Page 39 of Broken Secrets
“That would be so cool.”
Maya catches my eye and I can tell she’s thinking the same thing I am, that it might not be that simple. Having a sister you’ve never met isn’t like gaining a best friend.It’s more complicated, with more potential for both joy and disappointment.
The bell rings, signaling five minutes until fifth period.
“Mr. Henderson’s class,” Maya says, gathering her trash. “Catalina discussion today.”
Right. The senior class trip to Catalina Island. It feels like a lifetime ago that I was excited about snorkeling and marine biology labs. Now I’m wondering if I should even go, with everything happening with Emma.
Mr. Henderson’s classroom buzzes with energy as students file in. There’s a palpable excitement in the air that I recognize from past class trips, that anticipatory joy that comes with sanctioned escape from routine.
“All right, settle down,” Mr. Henderson calls over the chatter. “I know you’re excited about Catalina, but we need to go over some final details.”
He pulls up a presentation on the smartboard showing photos of the island, pristine beaches, crystal-clear water, the marine biology research station where we’ll be staying. The images should make me excited, but instead I feel oddly detached from it all.
“The boat leaves Long Beach at 8 AM sharp,” Mr. Henderson continues. “If you’re not there, you don’t go. No exceptions. We’ll arrive at Avalon around 10:30, then take a bus to the research station.”
Sophie raises her hand. “What about roommate assignments?”
“I’ll be posting those this afternoon.”
Maya leans over and whispers, “Please tell me we’re in the same cabin.”
I hope so too, though part of me wonders if I’ll be good company right now. My head is so full of Emma and Jeremyand family complications that I’m not sure I can muster the enthusiasm this trip deserves.
“The marine biology component includes tide pool exploration, underwater observation sessions, and data collection for your final projects,” Mr. Henderson says. “This isn’t just a fun trip; you’ll be doing real scientific work.”
Derek, sitting a few rows ahead of me, turns around and grins. “Think you can handle identifying sea anemones while you’re processing family drama?”
His whispered comment makes me smile for the first time all day. “Multitasking is my specialty.”
“We’ll also have evening programs,” Mr. Henderson continues. “Night hikes, campfire discussions, and a talent show the last night.”
“A talent show?” Sophie practically bounces in her seat. “I’m definitely doing a dance routine.”
“The weather forecast looks perfect,” Mr. Henderson says, clicking to a slide showing sunny skies and calm seas. “Highs in the mid-seventies, light winds. Ideal conditions for all our planned activities.”
“When do we leave?” someone calls out.
“One week from today. That gives you time to finish your preparation packets and gather your gear.” He gestures to a stack of papers on his desk. “Make sure you pick up your final information sheet before you leave. It has everything from the packing list to emergency contact procedures.”
As class winds down, students cluster around Mr. Henderson’s desk to grab their information sheets and ask last-minute questions. I hang back, watching the excitement and camaraderie, trying to figure out how I feel about spending three days away from home right now.
“You okay?” Maya asks, appearing at my elbow.
“Just thinking about timing. A lot is happening at home right now.”
“Give yourself some space to process everything without the immediate pressure of family drama.”
She has a point. Three days of focusing on marine biology and hanging out with friends might be exactly what I need. Or it might be three days of missing important developments with Emma while I’m stuck on an island without cell service.
Derek joins us as we file out of the classroom. “Excited about Catalina?”
“Getting there,” I say. “Are you rooming with the usual suspects?”
“Not sure yet. What about you?”
“Hopefully Maya, Sophie, and whoever else Mr. Henderson assigns to keep us in line.”
