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Our teacher writes on the dry-erase board: Zhofrph edfn, Vhqlruv!

The sights and sounds fade as es and translates the letters My notebook’s open andthe white paper E is the e T would be next followed by A, I, N, O, S

Our teacher’s talking Raive a hundred extra credit points to anyone who can solve the puzzle by the end of class She’s saying sos, too Like my name After a push of Addison’s elbow to e of time I’m pulled out of the zone when I hear, "I only respond to Razor"

Then our teacher says other things Things I should possibly pay attention to, but can’t

The wheels are spinning I write down each train of thought, watching the correct letters come up like dials of a combination lock Each click audible in her, and when the last letter falls into place, an turn at the sound, and so do others I use my hand to cover my answer because I don’t want anyone to know I cracked it I will not relive ain

Our teacher assesses me, then continues to summarize our syllabus Everyone else eventually faces forward and I allow lory

Forty minutes eventually pass We hear about rules and projects Books we’ll read and movies we’ll watch As always, there’s a discussion of expectations At the end, our teacher grants us tencloud-inspired sheep

The bell rings Addison and Reagan give me a quick ’bye and bolt, since their next class is on the opposite side of the building My class is down the hall, so I’ my stuff

The booted feet that were beside me are non back, and there’s a squeak as the desk behind me tips forward A quick scan confirms the classroom is empty Our teacher stands in the doorith her back toward us

"Are you really heading to Shaht?" Thomas is so near his breath tickles my neck and I like it way more than I should

"What if I a in h I should be afraid Close enough I wish he would edge nearer

"I ah without thinking Thoe warhtly His head is next tosmile The breath catches in my throat How can someone so beautiful be so lethal?

I hear you have to kill people to be ato say, but after o, I choose safe "I thought you weren’t allowed to wear your vest at school"