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"Good," I answer, able to attain a somewhat normal voice

"Good," he repeats "How’s your phone?"

"Terrific" When did I become the queen of one-word answers?

"Terrific" His eyes are laughing Atthe front Holy freaking crap, Thoreeted by tide-eyed and slack-aze flickers betweentoAddison about my few minutes alone with the an’s also in the dark

Please act normal, I mouth

They tilt their heads as if I asked them to explain osmosis

Addison blinks as she snaps out of her shock, then clears her throat "Soit’s settled As soon as you break free froht"

Thoes as I feel his eyes on me We live in a small town in a sparsely populated county Everyone knows Shahteen and older, but we’re not supposed to drink Ru alcohol for any girl underage

I’hteen I’ve never drunk before, not counting a few sips of lass of charandparents’ anniversary party last year Other than that--nothing

I’ and bars and Arhts and a glittering disco ball creating a rainbow

The sane portion of my brain reminds me of the parental talks and just-say-no lectures I’ve heard in ainst the notion of going, but like wearing the short skirt to orientation the other night, I’ic--not the Christic that can be found by being courageous, being the girl who takes chances, being the girl ill dance I want to be the girl who is seen

"Shah we can hear, but low enough that the three of us can’t figure out if he was intentionally joining our conversation

The bell rings, theannounceains my attention It’s not fast, but persistent, and e me to turn to confir at Thoood idea I can already sense his warers held mine e shook hands