhohadmessedup.

Heknewhehadtoworkonthat.Guiltwasheavytocarry.Sometimes,youdidhavetoletgo.
“Sangdoeshaveawayofconvincingmetodothings,”Silassaid.“Youknow,Iaskedherout.”
“Shetoldme,”Northsaid.
“Iknowyoulikeher,”Silassaid.
Northnoddedslightly.“Ido.”
“Ididn’tmeanto...ImeanIasked,shecouldhavesaidno.”
“Shewouldn’thave,”Northsaid.“Actually,weshouldtalklateraboutthis.Mr.Blackbourneisgoing

towantameetingwithallofussoon.”

“Why?”
“BecauseofSang,andbecauseoftheintroduction,andbecauseifwedon’tdosomethingsoon,we’ll

loseher.It’swhyKota’sfightingthis.”

Silasnodded.“Iwasworriedaboutthat,too,butwecan’tdenyanintroduction.It’llmakeitlook

worse.”

“Weknow,”Northsaid.“Whichiswhywe’vegottopullourselvestogether.We’vegottocometoan

agreement.”

Theywerebehindeveryoneelsewaitingouttheirturntodescenddownintothebuilding.Kevinwas

thelasttoleave,alongwiththekid.Theymusthavearrivedtogether,withKevindrivinghimtowherehe
wassupposedtobenow.Whentheywerebeyondthedoors,SilasturnedtoNorth.“Whatagreement?”he
asked.

NorthturnedonSilas.“YouknowIloveher.”
Silasstaredathim,waitinghimout.Northwasalwaysbluntwithhim,butsomehowSilashad

expectedhimtosaymore.Whenhedidn’tcontinue,helettheinformationsinkin.He’dworriedthis
wouldhappen,althoughhedidn’tknowNorthfeltthatstronglyabouther.“Soyoudohaveaproblem
with...”

“No,”Northsaid.“Idon’t.ButI’vegotafeelingshe...caresstronglyforme,too.”
Silassighed.MaybeSangwastoogoodtobetrue.Shewasagoodgirl,butthewaysheseemedto

hesitatearoundhimattimes,itmadehimwonderifshereallylikedhim.

Hecouldn’tdenyhowhefeltthough.Whenshewasn’taround,hethoughtnormally,butthemoment

shewasthere,hewaswatchingher.Hewaslisteningtoher.Helovedwhenshetalked.

Helovedthosequietmomentswithher,whentheywerealone,together.Heopenedupmorewithher

thanmostofthemembersofhisownteam.Heneverhadaproblemtalkingwiththem,buthenevertalked
muchanyway.

Sangwasdifferentthatway.Shewasquiet,too,alotofthetime,thoughhe’dlearnedgettingher

alone,helpedheropenupmore.Shewasfinallybeingvocalamongthegroup,jokingandlaughingwith

them.

Silasshookhishead.“Shesaidyestome.”
“Couldyou...”Northstartedtosayandthenstopped.“Youknow,I’mnottheonlyone.”
Silasshookhisheadagain.“You’vegottobekidding.”
“YouandIneedtotalk,”Northsaid.“ButIwanttorunsomethingbyyourightnow.Iwantyouto

thinkaboutwhatjusthappenedhere.”Hemotionedtowherethetrialhadbeenheld.“Today,theAcademy
insistedwebringSangin.Thistime,wecan’tbackdown.Wecan’thideheranymore.”

“Iknow,”Silassaid.“It’swhywewereworriedbefore.Butshelikesourteam.AndifI’mdating

her...well...”

“Nottoolongago,Mr.BlackbourneandIvisitedamulti-dogteamthathadonebird,”Northsaid.
Silasstoodtaller,pullinghishandsfromhispockets.Thatsoundedlikegoodnews.“Yeah?”
“Theyallfellinlovewithher,andtheysharehernow,”Northsaid.“Alltheguysmarriedher.They

livehappilyeverafterthatway.”

SilasalwaysappreciatedNorth’sfranknesswithhim,layingouttheideasinonefellswoop,butthis

onetookamomenttosinkin.MostlybecausehewastryingtoimagineSanginasimilarsituation.
“You’reshittingme.”

“Notkidding.Itseemsthewaytokeepabirdontheteam,atleastthebestway,isintherare

circumstancethateveryone...wellwe’veallgottobeonthesamepage.”

Silasmovedhislipstogetherhard.“No.”
“Iknowyou,”Northsaid.“You’llneedtimewiththis.I’mjustthrowingitoutthere.Justunderstand

what’shappening.You’rewithSang.Iloveher.There’sothersonourteamstartingtoreallyloveher,too.
YouknowNathan’sgotissueswiththis.He’snotwillingtoshare,buthedoesn’twanttoloseusfighting
overher,andhe’sstartingtorealizeshereallydoescareabouteveryoneinasimilarway,evenifshe
doesn’tknowityet.”

“It’snot...”Silassaid,unabletofindtheEnglishwordforitbecausehisbrainwasgoingamilea

minute.Likeabiologyquestion,likeaplumbingproblem,likeanyAcademyissuethatcroppedup,he
likedlookingattheissue,figuringouttheanswer,andthengettingtowork.Here,hewasbarelyeven
beginningtounderstandtheproblem,andhedidn’tlikewhatNorthwastellinghim.

SharingSang.Shewasn’tapossession.HeknewNorthdidn’tmeanitlikethat.He’dneverexpect

Sangtobesharedlikethat.

“Mr.Blackbournewasgoingtobringitupwithyoulasttimeyouweretalkingwithhim,”Northsaid.

“ButhethoughtIshouldlaydownexactlywhathemeant.Hesaidweneededtoallgetalongwithherand
gethertotrustus.Well,it’sastepbeyondthatnow.Ifyousingleheroutforyourself,you’rehurting
everyoneelseontheteam,includingher.”

Thatwasn’twhatSilaswasexpecting.
ButmaybeitdidexplainwhySangwasalwayssohesitantaroundhim.“Shedoesn’tknow,does

she?”

“Ithinkshewouldguess,”Northsaid,“Butshedoesn’tknowexactly.”
“Sheseemedtowanttoputoffgettingclose.Likeshewantedto,butshewasunsure,andthenhereyes

would...shedidallthosethingsapersondoeswhenyoufeltguilty.”

Northnoddedagain.“Yeah.Becausesayingyestooneofus,itfeelslikeshehastosaynototherest.

Mr.Blackbournetellshertogowiththeflow,dowhatshewants,butshewaitsforotherstotellherwhat
todo,becauseshewantseveryonetogetalong.”

Silasgrunted.“Becausethey’reallpullingathertodateeachother.”

“We’retoofaralongnow,”Northsaid.Hepointedtothedoor.“Giveyourselfsometimetothink

abouttheconsequences.Iknowyoucanworkitout.Talktomewhenyou’reready.Mr.Blackbournewill
bewaitingtohearfromyou,too.Let’sgo.”

Silasfollowedhimthroughthestairsanddownintotheelevator.Hewasquietthewholeway,his

brainalreadyworkingoutwhatwasgoingon.He’dsuspectedtheotherslovedher.HethoughtKotadid.

Silaswentouttohiscar,starteditup,andsatinthelotforamomentwhilehismindcontinuedto

considerhisoptions.Whatheneededwassomegoodsleep,tothinkclearer.

HeneededSang,heknew.Howfarwashegoingtogotokeepher?
Anddidhereallyhaveissueswiththeothers?Wait.
Silaspulledouthisphoneandlookedatherpictureonhisscreen.
Shehadagreedtobehisgirlfriend.Shekissedhim.Heknewabouttheotherkisses,butshe’dsaidyes

tohim.

Herprettyeyesstaredbackathim.Shehadasweetsmile.
Heneededtotalktoher.Beforehecametoadecision,heneededtoknowforsurethatshecared

abouthim.

Thatwashisnewgoalnow.Alloftherestdidn’tmatterunlessSangreallydidcareabouthimtheway

hefelthecaredforher.He’dhavetoaskhersomehow.

ThiswholeplanNorthandMr.Blackbournehadcookedupwoulddependonheranswer.

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theAcademy

wasspendingthenightatSilas’shousewhenhegotacallthattherewasajob,andtheywantedmeto

goalong.Aswegotinthecaranddrove,hefilledmeinonsomeofthedetails.“ButIneedyouto
promiseifyou’recomingwithme,you’renottoaskanyquestions.Justlistenandwatch.

“Okay,”Isaid.Iyawned,andstretched.AfterhomecomingandHalloween,theboysandIhadbeenon

aslowerschedule:schoolworkandthedineronly.WealsohadGabriel’sbirthdaycomingup,andwhile
IhadwantedtogowithVictorandLuketothestoretopicksomethingoutforhim,ajobcroppedupthis
morningandwehadtogo.“Butwherearewegoing?”

Hepursedhislipsandthenchangedlanestogetontothehighway,headingtowarddowntown

Charleston.“We’remeetingKota,VictorandNathan.Ithinktheremightbemore,butI’mnotsure.”

“Wherearethey?”
“There’sarun-downbuildingwhereabunchofkidsarehidingout.Theythinkthey’rerunawaysbut

it’shardtotell.”

“Whydotheyneedyou?”
“Becausethey’reMexican,”hesaid.“Isortoflookthepart.”
“Oh,”Isaidquietly.Isankback,lookingoutthewindow.“Mr.Blackbournewantsmetogoalong?”
“Hethinkssinceyoulooknicetheymaybemoreresponsivetoyouiftheywon’ttalktome.”
Iwasn’tsurehowtotakethecompliment.Iwasshyandwasn’tsurewhathelpIcouldbewithagroup

ofrunaways.“Wasthisthejobyouwerecalledbackfor?”

“Yeah.”
“Isthiswhatyoudo?”Iasked.“Imean,whatyou’vedonewhenyou’vegoneoutonmissions?Talkto

runawaykids?”

“No.Idootherthings,too.”
Istaredathimforawhileashefocusedondriving.Iwasn’tsureifhewasallowedtosaywhatit

was,soIleftitalone.“It’shardsometimes,”Isaid.“Imean,IknowIcan’tasktoomuch...”

“I’dtellyoumore,”hesaidglancingatmebeforereturninghiseyestotheroad,“buttobehonest,I’m

notsurehowmuchIcansay.”

“Becauseyouhavetokeepitasecret,”Isaid.“Iunderstand.”
“Idon’treallyknowwhereyouarewithus,”hesaid.Heturnedhisfacetome,lookingatmyeyes.

“Mr.Blackbournewantsyouin.Kotawantsyouout.Notoutofthefamily,butyouknow.Kota’s
protective.It’sbecausehe’sthemalewithtwowomenhelooksafter.Hewantstokeepthemoutof
danger.He’sreluctanttoputyouinthesamedangerheputshimselfin.”

“Shouldn’tImakethedecision?”
“Yes,butwe’dhavetovouchforyou.Ifwe’redividedonit,we’ll...”Hepursedhislipsandshook

hishead.“See,Ican’tsayit.”

Thereweresomecomplicatedrules.“SoKotahastoagreebeforeI’mallowedin?”
“Wealldo,”hesaid.“Yourhometeam,Iguessyou’dcallit.We’dberesponsible,soweallhaveto

beinagreement.Kota’snottheonlyonetothinkweshouldn’tletyouin,either.IthinkNathan’shesitant
onit,too.MaybeNorth.It’shardtotellwithhim.Onedayhesaysit’dbeokayandthenexthe’ssaying
it’snotagoodidea.”

“SoIhavetoconvinceallofthemIcould?”
Silasfocusedontheroadandremainedquietforalongtime.“Youdon’thaveto,”hesaidinadeeper

tone.“Youdon’tneedusalltoagreetobeacceptedintotheAcademy,justthatwethinkyou’dbegood
material,whichyouare.I’dprefer,though,ifyouwaited.Ifyou’dwaitforallofustoagreefullythatyou
shouldbeincluded.”

Iunderstoodtheremustbesomethingmoretotherules,somethingIwasn’tseeing,togetintothe

Academy.However,Iagreedwithhimaboutwantingtheotherstobeokaywithit.

“Ifyouwantin,”hesaid.
“IthinkIwantto.”
“Youshouldbesure.”
“It’shardformetotellifIwantinbecauseyou’reinthereorbecauseIwanttobepartofit,butI’m

prettysureit’sboth.Iwasn’tsureifIwasallowedtosayitwaspartiallybecauseofyouall.”

“Itcanbeboth,”hesaid.“DidtheytellyouthefirstruleoftheAcademy?”
“Familyfirst?”
Henodded.“What’sabetterreasonthanifyoufeelconnectedtous,andshareourcauses?Thewhole

groupiscenteredaroundfamily.Whynotjoinforfamily?”

Icurleduptighterintheseat,lookingoutthewindow.Silencefellbetweenus.Itwasalottothink

about.

Andyet,itwasn’t.Iknew.Ifeltitinsideofme.KnowingabouttheAcademynow,aboutthethings

theydid,andhowtheyfeltsostronglyaboutwhattheydidwasenoughforme.Ididwantintothe
Academy.

ButthatmeantIhadtoconvincetheotherstoletmein.Kota,NathanandNorth.Silashadn’t

mentionedtheothers.IthoughtVictorwasonmyside.WhataboutGabrielandLuke?WhataboutDr.
Green?Howdidtheyfeel?

ItmeantIhadtospendmoretimewitheachofthem,tofigureoutwhichoneswerehappywiththe

idea,andifnot,findawaytoconvincethemIshouldjoin.

EventuallySilastookanexitintoNorthCharleston.Hewoundhiswaythroughabusinessdistrict,

wherestorefrontswereeitherinseveredisrepairorboardedup.

Hecheckedhisphoneandtappedatthemaponthescreen.Hedroveonforalittlelonger,untilwe

werestoppedinfrontofanoldbrickstorefront,thefadedsignssaiditusedtobeahardwarestore.
Cardboardandnewspapercoveredthefrontwindow.Partofitwaspaintedoverwithgraffiti.

Silascontinuedonagainandparkedacoupleofblocksawayagainstthecurb.HeandIwere

unlatchingourseatbeltswhensuddenlymydooropened.

Silasinstantlygrabbedmyarm,tuggingmetowardhimprotectively.
Dr.Greenpoppedhisheadinonmyside,lookingatmeandthensmiled.“Goodmorningbeautiful,”

hesaid.Hewaswearingalightbluecollaredshirt,andtanslacksandlookedlikehehadactuallygotten
somesleep,becausehiseyeswerewideawakeandplayful.

“Youshouldn’tsneakuponus,”Silassaid,slowlyreleasingme.“Ialmostpunchedyou.”
“Youshouldlookbeforeyoupunch,”Dr.Greensaid.Hewinkedatmeandthenheldhishandout.

“Comeon,Sang.Ionlyjustheardyouwerecomingalong.”

“Ididn’tknowyouwerehere,”Isaidandtookhishand,steppingoutontothesidewalkbesidehim.
“Ifwecanconvincethesekidstotrustus,Ishouldtakethemovertothehospitalforphysicals.”He

closedthecardoorbehindmeandSilasjoinedusonthesidewalk.Dr.Greenmotionedtoanalleyway.
“Comeon,we’rehidingoverhere.Ijustgothere,too.”

Iwalkedbesidethemandaroundthecorner,Kota,VictorandNathanwerewaiting.Theywere

crouchedontopofsomeoldcrates,andVictorlookedstylishbutoutofplaceinhisArmanishirtand
blackslacks.Hehadhislaptoponacrateinfrontofhim,andworeaheadset.Nathanwasinjeansanda
tankshirtwithalightjacket,andworeaheadset,too.KotawasinjeansandalongsleeveT-shirt,and
hadhisphoneoutinhishand.

HelookedupandIcouldtellfromthatoneglancehewasn’tcompletelycomfortablewithmebeing

there,buthechangedhisexpressionquicklytoapleasantsmile.“Goodmorning,”hesaid.

Inoddedandsaidaquietgoodmorning.Wasthistaskthatdangerousthathedidn’tlikemetobe

involved?

“They’reinside,”Victorsaid.Hereachedback,pullingupanothercrate.Hepositioneditbesidehim

andthenlookedatmepointedly,tappingthetopofthecrate.Igotthehintandsatbesidehim.Hesmiled
andhisfireeyessparked.“Lukesnuckinalready.He’sdoneaheadcount.There’sseven.”

“Arethereanymorearoundhere?”Dr.Greenasked.
“Hecan’ttell,”Victorsaid.“He’sonlyseentheseven.They’reallinthebackroom.Ithinkit’sthe

mostsecure,andthere’splentyofescaperoutes.Lukesawafewnoisemakertrapsnearthedoors.It’slike
they’vedonethisbefore:squattinginanabandonedplace,knowingtoruniftheyhearanythingunusual.”

“They’rejustkids?”Dr.Greenasked.
“Lookslike,”Kotasaid.Hefinishedwithhisphoneandthenputitinhispocket.“Weneedtoget

Silaswired.”

“He’sgoinginalone?”Iasked.
“Helookslikethem,”Kotasaid.“Theymighttrusthim.”
IlookedatSilas,whostoodtallandbroadshouldered.IrememberedhowthefirsttimeImethim,I

hadbeenalittleintimidated.“Areyousure?”Iasked.

Theboyssharedglanceswitheachother,andtheneveryoneturnedtoSilas.
Silasshiftedonhisfeet,lookinguncertain.“Idon’texactlylooktheirage.”
“You’rebig,butyou’refine,”Kotasaid.
“You’veknownhimfortoolong,”Dr.Greensaid.“Youhavetolookathimasifyou’venevermet

himbefore.Maybehelooksthesamerace,buthe’sstillastrangerandifhe’sintimidating,theymayrun.
Ifthathappens,wedon’tstandachancetofindthemagain.”

“We’restilltakingarisk,”Kotasaid.“Hedoesn’tspeakSpanish,Nathandoes,andhe’sjustas

intimidating.”

“MaybeIshouldgo,”Isaid.
“No,”Kotasaid.
“Kota,”Dr.Greensaid,steppingcloser.“Wedon’thavealotoftime,andMr.Blackbournethought

it’dbeusefulifshewerehere.”

“Notwhenwedon’tknowifthey’llattackanyofusonsight.”
“Ithinkthey’remorepronetorunningthanfighting.Andthey’dbeevenlesspronetofightifSilasis

nexttoher.”

“Luke’sintherealready,”Victorsaid.“Hecanwatchoutforher.”
“AndIcouldfollowinbehind,”Nathansaid.
Kota’seyessweptoverhisteam,hisgreeneyesdancingbehindhisglasses,calculating.Hetouched

gentlyatthebridge.“There’smoreatrisktherethanthat,too.Idon’tknowifwecanaffordit.”

Iwaitedformoredetail,hopinghewasgoingtoexplainwhywecouldn’taffordit.Affordwhat?I

checkedwiththeothers.Theylookedanxious,browsfurrowed,lipspursed.Theywerestartingtochange
theirminds.“Idon’tunderstand,”Isaid.

“It’scomplicated,”Victorsaidquietly.Hesweptbacksomeofhiswavyhairfromhiseyes.
“IfMr.Blackbournewantsherhere,”Dr.Greensaid,“thenhethinkswecanaffordit.Nomatterwhat,

thejobwillcoverit.”

“Weneedthefavors,”Kotasaid.“We’rerunninglow.”
“Whatfavor?”Iasked.“Weneedfavors?”Thiswasdifferent.Itwasn’tjustaboutKotamakingsureI

wassafe.TherewerereasonsbeyondwhatIwasseeing;Kotawaslookingatalltheangles.

Theireyesturnedtome.Kotamadeaface.“Weneedtostoptalkingaboutit.”
“Maybenottalkingaboutitwithheristheproblem,”Silassaid.
Theyturnedtohim.Hewasusuallysoquietwhenwewerealltogether,thathearinghisvoicenow

wassurprising.Ilookedupathim,andheseemedsomuchtallersinceIwassittingonthecrate.

SilasmetwithKota’seyes,lookingcalmandcomposed.“Iknowthisisn’ttheplace,”hesaid,“but

thereasonwhyshejumpsinhalfofthetimeisbecauseshedoesn’tknowwhatisexpectedandhowthis
works.Mr.Blackbourneisright.She’seitherinorout.Wecan’thaveherinthemiddle.Notwhenshe’s
workingwithuslikethis.”

“Weneedtotalkaboutitlater,”Dr.GreensaidbeforeKotaorVictorcouldspeak.“Rightnow,there

arelittlelivesinthereandweneedtogogetthem.”

“CanIgoinafterSilas?”Iasked.“Wouldthatbebetter?Iftheyrespondtohim,Idon’thaveto.I’ll

onlysaysomethingifthey’rescaredofhim.”

“Shelookstheirage,”Dr.Greensaid.“Comeon,Kota.You’vegottoseeshecanhandlethis.They

arejustkidsinthere.”

“Scaredkids,”Kotasaid.
“Whowanttorunoff,notfight,”Victorsaid.
Kotafrowned.
“Icango,too,”Nathansaid.“Icanpullheroutiftheydostartfighting.”
Kotapressedapalmagainsthisface.“Okay.Fine.Butweneedtocovertheexits,andifweneedto,

we’llguidethemtoasaferhidingspotbeforewecantryagain.”

Victortappedathiscomputer.“There’sanAcademydistrictafewblockstothesouth.”
TheAcademyhadadistrict?FromthewayVictorsaidit,itsoundedliketherewasmorethanone.I

pressedmylipstogether.Nowwasn’tthetimetoask.

“Livedin?”Kotaasked.
“Beingrefitted,”hesaid.“Wejustreclaimedit.Butit’sclearedrightnow,andtherearemonitorsin

thearea.”

“It’llhavetodo.Iftheydon’twanttogowithus,we’llhavethemgothere.”HeturnedtoNathan.

“Convincethemthatauthoritiesarelookingtoteardownthisplace.Theyhavetomove,youknowasafe
location.I’llhaveNorthgoaheadanddeposititemsinoneofthehousesandopenitup.”

Nathannodded.“Justletmeknowwhichone.Wecanwalkthemover,iftheyletus.”
“Doit,”hesaid.
“Here,”Victoropenedhispalm,revealingthreesmallearpieces.“Putthesein.”
SilasandNathantookoneeach.Istartedtoreachfortheotherone,butVictorshiftedtoholdit

betweenhisfingers,showingittome.“Thisisanearbug.You’llhearus,andIcanhearyouifyoutalk.It
doesn’thaveagreatrange,andthere’sashortbatterylife,butit’sthebestwaytostayincontactwithout
lookinglikeyou’rewired.”

“Oh,”Isaid.Itseemedreallysophisticated,butitlookedlikejustanearbudyou’dgetfroma

headphoneset,justdetachedfromthewire.

“I’llputitin,”hesaid.Ileanedover.Hepulledasidesomeofmyhairandthengentlyinsertedtheear

bugintomyear.Hetracedmyearlobegently.“Isthatokay?Comfortable?”

“It’sfine,”Isaid.Itfeltlikeanearbud.That’sall.Iwasmoreworrieditmightslipfurtherintomyear

andIwouldn’tbeabletopullitout.Itseemedtoholdinplace,though.

“Ineedaheadset,”Kotasaid.“There’sthree.”
“IwantSang’sheadset,”Dr.Greensaid.
“Ishouldhaveit,”Victorsaid.
Kotarolledhiseyes.“YoushouldbepayingattentiontoLuke,Victor.”
IstoodbetweenSilasandNathaninfrontoftheoldhardwarestore.Feelingsmallbetweenthetwoof

them,Iswallowed,staringatthedoors,wonderingwhattodo.

They’dblockedofftheotherexistswithKotaandDr.Greenmonitoring.Victorwasinthealley.
“WhereisMr.Blackbourne,anyway?”Iasked.
“Keepingourtailsbusy,”Nathansaid.
I’dalmostforgotten,butitmadesensethatsomeonehadtostopthemfromchasingusaroundwhen

theyweredoingthingslikethis.Mr.Hendrickshadn’tgivenuptryingtocatchusoutwithsomethingthat
wouldgettheboyskickedoutofschool.

Silas,withoutsayingaword,movedtotheleft.Nathanfollowed,andIdid,too.Hewasprobably

gettinginstructionsfromKota.

“Howareyoudoing,Pookie?”Dr.Greensaidsoftlyinmyear.
“Fine,”Isaid,withasmileatmylipsattheendearingnickname.“Howareyou,Dr.Sean?”
“Don’ttalktoomuch,”hesaid.“Ifyou’regoingin,youshouldbequietsoyoudon’tspookthemtoo

early.”

“Okay,”Iwhispered.
“Haven’tseenyoumuchoutsideofschoollately,”hesaid.
“Ithoughtyouwereworking.”
“Ishouldbringyoutoworkwithme.”
“Okay,”Isaid,wantingtosaysomethingmore,butwewereapproachingthedoor.
“I’llholdyoutothat,”hesaid.
“Areweready?”Nathanaskedasheputhishandonthedoor.
Silasnodded.Istoodbehindhim,waiting.
Nathantwistedthehandleandopenedthedoorslowly.IwaswonderinghowLukemanagedtoget

insidewithoutthekidsinthereknowingaboutit.Ididn’tseeawayinfromtheroof,andthewindows
wereboardedup.

I’dseenafewAcademyjobs.SomeIdidn’tknowthefullreasonfor.Thiswasoneofthefirstones

whereI’dbeeninvitedalong,andsortofunderstoodthepurpose.Therewerekids,runawaysperhaps,
insidethisbuildingandtheywantedtotakethemtoasafeplaceandfigureoutwhattodowiththem.It
seemedlikesomethingthepolicemighthandle.ItmademewonderhowtheAcademychosetodocertain
things,likethejobatschool.Whatdrovethem?

Nathanstuckhisheadinthroughthedoorway,checkedouttheinsidequicklyandthensteppedback.

Hemotionedtome.“Youshouldgoinfirst,”hesaid.

Myeyeswidened.“IsaidIwouldbebehindSilas.”
“Iftheyseeyoufirst,theymaynotbolt,”Nathansaid.“Iwasjustthinking.Imean,it’saculturalthing

IlearnedinalanguageclassIwastakingattheuniversity.Silasmightlookthepart,buthe’sstill
intimidating.Weneedthemtolisten.Ifwepushthemtoohard,they’lljustrun.That’showitiswhenthey
crosstheborderillegally.They’llrunandscatter.”

“DoIsayanything?”
“Sayhola.”
Irepeatedtheword.“Justsaythat?”Iasked.“Oneword?”
“I’lltakecareoftherest.”
IglancedbackatSilas,whonodded,lookingconcerned,butwhourgedmeinsidewithawaveofhis

hand.

Iwantedtogetitoverwith.AtleastIhadtheboyscoveringme.
Isteppedinside,wheretheroomwaslitteredwithfastfoodwrappers,beerandsodacans,andthe

smellwashorrifying.ItwasacoolOctoberday,butthedampnessfromoutsideseepedin,soitwaschill
intheshadows.Therewaswallshelving,halftorndown.Someheldoldcansofpaint,thelabelsfaded
andpeeling.

Icringed,makingmyselfassmallaspossible.Therewassomuchtolookatthatitwashardtofocus

infrontofmeandnotonthefloorsoIdidn’tstepintosomething.IcheckedbackwithNathan,who
pointedforward.

“You’redoinggreat,sweetheart,”Dr.Greensaidquietlyinmyear.
Iwantedtosaysomethingbackbutstoppedmyself.
Aheadwereacoupleofdoors.Nathanpointedtoone.Iopeneditandtherewasasmallhallway.It

woundaroundtotheback.

“Sayit,”Nathanwhispered.
“Hola?”Icalledoutsoftly.
Therewasasmallstirring,butnothingmore.
Nathanshooedmeintothehallway.Silasfollowed,myshadow.Nathancoveredthedoor.Hecircled

hishand,encouragingmetokeepgoing.

“Hola?”Isaidagain,tryingtosayitalittlelouder.
“Si?”cameavoice.
“Shhh,”Anotheronesaid.
Isteppedcloser,pausinginthedoorwayattheendofthehallwayandlookingin.
Inside,Icouldonlyseetwokids.Theyweretallerthanme.Aboyandagirl.Thestoodwithhands

clutched,eyeswild.

Frombehindthemcameanothervoice.ThisonespokeinSpanish,toofastformetoeventrytocatch

upwith.

“Shhh,”saidthegirl.
“Hola,”Isaidquietly.
Thegirllookedatme,hereyebrowsgoingtogether.Theboytiltedhishead.TheyworejeansandT-

shirts,theirclothesdirtyandill-fitting.

Istoodquietly,thinkingitbesttomoveslowlysotheycouldsizemeup.“Areyouallokay?”Iasked

quietly.“DoanyofyouspeakEnglish?”

Againtheystaredatme.Iwasn’tsureiftheynotwerewillingtotalkbecauseIwasastrangerorthey

didn’tunderstand.

Iheldmyhandoutslowly,inanI-won’t-hurt-youmotion,thenIpointedtomyself.“Sang,”Isaid.

“MynameisSang.”

Again,noreply.
IlookedbackatSilasandNathanwhowerestilloutofsightinthehallway.
Thetwomovedtogether,slowly.Ilookedbackatthekids,whowereeasingover,lookingatthedoor

andthenatme.

Nathanappearedfirst.Thegirlstartedtobackup,eyeswide,andsheturned,grippingoneofthe

smallerkidswhohadbeenhidingbehindher.Thechildlookedtobebarelyayearold.Theboystartedto
openthedoor.

Itcaught.Therewassomethingblockingitbehindit.
“Wait,”Isaidquietly.“Wewon’thurtyou.”
“Noteharemosdaño,”Nathansaid.
Theboystopped,puttinghisbacktothedoorframe.Hemadefists.“Vete.Nosotrosnoqueremos

aquí.¿Cómoseenteródenosotros?”

Ididn’tneedNathantointerprettotellmehewaswarningustobackoffandgoaway.
“Wewon’thurtyou,”Nathansaid.HesaidsomethinginSpanishandIunderstoodhewasrepeating

himselfintheirlanguage.Hesaidsomethingelse,too,longer.“Wewanttohelp.”

Theboystartedtotalk.Thegirltalkedoverhim,bothinSpanish.
Silasstartedtoretreatbehindus.Wherewashegoing?Hewastappingathishead,tiltingitand

listening.Hewentbacktothefront.

Iturnedmyattentiontothegroup.Nowthatthetwoolderoneshadmoved,IrealizedwhatI’dthought

wasshadowbeforewasactuallytheotherkids.Icountedallseven:fourboys,threegirls.Thetwooldest
oneslookedtobeourage,andtherestrangedallthewaydowntotheoneyearold.Sevenwide-eyed
dirtyfaceslookedatus,waitingfortheolderonestotellthemwhattodo.

Myhearttuggedatthesightofthesmalleroneswholookedterrified.Ifonlytheyknew.We’dhelpif

they’dletus.

Nathanstartedtalkingthen.HerattledoninSpanish,withoutlookingatme,completelyfocusedonthe

kids.Headdressedtheboythenthegirl.Theboyinterruptedhim,soundingdefensiveandthenmadea
shooingmotion,warningustogoaway.Nathanhelduphishands,spokeagain,motionedtomeandthen
continuedtalking.

I’dneverheardNathanuseSpanish.Iwasn’tevensureIhadknownhecouldspeakthelanguage.I

learnednewthingsabouttheboysallthetime;thatonemorenewthingcroppedupdidn’tsurpriseme,I
wasjustinaweofhisability.

Isteppedcloser,tryingtolookunthreatening.
Oneofthekidslookedoutfrombehindtheothers,staringrightatme.Ismiled,ortriedto.Iwas

mostlytryingnottohidebehindNathanandfeelsonervous,likeonefalsemovecouldsendthemall
scattering.

Footstepsreturnedbehindus.IturnedtoseeSilaswasback,carryingbottlesofwater,andontop

wereacoupleofplasticbags.

ThemomentSilassteppedintoview,theboyandthegirlimmediatelypulledback.Theboyjammed

hisshoulderintothedoor.Thegirlbarkedatthelittleones.Iimaginedshewastellingthemtogetready
torun.

“Wait!”Icried,holdingupmyhands.
“¡Espera!”Nathansaid.“Please,don’trun.”
Theboystoppedforamoment,butkepthisgriponthedoorknob.
Isteppedbackslowly,takingsomeofthebottlesofwaterfromSilas.Ithoughtit’dbebetterifIdidit.
Ituckedoneunderanarm,openedtheotherandthenbroughtthembothforward,holdingthemoutto

thegirl.

Thegirlstaredatme.
“Trajimosagua,”Nathansaid,inacalmervoice.“Water.Webroughtwater.Agua.”
Silassuddenlysteppedforward.“Agua,”hesaidquietlyslightlyaccented.

Theyseemedtorelaxatthis,studyingthetwoofthem.
“Pensamosqueestabassediento.Podemoshablar?”Nathansaid.
“Podemoshablar?”Silasrepeated.
Iheldoutthebottlesagain,steppingforwardoncemore.
Thegirlsteppedforward,takingthebottlesfromme.Shepassedthemtothekids,whospilledout

frombehindhertograbatthebottles.

“We’vegotmore,”Isaid,takingtheotherbottlesfromSilasandopeningone.
Silasknelt,andthekidscameup,eachtakingtheirownfromhim.Ihelpedthesmalleronesopenthe

bottles.

Theoldergirlkeptaneyeonus,listeningasNathanandtheboytalked.
IleanedintoSilas.“Ithinkwedidit,”Iwhispered.
“Goodjob,Pookie,”Dr.Greensaidinmyear.
Thesatisfactionsettledin.Wedidit.Yes,IdefinitelywantedintotheAcademy.Ifthiswasajob,and

theboyswereparticipatinginhelpingotherpeople,thiswaswhatIwantedtodo.

TheAcademy

TheGhostBirdSeries

TheOtherSide

Envy

♥

BookEight

♥

WrittenbyC.L.Stone

Publishedby

ArcatoPublishing

CominginApril2015

ABOUTC.L.STONE

Certification

MarvelourofWonder
ActiveParticipantofScarySituations
OfficialMemberofF.A.M.E.

Experience
Spent an extraordinary number of years with absolutely no control over the capping of imagination,

fun,andcuriosity.Willinglytakespartinimpossibleproblemsonlytocomeupwiththemostludicrous
solution.Duetounfortunatecircumstances,willnolongerexperiencefeelingonasmallspotonmyleft
calf.

Document Outline

The Academy - House of Korba (The Ghost Bird Series, #7)
The Academy
Donation Cups and Bat Signals
Rebuilding
The Life of a Korba
Complicated Dating
Korba Family Dynamics
Boyfriends and Girlfriends
Invisible Brother
Flirting
Camillia
Focus Your Efforts
Costume Design
Lost Him Already
The Three Amigos | Hunt for Theo
School Lessons
Worse
Unexpected Terrorists
Unyielding
Doing the Unexpected
Pranks
How The Greeks Invented Kissing
The Darkest Secrets Always Find The Light
Boo
~A~
Thank you!
The Academy
A Peek Inside | the Academy
The Academy

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