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Nahs, and quickly, too quickly, pats my shoulder My panic tenses everypulled byjuts out and kicks hi noise, and the genialcruel, the jovial light in his eyes twisting to malicious offense

"You little bitch –"

His hands reach for et to move any further, because soh of that"

And I recognize this voice, too

Dark jeans, a flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up Shoulders I know – shoulders I slept against a long ti up in the back It’s an illusion, it has to be

"And who the fk are you?" Nanizeinto our school records, but no prying into my photos? That’s lazy of you Lax I’d alo wide, but he quickly adopts a neutral face, a sht almost level with the newcomer’s

"We’re all here, then Fabulous The party can finally start It’s about damn time," Nameless sneers

He looks at the newco away down the well-lit sidewalk Like a spell, the paralysis lifts when he’s out of sight, and I gasp for air

"Shit, shit, rancid shit to stop It’ll take hours And it’s not just Na it

Jack Hunter turns to face me

It feels like years, but it’s only been months A few months He looks so much older – lines around his eyes that didn’t used to be there His face les of pubescence rounded off in a handsoid, clear blue, brows drawn tight

"Isis, I –"

I pull my fist back and punch hio even quieter Soht’, but no one moves Except Jack He slowly turns his head to h cheekbones I expect rage to ice over his eyes, but it never does

"Isis," he repeats, softer now

"Who the fk do you think you are, running off like that?"

Jack flinches (flinch? Jack? Never) but doesn’t break his gaze onshaking! I’ is the least homicidal of them! You left all of us! You just…disappeared! Your Mom, Wren, shit – everyone You left everyone behind!"