Page 10 of Introvert

"Hi, Frey," I said. "Where are you?"

"Hey," she said, sounding relieved, "I'm glad you picked up."

"Of course, is everything okay?"

"Yeah, fine." There was a pause. "Well, fine-ish," she amended.

"No idea what that means."

"I need to tell you something, Ror."

"Okay," I said. "Ihave something to tell youtoo. A big something." Remembering the kiss, my brain went fuzzy. I wanted torelive everything, examine every detail,but I forced myself to focus. "Are you almost here?The bus is leaving soon."

"That's why I'm calling," she said. "You go ahead and get on the bus.I'm on my way to—"

After a few seconds of silence, I looked down at my phone.

The screen was black.

I tapped it a few times.

Nothing.

Brow scrunched, I frowned. Of course, my phone died right when I needed it most. Of course.

But Freya was on her way.

She'd show up any second.

Squaring my shoulders, I closed the distanceto the bus's open door. Three steps. They looked steepand dauntingfrom here. But it was just three steps for goodness sakes.

Essie was staring at me from the driver's seat, watching as I hesitated at the threshold. Her tone was brisk, but her eyes were soft as she said, "You getting on?"

"Yes," I said.

I could do this.Pulling my suitcase up behind me, I took each step slowly—but surely.

Once I was at the top, I smiled.

There.

That wasn't so bad.

Musicdrifted on the air along with several voices. I looked to my left—and promptly froze. Asmall hallway led to a seating area nearthe front of the bus.It looked like most of the members of HERS were gathered there.I'd memorized their pictures, so I'd feel more prepared. But I hated being late to class—or anything really—for this reason. Walking in front of people, feeling all those eyes on me, was so not my idea of a good time.Thankfully, no one had noticed me yet.

"Who are we waiting for again?" Hayden asked.

Dark wavy hair, gray eyes, way-too-pretty face.He was absently strumming an acoustic guitar.

"Don't know, but I hope they get here soon," Santino said, throwing a ball into the air and catching it. Over and overagain. "I'm bored."

A scoff. "Then do something productive."

"Like what?"

"Like anything.How about reading a book?"

A laugh rang out, then Santino paused. "Oh, were you serious?"

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