Page 47 of Something Rad
It is?I look down at my watch in disbelief, but find she’s right.
She starts to leave, then turns back. “Oh, I almost forgot. You guys are off the hook tomorrow.”
“What do you mean?” Cooper asks, her voice straining.
“We’re having the carpet cleaned in here tomorrow after school, so you guys get the day off.”
“Really?” Cooper asks. “But–”
“Yes, Sara,” Ms. Rose chuckles. “Enjoy your time off. Relax. Or, hey, go take the time to shop for a new outfit for the Back to School Dance next Friday!”
I blink a few times, realization hitting me.
Back to School Dance? Is that already next Friday?
An idea suddenly forms in my head, bringing a smile to my lips.
“Great, thanks, Ms. Rose,” I say, my feet launching into gear. I pause briefly as I reach the end of the bookshelf. “Oh– Uh, see ya, Cooper,” I call over my shoulder, throwing her a wave before grabbing my backpack and heading out the doors to freedom.
I’ve got a second chance to plan for.
eleven
SARA
I drain the last drop from my Jolt Cola, crushing the can in my fist before dropping it in the trash can.
Why?
It’s basically the only thing that’s been swirling through my mind since yesterday afternoon.
JustWhy? Why? Why?With the occasionalStupidthrown in there.
I can’t believe I let Robbie Summers of all people weasel his way into my brain like that. And so easily.
Why?
I’ve replayed our conversation from yesterday a hundred times in my head, and each time I find myself more irritated with Robbie and more embarrassed at myself. What business did he have asking me all of that? And what delusion did I have in telling him? It’s not like we’re friends. I find myself chuckling out loud. It’s not even like welikeeach other.
Stupid.
He was just driving me insane making those completely absurd assumptions about me and then pestering me with all of his questions once I called him out on it. And then there was that littlegameof his, which I realized after the fact that he completely derailed at some point, only askingmea stream of questions until I just started word vomiting my whole life story to him.
Why?
Stupid.
I shake my head at myself.
Why would I tell him any of that? I barely open up to Alice and my mom about our financial struggles at home and my NYU situation. Much less do I babble on to them about my greatest hopes and dreams like some doe eyed child.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
I suppose Iwasthe one to start that whole topic of conversation, but…the question just came out.
Why?
I just can’t understand why someone like Robbie, with such a clear and set future, would seem not to care at all about it. That he would…just be so willing to throw it away. Then again, I guess it’s not much of a concern to rock the boat when you’re riding in a yacht.
