Page 95 of Escape Velocity
The zombie puts a hand up to his mouth like he’s trying to whisper to Mason. “I bet you’re gonna be the editor someday. I’ve heard horror stories about Fiona whats-her-name, I think you’ll do great if you keep going.”
Mason’s face nearly drops, but he doesn’t let it fall. “Maybe someday.”
The zombie looks at his costume and chuckles. “A pi-rate. That’s funny. Isn’t that a math thing, though?”
Jenna answers for Mason. “No, it’s because the party’s here at the Alpha Gamma Pi.”
The zombie nods. “That’s very funny. I mean—punny.”
Mason tries to not roll his eyes.
“Anyway, sorry we have to go, Mason’s feeling a little woozy,” Jenna says before pushing past the zombie.
“Keep writing, man! You’re the best!” the zombie says as Mason leaves.
Mason hunches his back as Jenna guides him. “I actually think I’m gonna be sick.”
Jenna gently pats him on the back. “Just get to the bushesfirst, okay?”
Mason lets Jenna guide him to the outer edges of the property and puts his hands on his knees as the yard begins to spin.
“Mason, are you okay?”
Mason shakes his head. “No.”
“What’s wrong? Do you need anything? Water? Maybe some food?”
“A time machine would be nice.”
Jenna furrows her eyebrows. “Huh?”
Mason shakes his head. “Never mind.”
“You don’t have to listen to them, you know,” Jenna says as Mason stands up to his full height.
He blows out a long breath. He knows he shouldn’t listen to what other people say so much, but how can he not? Everyone is telling him exactly what he’s already thinking.
That Callum’s supposed to be the life of the party, getting with any girl he wants, and to stick with the football players.
That Mason’s a great writer and should try to be the chief editor ofThe Goldbergand that he doesn’t belong in science. His peers, his classmates, his parents.
Why is he wasting so much time trying to prove everyone wrong? Why is there so much fight behind all of it?
“Maybe I should,” Mason says, rubbing his face tiredly.
Jenna shakes her head. “Mase, come on. These people don’t even know you.”
“I don’t think I even know me anymore,” Mason mutters.
Jenna rolls her eyes. “Now’s not the time to be cliché, Mase.”
Mason huffs. “Look, all of it is staring mestraight in the face, practically slapping me left and right telling me that this can’t work.”
“This?” Jenna asks.
Mason gesticulates his hands in every direction. “Me doing physics. Being with Callum. Keeping everything from everyone. Clearly, I’m a great liar, but how long can I keep doing this for? Denying what I know deep down?”
Jenna furrows her eyebrows. “Which is...?”
