Page 30 of Forever Golden

My hand grips the door to the locker room, but before I can pull it open, my phone rings. And seeing as how it’s the new one, which only a handful of people have the number to, it startles me.

“Hey. Hello?” I answer, listening for Scar to respond.

“Did I get it right? Or was I supposed to call yourotherline,007?” she asks in a noticeably snarky tone.

The amount of questioning I had to dodge whilealsoconvincing her to accept the new phone is unbelievable. But, if this phone call is any indicator, she’s at least obliging. Even if she doesn’t understand.

“Very cute. What’s up?” I ask.

She sighs. “Shane’s texting someone, and I refuse to stand here looking like a loser.”

It’s impossible to miss how these sudden changes between them are affecting her.

“Well, tell me how school was, since you’re using me,” I tease, leaning against the brick wall near the drinking fountain.

“School was drab as usual. Although, therewasa fight in the teachers’ lounge before fourth period.”

“Wait, two students fought in the teacher’s lounge?”

“Nope,” Scar clarifies. “Twoteachersfought in the teachers’ lounge.”

I’m speechless, which has her laughing.

“Yeah, that’s pretty much beeneveryone’sreaction,” she says. “People are making all kinds of jokes about it, but it sounds like Ms. Pritchard’s been sleeping around with Ms. Sanchez’s fiancé.”

“Geez. Glad they’re around to set good examples for you guys,” I say with heavy sarcasm.

“Just another day at South Cypress,” she adds with a laugh.

I hold the phone away from my ear when one of my coaches passes by, pretending Scar’s callisn’tthe reason I’m not changed and in the gym. So, as soon as she’s gone, I pick up again.

“I should go. Ricky there to get you guys yet?” I ask, leaning to drink from the fountain before I head in.

“He texted Shane that he’s about a minute away, but don’t hang up. There’s some creepy guy hanging near the curb.”

My heart sinks. On anormalday, this isn’t news I’d want to hear from her. Now, given all that’s happened, I’m even more flustered by Scar’s update.

“Is he in a vehicle? Is he coming toward you guys?”

I’m aware of sounding just as frantic as I feel on the inside when asking, but there’s good reason to be concerned.

“Black van,” she answers. “He isn’t coming over or anything, but he keeps looking this way.”

I instantly go into panic-mode, patting both pockets for my keys. “You need to get inside the building, Scar. Now!”

“Don’t be weird,” she sighs. “Dude’s creepy, but I’m pretty sure it’s unnecessary to duck for cover, Blue. Chill.”

“Scar, I mean it!”

Yelling, I’ve earned the attention of several of my teammates as well as other students still lingering in the halls, but I don’t care.

“Shane’s with me. Relax.”

“Damn it! Why won’t you just listen to me for once!” I scream, running toward an exit now.

There’s silence on the other end and I fear that my headstrong sister just planted her feet even more firmly now that I’ve shouted at her.

“Fine,” she huffs. “I’m dragging Shane toward the door as we speak, but when are you gonna tell me what’s turned you into an insane person?” she whisper-shouts into my ear.

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