Page 230 - My FlipBook

L IS A J. L A W R E N C E

“I saw Mr. Abbott today, and he registered us in math and
social studies at Masters Continuing Education in July and
August. They don’t offer languages then, so we’ll have to do
French online.”
“But I don’t even need French!”
“I couldn’t convince him otherwise, not after your
inspiring ‘I need to be a French teacher’ speech.”
Ash sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Fine.”

“You’re welcome.”
He smiled. “Thank you, Greta.” They would finish two
months late, without the stupid ceremony, but they would
graduate.
Then the last of her energy evaporated. She slipped away,
needing a quiet space. While her muscles felt spent, weak,
her frame held tall, strong. She’d lifted a car over her head ADVANCE READING COPY

and flung the whole thing into a gully. Collapsing on Ash’s
bed, Greta closed her eyes. Rachel’s and Dylan’s red faces,
their sputtering, their anger and shame—no longer her own.
She should start wearing a cape.
Alice ended up staying for supper, Elgin pleased to find
her there when he came out of his room. He rushed (Elgin-
style, so more like a fast shuffle) through his plant care to
be ready to sit and eat with them. Nate made taco soup, half
of the ingredients pilfered from his own kitchen. “I’ll keep a

bowl for my dad,” he said, glancing guiltily in the direction of
his house.
By nine o’clock Greta’s eyelids only opened halfway. “I’m
going to bed,” she told the others, who were playing cards at

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