Page 129 - My FlipBook

T R A I L O F C R U M B S

money asap. She bent over for a drink at a water fountain in
the “safe” hallway. As she stood up, she nearly plowed into
Rachel. Real Rachel this time, with her glossy black hair and a
cute little shirt. Rachel stumbled back onto Matt’s toes, surprise
stealing any expression from their faces for a second. Dylan
and Chloe followed a few steps behind, his arm slung over
her shoulder. It was the at-school-in-your-underwear dream.
A root canal without freezing. Every bad thing all at once.

Matt reacted first, looking as if he smelled something bad.
Rachel’s eyes examined the lockers, top to bottom. Dylan and
Chloe sauntered up and stopped. Dylan tried not to laugh,
and Chloe had an I won, loser smile. Greta repented of every
bad thought she’d ever had about Priya and Angela. This was
how it felt to be on the other side.
Dylan stepped forward, pushing past Matt and Rachel.

His face got serious, leaning in close. She recoiled, the water
fountain digging into her leg. Adrenaline buzzed in every
limb, her heart pounding. She had once wanted that face
close to hers, wanted to touch that body. Now his proximity
scorched her.
“Boo!” he whispered. Then he stepped back, laughing.
Chloe and Matt sniggered. Rachel’s face reddened.
Priya walked up behind them and took it all in—Greta
shrinking from their cold laughter. She had missed the words

but understood everything. “Grow up, you guys.” She cuffed
Matt and Dylan on the backs of their heads. “Four against
one isn’t even fair.” Her eyes held Greta’s for a second before
moving past, pulling them all forward.

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