Page 11 of Something Rad
“Yes, I’m taking photos.”
For the yearbook I won’t be the editor of, I don’t add.
“See, that’s a great start! Mingle. Get to know some of your classmates.”
“I’ve known them all since kindergarten.”
“Okay, but do you ever actually speak to any of them?” Mr. Hughes questions me. “Other than that Quinn girl?”
My wince is answer enough for Mr. Hughes.
“That’s what I thought,” he says. “Maybe give it a try on Friday.”
“Do I have to?” I ask.
“Run for class president,” Mr. Hughes says, ignoring my questions. “You can do it, Sara. I have all my faith in you. Have a little faith in yourself.”
I sigh, meeting his gaze. “I’m not sure how much faith can help me here, Mr. Hughes.”
His lips purse. “Promise me you’ll think about it at least?”
I look away for a moment before returning my gaze to him. I slowly force a soft smile to my face. “Sure,” I say. “I’ll think about it.”
“Fantastic.”
“Thanks, Mr. Hughes,” I say, giving him a wave as I turn and make my way out of the classroom.
Yeah, that’s an easy promise. I’ll be thinking about it, alright.
Thinking about how I have no chance in hell of making this happen.
four
ROBBIE
I push my way out of the front door of the school, pausing at the top of the steps to slip my sunglasses on. I swivel my head from side to side for a few moments, scanning the parking lot. When I’m unsuccessful in finding my target, I slide my headphones off my head, as if the lack of music in my ears will suddenly make my eyesight better. Regardless, I tell myself it works.
Because there she is.
Bingo.
I jog down the steps, taking them two at a time, and across the parking lot, slowing my pace to a tiptoe as I approach her.
Well, look at that. She’s walking right by my Camaro.
A grin pulls at my lips.
How convenient.
As soon as I’m at her back, I shoot my hands out, wrapping them around her face to cover her eyes.
Denise jolts against me, letting out a squeal of surprise.
“Oh my God!” she giggles. “You scared me!”
Ginger Matthews, her friend and fellow cheerleader that she was walking with, stops in her tracks, turning back to find the source of the commotion. I smile at her, greeting her with a nod. Her eyes dart between me and Denise, an odd expression that I don’t understand passing over her face for a moment. But then she seems to snap out of it, giving me a small smile and a wave of her hand.
I pull Denise back so that she’s flush with my chest, bending down to whisper in her ear, deepening my voice to disguise it. “Guess who.”
