Table of Contents Cover Blurb: Unmaking Hunter Kennedy Dedication: 1: shiny black casket 2: stupid dumb crush 3: black

italian coffee 4: sexy chip eaters 5: crazy aint sexy 6: howie rutherford sucks 7: landing 8: spotting panic 9: gnomes and tumbleweeds 10: lying to jenna 11: my new bestie 12: dangerous driving 13: shopping with hells princess 14: clueless 15: loyalty, trust and a haircut 16: no going back 17: guy exposure works 18: promises promises 19: the incident revisited 20: the first test 21: awkward topics: a++ 22: test bunnies 23: invisible 24: drama class just got better 25: BGF is better than nothing 26: heart shaped rocks 27: what really happened 28: more favors and WTF? 29: dreams come true 30: lake swimming 31: guy language 32: love, hate, heaven and hell 33: holding his attention 34: creating my own demise 35: party pointers needed 36: just one peck 37: messing everything up: a++ 38: for the sake of practice 39: people missed, things forgotten 40: telling the truth 41: misunderstandings 42: too little too late

43: introductions About The Author RESOURCES

Cover Blurb: Unmaking Hunter Kennedy

After a ca r a cci d en t a n even t h e con si d ers a p ra n k g on e b a d j a d ed p op sta r, H u n ter Ken n ed y i s forced to h i d e ou t w i th h i s a u n t i n sm a l l - tow n C ol ora d o. H es Hu su p p osed to rest, h ea l h i s sca rs a n d a tten d h i g h sch ool i n d i sg u i se u n ti l th e p ress d i es d ow n . B u t h e on l y w a n ts to g et b a ck to w ork . Worse, th e g i rl w h os b een a ssi g n ed to ma k e h i m over i n to a g eek i s a m a j or g eek h ersel f. V ere Roth i s a ch a tteri n g p i xi e, a b l u sh i n g torn a d o a n d a comp l ete soci a l d i sa ster. Hes n ever met a g i rl w h os n ever- b een - k i ssed , b el i eves i n roma n ce a n d th i n k s H u n ters a n i ce g u y. Hu F u n n y th i n g i s Hu n ter i s n i ce a rou n d V ere b eca u se sh es h i s fi rst rea l fri en d . H e Hu a l so ca n t seem to stop sh a ri n g h i s secrets or k eep h er ou t of h i s h ea rt. Kn ow i n g h ed n ever d eserve a g i rl a s sw eet a s V ere, h e resi g n s h i msel f to th e fri en d zon e, m sel a n d h el p s h i s n ew b esti e w i th h er ow n ma k eover. Sh e tortu res h i m d a i l y for ri d i cu l ou s g u y a d vi ce on h ow to sn a g h er l i fe- l on g cru sh . A g u y Hu n ter th i n k s i s tota l l y w ron g for V ere, a n d sa d l y, on e w h o h a s ta k en Hu n ote of V eres stu n n i n g tra n sforma ti on . Wh en V ere a sk s h er b est fri en d for some k i ssi n g a d vi ce, Hu n ter ca n t resi st. An d som e Hu th a ts w h en th i n g s g et ou t of con trol

T h i s b ook i s a w ork of fi cti on . N a mes, ch a ra cters, p l a ces, a n d i n ci d en ts a re th e p rod u ct of th e a u th ors i ma g i n a ti on or a re u sed fi cti ti ou sl y. An y resemb l a n ce to a ctu a l even ts, p l a ces, org a n i za ti on s, or p erson s l i vi n g or d ea d , i s a coi n ci d en ce. U N MAKIN G HU N T E R KE N N E D Y P u b l i sh ed b y B u tterfl y B ook s, L L C Al l ri g h ts reserved . N o p a rt of th i s b ook m a y b e u sed or rep rod u ced i n a n y ma n n er w i th ou t w ri tten p ermi ssi on excep t i n th e ca se of b ri ef q u ota ti on s w i th i n cri ti ca l a rti cl es a n d revi ew s. F or i n forma ti on con ta ct w w w .b u tterfl yb ook sl l c.com C op yri g h t An n e Ma cF a rl a n e 2012 w ri ti n g a s An n e E l i ot w w w .a n n eel i ot.com @ya rom a n ce 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 ISB N : 978- 1- 937815- 02- 8 ( E - B ook ISB N Reg . B ow k er) B u tterfl y B ook s, L L C . F i rst E d . 2012, C a ta l og i n g In forma ti on : E l i ot, An n e U n ma k i n g Hu n ter Ken n ed y / An n e E l i ot Su m ma ry: Sw eet T een Roma n ce, fi rst l ove After a n a cci d en t a n d a su i ci d e a ttemp t, a teen p op sta r recoveri n g from d ep ressi on i s forced to move to C ol ora d o a n d l i ve i n d i sg u i se so h e ca n rest, b u t fa l l s i n l ove w i th th e g i rl n ext d oor. 1. Y ou n g Ad u l t Roma n ce & T een Rom a n ce ( C h i l d ren s L ove a n d Rom a n ce) J u ven i l e fi cti on . 2. Hi g h sch ool s F i cti on . 3. T een D ep ressi on F i cti on . 4. Soci a l An xi ety ( Soci a l Issu es) ( Soci a l Si tu a ti on s) E m oti on s a n d F eel i n g s 5. P op C u l tu re 6. C on temp ora ry Rom a n ce 7. T een L i tera tu re B ook d esi g n con cep t a n d b ook d esi g n b y P eter F reed ma n & C h i a ra Ma cF a rl a n e. ma P ri n ted i n th e U n i ted Sta tes of Am eri ca Ameri

Dedication: F or T om. I k n ow . I w i l l rescu e you . We w i l l ru n a w a y to th e w ood s b y th e sea w i th my d u sty ol d b ook s a n d you r g u i ta rs. T h ere, w e ca n sea rch for cool rock s every d a y. O k a y? In th e mea n ti me: Rock th a t G yp sy J a zz, Mi n or Sw i n g son g for m e on e more ti me! I l ove you . T h a n k s for l ovi n g me b a ck . F orever. xo xo xo

1: shiny black casket HUNTER

1:50 A.M. D a mn . Sh es ea rl y. Hu n ter Ken n ed y sw a l l ow ed a l u m p of d rea d a s h e w a tch ed mp h i s moms l i mo sn a k e a l on g th e ou ter g rou n d s. He sh oved h i s i P h on e i n to h i s p ock et a n d covered h i s u n ea se w i th a forced sm i l e to B a rry, h i s th era p i st. Sh es n ever ea rl y. T h i s i s g ood . B a rry smi l ed b a ck . Sh ow s resp on si b i l i ty. Sh ow s sh e d oesn t w a n t to mi ss th e fu n of d u m p i n g me off a g a i n . P l u s i f th e me w om a n ca m e l a te, sh ed h a ve to ta k e m e h ome, ri g h t? me B a rry d i d n t a n sw er. He w a s a l so th e ow n er of th i s fa n cy, fen ced , teen h osp i ta l . T h ey b oth k n ew h ome w a s n ot a n op ti on . In stea d , Hu n ter w a s h ea d i n g for p h a seHu tw o of h i s moms l a test cra p , Hol l yw ood - p a ren ti n g p l a n : k i d m i sb eh a ves, p a y for m oms mi th era p y, i g n ore h i m, th en con vi n ce oth ers to h a n d l e th e d i rty l a u n d ry. Ha n d l e h i m. Ha As i f si x w eek s l ock ed u p i n th i s p l a ce h a d n t b een en ou g h . Hi s w h ol e sp i n e l i t w i th g oose b u m p s. He p u l l ed on th e h i d eou s, w h i te- a n d Hi si l ver h ood i e sh ed sen t a h ea d for h i m to w ea r, ma k i n g su re th e sl eeves w ere l on g en ou g h to cover h i s w ri sts. N o n eed to remi n d Mom w h a t g ot me h ere. T i me to p l a y a l on g l i k e I sa i d I w ou l d . Its n ot l i k e th eres a n yw h ere to ru n . T h e l i mo h a d stop p ed a t th e orn a te, fi rst g a te. T h e g a te th a t k ep t u p a p p ea ra n ces b eca u se i t fea tu red n o ra zor w i re or g u a rd s w i th g u n s. T h e oth er tw o g a tes w ou l d ta k e l on g er th a n k s to th e veh i cl e sea rch , ID ch eck s, meta l - x ra ys a l l th a t resi d en t sa fety j u n k th i s p l a ce fea tu red so p rou d l y. It w ou l d b e a w h i l e. As th e g a te sw u n g op en , a l ou d , mech a n i ca l b u zzi n g i n crea sed , su ck i n g u p a l l of th e a i r a rou n d h i m. It ech oed off th e w i d e fl i g h t of ma rb l e step s w h ere th ey w a i ted . D u d e. T h a t th i n g i s d yi n g . Hu n ter w i n ced , rea l i zi n g th e n oi se w a sn t j u st i n h i s h ea d . Its sou rce w a s a b ron ze, scu l p ted si g n a b ove th e p orti co th a t w a s su p p osed to rea d F a l con er Hop e Resi d en ti a l Sol u ti on s . N ow , b eca u se of b u rn ed ou t b u l b s, on l y p a rt of th e fi rst w ord w a s l i t. It fl a sh ed : l - on er, l - on er, l - on er.... So. Ap p rop ri a te. G u ess I w a i ted too l on g to ca l l som eon e to fi x i t. B a rry, a s th ou g h h a p p y to someon h a ve someth i n g to d o, h op p ed u p i n to som e terra ced p l a n ters to ta k e a l ook . Hu n ter sl ou ch ed a g a i n st a ma rb l e p i l l a r, a n n oyed th a t h i s w h ol e ou tfi t b l i n d ed Hu h i m . Wh en h ed p u l l ed th e a l l - w h i te costu me ou t of th e b a g , h i s sk i n h a d cra w l ed m. a t th e th ou g h t of p u tti n g i t on . B u t th e ou tfi t h a d a l so come w i th a n ote w ri tten i n h i s mom s l a rg e scra w l : m oms

Hu n ter. Ma k e su re you w ea r everyth i n g i n th i s b a g . E veryth i n g . Pl ea se. So, b eca u se h e w a s tryi n g to p rove h e w a s a g ood b oy , a n d b eca u se h i s mom m om ra rel y sa i d p l ea se , H u n ter h a d d u ti fu l l y zi p p ed h i m sel f i n to th e too- ti g h t w h i te j ea n s, ta p ered i n a s u su a l from h i s ca l ves to h i s a n k l es. H ed l a yered on th e si l very g ra p h i c- tee a n d a d d ed th e h u mi l i a ti n g , l on g ch a i n Hed mi th a t b oa sted a d a n g l i n g , fi st- si zed m ed i eva l sw ord . It h u n g d ow n p a st th e m a tch i n g , ch a i n ma i l b el t. T h e sw ord a cted l i k e a w ei g h ted , sh a rp - ti p p ed p en d u l u m . Hi s mom h a d p rob a b l y p i ck ed th e th i n g on p u rp ose b eca u se i t p u n ch ed H i m om h i s j u n k every ti me h e m oved . Hu n ter h a d even p u l l ed ou t th e top ed g e of th e me Hu cra p , si l ver b oxers to p rove h ed w orn everyth i n g . E veryth i n g . As comma n d ed b y h er. C h erry on th e w a rd rob e- h el l - p i e? Wh i te sn ea k ers th a t ra ted w orse th a n th e b oxers. B eca u se th ey h a d g i rl y, g l i tter sol es! Hi s b a n d s n a m e, G u a rd eRob e , h a d b een sti tch ed i n to th e h eel a n d over th e toes w i th si l ver th rea d . N ot to b e ou td on e b y th e a m a zi n g l a ces th a t fea tu red h i s ti n y i n i ti a l s p a i n ted top to b ottom: HK, ma ottom : HK, HK, HK. Al l i n m ore, sh i n y, sp a rk l e sh i t . So messed u p . Wh a t h a d th e d esi g n ers b een th i n k i n g ? B ei n g d ressed l i k e a n ep i c a ss w a s n oth i n g n ew for Hu n ter. Wa rd rob e ch oi ces w ere n ever h i s d ep a rtm en t. B u t w a rd rob e ch oi ces w orn w i th ou t a fi g h t a l w a ys k ep t th e m om h a p p y. mom An d tod a y, th a t w a s Hu n ters g oa l . B esi d es, th e n i g h tm a re- su i t g a ve H u n ter a sm a l l sh red of h op e. Wh y el se w ou l d h e b e d ressed for w ork ? T h e ou tfi t w a s a g ood si g n th a t h i s m om m i g h t h a ve ch a n g ed h er m i n d . Pl ea se. Pl ea se. Pl ea se. H u n ter su ck ed i n a b i g b rea th . T h e cool n i g h t a i r sh ock ed h i s l u n g s. Hu H ed forg otten to b rea th e a g a i n . If h ed l ea rn ed a n yth i n g g ood i n th i s p l a ce, i t Hed w a s th a t h e h a d to rem em b er, n o m a tter w h a t, to si m p l y b rea th e . remem B a rry sl a m m ed h i s h a n d i n to a n el ectron i c b ox b eh i n d th e si g n , su cceed i n g i n q u i eti n g th e b u zzi n g . As h e cl i m b ed ou t of th e p l a n ters h e sa i d , T h a t th i n g i s g oi n g to cost a m i n t to fi x. B a rry l ook ed ti red . H u n ter w a s su re th e p oor g u y w a sn t u sed to b ei n g a w a k e a l l h ou rs l i k e h e w a s. I g u ess th i s i s i t , h u h ? Hu n ter sa i d , tryi n g to d i stra ct b oth of th em from th e stress of w a i ti n g . Its b een i n teresti n g . B a rry sm i l ed . Im sorry w e h a d to rel ea se you i n th e d a rk l i k e th i s. It i s n ot ou r smi n orm a l p roced u re. B u t you r moth er sa i d orma Sh es ri g h t. Hu n ter fl i ck ed a n oth er g l a n ce a t th e l i m o, w a tch i n g th e g u a rd s a t Hu mo, g a te tw o sea rch th e tru n k . T h e p a p a ra zzi w ou l d h a ve b een a l l over th i s p l a ce. Im su rp ri sed n on e of you r sta ff l ea k ed I w a s h ere. Weve b u i l t ou r rep u ta ti on on d i screti on . T h ey a re a l l screen ed a n d p a i d very w el l n ot to h a ve seen you . Its w h y p a ren ts a l l over th e w orl d ch oose u s to h el p th ei r k i d s. I w i sh you cou l d h a ve ta k en p a rt i n som e of th e g rou p sessi on s. I k n ow you w ou l d h a ve l i k ed th em .

Y ea h . T oo b a d . H u n ter n od d ed a s th ou g h h e tota l l y a g reed . T h ere w a s n o p oi n t i n h u rti n g B a rrys feel i n g s a t th i s l a te d a te. B a rrys cry- a n d - h u g sessi on s w ere n ot on Hu n ters w i sh l i st. Ma yb e n ext ti m e, h e a d d ed , sh ooti n g B a rry a w ry g l a n ce. Hu B a rry g a ve h i m a l ook . L ets h op e n ot. Im g oi n g to m i ss you , H u n ter. I rea l l y a m . B u t I n ever w a n t to see you a g a i n i f you k n ow w h a t I m ea n . mea H u n ter sm i l ed . Y ea h . B a ck a t you , d u d e. An d th a n k s for cu ri n g m e. B a rry g a ve h i m a sm a l l b ro- h u g th a t H u n ter retu rn ed . Ive n ever sa i d you w ere cu red . D ep ressi on d oes n ot h a ve a n on - off sw i tch . D on t m a k e m e l ectu re you a l l ma me over a g a i n h ere, b eca u se I w i l l . Work i n p rog ress. I k n ow th e sp eech . H u n ter p u sh ed a h a n d th rou g h th e m op of h a i r th a t h i t h i s foreh ea d n ow th a t i t h a d n t b een cu t for so l on g . Are you b i l l i n g m e for th i s extra th era p y h ou r? me O f cou rse Im b i l l i n g you . D ou b l e, for a fter- h ou r ch a rg es i f you re k eep i n g tra ck . I l i k e th a t you n ever p reten d th i n g s a ren t a b ou t th e m on ey. Hu n ter ya w n ed . mon Hu B a rry frow n ed , p l a ci n g a g en tl e h a n d on H u n ters a rm . I g et p a i d w el l b eca u se Im g ood a t w h a t I d o. J u st l i k e you g et p a i d w el l to si n g a n d p l a y th e g u i ta r. N ot everyon e w a n ts to u se you , son . Y ou n eed to ch a n g e you r vi ew s on th a t. H u n ter sh ru g g ed . If I com e a cross rea l evi d en ce of you r th eory, Il l recon si d er m y i d ea s. B u t from w h ere I si t, i ts th e vi ew Ive b een tra ck i n g forever. T h a t vi ew i s w h a t you r m om i s tryi n g to ch a n g e b y sen d i n g you to C ol ora d o. Y ou r rea l i ty i s sk ew ed . Y ou n eed to g et i t b a ck on tra ck . T h i s ti m e i s g oi n g to g i ve you th e ch a n ce to a n a l yze you r rea l feel i n g s. T ry to m a k e h on est fri en d s. T h e k i n d w i th n o stri n g s a tta ch ed . P l ea se. An i m p ossi b l e i d ea . H u n ter k i ck ed h i s sh oe a g a i n st th e step s. B a ck on tra ck m y a ss! Sh e w a n ts m e l ock ed d ow n . Y ou sh ou l d sa tel l i te- m a p th e tow n of Mon u men t . Its i n th e m i d d l e of a b u n ch of trees. I b et everyon e w h o l i ves th ere h a s a b l a d e of g ra ss stu ck i n th ei r teeth . An d i ts p rob a b l y th e k i n d of g ra ss you ca n t even smok e! sm ok H u n ter p a ced th e l en g th of th e p orti co. B a rry fol l ow ed . L i vi n g off th e H ol l yw ood g ri d i s th e on l y w a y you l l b e a b l e to fi g u re ou t w h a t Hol b ei n g n orm a l feel s l i k e. Y ou ve n ever k n ow n a n yth i n g d i fferen t. F org et n orm a l ! E veryth i n g cou l d b e over w h en I g et b a ck . Hel l . N o on e seem s to ca re a b ou t w h a t I w a n t. H ow cou l d I ever b e n orm a l a fter th e l i fe Ive l i ved ? T h e l i fe I p l a n to k eep l i vi n g a s soon a s I g et Mom to stop b ei n g p i ssed off a t m e. F rom w h a t I ca n tel l , you w eren t l i vi n g m u ch of a n y l i fe. J u st w ork i n g . I l ove to w ork . So w h a t? Its m y sol a ce. Hu n ter sh ook h i s h ea d . An d b esi d es, I Hu h a ven t b een to m y Au n t N a n s si n ce I w a s ei g h t. I th i n k sh e m u st b e l i k e... seven ty n ow ? D oes sh e even rem emb er m e w a n t m e i n h er h ou se? em b B a rry n od d ed . Seven ty- tw o. Sh es exci ted to h a ve you for th e sch ool yea r. Y ou r m om tol d m e. me. Y ou ve ta l k ed to h er a b ou t th i s? H u n ter w h i sp ered a s h e fel t h i s th roa t cl osi n g Hu u p . Wh en a n d w h y d oes sh e ta l k to you , b u t n ever to m e? me? Sh e tol d m e i ts too soon . Sh es n ot rea d y. An d you b ou g h t th a t? H u n ter exp l od ed . Y ou th i n k Mom s si l en t trea tm en t i s

a b ou t th e d u mb a ss p ra n k I p u l l ed a t h om e si x w eek s a g o? mb I th ou g h t w ed stop p ed referri n g to i t a s a p ra n k . Y ea h , yea h . H u n ter g l ow ered , ch a n g i n g th e su b j ect. T h a t w om a n h a sn t Hu sp ok en to m e a b ou t a n yth i n g rea l si n ce m y b ottom - feed er step - d a d ra n to F l ori d a tw o yea rs a g o w i th th e i n tern or p erson a l a ssi sta n t . Wh a tever sh e w a s. Y ou m en ti on ed th a t. I k n ow i t ca u ses you p a i n . Wel l , n ot h ow you th i n k . H u n ter b l i n k ed . Mom g ot rea l l y p i ssed w h en sh e d i scovered th e i n tern h a d a l so b een p erson a l l y a ssi sti n g m e i n every w a y. H u n ter sm i l ed a t th e l ook on B a rrys fa ce. N o. Y ep . Hu n ter n od d ed . L i k e tw i ce a w eek i n ou r h ot tu b a n d a l l over th e h ou se. Hu Mom stop p ed ta l k i n g to m e w h en I tol d h er I m i ssed th e g i rl m ore th a n I m i ssed me h a vi n g th a t g u y a rou n d p reten d i n g to b e m y d a d . B eca u se I sti l l m i ss h er or w h a t sh e cou l d d o w i th h er m ou th , a n yh ow . H ol y sh i t. B a rry, w h o h a rd l y ever l ook ed sh ock ed or su rp ri sed , n ow l ook ed sh ock ed a n d su rp ri sed . Wh y d i d n t you tel l m e a b ou t a l l th i s? me H u n ter sh ru g g ed . I th ou g h t Id k eep m y fi rst g i rl to m ysel f. I tol d you a b ou t th e m a sses of g i rl s a fter . H ow w i l l on e m ore tw i sted story a b ou t my sex l i fe m a k e m y my m en ta l - h ea l th - fi l e a n y b etter? At l ea st you g et n ow th a t I ca n n ever b e n orm a l . N ever m a k e n orm a l fri en d s. ma Y es, you ca n . B a rry th rew h i s a rm s w i d e. T h a t g i rl sh ou l d b e i n p ri son . T h e stu ff w a s d on e to you , Hu n ter. D on e to you . Y ou w ere a k i d tw o yea rs a g o. H el l , Hu Hel you re sti l l j u st seven teen . H u n ter sh ru g g ed a g a i n a n d met B a rrys g a ze. I w a s ol d en ou g h to w i l l i n g l y m et p a rti ci p a te. N ot g on n a l i e. I l oved i t. T h ou g h t I l oved h er, h e scoffed . Sh e w a s on l y seven teen h ersel f. Wi ck ed - step - d a d d y w a s sm a rt en ou g h to w a i t u n ti l sh e b eca me l eg a l b efore ta k i n g off w i th h er. T ota l l y b u m m ed m e ou t w h en sh e l eft l i k e me th a t, th ou g h . I h a d n o i d ea .... Wow . Im so sorry you w en t th rou g h th a t. H u n ter g ri m a ced . Sh e tri ed to k eep th i n g s g oi n g w i th m e. I tu rn ed h er d ow n . B a ck th en I h a ted sh a ri n g m y toys. An d so you sh a re n ow ? B a rry a sk ed , ra m p i n g b a ck to h i s ca l m - d octor voi ce, b u t th e g u y cou l d n t h i d e h i s b u g g ed - ou t eyes or h orri fi ed exp ressi on . N o. I sti l l h a te sh a ri n g . Ive si m p l y stop p ed p l a yi n g w i th d a n g erou s toys. Mom p a i d th em b oth ton s to n ever con ta ct m e a g a i n . T h e a ssi sta n t d u mp ed th e l oser th e mp d a y a fter th e ch eck cl ea red . T a k e some n otes i f you n eed to, H u n ter offered . som e B a rry sh ook h i s h ea d . Y ou a n d you r mom h a ve b een th rou g h so m u ch . I k n ow m om sh es a l so seei n g h er ow n th era p i st. Sh el l sp ea k to you w h en sh e g ets h ersel f stra i g h ten ed ou t, b u t p rob a b l y n ot b efore. Wh a tever. H u n ter g l a red a t th e l i m o, sti l l h ol d i n g a t g a te tw o. If Im forced mo, to g o to C ol ora d o tod a y, Im d on e w i th h er. An d Im n ot g oi n g to b e si tti n g b y th e p h on e w a i ti n g for Mommy to ca l l . I l ea rn ed l on g a g o n ot to b el i eve th a t w om a n s p rom i ses. My a g en t sw ea rs h es g oi n g to g et m e ou t of th e j u d g es con tra ct i n a few w eek s. L u ck i l y, you r m om m a d e su re th e a g reem en t i s rock sol i d : Rep ort to C ol ora d o

a fter w e rel ea se you , or rep ort to th e n ea rest j u ven i l e d eten ti on cen ter. Its for th e w h ol e sch ool yea r w h eth er you r a g en t l i k es i t or n ot. H u n ter crossed h i s a rm s. Ma rti n i s a stron g force to b e reck on ed w i th . H el l w i n Hu for m e. Y ou l l see. Son , you n eed to rest. Its cri ti ca l . B a rry tra p p ed h i s g a ze. Id th i n k tw i ce a b ou t Ma rti n s i n ten ti on s. C a n t you see h es ob vi ou sl y i n i t for th e m on ey? H u n ter si g h ed . I k n ow . H e fl i ck ed a g l a re a t th e l i m o. B u t a t l ea st h e k eep s Hu h i s p rom i ses. H el l come th rou g h . An d l i k e I sa i d , i sn t everyon e i n i t for th e com e m on ey? H u n ter fron ted , h i d i n g h i s tru e p a n i c a b ou t th e si tu a ti on . If Ma rti n cou l d n t con vi n ce h i s m om to ch a n g e h er m i n d soon , H u n ter w a s stu ck . mom Stu ck i n C ol ora d o. H i s ow n m om h a d sl a p p ed h u g e va n d a l i sm ch a rg es on h i m . B etw een h i s tota l ed Hi ca r, a n d th e d a m a g e H u n ter h a d d on e to th e h ou se, h ed w reck ed a b ou t a m i l l i on d ol l a rs w orth of stu ff. $240K ca m e from h i s p i m p ed ou t P orsch e 911 a l on e. B u t i t h a d b een h i s P orsch e! H i s h ou se! Hi s fron t d oor, h i s si l k ca rp ets, h i s stu p i d a n ti q u e, Ita l i a n fou n ta i n . Hi Hi Al l p a i d for w i th m on ey h ed ea rn ed ! Al l th i n g s h e'd offered to rep l a ce. Sa d l y, n on e of th a t h a d m a ttered to th e j u d g e. E very i tem H u n ter h a d tra sh ed w a s i n h i s m om s n a me. T h eyd screw ed h i m to th e w a l l w i th th a t on e fa ct. T h e j u d g e m e. h a d a l so b ou g h t h i s m om s sob story th a t h er son m i g h t recover b etter w h i l e on a mom forced rest ou t of th e p u b l i c eye. An d i n a n oth er sta te! B a rry l et ou t a l on g b rea th a s th ey w a tch ed th e th i rd g a te a d m i t th e l i m o i n to th e i n n er d ri vew a y. Wel l Im h a p p y you h a ve n o ch oi ce. F or you r sa k e , H u n ter. N ot for th e m on ey. H u n ter d i d n t resp on d . T h ey b oth k n ew B a rry h a d b een p a i d $865 a n h ou r to Hu h a n g ou t w i th h i m a l l th i s ti m e. H er l i m o fi n a l l y p a rk ed . It rem i n d ed H u n ter of a w h eel ed , sh i n y, b l a ck ca sk et. Her F or my fu n era l . Y ou g oi n g to b e ok a y? B a rry a sk ed , a s th ou g h h e sen sed H u n ters h ea rt cou l d n t d eci d e i f i t sh ou l d sl ow d ow n or stop b ea ti n g a l l tog eth er. Wi sh I k n ew . B a rry b rok e eye con ta ct w i th H u n ter a n d ra n h i s h a n d th rou g h h i s sp a rse sa l t a n d p ep p er h a i r. H i s exp ressi on sl i p p ed to n ervou s. H u n ter cou l d n t b l a m e th e g u y. H i s m om terri fi ed th e sh i t ou t of everyon e. T a k e i t on e d a y a t a ti m e, son . O n e h ou r. B a rry w a s b a b b l i n g n ow , C a l l m e i f me you n eed to ta l k . Y ou n eed ti m e. T i m e. Y ea h . T i m e to g et m y ow n set of l a w yers.

2: stupid dumb crush VERE

Seri ou sl y? T h i s form ma k es me feel l i k e a d ru g a d d i ct. V ere Roth scra w l ed h er fu l l n a me a cross th e si g n a tu re l i n e a t th e b ottom of th e Pa l mer D i vi d e Hi g h Zero T ol era n ce D ru g a n d Al coh ol C on tra ct . I took h ea d a ch e m ed i ci n e a t m y l ock er b efore comi n g i n h ere. Accord i n g to n u m b er seven , I th i n k I sh ou l d rep ort m ysel f to th e p ol i ce. O r...i s i t th e p ri n ci p a l ? V ere g l a n ced a t h er b est fri en d , J en n a , b efore frow n i n g b a ck a t th e form, form , Actu a l l y, n ow th a t Ive tol d Y O U a b ou t th i s d ru g i n g esti on you m u st rep ort i t or fa ce you r ow n su sp en si on ! If on l y I cou l d b e so l u ck y. J en n a fl u ttered h er l a sh es b eh i n d h er b l a ck fra m ed , med h i p ster g l a sses. G l a sses th a t h a d cl ea r l en ses a n d n o p rescri p ti on w h a tsoever, b u t w ere very cu te. V ere a d d ed a d a te, p u t th e form a si d e a n d p i ck ed u p th e n ext on e. Y ea r B ook O rd er F orm . Y a y! We w i l l fi n a l l y g et to h a ve th e b i g g er p i ctu res! An d w el l g et to orm. b e n ea r th e fron t of th e b ook . I ca n t w a i t for th a t! We. Are. B i g - ti me. So a w esome! B i g - ti me, yes. In si g n i fi ca n t, sti l l . An d w h y a re you rea d i n g th e stu p i d m e, reg i stra ti on forms? J u st fi l l th em ou t a n d si g n . form s? J en n a w a s g oi n g th rou g h h er p i l e of forms b y b en d i n g th e sta ck , scri b b l i n g h er n a m e on th e b ottom l i n es, a n d d a ti n g ea ch w i th ou t l ook i n g . J en n a , you re m i ssi n g h a l f of th e form i n form a ti on l i n es. Hel l o? Its on l y Sp i ri t forma Week a n d you a re a l rea d y fa i l i n g . I h a ve a p l a n con n ected to th i s. J en n a fl i p p ed h er b l on d e b ra i d s b eh i n d h er b a ck a n d a d j u sted th e P eter P a n col l a r on h er b a ck - to- sch ool , red - ch eck ed , b u tton d ow n sh i rt. Im g oi n g to tu rn th ese form s i n a l l j a ck ed - u p to see h ow l on g i t forms ta k es someon e to ca l l me d ow n to th e offi ce. Wh a t? Wh y? J en n a b ea med , h er g reen eyes g l i tteri n g w i th m i sch i ef. Ma yb e Il l g et p u l l ed ou t m ed mi of some l a me q u i z n ext mon th . Ma yb e for a cou p l e of d a ys! An d , F Y I, th ere a re n o g ra d es th i s w eek , you b row n n osi n g , tea ch er- p l ea si n g - mi ssi l e. Id l a u g h a t th a t commen t i f i t w eren t so h ot i n th i s room. I n eed every d rop of room . extra cred i t I ca n g et. If on l y p erfect form s cou l d cou n t for AP B i ol og y. V ere forms g roa n ed a n d fl exed h er fi n g ers b efore si g n i n g th e l a st on e i n h er sta ck u si n g J en n a s meth od . It w a s someth i n g a b ou t sp orts a n d a fter- sch ool a cti vi ti es. A n ew h ea d - i n j u ry sa fety p l a n for a l l stu d en ts i n sp orts, cl u b s or stu d en t cou n ci l . Sh e a n d J en n a d i d D ra ma C l u b . N ot so th ey cou l d b e i n th e sp otl i g h t or a n yth i n g i n sa n e l i k e th a t. T h ey d i d sta g e tech . Sets, costu m es, l i g h ts, sou n d , sp eci a l effects a n d p rop s a l l w h i l e w ea ri n g th e mes, i n vi si b l e b l a ck ou tfi ts th a t ca me w i th th e j ob . L i g h ti n g w a s h er fa vori te. V eres p h on e b u zzed a g a i n st th e ta b l e.

Wh o d a res text you b esi d es m e? J en n a w i g g l ed h er b row s. I m ea n , w h o e- ffi n g d a res text you ? My m om . V ere fl a sh ed th e screen to J en n a so sh e cou l d rea d : V E RE V E RE ARE Y O U T H E RE ? J en n a l a u g h ed . An d you ca n t eff- i n g g rou n d you r mom for texti n g you a t sch ool ? V ere g ri ma ced . J en n a . I h a te you r n ew g eek - street p erson a . Y ou sou n d a n d l ook V ere p a u sed , g l a n ci n g a t J en n a s ou tfi t w i th a n a ffecti on a te g ri n . l i k e a H el l o Ki tty h i p ster, crossed w i th som e tra sh - m ou th ed p ra i ri e- g i rl . some J en n a g ri n n ed . I k n ow . Im a h h ma zi n g cu te, h u h ? An d yet I sti l l h a n g ou t w i th a g i rl w h os sp orti n g h er d a d s j ea n s cu t d ow n to sh orts from n i n eteen - ei g h ty seven . AG AIN . Ma tch ed w i th h er b i g b roth ers m on strou s, g ru b b y h ood i e. AG AIN . P l u s th e sa m e b row n , tw i sty b u n ? A l ook you ve h el d on to si n ce ei g h th g ra d e. At l ea st m y w h ol e ou tfi t ca n b e fou n d i n a m a g a zi n e. P l ea se. Y ou k n ow you l ove m y l ook . An d , a s som eon e w h o tru l y l oves you , I cl a i m th e ri g h t to veto th e fa k e- cu rsi n g th i n g . J en n a g ri n n ed . Ma yb e you re ri g h t. Il l e- ffi n g re- th i n k m y e- ffi n g p otty mou th . m ou B u t i ts so e- ffi n g fu n to feel l i k e a b a d - g i rl . Y ou re n ot even cl ose to b a d i f you ca n t sa y th e rea l w ord . E - ffi n g stop . Its g oi n g to b a ck fi re a n d force u s i n to a n even l ow er soci a l sta tu s. Is th ere on e l ow er th a n ou rs? J en n a g ri n n ed . V eres p h on e b u zzed a g a i n . Sh e p u l l ed i t u n d er th e ta b l e so sh e a n d J en n a cou l d rea d th e n ext text tog eth er: V E RE ? ARE Y O U G E T T IN G T HE SE ? ARE Y O U HE T H E RE ? V ere typ ed i n to h er p h on e: Mom. J eez. Wh a ts u p ? T h e p h on e b u zzed a th i rd ti m e j u st a s sh e h i t sen d . me Y O U AN D C H ARL IE C O ME ST RAIG H T HO ME . P RO J E C T T O D ISC U SS. SO ME O N E T O ME E T . AL L WE E KE N D . U P AT T H E L AKE . MAKE N O P L AN S. N O N E . AN D N O . T E L L J E N N A, SH E MAY N O T C O ME AL O N G . SO RRY H O N E Y . D O N T E V E N T RY . N O . J en n a frow n ed . Y ou r m om s p sych o w i th th e a l l - ca p s. D oes sh e n ot k n ow sh es con sta n tl y text- yel l i n g ? Wh a t d oes sh e mea n p roj ect ? An d w h y w ou l d sh e n ot w a n t m ea m e to com e? It's a T H RE E d a y w eek en d . T h a t h u rts w h ere B a n d - Ai d s ca n t tou ch . come? H er frow n tu rn ed i n to a p ou t a s sh e a d d ed , Y ou r m om a l w a ys w a n ts m e to com e to th e l a k e. J en n a l ea n ed h er ch i n on a fi st. T h e l a st ti m e sh e h a d som eon e for me you to m eet you g u ys g ot th a t U k ra i n i a n exch a n g e d u d e for sp ri n g b rea k . Rem em b er? H ow cou l d a n yon e forg et. T h a n k G od th a t w a s on l y for tw o w eek s. T h ei r g a zes m et, a n d th ey b oth g ri n n ed a n d sa i d , L exi . N ot SE XY . T h ey cra ck ed u p a l l over a g a i n . H er text sou n d s d oom i sh , J en n a a d d ed . V ere ta p p ed h er p en on th e d esk . U G H . I sm el l m e a n d C h a rl i e stu ck a t som e H. some ch u rch th i n g p a ssi n g ou t cook i es. Remem b er w h en sh e m a d e u s w ea r w h i te g l oves Rem emb ma a n d sta n d a rou n d g u a rd i n g h a n g i n g b l a n k ets for a w h ol e w eek en d b eca u se of th a t q u i l ti n g com p eti ti on ? V ere sh u d d ered .

J en n a g a th ered h er p a p ers i n to on e cru m p l ed p i l e b u t th en d rop p ed th em w i th a sh ort g a sp . Al ert. Al ert. T h e Wi sh . E n teri n g ou r a i rsp a ce. Sh ed g l u ed h er eyes to a sp ot j u st b eyon d V eres h ea d . V ere ch ok ed . Al l a i r su ck ed ou t of h er l u n g s. J en n a l ow ered h er voi ce, sp ea k i n g th rou g h a sm i l e, An d th e su m mer w a s g ood to m er h i m . Y U M. ME . I l ove ta n s on b oys. I l ove b oys a n d O MG ! H es w i th m ost of th e footb a l l tea m. V a rsi ty . F ootb a l l . T ea m. m. m . V ere rea ch ed u p to ch eck h er b u n , stra i g h ten ed h er b a ck , b u t d i d n t tu rn to l ook . If you m a k e a scen e, Il l k i l l you . H ow cl ose i s h e a n d ... u g h . Sh e p u t h er h a n d ma How over h er ra ci n g h ea rt. Wh y a re th e sen i ors i n h ere w i th u s? I th ou g h t w e w ere sa fe. I ch eck ed . T h ey reg i ster from tw o to fou r. J u n i ors a n d a l l sp orts a re n ow . Sh e w i g g l ed h er b row s. I ch eck ed too. T h eyve g ot som e sort of sp eci a l i n fo- a ssem b l y. H es setti n g u p ca m p on th e n ext row of Hes ta b l es. Y ou re sa fe en ou g h . H el l n ever sp ot u s i n th i s sa rd i n e ca n . Sh ou l d I l ook ? Is i t w orth i t to tu rn a rou n d ? V ere h a d seen C u rti s yesterd a y on h er very ow n fron t p orch . B eca u se th e g u y h a d b een h er b roth ers b est fri en d si n ce k i n d erg a rten . H ed b een ri veti n g w i th h i s fresh , n ew h a i r cu t. So ri veti n g , sh ed h i d d en i n h er room feel i n g si ck for tw o h ou rs. Am I th e on l y on e i n th e w h ol e w orl d w i th a cru sh th a t ma k es me p h ysi ca l l y i l l ? J en n a sh ru g g ed , fl i p p ed h er l on g b ra i d s a rou n d a g a i n a n d g a ve h er a p i tyi n g l ook . Il l l et you k n ow i f h e d oes a n yth i n g w orth tu rn i n g col ors a n d stu tteri n g for, ok a y? T h a n k s, V ere sa i d , tryi n g u n su ccessfu l l y to fi n d C u rti ss refl ecti on i n J en n a s w i d e eyes, b u t even th a t a cti vi ty h a d h er stom a ch cra m p i n g a n d sen t a w a rn i n g ti n g l e u p th e b a ck of h er n eck . N o n eed to fi re th e ch erry- b omb - ch eek s for everyon es en terta i n men t. Stu p i d b l u sh i n g . V ere w a sn t a n a tu ra l w h en i t ca m e to sch ool . B u t sh ed l ea rn ed i f sh e w ork ed h a rd ( som eti m es rea l l y h a rd ) sh e cou l d m a k e th e g ra d es a n d h i t th e g oa l s sh e w a n ted . So, sh ed ta k en th a t i d ea a n d a p p l i ed i t to h er b l u sh i n g p rob l em. em . O n l y, th e w orl d ( a n d h er fa ce) refu sed to coop era te. Wh a t w ork s i n on e a rea fa i l s i n oth ers. Wh ere C u rti s w a s con cern ed , V ere h a d stu d i ed , resea rch ed , a n d fol l ow ed a l l th e ru l es. B u t w h en h e w a s n ea r, sh e cou l d n t sh a k e h er h ea l th y, textb ook ca se of ch ron i c sh yn ess a n d soci a l a n xi ety. Sh e k n ew th ese term s, b eca u se sh ed l ook ed h ersel f u p h u n d red s of ti m es, sea rch i n g for a cu re th a t w ou l d h el p h er. Sh ed tri ed textb ook s a n d a n y p sych ol og y w eb si tes sh e cou l d fi n d . F or th e m ost p a rt, V ere h a d d i scovered sh e w a s a cl a ssi c ca se. A p erson w h o w a s si m p l y sh y a n d w h o tu rn ed red b eca u se of i t. N ot a m a j or th i n g . V ere h a d a l so p i n p oi n ted h er sh yn ess w ou l d ra m p i n to w h a t w a s ca l l ed soci a l a n xi ety w h en sh e w a s a rou n d b oys g u ys sh e d i d n t k n ow very w el l . T ota l l y

n orm a l for h er a g e too. An d , a con d i ti on th a t ca l m ed d ow n on ce sh e k n ew th e g u ys b etter. Ag a i n , a l l n orma l . orm a B u t w h a t h i t ou tsi d e n orm a l w a s h ow V eres soci a l a n xi ety sp i k ed to u n con trol l a b l e l evel s w h en sh e th ou g h t sh e h a d a cru sh on a g u y. E n ter C u rti s Wi sh ford . H er forever cru sh . T h e on l y g u y V ere h a d ever ca red a b ou t. As th ou g h h er cru sh cou l d rea d h er th ou g h ts, C u rti ss sh ou ti n g l a u g h fi red off som ew h ere b eh i n d h er. In resp on se, V eres ch eek s fi red off th e b u rn i n g - red feel i n g a l l over a g a i n . Stu p i d . D u mb . C ru sh . Sh e sl ou ch ed i n to h er l a b stool a s l ow a s p ossi b l e, tu rn i n g a w a y even m ore w h i l e more sh e w ork ed to cool d ow n h er red - h ot ea r ti p s i n th i s tw o th ou sa n d d eg ree room . Sh e w ou l d on l y h a ve to su rvi ve forty m i n u tes of th i s p a i n a n d th en sh e cou l d esca p e. Pl ea se...p l ea se...l et h i m N O T see me. B efore th e cru sh , V ere, C u rti s, C h a rl i e a n d J en n a u sed to b e i n sep a ra b l e. T h ey w ere a l l n ei g h b ors. T h ei r p a ren ts w ere cl ose fri en d s si n ce b efore a n y of th em h a d b een b orn . T h a t m ea n t th ere w ere w h ol e p h oto b ook s fi l l ed w i th p h otos of th em a l l d rool i n g a t ea ch oth er w h i l e i n d i a p ers. F rom th ere, th eyd m oved on to sw ord fi g h ts, m u d p i es, d ressi n g u p i n costu m es, a rm y b a ttl es, d ecora ted h u n d red s of cook i es, a tten d ed b i rth d a y p a rti es, h u n g a t th e n ei g h b orh ood p ool a n d w a l k ed to sch ool tog eth er on th e fi rst d a y a l l th a t. Al l tog eth er. E very. Si n g l e. Y ea r. B u t a l l n orm a l h a n g i n g ou t, n orm a l con versa ti on s b etw een V ere a n d C u rti s h a d com p l etel y en d ed i n m i d d l e sch ool . comp D i ed . D ou b l e d i ed . In fron t of everyon e. T h i s w a s th a n k s to tw o th i n g s: 1. Seven th g ra d e a n d , 2. T h e i n ci d en t. Seven th g ra d e w a s w h en V ere h a d d eci d ed th a t sh e h a d a rea l l i ve cru sh on C u rti s Wi sh ford . In h er cl a ssi c styl e, sh ed ta k en h er cru sh to h er u su a l h i g h l evel of d ed i ca ted exci tem en t a n d com m i tm en t. H er h a rd w ork a l w a ys p a ys off th i n g w a s comm ou t of con trol b a ck th en . Worse, sh ed u p g ra d ed h er cru sh to i n cl u d e vi si on s of g ra n d eu r. ( A term sh ed a l so l ea rn ed off th e on l i n e p sych ol og y w eb si tes.) P eop l e w h o d i d th a t w ere u su a l l y a l so fl a g g ed a s cra zy. B u t everyon e i s cra zy i n seven th g ra d e. At th e a n ci en t a g e of tw el ve, V ere d eci d ed sh e w a s i n l ove w i th C u rti s. Ma j or, h u g e, ob sessi ve, seven th - g ra d e meg a - l ove . Sh ed w ri tten h i s n a m e on h er b i n d ers, h a d cou n tl ess j ou rn a l s fi l l ed w i th p a g es me a n d p a g es of th i n g s l i k e: G w en i vere J u l i et Wi sh ford , or V ere J u l i et Wi sh ford , or Mrs. V ere Wi sh ford . Sh ed m a d e u p th e n a m es of th ei r k i d s ( C l a i re a n d Ma ra ) .P l a n n ed th ei r en ti re fu tu re l i ves, i n cl u d i n g th ei r m a tch i n g ca reers a s w orl d fa m ou s, ca t a n d d og

rescu i n g veteri n a ri a n s. U g h . Mi d d l e sch ool ma d n ess. V ere fel t th e b a ck of h er n eck h ea t u p a l l over a g a i n , rem em b eri n g h ow i n sa n e sh ed b een th ose yea rs. T h e evi d en ce of th ose n oteb ook s h a d b een b u rn ed i n th e fa mi l y fi rep l a ce on a mi sl eep - over. A n i g h t sp en t b a w l i n g , b eca u se of th i n g n u m b er tw o. T h e fa m ou s i n ci d en t. J en n a sti l l ca l l ed i t: T h e In ci d en t T h a t C a n N ot b e N a med . As i n , V eres p erson a l V ol d em ort. Sh e a n d C h a rl i e ca l l ed i t on e, sa d , ou t of con trol m om en t th a t n o on e w ou l d l et h er forg et. If sh e h a d a d vi ce to p a ss on to oth er m i d d l e sch ool g i rl s h ea d i n g for mi th a t fi rst l ove, sh ed sa y stra i g h t u p : d on t k n ock ou t th e b oy you l ove i n fron t of everyon e a n d th ei r p a ren ts. E ver si n ce th a t d a y, h er sh yn ess a rou n d C u rti s h a d g row n stea d i l y w orse. T h e g u y w a s a l w a ys a rou n d too. Al m ost a s i n esca p a b l e a s th e sn i ck ers a n d sn i d e com m en ts th a t h a d fol l ow ed V ere yea r a fter yea r. B eca u se of C h a rl i e, C u rti s w a s a l w a ys i n h er very ow n h ou se. Sh e h a d b ecom e so ep i c w i th h er p u b l i c b l u sh - a n d - stu tter tri ck s, n o oth er b oys seem ed to l ook tw i ce a t h er. seemed Ma yb e i t w a s b eca u se sh e si m p l y steered cl ea r of th em . mp Wh i ch i s j u st fi n e. O th er b oys d on t i n terest me. Im sti l l i n l ove w i th C u rti s Wi sh ford , so th ere! An d i ts g oi n g w el l . C u rti s a n d I...oh yea h ...very w el l ... V ere p u t h er h ea d on h er a rm s, tryi n g to see i f sh e cou l d ca tch a g l i m p se of h i s feet u n d er th e ta b l es. Sh e h a d b ecom e a ma ster a t a voi d i n g C u rti s w h i l e a d m i ri n g ma h i m from a fa r. If h e w a s over h a n g i n g w i th C h a rl i e, V ere cou l d b e fou n d h i d i n g i n h er room. room . F eel i n g q u ea sy. Q u ea sy, b u t d esp era tel y g l u i n g h er ea r to th e d oor w h i l e l i sten i n g for th e sou n d s of C u rti ss voi ce to fl oa t u p from th e b a sem en t. V ere h a d a l so p erfected p eek i n g th rou g h cu rta i n cra ck s so sh e cou l d w a tch C u rti s sta re a t h i s ca r en g i n e, or toss th e footb a l l a rou n d th e ya rd w i th C h a rl i e i f th ey w ere h a n g i n g ou tsi d e. If th ey w ere i n th e k i tch en or d oi n g h om ew ork a t th e d i n i n g room ta b l e, sh e cou l d l i sten to h i s voi ce p erfectl y b y si tti n g on th e sta i r l a n d i n g , p reten d i n g to rea d on th e w i n d ow sea t. C u rti s h a d th e m ost b ea u ti fu l b a ri ton e. P l u s a l ou d , tra vel l i n g l a u g h th a t sep a ra ted h i m from a l l of C h a rl i es oth er fri en d s. C u rti s cou l d n t b e b ea t. N ot i n h er h ou se ven ts, a n yh ow . An d n ot i n h er h ea rt. E ver. Sh e h a d n o p rob l em a d m i tti n g h er si tu a ti on m a d e h er p a th eti c. An d yes, fi n e . Sh ed rea ch ed som e seri ou s l ow p oi n ts of p ossi b l e sta l k i n g w h ere C u rti s w a s con cern ed . B u t i s i t rea l l y sta l k i n g i f th e g u y comes over to my h ou se? Ha n g s ou t i n my fron t ya rd ? L ou n g es a rou n d i n my b a semen t, ea ts d i n n er w i th

my fa mi l y, a t my ta b l e? I th i n k n ot. It w a sn t l i k e V ere h a d p l a n s to l u rk a rou n d h i s l ock er. N or d i d sh e d ri ve b y h i s h ou se or d el i b era tel y try to b e fa ce- to- fa ce w i th h er cru sh l i k e oth er g i rl s d i d w i th th ei rs. After th e i n ci d en t C u rti s h a d m a d e th i n g s ea sy on h er. H ed m a stered th e a rt of p ol i tel y i g n ori n g h i s b est fri en d s l i ttl e si ster. He w a s He n ever ru d e or h a rsh j u st p a i n fu l l y a n d com p l etel y d i sta n t . T h ere w a s a l so th e comp p a rt w h ere th e g u y a l w a ys h a d a fresh ( sw a p p ed ou t every tw o m on th s) g i rl fri en d b y h i s si d e. Y ea h ...th a t h el p s. O u ch . Hel p s so mu ch ... At l ea st h es si n g l e th i s w eek . T h a ts someth i n g . Sh e si g h ed , d a n g l i n g h er foot u n d er h er ch a i r, w i sh i n g sh e cou l d a t l ea st h ea r h i s voi ce on e m ore ti m e a b ove th e i n crea si n g n oi se i n th e room . V ere h a d b een p retty g ood a t k eep i n g h er feel i n g s h i d d en for a l l th ese yea rs b eh i n d h er con sta n tl y fl a m i n g ch eek s, th a t i s. O n l y J en n a a n d C h a rl i e k n ew h er d eep est secrets a b ou t h er cru sh . H ow cri p p l i n g h er sh yn ess a n d a n xi ety a rou n d C u rti s h a d b ecom e h ow m u ch sh e si m p l y l on g ed mu for th e g u y to d ri n k som e m a g i c, forg etti n g p oti on , a n d fa l l i n l ove w i th h er ri g h t b a ck . If on l y. V ere d i d n t ca re. T h e ca rd s sh ed b een d ea l t i n seven th g ra d e h a d b een p l a yed very b a d l y b y h er. An d i n fron t of too m a n y p eop l e. Al l sh e h a d l eft w a s a w k w a rd n ess a n d h er i n cu ra b l e cru sh . At l ea st h er ch ron i c b l u sh i n g m ea n t sh e w a sn t d ea d . It a l so m ea n t sh e w a s sti l l i n l ove w i th th e cu test b oy i n th e w h ol e sch ool . T h e feel i n g of b ei n g i n l ove w a s b etter th a n everyth i n g el se, a n yh ow . E ven i f h e d i d n t feel th e sa m e, n o on e cou l d ta k e a w a y h ow sh e fel t i n si d e. Ma yb e, w h en C u rti s w en t to col l eg e n ext yea r, h er b l u sh i n g w ou l d fi n a l l y stop . B u t V ere secretl y h op ed sh ed sti l l g et to h a ve a few b u tterfl i es h a n g i n g a rou n d h er h ea rt w h en sh e th ou g h t a b ou t h i m . Stu p i d , d u mb , cru sh .

3: black italian coffee HUNTER

T h e l i mos p a ssen g er d oor sw u n g op en b efore th e ch a u ffeu r cou l d m a k e i t a rou n d ma th e si d e, sta rtl i n g b oth Hu n ter a n d B a rry. Hi s m oth er, a b l u r of l a ven d er si l k , sh op p i n g b a g s, a n d cl i ck i n g h eel s b a rrel ed Hi tow a rd th em. em . H u n ter...oh my. Y ou ve l ost a ton of w ei g h t. O h , a n d th a t l on g h a i r...h m m . m y. Mi g h t b e a g ood th i n g . Sh e l ook ed h i m u p a n d d ow n b u t k ep t h er d i sta n ce a s th ou g h h e w ere con ta g i ou s. T h a ts a l l you ca n sa y to me? Rea l l y? Rea l l y ? Hu n ter tri ed to m eet h er g a ze, b u t Hu h er eyes seemed g l u ed to h i s sh oes. Y ou ve g ot th e ou tfi t on p erfectl y. Sh e n od d ed . Hu n ter ten sed , a s h e w a i ted , w on d eri n g w h a t h er n ext l i n e w ou l d b e h el l Hu h op i n g for a n y n ext l i n e. As u su a l , sh e d i d n t en g a g e. Wi th ou t a n oth er w ord , sh e tu rn ed h er w i d e, b l u e- l a ser eyes on B a rry. B a rry. D a rl i n g , sh e sta rted . Blink. Blink. Blink. N o on e cou l d resi st h i s moth er w h en sh e m a d e th e b l i n k y- b l i n k y fa ce. ma I n eed a b a th room on e w i th a si n k . Wh a t I n eed to d o to H u n ter cou l d g et Hu m essy. messy. B a rrys exp ressi on ch a n g ed from l oya l g ol d en retri ever to n ervou s Y ork i e. I d on t h a ve mu ch sta ff a t th i s h ou r. H ow m essy? mu Hu n ters mom d u g d eep i n to a p l a sti c b a g m a rk ed Su p erD ru g C en ter. Sh e p u l l ed Hu m om ma ou t a sq u a re, g ol d - foi l ed b ox w i th a h ea d - sh ot of a b ea u ti fu l w oma n on i t a n d tossed i t to H u n ter, sti l l n ot meeti n g h i s g a ze. Hu Hu n ter rea d th e g l ea mi n g g ol d w ord s on th e top of th e b ox a l ou d : V en u s Hu P erma n en t Ha i r C ol or: B l a ck Ita l i a n C offee. Wh a t th e...? erm a Hi s m oth er h a d m oved cl oser to B a rry a s th ou g h sh e w ere a fra i d Hu n ter m i g h t Hi moved fl i p ou t. B u t Hu n ter w a sn t g oi n g to en g a g e ei th er. N ot th i s ti me. N ot ever a g a i n . T w o cou l d p l a y h er g a me. Wh en Hu n ters ob vi ou s l a ck of resp on se m a d e th e a i r th i ck a n d a w k w a rd b etw een ma th em , Hu n ters mom n od d ed n ervou sl y tow a rd th e b ox. Wi th a n od d ca tch i n h er em, voi ce, sh e fi n a l l y sp ok e a g a i n to B a rry, H u n ters n ever h a d d a rk h a i r b efore. H es Hes g ot to ma k e i t th rou g h th e fl i g h t to D en ver w i th ou t g etti n g sp otted . We Ma rti n a n d I Sh e p a u sed , fi n a l l y l ook i n g a t H u n ters fa ce b efore con ti n u i n g , We h a ve Hu m od i fi ed ou r p l a n . mod In w h a t w a y? B a rry a sk ed . H u n ter h a s to b e i n d i sg u i se. Sta rti n g n ow w el l a t th e a i rp ort, th a t i s. T h en h es g oi n g to k eep h i s d i sg u i se w h i l e i n C ol ora d o. Were g oi n g to u n m a k e h i m . Weve w ork ed h a rd to en su re th e p ress d oesn t fi n d ou t w h ere H u n ters b een , or w h ere h es g oi n g . Wh a t d o you th i n k ?

D i sg u i se? G ood . G rea t! B a rry b l i n k ed a t h i s m om a s th ou g h h ed b een h yp n oti zed a g a i n . It m a k es a l ot of sen se. Wi th ou t p ress sn i ffi n g a rou n d , H u n ter cou l d h a ve a ch a n ce to rest so m u ch more. I l ove th e i d ea . H u n ter b l i n k ed a t th em b oth , feel i n g a s th ou g h th e con crete u n d er h i s feet h a d Hu j u st fa l l en a w a y, b u t m a n a g ed to k eep h i s fa ce stra i g h t a n d h i s m ou th sh u t. D i sg u i se? WT F ? H ol d i n g h i s fa ce com p l etel y i m p a ssi ve, Hu n ter g l a n ced a t h i s m om a n d rea l i zed Hol Hu h e sh ou l d n t h a ve b oth ered . H er p ok er fa ce w a s a s g ood a s h i s. Sh e w a s d ea d - on m i rrori n g h i s p l a ci d , ca l m Her exp ressi on . Hel l , sh ed ta u g h t i t to h i m a fter h i s rea l fa th er h a d p a ssed a w a y w h en h e w a s si x yea rs ol d a n d i t h a d b een u p to h i m to su p p ort th em. N ever l et th em see you re u p set, Hu n ter. N o ma tter w h a t, k eep you r fa ce very stra i g h t, sh e u sed to sa y b a ck w h en h e w a s ten a n d h a d h i s fi rst j ob s w ork i n g comm erci a l s. Y ou l l g et fi red for even th e sl i g h test ta n tru m. We ca n t a fford i t. Wed h a ve to move b a ck to th e a p a rtmen t. D o you u n d ersta n d , Hu n ter? N ow th a t w e d on t h a ve D a d d y a n ymore, i ts on l y you a n d me . D o you u n d ersta n d h ow seri ou s th i s i s? H u n ter tri ed to cra ck h er on a sta re- d ow n . Hu Sh e d i d n t even b l i n k . H ed i n h eri ted h er sa m e eyes, sa m e p a l e sk i n w i th con tra sti n g d a rk eyeb row s a n d Hed h er sa m e p h otog en i c fa ce. B u t u n l i k e H u n ters u n ru l y h a i r, h i s m om w ore h er me w h i te- b l on d m a n e i ron ed stra i g h t a n d fa r b el ow h er sh ou l d ers. Ri g h t n ow , h er za p p i n g b l u e eyes m a d e h er a p p ea r every i n ch a n evi l i ce q u een . ma O n e w h od n ever h ea rd th e w ord n o i n h er l i fe from a n yon e. An d on e th a t w ou l d n ot b u d g e even i f H u n ter b rok e d ow n a n d b a w l ed . Wh i ch h e w a s n ot g oi n g to d o. E ver. N ot to h er. H u n ter h a d th ou g h t h ed g et to a p ol og i ze, or a t l ea st sh ed g i ve h i m th e ch a n ce Hu to sa y someth i n g . B u t n ow , a n a l yzi n g th e g ri m d etermi n a ti on on h i s m om s fa ce, eterm i h e rea l i zed tryi n g to g et h er to ch a n g e h er mi n d w a s fu ti l e. T h i s w a s a d on e d ea l . H er voi ce rock eted th rou g h i s h ea d : D o you u n d ersta n d h ow seri ou s th i s i s? Her H u n ter l ook ed a w a y. H e g ot i t. He u n d erstood . Hu He H e l et ou t a l on g b rea th of a i r a n d p u l l ed i n a n oth er. T h i s si tu a ti on w a s h i s He fa u l t. H ed rea l l y messed u p . T a k en th i n g s b etw een h i m a n d h i s mom w a y too fa r. m om An d th en h ed ta k en th em fu rth er. D on e some rea l l y stu p i d , sca ry sh i t. E ven sca red h i m sel f. som e msel H e p u l l ed h i s h a n d s d eep i n to h i s sl eeve cu ffs. He H i s m om w a s ob vi ou sl y sti l l p i ssed off. An d h e w a s n ot a b ou t to w h i n e a n d cry, Hi mom or a sk h er h ow m u ch ti me w ou l d i t ta k e for h er to forg i ve h i m. T h i s ma d e th i n g s m. ma p retty even , b eca u se Hu n ter cou l d n t i m a g i n e forg i vi n g h er for sen d i n g h i m a w a y. Hu Wi th d yed h a i r. Ag a i n . W.T .F ! L ets g et th i s g oi n g , th en , sh a l l w e? sh e sa i d , w h en H u n ter sti l l w ou l d n t cou l d n t resp on d .

H i s h ea d h a d sta rted to p ou n d . H e w a sn t a b l e to b rea th e b eca u se h i s l u n g s h a d tu rn ed to p u re l ea d . He p u l l ed a t th e n eck of h i s w h i te h ood i e. T h e th i n g w a s He ch ok i n g th e h el l ou t of h i m . H i s m om w a s a l rea d y u p th e m a rb l e step s. T h e sl i d i n g h osp i ta l d oors sw oosh ed ma a n d h el d op en , a w a i ti n g h er en tra n ce. Im g oi n g to n eed som e tow el s, sh e sa i d to B a rry, w h od fol l ow ed h er u p th e step s l i k e a d evoted p u p p y. H u n ter d i d n t b l a m e th e g u y for sw i tch i n g si d es. H i s m om h a d seri ou s m a g i c. B ra i n w a sh ed p eop l e w i th th e b l u e b l i n k s. Ap p a ren tl y, p eop l e sa i d H u n ter cou l d to i t too. B u t h e d i d n t w a n t to. H e h a ted Hu p eop l e w h o m a n i p u l a ted oth ers l i k e h i s m om d i d . mom H e j u st w a n ted to b e l eft a l on e. Mostl y... H u n ter tu rn ed th e b ox of h a i r col or over i n h i s h a n d s. It w a s cu ri ou sl y h ea vy. Its m ysteri ou s, l oose con ten ts sh i fti n g , a n d b u m p i n g i n si d e. D i d Ma rti n rea l l y a g ree to th i s? Wh y? It w a s a b i g d ea l to m ess w i th th e G u a rd eRob e b ra n d i n g . T h eyd n eed som e sort of a p p rova l from corp ora te. Hu n ter w a s th e tok en b l on d k i d i n th e b a n d . Hu Y ou ca n t j u st u n - b l on d th e b l on d k i d ! C a n you ? P l u s, th i s j u n k w a s from a d ru g store! Sh ou l d n t h i s styl i st b e i n vol ved ? Hu n ter Hu zon ed ou t l i k e h e a l w a ys d i d w h en h e w a s stressed . T h e b row n - eyed g i rl on th e b ox seem ed to sta re d i rectl y b a ck a t h i m . Sh e l ook ed so a l i ve. F ri en d l y. L i k e som eon e h e cou l d ta l k to. someon B l a ck Ita l i a n C offee...B l a ck Ita l i a n C offee...i ts a n i ce col or. Sol i d . D a rk . D oes th e col or refer to th e coffee b ea n s or to th e b rew ed d ri n k ? E i th er w a y, i ts d a rk a s h el l ...a l most b l a ck comp a red to b l on d ... T h e b u zzi n g sou n d from th e b rok en si g n retu rn ed a n d fi l l ed h i s w h ol e h ea d . H i s Hi b od y g rew h ot a n d sh a k y, a n d Hu n ter th ou g h t h e m i g h t sel f- com b u st. Hu B l a ck Ita l i a n C offee. C ol ora d o. T h i s i s a l l so messed u p ... H u n ter! H i s l eg s sta rted i n a u tom a ti c resp on se to th e sou n d of h i s m oms voi ce. H e m oved mom s u p th e step s, b u t h i s g a ze rem a i n ed ri veted on th e m od el on th e b ox. Her l i ttl e H er h a l f- sm i l e...th e k i n d , d eep b row n eyes. H e i m a g i n ed h er en cou ra g i n g exp ressi on w a s j u st for h i m . m. Y ou ca n d o th i s. Y ou ca n . Its j u st l i k e a n oth er costu me ch a n g e. Y ou 've h a d b i l l i on s of th ose. N o b i g d ea l . H u rry u p . T h a t ta k es ti m e to p rocess a n d I refu se to b e l a te to th e a i rp ort.

4: sexy chip eaters VERE

J en n a l et ou t a l on g , d rea my si g h . Her eyes w ere sti l l l ock ed over V eres sh ou l d er. H er How i s i t p ossi b l e ou r w h ol e footb a l l tea m i s th i s h ot? E ven C h a rl i e l ook ed a l l si zzl e th i s morn i n g . T oo b a d h es n ot i n h ere. m orn V ere su ck ed i n a h u g e b rea th a n d el b ow ed J en n a s a rm. O MG . D on t j ok e a b ou t m y b roth er. Ma k es me p u k e . my J en n a l a u g h ed . Y ou k n ow h ow I a d ore th e j ock l ook . An y b oy i n a n y u n i form w ork s. Sh e sh ru g g ed . In th e ri g h t l i g h t i t even w ork s for you r b roth er. E w . E ew , a n d E W. J en n a l a u g h ed . L ets g o b a ck to sta ri n g a t you r C u rti s. I sw ea r th e g u y took h ot vi ta mi n s th i s m orn i n g a n d th ey rea l l y w ork ed . morn Sh u t u p ! Som eon es g oi n g to h ea r you . An d h es n ot my a n yth i n g . N ot even Someon cl ose. V ere ch ok ed on a g i g g l e. Wel l , tod a y h es g ot a b ra n d n ew footb a l l j ersey too. Mm m. Mmm . Mm m. Mmm . Mmm . N u m b er seven . As i n , l u ck y n u mb er seven . An d h e i s you r C u rti s. A l i ttl e b i t, a n yh ow . He j u st d oesn t k n ow i t. T h a ts w h y h es so l u ck y . He V eres p h on e vi b ra ted on th e d esk a g a i n . V E RE . D ID Y O U G E T MY L AST T E XT ? T HIS IS IMP O RT AN T . AC KN O WL E D G E Y O U WIL L C O ME ST RAIG H T HO ME . HT T h e p h on e ra p i d - b u zzed a g a i n : Y O O - HO O . An d a g a i n : V E RE . T HIS P RO J E C T IS SE RIO U S. V ere text- yel l ed b a ck : O K. G O T IT . ST O P T E XT IN G ME AT SC H O O L . I D O N T HO WAN T T RO U B L E . T h a ts th e fi rst ti me Ive ever seen yoo- h oo on a text screen . J en n a p rop p ed h er fa k e- g l a sses on h er foreh ea d . C reep y. B u t I th i n k Im g oi n g u se i t. Sh e b etter l et m e g o to th e ca b i n for L a b or D a y i n tw o w eek s. C a n I? Wi l l I? Me? C h oose m e. me O f cou rse. T h a ts a g i ven . Y ou ve n ever m i ssed i t si n ce b i rth . mi T el l th a t to you r mom. Sh es a l l b u t forg otten a b ou t m e, J en n a comp l a i n ed , reme, rea d i n g V eres texts. Sh e sou n d s p osi ti vel y men ta l . I ca n t w a i t for you to tel l me m en a b ou t th e p roj ect. Ma yb e Il l d i e from h ea t exh a u sti on b efore I ever h a ve to fi n d ou t. O h myw ow . Ma yb e w ere a l rea d y d ea d . Ma yb e w ere i n h ea ven . A w i d e g ri n of a d m i ra ti on sp rea d a cross J en n a s fa ce a s sh e w a s d i stra cted a g a i n b y th e footb a l l g u ys. How ca n b oys ma k e ea ti n g ch i p s l ook l i k e a sl ow - moti on comm erci a l of m oti cru n ch i n g - p erfecti on ? I w i sh I w ere b ra ve en ou g h to fi l m th i s on my i P h on e. my In sta n t rep l a y...w ou l d b e so g ood . T h a ts cru el a n d you k n ow i t. O r...i s i t w orth i t to l ook ? V ere sw a l l ow ed . P ossi b l y. C u rti s sh a red th e b a g . N ow th eyre AL L sexy- ch i p - ea ters. T h i s i s a n a w esome d a y. I feel l i k e Im d rea mi n g th i s! Wh i ch on e sh ou l d I b e i n l ove w i th th i s yea r? C a n I h a ve a cru sh on th em a l l ? Stop . Y ou k n ow I ca n t l ook . Y ou a l so k n ow you d d i e i f a n y of th ose footb a l l

g u ys n oti ced you . D i e h a p p y. V ere fel t h er ow n ch eek s fl u sh . J en n a s exp ressi on tu rn ed g oofy. D o you th i n k w el l b e a sk ed to p rom th i s yea r? I m ea n sen i or p rom ? C a n you even i ma g i n e? V ere sm oth ered a n oth er g i g g l e. smoth If so...Im h a vi n g a p rom p a rty. In vi ti n g th e w h ol e footb a l l tea m, a n d servi n g m, on l y ch i p s. C orn , p ota to h eck even p retzel s! F ootb a l l g u ys ea ti n g a l l k i n d s of ch i p s, i n tu xed os, a t a p a rty. Its m y n ew fa n ta sy. T h i s i s so p erfect. V ere, i ts tota l l y w orth i t. T u rn . L O O K! V ere tu rn ed , l oca ti n g C u rti s i m med i a tel y i n th e m i d d l e of th e l a u g h i n g , rel a xed mm ed g rou p of g u ys d ra p ed i n th e sch ool s col ors: ora n g e a n d b l a ck . Y ep . Perfect. N u mb er seven ...a n d ...si g h . Som eon e sh ou l d g i ve th em a l l a n A+ for ch ew i n g , V ere w h i sp ered . E veryth i n g fl i p p ed to on e of V eres sl ow m oti on , i ma g i n a ry m om en ts. moti How cou l d i t n ot? Wi th h i s su n - b l on d , cu rl y h a i r, h i s a n g l ed ch eek b on es. G od ...a n d h i s sq u a re sh ou l d ers, sq u a re ch i n , sq u a re foreh ea d . Ah h - b oy- b ea u ty. An d J en n a w a s ri g h t a b ou t th e n ew j erseys. So cu te. So h a n d some. Ag a i n . Sti l l . Al w a ys. T h e g u y w a s p erfect. Perfect tortu re. U G H. An d yep , i n sert ch eek s of fl a me b eca u se I ca n t era se th e i ma g e of me tw i rl i n g a rou n d a n d a rou n d i n C u rti ss a rms a s h i s fu tu re p rom d a te. Wow , V ere w h i sp ered a g a i n w h en th e b u tterfl i es su rg i n g i n h er th roa t a l l ow ed m ore w ord s to esca p e. L ove i t w h en h e d oesn t sh a ve. H es g ot th a t m a n l y, Hes ma sa n d p a p er h otn ess a l l over h i s ch i n tod a y. H e l ook s k i n d of l i k e a b i k er d u d e a n d a j ock com b i n ed . Y ou k n ow ? Al l g ood - b oy- b a d - b oy...a n d ... An d C u rti s i s a p erfect d a n cer. N o g ri n d i n g . Hes p u l l ed me cl ose. F a ce- to- fa ce. So h e ca n ru n h i s ch eek a g a i n st my ea r. He w h i sp ers h ow mu ch h e l oves my d ress. An d me... T h en , h e b ru sh es a soft k i ss on my l i p s. I rest my h ea d a g a i n st h i s w i d e, w a rm sh ou l d er. Hi s a rms w ra p me ti g h ter, a n d I feel sa fe...so h a p p y. We d a n ce a n d d a n ce u n d er th e l ow l i g h ts u n ti l ... J en n a sh oved h er fa ce i n to V eres l i n e of vi si on . In terven ti on sta rts n ow . D on t g o cl oser to th e l i g h t, l i ttl e m oth . Y ou l l g et b u rn ed . I sh ou l d n t h a ve tol d you to l ook . Im th e w orst fri en d . I su ck . H E SU C KS. L ook a t me , V ere, n ot a t h i m. O k a y? C om e on . T ra i n th ose b i g , b row n m. ome p eep ers over h ere. O n me. Ri g h t h ere. Sh e sn a p p ed h er fi n g ers a n d w a ved h er m e. h a n d s i n fron t of V eres fa ce. N o. H e a n d I cou l d sti l l h a p p en . Ma yb e, V ere mu ttered , tea ri n g h er g a ze a w a y mu from C u rti s. B u t sh e cou l d n t stop i m a g i n i n g h ow i t mi g h t feel to h a ve h i s a rm s ma rms a rou n d h er. D i d I m en ti on th a t I su ck a s a fri en d yet? Im so sorry. We n eed to fi n d a n oth er b oy for you to h a ve a cru sh on th i s yea r. We w i l l .

As th e b u tterfl i es a n d d rea m s fl oa ted a w a y, V eres h ea rt fel t a s th ou g h i t w ere ms m a d e of w et cl a y. I d on t w a n t a n oth er cru sh . T h i s on e h a s a l m ost k i l l ed m e. F u l l y d ej ected n ow , V ere m et J en n a s g a ze. C a n you i ma g i n e, g oi n g to Sen i or ma P rom w i th h i m? It w ou l d b e so a w esome. If on l y I cou l d . m? esom e. N o. Its i m p ossi b l e d rea m i n g . Rea l i ty ch eck : Sch ool d a n ces a re n ot for u s. E sp eci a l l y p rom . N ot u n l ess w e b oth w i n on e of th ose m a k eover con tests w h ere w e b ecom e su d d en l y fa b u l ou s. O r, u n l ess you r b roth er ti ck s- off you r m om to th e mom p oi n t w h ere h es forced to ta k e u s a s h i s d a tes, th a t i s. J en n a scru n ch ed h er foreh ea d th ou g h tfu l l y. Wh i ch mi g h t n ot b e su ch a b a d i d ea ...C h a rl i e cou l d u se mi som e ch a p eron es, d on t you th i n k ? Wh a t? J en n a . U G H. V ere g l a red i n to h er fri en d s b ri g h t, g reen eyes. D o you w a n t m e to p u n ch you ? J en n a sm i l ed , l etti n g ou t a b rea th th a t sou n d ed rel i eved . T h a ts th e g i rl I k n ow . smi I k n ew th a t i d ea w ou l d h a ve you sn a p p i n g ou t of th i n g s. Al m ost l ost you th ere. V ere ru b b ed h er eyes w i th b oth h a n d s. T oo l a te. I d on t feel so g ood . I tol d you ta l k i n g a b ou t C h a rl i e m a k es m e si ck . Si ck from C u rti s . Y ou k n ow i ts th a t. F org i ve m e for b ri n g i n g h i m i n to focu s? V ere n od d ed a s h er h ea d sta rted to sp i n . E very ti me sh e d rea med too m u ch a b ou t me m ed C u rti s th i s h a p p en ed . Sh e n eed ed a w a y to stop h er cru sh . B u t h ow ? Y ou d o l ook extra p a l e. N eed som e w a ter? Ai r? J en n a g l a n ced a rou n d th e room. room . Wh y d o th ey th i n k sta rti n g sch ool i n th e m i d d l e of Au g u st, w i th n o a i r con d i ti on i n g , i n a n a l l - g l a ss sch ool i s a g ood i d ea ? I sh ou l d ca l l n ew s rep orters a b ou t th i s. Sh e frow n ed a t V eres ou tfi t. Wh y d i d you w ea r th a t h u g e h ood i e? It w a s col d th i s m orn i n g . An d Ive on l y g ot a th i n u n d ersh i rt on u n d er h ere, morn V ere m oa n ed . I ca n t ta k e i t off. D o i t. N o. Im n ot th e h a l f- n a k ed - a t- sch ool typ e. G i ve m e you r a w esom e sh i rt, a n d you esome w a l k a rou n d i n you r u n d erw ea r. I sw ea r, J en n a , m y h ea d i s a ctu a l l y sp i n n i n g i n th e op p osi te d i recti on of th e rest of m y b od y. my V ere si g h ed a n d l a i d h er h ea d on h er h a n d s, w i sh i n g for a b reeze to b l ow th rou g h th e l on g row of op en w i n d ow s. N ot on e b ra n ch , n ot on e n eed l e m oved on th e p i n e trees sh a d i n g th ei r l u n ch q u a d ou tsi d e. J u st l ook i n g a t th e m oti on l ess trees m a d e moti h er b od y tem p era tu re j u mp a n oth er ten d eg rees. mp J en n a w a s ri g h t. T h e h ood i e h a d to com e off. B eca u se i f i t d i d n t, sh ed p a ss ou t i n fron t of everyon e. Sh ed g et w h eel ed ou t of h ere on a stretch er. An d w ou l d n t th a t b e th e p erfect w a y for me, th e i n fa mou s V ere Roth , to b eg i n my j u n i or yea r? In ci d en t N u mb er T w o: Kn ock s HE RSE L F ou t. N o. N o. N o.

5: crazy aint sexy HUNTER

H u n ter. Were a t th e a i rp ort. Hu n ter j erk ed a w a k e. Hed forced h i msel f to sl eep for th e l on g ri d e. Sl eep ( or Hu m sel p reten d i n g to sl eep ) i s w h a t h e d i d w h en h e d i d n t w a n t to d ea l w i th sh i t. An d th a ts w h a t th i s ri d e h a d b een . C omp l ete. Sh i t. C l osi n g h i s eyes w a s a l so ea si er th a n n ot ta l k i n g to h i s mom. Sa fer th a n mom . i n sti g a ti n g a fi g h t too. He ya w n ed a n d stretch ed , a cti n g l i k e h e sti l l d i d n t ca re th a t sh ed refu sed to ta l k to h i m. N ot a t F a l con er w h i l e sh ed ru i n ed h i s h a i r col or, a n d n ot on ce on th i s w h ol e d a mn d ri ve h a d sh e a ttemp ted to w a k e h i m. H e m . He tri ed to b a i t h er a g a i n , h op i n g sh ed sl i p u p a n d sa y someth i n g . Wh a ts n ext i n you r p sych o, ri d i cu l ou s p l a n ? P u t on th i s h a t. We ca n t l et on e stra n d of you r n ew h a i r sh ow , sh e sa i d , h er voi ce w a s a s cl osed a s h er sh u ttered exp ressi on . Wh y? T h e d a rk col or k i n d of ma k es m y eyes p op , d on t ya th i n k ? Hu n ters Hu a ttemp ts a t ca rel ess sou n d i n g q u i p s h a d com e ou t i n frog croa k s. come Worse, h i s th roa t tri ed to cl ose comp l etel y w h en h e rea l i zed th ere w a s a h u g e crow d of p ress w a i ti n g w h ere th e l i mo h a d p a rk ed . Rea l l y? Hi s m om w a tch ed w h i l e h e p u t on th e w h i te k n i t sk a te ca p , th en sh e tu ck ed a w a y Hi every stra n d of h i s n ew h a i r. D o n ot l et th i s h a t sl i p or th e w h ol e p l a n cou l d b e b l ow n . Y ou a ren t offi ci a l l y i n d i sg u i se yet. O k a y? Y ou a n d th i s , h e g estu red to th e crow d ou tsi d e, su ck so b a d l y. J u st fol l ow m y l ea d . Ma rti n a n d th e g u ys a re w a i ti n g . T a k e th ese su n g l a sses a n d my th i s m a tch i n g b a g , too. Sh e tossed h i m a p a i r of u l tra - d a rk , w h i te- fra m ed HK g l a sses a n d a p oorl y ma d e, d ra w stri n g p a ck . Wi th si l ver g l i tter a l l over b oth a ccessori es. Hu n ter w a s g ra tefu l for th e g l a sses b eca u se h e l oved h i d i n g b eh i n d a n y a n d a l l Hu d a rk g l a sses. He p u t th em on a n d p eered ou t th e w i n d ow . Wh y a n d h ow d i d th e p u b l i ci st m a n a g e a p ress con feren ce a t th i s h ou r , a t th i s ti n y a i rp ort? ma Its a l l p a rt of a b i g g er p l a n . D on t m en ti on F a l con er or C ol ora d o. Y ou ve b een men i n P a ri s. O k a y? T h a ts a l l you n eed to k n ow for n ow . O k a y. P a ri s. C h eck . Hu n ters h ea d p ou n d ed from th e effort i t took to h ol d h i s exp ressi on s stea d y; b u t th en h e b rok e. J esu s, Mom. T el l m e a l i ttl e more. I feel me l i k e you re sen d i n g me i n b l i n d . I a m . Hi s moms g a ze ca u g h t h i s. m. mom s He th ou g h t h e sa w h er eyes fl oa t a g l i mp se of reg ret or sa d n ess or w h a t ? T h i s He w a s d efi n i tel y a n exp ressi on h e d i d n t recog n i ze. Sh e l ook ed a l most d esp era te. H e a l so th ou g h t for a momen t sh e mi g h t sa y someth i n g rea l someth i n g th a t w ou l d a l l ow Hu n ter a ch a n ce to b rea k i n a n d p l ea d w i th h er n ot to g o th rou g h w i th th i s. T h e d ri ver op en ed th e d oor, d i stra cti n g th em b oth .

D on t b l ow i t, H u n ter. H er u n rel en ti n g voi ce tu rn ed i ci er a s sh e w en t on , Y ou h a ve n o i d ea h ow i m p orta n t th i s i s. Sh e step p ed ou t sl ow l y, a cti n g a s th ou g h th i s mp w ere some sort of red ca rp et even t. som e H u n ter fol l ow ed h er l ea d b u t cou l d n t resi st on e m ore d i g . Im p orta n t? D o you Hu m ea n i m p orta n t to you r b a n k a ccou n t? Sh e resp on d ed so q u i etl y over h er sh ou l d er h e a l most cou l d n t h ea r, T h i s p l a n i s m ost a b ou t you . Ab ou t me m a k i n g th i n g s ri g h t. J u st fol l ow a l on g . An d for on ce i n you r l i fe, p l ea se sta y q u i et. B eh a ve. Y ou d on t b el i eve i n m e, b u t I d o k n ow w h a ts b est. Isn t i t a l i ttl e l a te for you to ru n for Moth er of th e Y ea r ? h e m u ttered . Y es. Y es i t i s. Sh e froze a n d l ook ed b a ck , ca tch i n g a n d h ol d i n g h i s g a ze. Sh i t. Sh es vi si b l y sh a k i n g . Sh a k i n g a l ot! Sh ou l d n t I b e th e on e sh a k i n g ri g h t n ow ? H a ve a g ood tri p . P l ea se try to sti ck w i th th e p l a n . N o m a tter h ow h a rd i t ma seem s. Her voi ce b rok e. Pl ea se. H er H e ra i sed h i s eyeb row s a s sh e sta l k ed a w a y. He WT F ? Ha d h i s mom j u st a g reed w i th h i m? Ha d sh e b een cryi n g ? B efore h e cou l d p rocess m ore, p a rt of H u n ters en tou ra g e h i s p u b l i ci st, m a n a g er a n d th ree h u l k i n g b od yg u a rd s h e d i d n t recog n i ze em erg ed from a n oth er w a i ti n g l i m o a n d m oved i n a rou n d h i m. moved H u n ter! H i s a g en ts voi ce sh ot u p from a crow d a h ea d w h i l e h i s m om s b a ck oms w a s sw a l l ow ed i n th e crow d . H u n ter! T h i s w a y! Ma rti n , a l on g w i th h i s b a n d - ma tes, Royce a n d Ad a m , h a d b een tra p p ed a g a i n st th e w i n d ow s b y a th ron g of rep orters n ea r th e en tra n ce. T h ey w ere w ed g ed i n , b u t sa fel y su rrou n d ed b y th ei r ow n b od yg u a rd s. Ma rti n j u mp ed u p a n d d ow n , w a vi n g h i s a rm s. Hu n ter Ken n ed y. Were over h ere! H u n ter recoi l ed sl i g h tl y b efore h e ca u g h t h i m sel f. Hu H i s p u l se i n crea sed a s th e crow d s exci ted en erg y, p l u s th e eyes a n d ca m era s of Hi th e g reed y p ress m ob , p u sh ed tow a rd h i m . H i s cl osed l i m o d oor b l ock ed a n y m. retrea t. It took on l y secon d s for H u n ter to b e en g u l fed i n fl a sh es a n d th e p ressi n g m a ss of p a p a ra zzi . Some h e recog n i zed b eh i n d th ei r g i a n t l en ses a n d som e h e d i d n t. Som e some H e froze a n d sq u a red h i s sh ou l d ers, h i d i n g a n oth er fl a re of p a n i c. Ma rti n k n ew He H u n ter h a ted to b e m ob b ed , yet i t n ever stop p ed th e g u y from fl a g g i n g th e p ress on to h i m. m. H u n ter forced h i s exp ressi on i n to on e of p ra cti ced , cool n on ch a l a n ce. Hu F ol l ow a l on g a n d b eh a ve. An d of cou rse, rememb er to b rea th e. Hu n ter! Hu n ter Ken n ed y! Hu n ter! T h i s w a y. T u rn th i s w a y, a m a n sh ou ted . Hu n ter! An oth er voi ce, th i s ti m e a w om a n s, ca l l ed ou t from th e cl i ck i n g , sh ovi n g p ressm ob . Wh en d i d you retu rn from P a ri s? H ow l on g w ere you th ere?

H u n ter sm i l ed h i s b i g g est g ri n . At l ea st th ese b a sta rd s sti l l d i d n t seem to h a ve a cl u e a s to w h ere h ed rea l l y b een . A p l u s. H e b u si ed h i m sel f w i th h i s si l ver p a ck a s th ou g h h e h a d n t h ea rd a n y on e q u esti on . Is th a t ou tfi t on e of th e n ew HK O ri g i n a l s? H u n ter k n ew th a t w a s sa fe to a n sw er. Y ea h . C h eck th e n ew sh oes. T h e p h otog ra p h ers i mm ed i a tel y a i m ed th ei r ca m era s d ow n a n d took sh ots of th e mm m a tch i n g frea k - sh ow s a s th ou g h th ey w ere ra re a rt ob j ects. Hu n ter, Hu n ter , tu rn a rou n d . J u st on e sh ot, th i s w a y. H ere! H ere! Hu n ter! Here! H u n ter tu rn ed , p osed , sm i l ed a n d tu rn ed b a ck . G u ys! Ma rti n sh ou ted a g a i n . H i s l ou d er- th a n - l i fe, N ew Y ork a ccen t ca rri ed Hi over th e crow d . L et h i m p a ss th rou g h to th e rest of th e b a n d so w e ca n g et i n si d e. Wel l g i ve you a l l a ch a n ce a t some g ood sh ots a n d ma yb e a meet- a n d - g reet b efore som e ma w e g o th rou g h secu ri ty. T h e p h otog ra p h ers p a rted , a n d H u n ter h ea d ed tow a rd Ma rti n , Royce a n d Ad a m . T h ey b oth sp orted si m i l a r, ri d i cu l ou s, w h i te ou tfi ts w i th si l ver a ccessori es. T h ey l ook ed ten se, ti red . An d a s sp a rk l y- stu p i d a s h e d i d . As th ey m a d e th ei r w a y ma i n si d e, H u n ter tri ed to l oosen th em u p . N i ce w a rd rob e, sn ow fl a k es. D o you r b oxers i tch a s m u ch a s m i n e? mu Royce g l ow ered , a p p a ren tl y n ot a m u sed , b u t Ad a m sh ot h i m a w ry, a l m ost a p ol og eti c sm i l e. B efore ei th er cou l d resp on d fu rth er, a n u mb er of n ew on l ook ers sa w th e ch a os mb a n d crow d ed a rou n d a s w el l , h a l ti n g th ei r p rog ress. T h e n ew p eop l e w ere m ostl y cu ri ou s a i rp ort sta ff a n d ti red l ook i n g execu ti ves. mostl B u si n ess C E O s w i th p ri va te j ets a n d ea rl y com mu ters w ere n ot th ei r ta rg et ma rk et. mu ma At th i s h ou r of th e m orn i n g , th ei r core fa n s h i g h - sch ool a n d col l eg e k i d s w ou l d b e fa st a sl eep , a n d n ot a t th e V a n N u ys Reg i on a l Ai rp ort, l oca ted j u st ou tsi d e L os An g el es. T h i s mea n t th ey w ere n ot g oi n g to b e su ffoca ted b y a ma ss of ra n d om , screa m i n g , m ea ma cryi n g g i rl s ei th er. A secon d p l u s. After a l l h i s ti m e a l on e i n si d e th e q u i et room s of F a l con er, Hu n ter w a s n ot rea d y Hu to fa ce a n y screa m i n g . An d , even on a g ood d a y, cryi n g g i rl s si m p l y terri fi ed h i m . Ma rti n l ook ed m ore th a n p l ea sed w i th th e p ress covera g e. N orm a l l y, H u n ter tri ed to a voi d a l l p h otog ra p h ers a n d g ossi p p a ra si tes, b u t h e d i d n t w a n t to screw th i s u p . G u a rd eRob e p rob a b l y n eed ed to g et som e ca tch - u p sh ots to comp en sa te for h i s a b sen ce. com p H u n ter w a n ted to m a k e i t a l l ri g h t ma k e th e g u ys a n d Ma rti n u n d ersta n d h e ma w a s fu l l y on b oa rd . If th ey h a d som e sort of a p l a n i n m oti on , m essi n g u p i n fron t of ca mera s w ou l d m ea n su d d en d ea th . So, h e w ork ed to p l a y h i s p a rt. m era Al on g w i th th e g u ys, h e smi l ed , took off h i s su n g l a sses, si g n ed a few a u tog ra p h s, sm i fl i rted w i th th e ca m era s a n d a voi d ed th e od d q u esti on s a b ou t P a ri s. Royce a n d Ad a m h a n d l ed th ose. B l a b b i n g a b ou t h ow th ey l oved seei n g th e E i ffel T ow er. Royce a l so a n sw ered th a t H u n ter h a d m i ssed g oi n g ou t m u ch i n P a ri s mi

b eca u se of a stom a ch fl u ? N i ce cover. It m a d e p erfect sen se th ey w ou l d crea te p ress h a l fw a y a cross th e w orl d to d i vert th e a tten ti on from H u n ters tru e, l a m e l oca ti on . Hu H i s vi si on g l a zed to a th i ck fog . B a rry h a d tol d h i m over a n d over th a t h e w a s w el l en ou g h to move on , b u t H u n ter d i d n t feel w el l en ou g h a t th e m om en t. N ot even cl ose. H e w a n ted to ru n b a ck to F a l con er a n d cra w l b a ck i n to th e sm a l l , He si l en t h osp i ta l room h e th ou g h t h e h a ted . Sh i t. F a ces i n th e crow d p u l sed i n fron t of H u n ter. He sw a l l ow ed , ya n k ed d ow n on th e He k n i t ca p a n d ch eck ed th e sl eeve cu ffs on h i s h ood i e. Wh en th e i n evi ta b l e w h a t a re you w ork i n g on n ext q u esti on sh ot ou t, H u n ter m a n a g ed a n oth er fa k e g ri n a n d ma p oi n ted to Ma rti n w h od fi n a l l y j oi n ed th em . G u a rd eRob e i s h ea d i n g b a ck i n to th e stu d i o, Ma rti n a n sw ered , u si n g h i s sm ooth - ta l k er voi ce. Y ou w on t b e seei n g m u ch of th e b a n d u n ti l l a te sp ri n g . T h eyre a b ou t to h op a ch a rter to N ew Y ork a n d g et to w ork . We h a ve a n a l b u m to d el i ver. H u n ter va g u el y w on d ered i f th e g u ys w ere rea l l y g oi n g to b e i n N ew Y ork ? If so, h e fi g u red su fferi n g th rou g h h i s m om s orch estra ted ti m e- ou t i n th e b oon i es mom meseem ed a b i t l ess terri b l e. Ma rti n w a s a sl a ve- d ri vi n g a ss w h en th ey h a d to p a y for stu d i o ti me. P l u s w ork i n g i n a stu d i o req u i red h u g e con cen tra ti on a n d en erg y. m e. H u n ter a d mi tted h e m i g h t n ot h a ve ei th er of th ose on b oa rd . N ot th i s w eek , mi a n yh ow . H i s g a ze fog g ed ou t m ore. H e b rok e ou t i n to a col d sw ea t a s h i s th ou g h ts su n k i n . B u t...w a i t. If G u a rd eRob e h a s stu d i o ti me l i n ed u p i n N ew Y ork , w h o i s g oi n g to w ri te th ei r l yri cs? I w ri te th ose. Ha s a n yon e con si d ered th a t? T ryi n g n ot to op en l y frea k , h e l ook ed a rou n d for h i s m om . Al l si g n s of h er p ossi b l e cryi n g - momen t w ere l on g g on e. Sh e stood fa r i n th e b a ck g rou n d , a rms crossed , w a tch i n g h i m. A b a l l of fu ry sw el l ed i n h i s ch est. Wh y rm s m. h a d sh e k ep t a l l th ese d eta i l s si l en t? H e sh ou l d h a ve i n si sted . B eg g ed h a rd er. B u t h ed b een too h u n g u p on p reten d i n g h e d i d n t ca re. B esi d es, h ed n ever h a d to a sk a n yth i n g b efore. P eop l e h i s m om a b ove a l l h a d a l w a ys tol d h i m everyth i n g h e n eed ed to k n ow . mom T ol d h i m w h a t to w ea r, w h ere to g o, h ow to sta n d , w h a t to ea t, w h en to si n g , w h a t to sa y, a n d m ost i mp orta n tl y w h a t th e h el l w a s g oi n g on ! mp H u n ter w i p ed h i s h a n d a l on g h i s p ou n d i n g l eft tem p l e. H e w a s b ou n d a n d d eterm i n ed to p l a y a l on g . H e cou l d a fford n o m ore m i sta k es. H e h a d to p rove to He h i s m om , h el l , to a l l of th em , th a t h e w a s sorry. T h i s cou l d b e h i s l a st ch a n ce to g et th ese p eop l e to b el i eve th a t. H u n ter con ti n u ou sl y ch eck ed h i s h a t to ma k e su re i t sta yed l ow , h i d i n g th e d a m n d yed ma h a i r, h op i n g h i s mom n oti ced h i s efforts. m om Wi th i n m i n u tes, Ma rti n h a d d eftl y p u sh ed th e en ti re g rou p , m i n u s th e rep orters a n d th e b u si n ess tra vel ers, th rou g h secu ri ty a n d i n to th e Ag es Ai rl i n es D i a mon d

Club. O n ce seq u estered i n th e b a ck , Ma rti n d i rected H u n ter to g et a b i te to ea t. Hu F eel i n g com p l etel y h ol l ow a n d em p ty, h e w a tch ed Ma rti n u sh er h i s m oth er a n d th e g u ys to th e fa r corn er of th e l a rg e room . It w a s a p p a ren t th ey d i d n ot w a n t h i m i n th ei r con versa ti on . Sh ou l d I try to ea vesd rop ? H u n ter h a d n t come u p w i th a n y excu se to fol l ow th em th a t d i d n t i n vol ve Hu com e screa m i n g , yel l i n g a n d th row i n g th i n g s. T h a t b eh a vi or w ou l d n ot h el p h i s ca u se. H ed tri ed i t on ce a t F a l con er a n d en d ed u p w i th h ou rs of a d d i ti on a l th era p y cou ch - ti m e w i th B a rry. H e w a l k ed over to g ra b a p l a te from a si d eb oa rd . N ot a n ea sy fea t, si n ce h i s He h a n d s w ere sh a k i n g a n d h e cou l d sti l l h a rd l y see stra i g h t. T h i s u p si d e d ow n si tu a ti on w i l l ri g h t i tsel f i f I ca n h ol d my g rou n d . It h a s to. Im Hu n ter Ken n ed y for G od s sa k e. Wi th ou t me, n on e of th em ca n p a y th ei r b i l l s, ri g h t? Ri g h t? H u n ter sw a l l ow ed , p u l l i n g i n a s m u ch a i r a s h e cou l d h ol d . Hu T i me a n d p a ti en ce i s a l l th i s w i l l ta k e. H e tu rn ed tow a rd th e sma l l b u ffet, forci n g h i s eyes to focu s on th e food . He He sm a He fi l l ed a p l a te w i th h u m m u s, p i ta b rea d , G reek ol i ves, F eta , g ra p es, a n d h e g ra b b ed a b ottl e of w a ter. H i s m oth ers fa vori te l ow ca l ori e, h i g h - p rotei n food even for b rea k fa st. Hi F eel i n g a b i t m ore i n con trol , H u n ter p u l l ed off th e evi l - m ed i eva l - sw ord n eck l a ce b efore si tti n g . H e sh ot a g l a n ce a t a ta l l , fa m i l i a r l ook i n g , b l on d g u y, ea ti n g a p a rt from th e b od yg u a rd s a n d th e rest of h i s en tou ra g e. E a ch a n d every p erson i n th e room seem ed to b e a voi d i n g H u n ters g a ze excep t for th i s k i d . T h e k i d a ctu a l l y seem ed to h a ve n o p rob l em m eeti n g h i s g a ze or sta ri n g l i k e a w i d e- eyed fa n b oy. H u n ter sh ook h i s h ea d , tryi n g to p l a ce h i m . Hu Ive seen h i m b efore. Ma yb e someon es son ? N ep h ew ? C ou l d b e a n ew i n tern . O n e w h o h a d n ot recei ved tod a ys IG N O RE - HU N T E R ME MO ? T h e k i d h a d h i s el b ow s p rop p ed on th e m a h og a n y con feren ce ta b l e. H e w a s d em ol i sh i n g a l a rg e p l a te of food th a t con ta i n ed on l y red g ra p es a n d cra ck ers. T h e d u d e m oti on ed to H u n ters p l a te. Wh a t i s a l l th a t j u n k ? Im sca red to ea t i t, so I on l y took w h a t I recog n i zed . H e g ri n n ed . A l a rg e p i ece of g ra p e sk i n h a d stu ck to h i s fron t tooth m a k i n g , h i m l ook l i k e w h a ck ed h i l l b i l l y. H u n ter b i t b a ck h i s ow n sm i l e a n d ti l ted h i s h ea d sti l l tryi n g to p l a ce th e g u y. Hu Its G reek food . H u m m u s, g oa t ch eese? H e p oi n ted to th e k i d s tooth . D u d e you ve g ot som eth i n g stu ck ri g h t th ere... T h e k i d fl u sh ed sl i g h tl y, a n d w i p ed h i s tooth w i th a n a p k i n . O h . T h a n k s. Y ou re H u n ter Ken n ed y. Hu Y es. Y es, I a m . H u n ter sq u el ch ed a g ri m a ce. It w a sn t th i s k i d s fa u l t h e w a s m eeti n g h i m on th e w orst d a y of h i s l i fe. N i ce to fi n a l l y m eet you .

T h a n k s. H u n ter si g h ed , h op i n g th e k i d d i d n t w a n t h i m to ch a t l on g er, or w orse, si g n a u tog ra p h s. B efore h e cou l d m a k e a p ol i te esca p e, th e k i d rea ch ed a cross th e ta b l e a n d p i ck ed u p H u n ters n eck l a ce. H e l et th e ch a i n d a n g l e d ow n b etw een th em , a n d sp u n th e sw ord u n ti l i t b eca me me a w h i rl i n g b l u r. T h i s i s n i ce . H u n ter sn orted . An d sh a rp . B e ca refu l . I g u ess w ere su p p osed to sw a p ou tfi ts soon . Im g oi n g to ca tch th e p l a n e to N ew Y ork w i th G u a rd eRob e , b u t you h a ve to h a n d over th e m a tch i n g ou tfi t fi rst. H i s tooth y smi l e a l m ost b l i n d ed Hu n ter. N ew Y ork ! I ca n t w a i t. Ive h ea rd i ts so sm i Hu a w esom e. Wh a t si ze sh oe a re you ? T h e g u y sh oved th ree cra ck ers i n to h i s m ou th esome. a n d con ti n u ed , I h op e el even , b eca u se th ose n ew sn ea k s a re sw eet. Im p sych ed to h a ve th em . em. H u n ter cou g h ed . An ol i ve h a d l od g ed i n th e b a ck of h i s th roa t. H e forced i t d ow n a n d sta red a t th e g u y, tryi n g to p rocess w h a t h ed j u st h ea rd . If th a ts ok a y w i th you , I m ea n . Y ou d on t n eed th em b a ck . ri g h t? T h e d u d es g ri n w a s n ow so b i g H u n ter w on d ered i f i t w ou l d fa l l off h i s fa ce. T h e k i d b l a b b ed on , C a n I k eep th a t h a t, too? H e stu d i ed H u n ters h ea d a n d Hu h i s g ri n fa l tered w h en H u n ter sti l l d i d n t resp on d . If you d on t ca re. Its a s cool a s th i s n eck l a ce! H e d rop p ed th e ch a i n over h i s n eck . H u n ter b l i n k ed , u n a b l e to resp on d , or b rea th e, or th i n k . T h ey l et m e k eep th e oth er ou tfi ts so...I j u st fi g u red ... H u n ter g ri p p ed th e si d es of h i s ch a i r for b a l a n ce a s h i s mi n d sp u n ou t of con trol . mi Hel l . N o w a y. N O WAY . T h eyve rep l a ced me! H u n ter cou l d n t b el i eve h i s l i fe h a d m orp h ed i n to th i s. Wel l a w a re th e room h a d j u st g on e com p l etel y si l en t, H u n ter u n cl en ch ed h i s h a n d s a n d g ra b b ed a h a n d fu l of g ra p es. Meth od i ca l l y p u tti n g th em i n to h i s m ou th on e a t a ti m e, h e sta p l ed h i s exp ressi on i n to extreme p ress mod e . H e con cen tra ted on ch ew i n g , sw a l l ow i n g a n d w i l l i n g th e b u zzi n g fu ry i n h i s h ea d to d i ssi p a te. H e sh ot a n oth er h ood ed g l a n ce a t th e h u d d l e i n th e corn er a n d n oted everyon e h a d tu rn ed to w a tch h i m , excep t h i s m om. Sh e w a s ob vi ou sl y p reten d i n g n ot to om . n oti ce th e exch a n g e. T yp i ca l . H i s en ti re l i fe w a s sp i ra l i n g ou t of con trol b eca u se of h er stu p i d n eed to p u n i sh h i m, a n d th e w om a n d i d n t even h a ve th e cou ra g e to w a tch a n ym ore. m, I h a ve to th i n k . Sh i t. I h a ve to b rea th e. H e l et a i r i n th rou g h h i s n ose a n d p op p ed i n a n oth er g ra p e, b i ti n g th rou g h th e sk i n . It ta sted l i k e d i rt. T h e effort to sw a l l ow a l m ost d i d h i m i n , b u t h e k n ew h e w a s w i n n i n g w h en h e m a n a g ed to th row i n a n oth er, ch ew i t, sw a l l ow a g a i n a n d a d d i n m ore b rea th i n g . H u n ter su rveyed th e g u y top to b ottom . T h e k i d l ook ed a l m ost exa ctl y l i k e h i m . ottom. How I u sed to l ook si x w eek s a g o w i th sh orter, b l on d h a i r. Mi n u s th e d ork y, sh i t- ea ti n g - g ri n , of cou rse.

Ki d h a s so ma n y d a mn teeth . D u d e. H u n ter? We cool ? h e a sk ed , frow n i n g . H u n ter fel t h i s l eg s sta rt to sh a k e, b u t m a n a g ed to fl i p on a sm i l e a n d a n od . ma J u st sta rvi n g , h e m u ttered . Y ou k n ow h ow i t i s. O h , yea h . Me, too. We h a ve so m u ch i n com m on ! T h e g u y sh ot h i m a n oth er overl a rg e g ri n . Im a l w a ys h u n g ry too! H u n ter sh ot Ma rti n a d esp era te g l a n ce. Ma rti n n od d ed , b u t m a d e n o move to com e ta l k a b ou t th i s. m ove H u n ter d eci d ed h e w a s n ot g oi n g to d o w h a t th ey p rob a b l y exp ected h i m to d o. N o w a y w a s h e g oi n g to b l ow u p . N ot even a l i ttl e. T h ou g h h e h a d every ri g h t. H e took i n a n oth er b i g b rea th a n d l ook ed b a ck a t th e g oofy g u y i n fron t of h i m a n d cra ck ed h i s ow n sm i l e. smi A fa k e, d u mb a ss sm i l e th a t m a tch ed th e oth er k i d s sm i l e. O n e th a t h u rt so b a d h e fel t l i k e th e i n si d es of h i s ch eek s w ere cra ck i n g a l l th e w a y to h i s sou l . D u d e. Y ou ca n k eep th e w h ol e ou tfi t. F orever. My sh oes a re a n el even . Are th ey p a yi n g you a l ot? T on s! Its th e b est d ea l ever. T h a n k s for u h th e j ob a n d th e tri p to P a ri s too. Y ou a ctu a l l y w en t to P a ri s? H u n ters h ea rt d rop p ed . H e w a s m ostl y a m a zed th a t h e cou l d sti l l b e su rp ri sed a t th i s m om en t. Y ea h . Me a n d th e g u ys . Wh en you w ere...si ck ? D i d n t th ey tel l you ? T h e b l on d k i d n od d ed tow a rd Royce a n d Ad a m . H u n ter sh ook h i s h ea d . N o. T h ey d i d n t. I h a d to k eep m ostl y to th e h otel , b u t th e h otel w a s sw eet. So d el u xe. An d th ey g ot m e a n yth i n g I w a n ted room servi ce, vi d eo g a mes, m ovi es, F ren ch p a stri es m es, a n yth i n g , even w i n e. N o d ri n k i n g a g e over th ere! Ri g h t. L u ck y you . H u n ter w on d ered h ow l on g i t h a d b een si n ce h ed fou n d u n l i m i ted room servi ce or th e a ccessi b i l i ty to a l coh ol exci ti n g . H e stu d i ed th e k i d cl ose u p . Sh i t. My tw i n . E ye col or, n ot a s b l u e. E veryth i n g el se d ea d on . E xcep t for th e p a rt w h ere h es g ot w a y, too ma n y teeth . T h i s g i g w i l l m ore th a n p a y for m y col l eg e or a n yth i n g I w a n t to d o n ext yea r. more Its ca k e a cti n g too. N o l i n es to l ea rn . Al l I h a ve to d o i s k eep m y fa ce d ow n , w ea r sw eet cl oth es, a n d n ot ta l k . Wel l , a t l ea st on e of u s h a s a sol i d fu tu re, H u n ter sa i d , h a ti n g th a t h ed b een u n a b l e to h i d e th e u tterl y d esol a te ton e i n h i s voi ce. T h e d u d e n oti ced , a n d a t l ea st h a d th e g ra ce to d i m h i s sm i l e to a si n cere frow n . O h . Ri g h t. Wel l , Im sorry a b ou t you k n ow th a t you re si ck ? B u t th ey tol d m e i t w a sn t l i k e fa ta l or too m a j or? Is i t? Ap p a ren tl y i ts m ore seri ou s th a n w e a l l ori g i n a l l y th ou g h t, H u n ter ma n a g ed . ma O h . Im rea l l y sorry. H e l ea n ed fa rth er a cross th e ta b l e a n d con ti n u ed , I tota l l y l ove G u a rd eRob e . Its a n h on or to h el p you ou t. Rea l l y. I h op e you d on t h a ve to g o th rou g h a n yth i n g p a i n fu l l i k e su rg eri es? O r w el l Im h op i n g th eres som e sort of b ri g h t si d e for you .

Are you a l w a ys th i s ch a tty? H u n ter u n cl en ch ed h i s fi sts. Y ea h ! I a m . My n a m es N o! D on t . H u n ter stood a b ru p tl y, p i ck i n g u p h i s p l a te. T h e g u y sa t b a ck , sta rtl ed . I d on t w a n t to k n ow you r n a m e. T oo w ei rd . Im sorry. I ca n t. O h . O k a y. Su re. T h e g u y h a d stop p ed sm i l i n g a t l ea st. Sh a l l w e g et th i s over w i th ? H u n ter m oti on ed to th e rest room si g n s b eh i n d th em , a s a w a ve of extrem e exh a u sti on h i t h i m l ow a n d h ea vy a cross h i s ch est. H i s b od y fel t a s th ou g h i t w ei g h ed th ou sa n d s of p ou n d s. H e h a d n o i d ea h ow h e m a d e i t to th e oth er si d e of th e room . An d th en i t w a s d on e. T h eyd tra d ed ou t everyth i n g b u t th ei r b oxers. T ru th fu l l y, H u n ter cou l d n t h a ve b een h a p p i er to d i tch th e w h i te a n d si l ver h el l su i t for th e oth er g u ys p l a i n L evi s, w h i te u n d er sh i rt a n d h i s w ri n k l ed , l on g sl eeved , l i g h t b l u e b u tton d ow n . It a l l fi t h i m l i k e a g l ove. T h e frea k i sh sk a te ca p h a d b een rep l a ced w i th a fa d ed , b l a ck a n d p u rp l e, Sa cra m en to Ki n g s b a l l ca p . T h e offen si ve w h i te sn ea k ers h a d b een u p g ra d ed to su rfer fl i p - fl op s w i th d a rk red ca n va s top s. H u n ter p u l l ed n ervou sl y a t th e sh i rt cu ffs. T h e sl eeves w ere l on g en ou g h to d o th e tri ck . After th eyd ch a n g ed , th ey m a d e th ei r w a y b a ck to th e ta b l e w h ere H u n ters b a n d ma m a tes w ere n ow si tti n g a n d ea ti n g . U n l i k e b efore, everyon e w a s n ow op en l y sta ri n g , b u t th ey a l l seem ed j u m p y. Y A T HIN K? !! T RAIT O RS! IM A L IT T L E J U MPY T O O ! H u n ter w a n ted to screa m . F l i p ta b l es. T h row a ch a i r or tw o. B u t h e d i d n t. In stea d , h e l et Ad a m g i ve h i m a l ow fi ve a n d sa t d ow n l i k e th i s w a s n o b i g th i n g . Royce h a d n t sp ok en , j u st a te h i s h u m m u s a n d sta red a w a y from h i m l i k e h e w a s a l l p i ssed . An d Royce w a s su p p osed to b e h i s b est fri en d . T ru th fu l l y, d esp i te w h a t th e m a g a zi n es sa i d , th e th ree of th em ra rel y h u n g ou t w h en th ey w eren t w ork i n g . H e cou l d n t b l a m e th em for b ei n g p i ssed . H i s exi t w a s ri sk i n g a l l of th ei r j ob s too. D u d e. H ow you h a n d l i n g a l l of th i s? Ad a m a sk ed , g ri m a ci n g a t H u n ters n ew Hu ou tfi t. Wh a t d o you th i n k , h e eva d ed . T el l m e you g u ys w eren t i n on th i n k i n g u p th i s ri d i cu l ou s p l a n ? H el l n o! Ad a m w h i sp ered . J u st g et b etter, or g et b a ck h om e soon . Its so frea k i n g w ei rd w i th ou t you . We h a te you r sta n d - i n . H es a tota l tool . We ca n t Hes even b e m ea n to th e g u y b eca u se i t m a k es you feel l i k e you ve k i ck ed a p u p p y. H es so d a mn fri en d l y a n d n i ce. Ad a m sh u d d ered . mn H u n ter cra ck ed a sm a l l sm i l e. Royce fi n a l l y p i p ed i n , T h ey w ou l d n t l et u s ca l l or em a i l you . N ot on ce.

Wh y? I k n ew i t! D a m n Ma rti n a n d Mom . Im sorry a b ou t a l l th i s, g u ys. I rea l l y mn m essed th i n g s u p . H u n ter a d j u sted h i s b a l l ca p . Ma rti n sa i d i f w e l eft you a l on e, i t w ou l d h el p you to recover. Y ou k n ow , to h a ve som e d i sta n ce from u s. So...you re feel i n g ok a y? Stron g , or b etter or w h a tever n ow ? Royce a d d ed . Y es. I a m. I d on t k n ow w h y I d i d a l l th a t sh i t. Y ou g u ys h a ve to ta l k to m y m om . T el l h er Im fi n e. I h a n d l ed th i n g s so b a d l y. T h a ts a l l . Sh e w on t ta l k to m e. If you g et th e ch a n ce, l et h er k n ow Im sorry. See i f you g u ys ca n cra ck h er. I on l y w a n t to com e b a ck to w ork . T h a t w a s a l l h e g ot ou t b efore th ey w ere sw ep t a w a y b y Ma rti n . Wi th i n secon d s h i s a g en t w a s b a ck a t th e ta b l e, j u st a s H u n ter w a s h i t w i th a n oth er w a l l of exh a u sti on . H e tri ed to con cen tra te b u t h e fel t a s th ou g h Ma rti n s l i p s h a d d eta ch ed from h i s fa ce. T h e voi ce d ron i n g ou t a t h i m sou n d ed l i k e a rob ot w i th l ow b a tteri es. T h a n k s for n ot fl i p p i n g ou t. Ive g ot a l ot to sa y a n d n ot m u ch ti m e, w a s a l l H u n ter h ea rd cl ea rl y. H e focu sed on m a k i n g a n i n tern a l l i st of Ma rti n s w ord s so h e cou l d reca l l i t l a ter, w h en h e cou l d th i n k . 1. G et to C ol ora d o a n d h i d e you r i d en ti ty a t a l l costs th e p ress ca n N O T k n ow . C h eck . Press ca n n ot k n ow . Im a l rea d y on th a t. 2. D on t tel l a n yon e a b ou t sp en d i n g ti me a t F a l con er , or th e d eta i l s of w h a t you me d i d to you rsel f. As i f Im g oi n g to ta k e ou t a n a d i n th e p a p er a b ou t a n y of th a t. 3. Sca r crea m . U se l ots of sca r crea m . Wh a t? Wh a t? Ma rti n sh oved a h u g e b row n p a p er sa ck u n d er h i s fa ce. H u n ter n od d ed j u st i n ti m e w h en Ma rti n a sk ed i f h e w ou l d a p p l y th e crea m th ree ti m es a d a y. H e m a n a g ed a d eep b rea th a n d ch eck ed h i m sel f b a ck i n to th e od d , i m p ossi b l e con versa ti on i n ti m e to h ea r Ma rti n s l a st sen ten ce. H op efu l l y th eyl l fa d e ou t, ma n . T h i s p rescri p ti on stu ff w ork s m i ra cl es. Ma rti n ma g ri n n ed exp ecta n tl y a t H u n ter. T h a ts w h a t I th ou g h t w h en I g ob b l ed d ow n a l l of Moms a n ti d ep ressa n ts, Mom s H u n ter vol u n teered . Mi ra cl es. Y ou k n ow ? Wh en Ma rti n fl u sh ed , H u n ter k n ew h ed sa i d th e w ron g th i n g . Wh a tever. Wh a t exa ctl y i s th e ri g h t th i n g to sa y a n ymore? E ver a g a i n . Sh i t. So, you r Au n t N a n w i l l b e th e on l y on e ou tsi d e of ou r p ri va te ci rcl e w h o k n ow s a b ou t i t, Ma rti n fi n i sh ed . T h e sca r crea m ? Ma rti n s fa ce ch a n g ed from red to p u rp l e, a n d h e l ow ered h i s voi ce even m ore. T h e su i ci d e th e su i ci d e a ttemp ts, d a mmi t! Ra mp th e h el l i n ! We h a d to tel l N a n , i n ca se you n eed m ore h el p . Som eon e to ta l k to? Y ou ca n ca l l B a rry d i rectl y a n y ti m e. O r, you r a u n t ca n fi n d you a l oca l sh ri n k . Im n ot g oi n g to n eed a n y m ore h el p . I d i d n t try to off m ysel f. I d i d n t . Im n ot th a t p erson .

Y ou w ere th a t n i g h t. Y ou d on t k n ow a n yth i n g . H u n ter l ook ed a w a y. Ma rti n h a d n ever sp ok en to h i m l i k e th i s. L i k e th ey w eren t on th e sa m e tea m a n ym ore. It w a s m e ta k i n g a l l th ose p i l l s. P l u s th e w i n e. Id n ever b een h a m m ered l i k e th a t b efore. A b a d fi g h t b etw een m e a n d Mom , p l u s som e meg a - stu p i d i ty on m y p a rt m a d e for a p ra n k g on e m eg sou r, Hu n ter i n si sted . Im fi n e n ow , a n d I w a s p retty m u ch fi n e th en , H u n ter Hu fron ted . Ask B a rry, h el l b a ck m e. I on l y n eed ed m on i tori n g w h i l e I ta p ered off th e a n ti d ep ressa n ts I sh ou l d n t h a ve b een ta k i n g . Y ou ve g ot to sa ve m e. B el i eve m e. Im on i t. J u st g i ve m e a l i ttl e m ore ti m e to try to w ork on you r m oth er. Ma rti n l ea n ed even cl oser. L ook . H u n ter. T h i s secret w h a t w e h a ve w ork ed so h a rd to set u p i ts fl i p p i n g b eyon d seri ou s. Y ou ca n t d evi a te from th e p l a n . Y ou h a ve to h i t every m a rk , or a l l i s g oi n g to b e l ost. I k n ow . I k n ow . I w on t p i ss off th e m om . An d I w on t l et a n yon e fi n d ou t w h o I a m . D i d you n ot n oti ce h ow I d i d n t stra n g l e m y rep l a cem en t or sh a ve off th i s d yed h a i r yet? Im d oi n g m y p a rt. Wh a ts you r p rob l em ? T h a ts on l y h a l f of i t. Ma rti n s voi ce tu rn ed even m ore rel en tl ess. T h e ca r th i n g , th e va n d a l i sm ch a rg es i f th ey com e ou t i n th e p ress a l l of th a t i s m a rk eta b l e. Its sta n d a rd rock - sta r a cti vi ty. B u t you r rep u ta ti on w i l l n ot su rvi ve th i s cu tti n g b u si n ess. H u n ters voi ce w a s ston y. Im n ot a cu tter. I cu t m ysel f. O n ce. Ma rti n sh ru g g ed . Wh a tever you w a n t to ca l l i t. It ca n t com e ou t to th e p ress. An d you ca n n ever, ever d o i t a g a i n . C h ri st. B a ck th e h el l off! I h a ve n o d esi re to d o i t a g a i n . Wh a t p a rt of th e w h ol e p i ctu re a re you m i ssi n g ? Ma rti n s eyes n a rrow ed to a sq u i n t. H e g ri p p ed H u n ters sh ou l d er. H a rd . C ra zy a i n t sexy. An d i t su re w on t sel l tra ck s off i T u n es. T h a ts MY w h ol e p i ctu re. G ot i t? G ot i t. H u n ter ya n k ed h i s sh ou l d er ou t of Ma rti n s g ra sp , u n a b l e to feel a n yth i n g b u t th e b a sta rd s w ord s sl a m m i n g i n to h i s h ea d . C ra zy a i n t sexy. C ra zy, cra zy, cra zy... Sh i t...i s th i s w h a t th ey a l l th i n k a b ou t me n ow ? Seem i n g l y sa ti sfi ed , Ma rti n soften ed h i s ton e. If I ca n t g et you r m om to l et you com e b a ck ea rl y, Il l execu te m y Pl a n - B . Ma k e su re you r p h on e i s ch a rg ed a t a l l ti m es. C h eck for m y text m essa g es a n d em a i l s a t l ea st on ce a d a y. Ig n ore a l l oth ers. Il l set u p a sp eci a l em a i l for th e d u ra ti on . Il l text i t th i s a ftern oon . D o n ot ca l l you r m om . L et m e h a n d l e th a t m a d w om a n . E m a i l or texts. Wh a tever you d o, d on t con ta ct th e rest of th e b a n d . O k a y. Y ou re g oi n g to b e a k i d ca l l ed D u sti n McHu g h . Rem em b er, you a ren t rea l l y g on e a ccord i n g to u s. As soon a s I g et you r m om con vi n ced to ch a n g e h er m i n d , you ca n fl y b a ck . Al l ri g h t? It cou l d ta k e a few w eek s. Ma yb e l on g er, b u t h op efu l l y n ot m u ch . H u n ter n od d ed , fi n a l l y m eeti n g h i s m om s g a ze a cross th e room . Sh e w a s si m p l y sta n d i n g th ere w i th h er a rm s crossed . Wou l d sh e even com e over to sa y g ood b ye? D i d h e w a n t h er to? H u n ter b l a n k ed ou t a l l over a g a i n .

Wa s th i s w h ol e th i n g rea l l y g oi n g d ow n l i k e th i s? H i s b od y cou l d n t, w ou l d n t m ove. H u n ter cou l d on l y sta re a t th e k i d i n th e w h i te ou tfi t a t h i s m om s cl osed off exp ressi on a t th e w a y Royce a n d Ad a m w ere oms sta ri n g a t th e w a l l a t w h a t a n a ss Ma rti n l ook s l i k e ri g h t n ow . C ra zy a i n t sexy... G od . My ch est h u rts. B a d . B rea th e. B rea th e. Rememb er to b rea th e. H e su ck ed i n some a i r. som e Ma rti n sh ook h i m . H u n ter. Y ou re l ook i n g g h ost- p a l e. Y ou ve m a d e i t th i s fa r. C ol ora d o i sn t g oi n g to b e forever. I n eed you to sta y cool . Y ou a re th e b a n d . Wi th ou t you G u a rd eRob e i s toa st. Y ou frea k p erm a n en tl y, a n d w ere a l l u n em p l oyed . Ma rti n , a re you su re? H u n ter g u l p ed , a l m ost b l a ck i n g ou t from th e exerti on i t took to su ck i n a n oth er b rea th . It l ook s l i k e you ve g ot th e b a n d a n d everyth i n g h a n d l ed fi n e. G u a rd eRob e i s com p l etel y i n ta ct a n d i ts ri g h t over th ere. H e j erk ed h i s h ea d a n g ri l y a t th e fa k e H u n ter, w h o w a s cu rren tl y a d m i ri n g h i s n ew sn ea k ers a s th ou g h th ey w ere th e b est th i n g s h ed ever seen . C h ri st. T h i s i s tota l b u l l . H u n ter p u l l ed h i s eyes b a ck to Ma rti n . T h e k i d s on l y for l i m o ri d es a n d p a p a ra zzi sh ots. Sm ok e a n d m i rrors, m a n . H e ma ca n t even si n g . Ma rti n h a n d ed h i m a p l a n e ti ck et, a cred i t ca rd , a n d a fl i m sy, l a m i n a ted ca rd th a t sa i d P a l m er Ri d g e H i g h Sch ool . T h ey a l l b ore th e n a m e, D u sti n McHu g h . Sh i t. H u n ter sta red a t th e ca rd s. F or rea l ? Y es. Y ou r sch ool ID . An d d on t forg et to si g n th e cred i t ca rd w i th th e ri g h t n a m e. Mem ori ze i t a s you rs. I h a te m y n ew n a m e. Its tota l l y l a m e. T h i s p h otos n ot m e a t a l l . T h a ts th e p oi n t. B E som eon e el se. An yon e el se. Wa i t for m e to con ta ct you . D on t even th i n k a b ou t p l a yi n g th e g u i ta r or si n g i n g i n p u b l i c ei th er. D o n oth i n g b u t h i d e ou t, g o to sch ool a n d rest. T el l m e a g a i n . It i s n ot g oi n g to b e for l on g , H u n ter w h i sp ered . Its n ot g oi n g to b e for l on g . We ca l l ed i n a h u g e fa vor w i th th e sch ool d i stri ct su p eri n ten d en t. L u ck i l y sh es a h u g e fa n . Sh e h a s th e sch ool p ri n ci p a l com p l etel y on b oa rd . T h e cred i t ca rd i s for cl oth es, a b etter d i sg u i se, a n d em erg en cy su p p l i es on l y. Y ou r Au n t N a n s i n vol ved a n oth er fa m i l y som e k i d s to h el p you b l en d i n . mi T h e k i d s h a ve a l so p rom i sed to d ri ve you a rou n d . An yth i n g el se? N op e. H u n ter sta red a g a i n a t h i s m om s u n rel en ti n g b a ck . Im g oi n g to n eed you to sw a p ou t you r b a ck p a ck too. Ma rti n h el d ou t a p l a i n n a vy, ca n va s p a ck . Y ou h a ve tw o d u ffel s m a rk ed D u sti n McHu g h th a t m a tch th i s. McH u D on t forg et to p i ck th em u p w h en you l a n d . H u n ter p ock eted th e ca rd s a n d sh oved th e b a g of sca r crea m i n to th e m a i n p ock et of th e n ew p a ck . Hi s oth er tw o b el on g i n g s h e trea ted m ore ca refu l l y. H e p l a ced h i s Hi i P h on e on top of th e fl a tten ed h a i r- col or b ox, m a k i n g su re th e sm i l i n g , b row n smi eyed m od el w a s fa ce u p a s h e zi p p ed h er i n to th e fron t p ock et. H e h a n d ed over th e w h i te a n d si l ver, HK en cru sted b a ck p a ck w i th ou t m eeti n g Ma rti n s g a ze.

H e w a s d on e ta l k i n g . F l i g h ts i n tw o h ou rs. G a te A36. D on t l ea ve th e Ai rl i n e C l u b for a t l ea st on e h ou r. D on t ta l k to a n yon e w h o com es i n h ere a fter w e l ea ve. E a t som e m ore food . L ook s l i k e you cou l d u se i t. Ma rti n sca n n ed h i m u p a n d d ow n . Ma yb e l i ft som e w ei g h ts w h i l e you re th ere, h u h ? Y ou r Au n t N a n w i l l b e w a i ti n g a t p a ssen g er p i ck u p i n th e D en ver a i rp ort. Il l com m u n i ca te a s soon a s I ca n . P rom i se. An d th a t h a d b een i t for h i m a n yh ow . Wi th i n secon d s th e en ti re g rou p ru sh ed ou t th e d oor. Ma rti n forg ed a h ea d , d ra w i n g th e a tten ti on w i th h i s b oom i n g voi ce a n d p u sh i n g Ad a m a n d Royce a h ea d . H i s m om tra i l ed b eh i n d th e fa k e H u n ter Ken n ed y, m essi n g w i th h i s h a t, h a i r a n d su n g l a sses. Sh ed g l a n ced b a ck on ce, h er exp ressi on sti l l u n rea d a b l e, b efore b ei n g sw a l l ow ed u p i n th e ca m era fl a sh es a n d n oi se of a n ew crow d form i n g i n th e term i n a l . mera H u n ter fl oa ted j u st ou tsi d e h i s b od y, a n d very d eep i n to h i s ow n h ea d a s th e op a q u e, g l a ss d oor w h i sp ered sh u t. F i n a l l y h ed sa t, sta ri n g fi rst a t th e p oi n ts of b l u e, b l a ck a n d g rey i n th e ti g h tl y b ou n d ca rp et. An d th en a t h i s toes fl exi n g i n h i s n ew fl i p - fl op s. E xa ctl y on e h ou r l a ter, h ed w a l k ed u n n oti ced to h i s g a te a n d b oa rd ed h i s p l a n e.

6: howie rutherford sucks VERE

O k a y. Q u i et! Mr. P eterson , th e ch em i stry tea ch er, b a rrel ed i n to th e crow d ed emi l a b h ol d i n g rea ms of p a p er. I sa i d , q u i et . He sou n d ed a s h ot a n d a s i rri ta ted a s V ere fel t. I w a n t th e n ew C on cu ssi on He Ma n a g emen t F orm on top of you r p i l es. T h ey h a ve to g et en tered i n to th e offi ce d a ta b a se tod a y or you a ren t a l l ow ed to p a rti ci p a te i n th e a ssemb l y. F ootb a l l tea m ! T h i s mea n s you ! O r n o scri mma g e th i s a ftern oon . C on cu ssi on Ma n a g emen t F orms O N T O P . N ow stop fool i n g a rou n d i n h ere a n d g et you r p a ck ets comp l eted . com p V ere tu rn ed tow a rd th e w a l l to ta k e off th e h ood i e. In stea d of th e g ra cefu l m ove move sh ed tol d h er a rms to crea te, sh e g ot ta n g l ed u p a n d tra p p ed b y h er d ou b l erm s w ei g h ted b u n . T h e h ood i e w ou l d n t b u d g e u p or d ow n . Wi th h er fa ce comp l etel y w ra p p ed i n b l a ck cotton , sh e scou red h er mel ti n g b ra i n , tryi n g to ta k e stock of th e si tu a ti on . Al l i s n ot l ost. My ca mi i s a t l ea st cu te, a n d from th e feel of th i n g s, i t h a sn t ri d d en u p . T HAN K GOD. Sh e stru g g l ed h a rd er. At l ea st tw en ty b a b y h a i rs a t th e b a se of h er n eck p u l l ed ou t from h er efforts. O w . U u u f. Her h ea d sp u n more. It w a s ei th er h er or th e b u n . H er m ore. F i n e. T h e b u n . Sh e ya n k ed a s h a rd a s sh e cou l d . More h a i rs p op p ed ou t. O w ! J en n a , h el p . P l ea se. Hel p ! H el p ! Hel Wi th i n secon d s h er h ood i e ca me u p , th en off. V ere g a sp ed i n tw o l on g b rea th s. An oth er mi n u te a n d a n ew , ep i c- fa i l - momen t mi w ou l d top my l i st. T h a n k s, sh e sa i d , tu rn i n g w i th a smi l e. my sm i N o p rob l em. I ca n t resi st w h en cu te g i rl s a sk for h el p . C u rti s Wi sh ford stood i n fron t of h er, h ol d i n g h er cru mp l ed h ood i e. U m , V ere ma n a g ed , ch ok i n g b a ck th e rem a i n i n g syl l a b l es: b l a - d u rd - ya h - b l a . C u rti s seemed to b e b i ti n g b a ck a g ri n a s h e h a n d ed over th e h ood i e. V ere, Im seem ed k i d d i n g . I k n ew i t w a s you u n d er th ere. Wh a t i s h e k i d d i n g a b ou t? Am I cu te or n ot? Ma yb e Im so l ow totem p ol e, h e d oesn t con si d er me a rea l g i rl ? Bla. Bla. Bla. Dug-bla. C u rti s w en t on , An d d on t w orry. N o on e sa w you stu ck i n th e h ood i e. Y ou w on t h a ve to u p d a te th a t l i st . He ch u ck l ed . D o you rea l l y h a ve a l i st? h e a d d ed . V ere b l i n k ed . An d b l i n k ed . An d b l i n k ed . An d b l i n k ed . O MG . T ry to sp ea k . T ry.

U h ...yea h . I m ea n , n o. I d on t. J ok i n g . T h ou g h t you w ere J en n a . V ere fel t th e b a ck of h er n eck b u rn . H er stoma ch h a d sta rted to tw i st a n d rol l . stom a O h . H e sh i fted h i s feet. I w ou l d n t p u t a l i st l i k e th a t p a st you , th ou g h . Y ou He a l w a ys seem to b e ta k i n g l i ttl e n otes. I n eed extra stu d y n otes som eti mes. So d o I. I m a k e fl a sh ca rd s. ma Y ou d o? H i s g a ze w a s w a rm . Its a secret. Hi Ri g h t. Sh e l a u g h ed , b i ti n g h er u p p er l i p to k eep h er m ou th from d rop p i n g mou op en a g a i n . Sh e q u i ck l y g l a n ced a rou n d for J en n a . Sh e seem ed to h a ve va n i sh ed . Wh en C u rti s d i d n t sa y m ore, V ere ri sk ed a n oth er g l a n ce a t h i s fa ce. Hi s eyes a re so n i ce cl ose u p . Ha l f g reen a n d h a l f b row n w i th a l l k i n d s of b ri g h t sp eck s i n th em. Seems ta l l er. Hes w ea ri n g col og n e! Mmm... So...th a n k s for sa vi n g m e, sh e m a n a g ed fi n a l l y a n d l ook ed a w a y, w on d eri n g i f sh e'd sta red a t h i s fa ce too l on g . Su re. Wh en h e d i d n t m ove, V ere en tered a stra n g e, fl oa ti n g ti m e- w a rp . Sh e g rou n d ed h ersel f b y focu si n g on th e w h i te sw oosh on h i s b l a ck sn ea k ers. G o on n ow , sp orty sh oes. Wa l k a w a y. Pl ea se. Wh en th e sn ea k ers d i d n t b u d g e, V ere b u si ed h ersel f b y sh ovi n g th e sw ea ty h ood i e i n to h er b a g . H i s feet tu rn ed fi n a l l y; b u t b efore sh e rea l i zed w h a t w a s h a p p en i n g , h er b u n Hi sl i p p ed to th e si d e a n d ca m e com p l etel y u n d on e. comp Wow . C u rti ss sn ea k ers tu rn ed b a ck . Y ea h . I k n ow . Im a m ess, V ere sa i d , d a rti n g h i m a g l a n ce th rou g h h er h a i r b efore l ook i n g b a ck d ow n a s h er ch eek s sta rted to a ch e a n d b u rn even m ore. N o. Y ou h a ve b ea u ti fu l h a i r. I n ever n oti ced i t h a d g row n ou t so l on g . Rea l l y, rea l l y l on g . H i s voi ce w a s soft. Ki n d . Ad m i ri n g ? Hi D i d h e j u st ca l l my h a i r b ea u ti fu l ? Sh e recovered h er h a i r b a n d a n d g ra b b ed a t th e ma ss of h a i r, tryi n g to p u l l i t a l l b a ck tog eth er, n ow terri fi ed to l ook a t h i s fa ce. Pl ea se d on t l et h i m b e l a u g h i n g a t me. An yth i n g b u t th a t. Wh en h e d i d n t sa y m ore, V ere forced h ersel f to ta l k to h i s sn ea k ers a g a i n . My h a i r i ts h a rd to ma n a g e so...I...u h , w ea r i t u p . P rob a b l y sh ou l d cu t i t. ma Sh e d eftl y scru n ch ed h er h a i r b a ck i n to i ts b u n , w i sh i n g sh ed sa i d som eth i n g el se. An yth i n g el se. B u t sh e g a ve h ersel f a m en ta l p a t- on - th e- b a ck , a m a zed sh ed sa i d a n y i n tel l i g i b l e w ord s a t a l l . I w ou l d n t cu t som eth i n g so p retty. Y ou sh ou l d w ea r i t d ow n m ore. Its a n i ce l ook on you . D i fferen t. V ere met h i s g a ze. A secon d comp l i men t, a n d n o sn a rk y, tea si n g rema rk ? Wa s th i s a n a ctu a l con versa ti on h a p p en i n g h ere? An sw er h i m. An sw er h i m! O h . T h a n k s. Y ea h , ma yb e. T h i s ti me i t w a s ea sy to sm i l e a t h i m. U n ti l h e me m.

sm i l ed b a ck a n d col l a p sed h er l u n g s! C ool . I l ove l on g h a i r on g i rl s. Its m y fa vori te. Sh e rea l i zed i t w a s h er tu rn to ta l k a l l over a g a i n . Y ou rs i s p retty too n ot so l on g , a n d very sh i n y. C ool b l a ck cu rl s a n d a l l th a t too. L a me. L a mest th i n g Ive ever sa i d . C u rti s g a ve h er a stra n g e l ook a s i f to con fi rm h er th ou g h ts. Sh e h a d to recover fa st. H a n d som e. N ot p retty, of cou rse. Its h a n d som e. An d d a rk sh ort, b l a ck h a i r l i k e you rs i s m y fa vori te on g u ys too. So...yea h . E ven l a mer. It i s? H e l a u g h ed . Sh e b i t h er b ottom l i p , w on d eri n g i f h e n ow th ou g h t sh e w a s i n sa n e. H er w h ol e stom a ch rol l ed u p a n d over h er h ea rt b efore d rop p i n g b a ck d ow n to h er k n ees. O h , p l ea se w a l k a w a y, C u rti s Wi sh ford . I ca n t p ossi b l y th i n k of a n oth er th i n g to sa y. I ca n t b rea th e a n ymore, a n d I ca n t l ea ve b eca u se th i s i s my sea t! Pl ea se. J u st. G o. Aw a y. B u t h e d i d n t. Sti l l g ri n n i n g , h e crossed h i s a rm s a s i f h e m ea n t to sta y l on g er. C h a rl i e sa ys you r m oms g ot some h u g e p roj ect for you tw o th i s w eek en d . I h op e sh e l ets you mom s som e off for Sa tu rd a y n i g h ts b on fi re. Y ou th i n k i n g a b ou t g oi n g to th a t? H ow com e you How come n ever g o to sch ool stu ff? Wh a t? Is h e a sk i n g me to come to th e b on fi re? O r d oes h e w a n t me to a d mi t th a t Id d i e i f I h a d to ch a t w i th p eop l e w i th HIM a t sch ool stu ff? Sh e sh ru g g ed , focu si n g on a n sw eri n g h i s q u esti on s i n com p l ete sen ten ces th i s comp ti m e. We ca n t d o th e b on fi re. Mom s ma k i n g u s g o to th e l a k e. B u t...I d o som e ma some sch ool stu ff. D ra m a th i n g s mostl y. m ostl O h ri g h t. T h a ts w h ere you h i d e. I a l w a ys p i ck w ei g h ts. I k n ow . V ere n od d ed , h i tti n g a w h ol e n ew l evel of p a i n fu l - b l u sh - b u rn i n g a t th e top s of h er ea rs. Y ou l i ft w i th C h a rl i e. He tel l s m e you g u ys h a ve fu n , sh e He covered . C u rti s d i d n t seem to n oti ce h er ea rs b eca u se h e w a s i n ten tl y stu d yi n g h er ca m i . mi Wh a t w a s i n h er ca mi ! mi Ma yb e h es ch eck i n g ou t th e ch est th a t d oesn t fi l l ou t my ca mi ? Hel p . So a w k w a rd . Wh ere i n th e h eck i s J en n a ? I n eed a rescu e. In h orror, sh e w a tch ed a s h i s eyes tra vel l ed l ow er th en b a ck u p . H e d i d n t seem rep u l sed . H i s g a ze seem ed a l m ost a p p reci a ti ve! B u t th en , a g l i n t i n h i s eyes su d d en l y g a ve h er th e u rg e to d eck h i m . An d d eck h i m rea l l y h a rd . T h e h ea t p l u s th e stress of h i m ta l k i n g to me mu st b e ma k i n g me b on k ers. As i f Id ever p u b l i cl y d eck C u rti s Wi sh ford a g a i n . E ven i f h e d eserved i t. Wh i ch h e mi g h t ri g h t n ow ...i f h e d oesn t stop . Sh e sou g h t sol a ce i n th e fa ct th a t sh e a n d J en n a h a d d on e th e exa ct sa m e th i n g to

C u rti s for yea rs. Secretl y sta red h i m u p a n d d ow n , a n y ch a n ce th ey g ot. T h e ch i p ea ti n g , p rom - d rea m i n g con versa ti on w a s j u st a sn a p sh ot of yea rs a n d yea rs of i n a p p rop ri a te sta ri n g p l u s com men ta ry a b ou t th i s on e g u y. m en Ka rma i n a cti on . B u t w h y h a sn t h e stop p ed l ook i n g yet? If h e w on t en d th i s ma d n ess, I w i l l . C u rti s a n d I b oth k n ow w e d on t ta l k to ea ch oth er. Wh y w ou l d h e b rea k th e ru l es? H a ve you r l eg s a l w a ys b een th a t l on g ? Si n ce seven th g ra d e, sh e rem i n d ed h i m , g ra b b i n g h er b i n d er to h ol d i t i n fron t of h er l i k e a sh i el d . Seven th g ra d e feel s l i k e a n ci en t h i story to m e. I w i sh ... sh e sta rted , b u t th en ch a n g ed h er m i n d . T h ere w a s n o p oi n t i n con ti n u i n g th a t sen ten ce. Sh e l ook ed a w a y, d eterm i n ed , th i s ti m e, to n ever l ook b a ck a t h i s b ea u ti fu l fa ce. V ere, you re so C u rti s stop p ed mi d - sen ten ce w h en H ow i e Ru th erford , h i s mi tea m m a te, stood a n d k n ock ed over a stool , d i stra cti n g everyon e i n th e room . ma Mr. P eterson ! H ow i e ca l l ed ou t. Im so w h a t? So w h a t? ! V ere g ri tted h er teeth a n d fi g u red sh e d i d n t w a n t h i m to fi n i sh h i s sen ten ce. Sh e cou l d g u ess w h a t h e w a s th i n k i n g : So h op el ess. So p i n k a n d red ? So w ei rd . So ch a l l en g ed i n every w a y? Mr. P eterson ! H ow i e h ol l ered a g a i n . H e w a s on e of th ose k i d s w h o d i d n t k n ow h ow to sp ea k , on l y sh ou t. Wh a t i s i t, H ow i e? Y ou re g oi n g to h a ve to g i ve a n extra on e of th ese h ea d i n j u ry form s to C u rti s Wi sh ford a n d ma yb e to V ere Roth too. ma Wh y? Mr. P eterson si g h ed a n d ta p p ed h i s foot. E veryon e w a s u sed to H ow i es cl a ssroom a n ti cs. V ere l ock ed eyes w i th C u rti s a n d h u g g ed h er b i n d er ti g h ter. H er h ea rt h a d offi ci a l l y stop p ed b ea ti n g on e secon d a g o. C u rti s sh ot h er a h a l f- sm i l e, on e th a t cou l d n t h i d e h i s ob vi ou s reg ret. Reg ret th a t h a d to stem from h i m a p p roa ch i n g h er a t a l l . T h e cl a ssroom g rew si l en t a s H ow i e con ti n u ed , D oes th e p erson w h o C AU SE S How th e con cu ssi on h a ve to si g n th e form , or i s i t on l y th e p erson w h o RE C E IV E S th e a ctu a l i n j u ry? H ow i e h a d tu rn ed a n i n n ocen t sta re to Mr. P eterson , w h od zeroed i n on V ere a n d C u rti s. V ere fi g u red i t w a s m ed i ca l l y i m p ossi b l e for som eon e to b l u sh b l a ck . Sh e tri ed mp n ot to ca re th a t sh ed rea ch ed th i s extrem e sta tu s a n d w i th a ma xi m u m a u d i en ce. ma Sh e cou l d n t d o a n yth i n g a b ou t th a t, b u t sh e cou l d a t l ea st k eep h er fa ce stra i g h t. I h a te you , H ow i e Ru th erford , V ere ca l l ed ou t j u st b efore b i ti n g d ow n on th e i n si d es of h er ch eek s. H a rd . H ow i e g ri n n ed .

V ere? C u rti s? D o you or d o you N O T h a ve th e C on cu ssi on F orm ? Mr. P eterson w a ved th e form s i n th e a i r. Al l rem a i n i n g ch a tter cea sed . E very eye i n th e room sw i vel ed to th em . Y ou re so l a m e, How i e. C u rti s p l a ced h i s h a n d s on V eres ta b l e, g l ow eri n g a t H ow h i s fri en d . L et i t g o, h e a d d ed , sh ooti n g V ere a n u n rea d a b l e g l a n ce. A few stu d en ts g i g g l ed q u i etl y. H ow i e, you h a ve tw o secon d s to exp l a i n you rsel f, Mr. P eterson b el l ow ed . O r a l l th ree of you ca n h i t th e p ri n ci p a l s offi ce. C u rti s n eed s on e of th ose form s i n ca se V ere k n ock s h i m ou t w i th a h ea d - b u tt a g a i n . H ow i e b ob b ed h i s h ea d l i k e a ch i ck en for effect. G et ou t of ra n g e, C u rti s. Sh es d a n g erou s. We h a ve a g a m e i n tw o w eek s. T h e en ti re room eru p ted i n to l a u g h ter. J en n a m a teri a l i zed ou t of th e sea of sta ri n g fa ces, h er exp ressi on a p p a l l ed . Sh e h el d u p tw o i ce- col d , d ri p p i n g w a ter b ottl es. D on t l et th em see you sw ea t, sh e w h i sp ered , sl i d i n g i n to h er sea t. E ver p rotecti ve of V ere, sh e sh ot C u rti s a n d th en H ow i e h er b a ck - th e h el l - off- my- b esti e g l a re. T o m a k e th e m om en t even m ore mem ora b l e, a d rop of sw ea t sl i d off of V eres more m emora h ea d a n d sm a ck ed on to C u rti ss h a n d . Perfect. V ere stol e a g l a n ce a t C u rti s th rou g h h er l a sh es. U n d er J en n a s g l a re h i s sm i l e h a d fa d ed to a p a i n ed g ri m a ce. H e retrea ted b a ck to h i s sea t, ru b b i n g th e b a ck of h i s h a n d on h i s sh i rt. Attemp t a t ever ch a rmi n g C u rti s Wi sh ford : F AIL . O h , Mr. P eterson . D on t l et V ere h u rt m e. Sh es sca ry, H ow i e w h i n ed , m ock cri n g i n g i n h i s sea t. V ere l ook ed a w a y from th e sea of sta ri n g fa ces a n d tw i sted a l ock of h a i r a t th e b a se of h er n eck , a s sh e m em ori zed every si n g l e scra tch etch ed on th e su rfa ce of h er l a b ta b l e. More l a u g h ter en su ed a n d th en , w h i sp ers. Sh e fi g u red th e few k i d s w h o h a d n t h ea rd a b ou t h er a n d C u rti s w ere g etti n g fi l l ed i n on d eta i l s. Sh e g l a n ced a g a i n a t C u rti s w h od ch osen to i g n ore th e en ti re scen e. H e w a s n ow b u si l y si g n i n g h i s p i l e of form s a s i f th e w orl d h a d d i sa p p ea red a rou n d h i m . Wh o cou l d b l a me h i m? V ere p a sted on h er b est p ok er fa ce a n d tossed a h a l f sh ru g to J en n a , b u t sh e cou l d n t m eet h er b est fri en d s g a ze for l on g . G ra tefu l for th e w a ter b ottl e b eca u se i t g a ve h er som eth i n g to d o w h i l e everyon e con ti n u ed to sta re, V ere op en ed i t a n d took a l on g d ri n k . N o m a tter h ow m u ch w a ter sh e sw a l l ow ed , th e l u m p i n h er th roa t w ou l d n ot w a sh a w a y. H er p h on e b u zzed a n d ra ttl ed a g a i n st th e d esk . Her V E RE MAKE SU RE C H ARL IE C O ME S H O ME WIT H Y O U . AL O N E . RE ME MB E R. N O D IL L Y - D AL L Y IN G . I RE AL L Y N E E D Y O U KID S T O B E RE AD Y T O H E L P ME . HE

Mi ss Roth . Are you texti n g ? Y ou m a y b ri n g th a t p h on e u p h ere. Il l retu rn i t a fter you col l ect a n d sort everyon es form s for me. m e. Y es, Mr. P eterson .

7: landing HUNTER

F l i g h t a tten d a n ts, p l ea se p rep a re for l a n d i n g . T h e ca p ta i n i n terru p ted H u n ters th ou g h ts a s th e p l a n e ci rcl ed ou tsi d e D en ver to a voi d some g i a n t th u n d erh ea d s. He l et h i s foreh ea d rest on th e ova l sh a p ed w i n d ow , p eeri n g a t a sm a l l p od of He sma ci ty sk yscra p ers a n d h i g h w a y i n terch a n g es fra med on on e si d e b y a l on g stri p of d i sta n t mou n ta i n s, g ra tefu l for th e p a i r of p l a i n , b ori n g , sp orty l ook i n g su n g l a sses h i s i mp oster- tw i n h a d g i ven h i m. C ra zy a i n t sexy. C ra zy a i n t sexy. Ma rti n s w ord s sti l l con su med h i s th ou g h ts. Am I cra zy? N o. N o. B a rry sa i d I w a sn t. Sa i d i t more th a n on ce, a n d h es a p rofessi on a l . Si r? Si r. Y ou n g ma n . Hu n ter j u mp ed a n d p u l l ed a w a y from th e w i n d ow , tryi n g to ma k e h i msel f Hu mp m sel d i sa p p ea r i n to h i s sea t. A w oma n i n a red sca rf a n d n a vy su i t stood th ere l ook i n g a t h i m exp ecta n tl y. Hi s stoma ch cl en ch ed i n w h i te- h ot fea r. H i stom a D oes sh e recog n i ze me? Wh a t a m I su p p osed to d o? I h a ve zero b od yg u a rd s. Pl ea se d on t l et me g et mob b ed . Pl ea se n o screa mi n g . He l ook ed a rou n d for a p en . He Ma yb e sh e on l y w a n ts a n a u tog ra p h . I cou l d a sk h er n ot to tel l . Il l b eg . After tod a y, Im a l l a b ou t n ot w a i ti n g to b eg . T h e ma n n ext to h i m b u mp ed h i s a rm . Sh e w a n ts you r tra sh , b u d . An d you n eed to p u l l you r sea t b a ck u p from th e recl i n i n g p osi ti on . Sh e b l i n k ed a t h i m a s th ou g h h e w ere a n i d i ot. O h . Ri g h t. Su re. He p u l l ed a sod a ca n , n a p k i n s a n d h i s sq u a sh ed p l a sti c cu p ou t of h i s sea t p ock et. He h el d i t ou t for th e w om a n to ta k e, ri sk i n g a b rea th . D rop i t i n th e b a g , p l ea se. Sh e ra ttl ed th e w h i te tra sh b a g . Ri g h t. Hu n ter rea ch ed over a n d rel ea sed h i s p i l e i n to th e sa ck . Hu Sh e sta l k ed a w a y i n a h u ff. T h e ma n sh ook h i s h ea d . B et sh e l i ves a l on e. Y a th i n k ? T h ey sh a red a smi l e. After th eyd h a n d ed ou t th e sn a ck a n d d ri n k , Hu n ter h a d d etermi n ed h i s sea t m a tes w ere n ot G u a rd eRob e fa n s. Wh en n o on e el se a rou n d h i m h a d g i ven h i m a ma secon d g l a n ce, h ed rel a xed en ou g h to cu rl u p a g a i n st th e w i n d ow a n d sl eep . N ow th e g u y n ext to h i m w a s p a ck i n g u p h i s l a p top , a n d th e w om a n i n th e a i sl e oma sea t h a d j u st p l a ced h er Ki n d l e i n to a cool l ook i n g , p a i sl ey b a g . B oth sti l l seemed b l i ssfu l l y u n con cern ed w i th h i m ! Hu n ter ma rvel ed a t th e i d ea th a t th ey h a d b een si tti n g n ext to h i m for tw o h ou rs Hu a n d k n ew n oth i n g th ou g h t n oth i n g a b ou t h i m . T h e fl i g h t a tten d a n t h a d a ctu a l l y scorn ed h i m!

H u n ter cou n ted b a ck . It h a d b een a t l ea st fi ve h ou rs si n ce h ed b een recog n i zed . Hu T h i s w a s som e k i n d of record . F or som e rea son h e su d d en l y w a n ted th i s d i sg u i se to h ol d . At l ea st for a l i ttl e w h i l e. It w a s k i n d of cool b ei n g on e of th e n a m el ess, fa cel ess m a n y. ma T h e l a d y i n th e a i sl e sea t l ea n ed over th e m i d d l e g u y to p eer ou t th e w i n d ow . H u n ter h a d to steel h i m sel f from fl i n ch i n g . H e h a ted w h en stra n g ers ca me too me cl ose. T h ese d a rn a ftern oon storms. Its g oi n g to b e b u m p y on th e w a y d ow n . G oi n g h om e? Sh e l ea n ed b a ck , b u t con ti n u ed to eye h i m cu ri ou sl y b u t n ot i n a n w a y th a t th rea ten ed h i m . It w a s so cool . Sort of. Y ou ? h e a n sw ered , tryi n g to k eep h i s voi ce q u i eter th a n n orm a l . D en vers h om e. B een a w a y on b u si n ess. Wh eres h om e for you ? ome. U h ...Mon u m en t. T h e w ord sou n d ed stra n g e on H u n ters ton g u e. Im m ovi n g th ere to l i ve w i th m y a u n t. H a ven t seen i t si n ce I w a s l i ttl e. D o you k n ow i t? I ca l l i t L i ttl e Si b eri a , th e g u y i n th e mi d d l e sea t sa i d . mi T h e l a d y sm i l ed . Its b ea u ti fu l , b u t you a l w a ys g et extra sn ow d u ri n g w i n ter. N i ce g ood - si zed tow n th ese d a ys, th ou g h . B ea u ti fu l vi ew s of P i k es P ea k . O h . H u n ter tri ed to rem emb er th e tow n a l l over a g a i n , b u t cou l d on l y vi su a l i ze Hu em b h i s Au n t N a n s smi l i n g fa ce. H e a ctu a l l y cou l d n t w a i t to see h er. Ma yb e g et on e of sm i h er h u g s. H e cou l d n ever forg et th ose. T h e p l a n e b ou n ced a n d j erk ed . It sh ot th ou g h th e ed g e of on e of th e g i a n t cl ou d s. E veryth i n g sh u d d ered a n d th e ca rry on b a g s sh i fted overh ea d . Wh y d o th e p eop l e n ext to me l ook so ca l m? A ra ys of yel l ow - w h i te su n l i g h t b l a zed th rou g h th e w i n d ow s on th e oth er si d e of th e p l a n e. H u n ter g ri p p ed th e si d es of h i s sea t a s th e p l a n e b ou n ced a g a i n . T h i s ti me, th ere w a s n o cl ou d to b l a m e for th e tu rb u l en ce. m e, Is th i s a n orm a l l a n d i n g , or sh ou l d I b e n ervou s ri g h t a b ou t n ow ? h e ch ok ed ou t. T h i s i s p retty p a r for th e cou rse for l a te su m m er. Y ou g ot a n a m e? T h e m a n h el d ou t h i s h a n d . H u n ter n od d ed . Hu F eel i n g l i k e a tota l fra u d , h e p eel ed h i s ri g h t h a n d l oose from th e d ea th g ri p h e h a d on th e a rm rest a n d g a ve th e ma n s ou tstretch ed h a n d a sh ort sh a k e. H e h a d th e stra n g est u rg e to sm i l e p rob a b l y b eca u se h e w a s a b ou t to l i e to th i s g u y so h e su ck ed i n a h a l f b rea th a n d cra ck ed th e g ri n . Im . . . D u sti n . D u sti n McH u g h .

8: spotting panic VERE

V ere sl a mmed th e screen d oor. Mom ! C h a rl i e d i tch ed me. I sa t i n th e p a rk i n g l ot mm ed for tw en ty mi n u tes w a i ti n g a n d w a i ti n g , a n d h e n ever sh ow ed u p or ca l l ed . I h a d mi to d ri ve h ome AL O N E . om e Her b roth ers sh ou t b l a sted h er ea rd ru m s a s h e sl a m med i n ri g h t b eh i n d h er. H er ms U N T RU E . I texted h er d u ri n g l a st p eri od b u t sh e d i d n t ch eck h er p h on e. I g ra b b ed a ri d e w i th C u rti s! We w ere ri g h t b eh i n d h er i n C u rti s's tru ck , so tech n i ca l l y sh e w a s n ever a l on e . V ere g l a red b u l l ets i n to h er b roth ers eyes. D o you h ea r h i m? Mom! H e j u st m? a d m i tted to d i sob eyi n g . C h a rl i e l a u g h ed , l ow eri n g h i s voi ce. Ki ss k i ss. D on t b e a l l ma d . C u rti s d rove a w a y. B u t n ot b efore h e a sk ed a b ou t you . Wh a ts u p w i th th a t? Sh u t u p . V ere sh oved p a st h i m. Im n ot a n i d i ot. Im a ctu a l l y p osi ti ve h e w on t b ri n g u p my n a me a g a i n . V ere h u n g h er b a ck p a ck on on e of th e m u d - room h ook s. V ere. Hon est. He d i d . Wh a tever h a p p en ed tod a y h a d h i m a l l sa p p y a n d w ei rd . He Ki n d of creep y. C h a rl i e b l i n k ed h i s l a rg e b row n eyes i n n ocen tl y eyes th a t m a tch ed h ers b efore ma th row i n g h i s h ood i e a n d b a ck p a ck i n to a h ea p on th e fl oor. H e a l so a sk ed me i f you w ere g oi n g ou t w i th a n yon e. H a . As i f. me V ere sh ook h er h ea d a n d g a ve h i m h er m ost sca th i n g g l a re, refu si n g to l et h i m most tea se h er a b ou t h er cru sh . Mom! C h a rl i es too ch ea p to ca l l me on h i s cel l a n d me text m essa g es h a ve a rea l l y l on g d el a y a t th e sch ool . An d h e k n ow s i t! I on l y h a ve ei g h t h u n d red mi n u tes of text- a n d - ta l k ti m e ea ch m on th . B ou g h t b y m e a n d n ot b u d g eted for you , C h a rl i e w h i sp ered a s h e sta l k ed p a st h er, h ea d i n g me for th e fri d g e. Sh e fol l ow ed , g ra b b i n g th e ora n g e j u i ce fi rst. Seri ou sl y? T h a ts w h y you d i d n t text m e? Y es, seri ou sl y. C h a rl i e took th e j u i ce ca rton ri g h t ou t of h er h a n d , op en ed i t a n d took fi ve, h u g e g u l p s. Im n ot m a d e of m on ey. He sma ck ed h i s l i p s a n d ma mon sl ob b ered on th e sp ou t a s th ou g h h e w ere ma k i n g ou t w i th i t or som eth i n g . ma C h a rl i e w a s fa m ou s for th i s move. Mm m. Mmm . My j u i ce. mou Mmm . Mmm. Y ou a re so d i sg u sti n g . Sh e h i d a smi l e. sm i I k n ow , ri g h t? He g ri n n ed . T h e d oor to th e fri d g e h u n g w i d e op en w h i l e C h a rl i e h el d ou t th e ca rton , w i g g l ed h i s eyeb row s ri d i cu l ou sl y, a n d i n vi ted h er to ta k e i t. Wa n t some? Im d on e. Mom! V ere rea ch ed a rou n d h i m a n d took ou t a col d w a ter b ottl e. C h a rl i es con ta mi n a ted th e w h ol e j u i ce ca rton ! mi G u ys! C om e i n h ere, p l ea se. Her m oms voi ce d ri fted i n from th e fron t l i vi n g ome moms room. room .

C omi n g ! V ere m oti on ed to C h a rl i e. After you , b i g b roth er. om i H el l n o. Y ou g o fi rst. F i g u re ou t w h a t h el l i sh p roj ect sh e h a s i n m i n d a n d rep ort b a ck . C h a rl i e d ove i n to a b a g of p retzel s. D o I l ook stu p i d ? C h a rl i e fl u ttered h i s eyel a sh es. D o you rea l l y w a n t m e to a n sw er th a t? B eca u se I w i l l . Sh e rol l ed h er eyes. H e n oi si l y g u l p ed th e l a st of th e j u i ce a n d p a ck ed fi ve p retzel s i n to h i s m ou th . He Rea d y? h e sa i d sp i tti n g b i ts of d ry p retzel ou t of h i s m ou th on p u rp ose. L ets a g ree to sti ck tog eth er. N o m a tter w h a t i t i s. D ea l . More p retzel d u st fl ew i n a l l d i recti on s. V ere w a s a b ou t to cra ck u p . T h e g u y cou l d d i sg u sti n g l y, ch a rm a n yon e ou t of b ei n g a n g ry, even h er. T h ey h ea d ed si n g l e fi l e tow a rd th e fron t of th e h ou se. H ey, Mom ! C h a rl i e h ol l ered d ow n th e h a l l w a y. V ere tri ed to g et a b oyfri en d tod a y. H ow i e tol d m e How sh e fu l l y p rop osi ti on ed C u rti s i n th e sci en ce l a b . Sh e tu rn ed a l l red a n d p u rp l e. O ffered to cl ock h i m a n d d ra g h i m b a ck to h er ca ve. Sh e even g ot h er cel l p h on e p u t on p rob a ti on ! H e l a u g h ed . L i es! Ru m ors, V ere g a sp ed ou t, h orri fi ed th e n ew s of h ow sh ed m a d e a fool ou t of h ersel f h a d a l rea d y sp rea d . Most p rob a b l y th a ts w h a t h e a n d C u rti s h a d b een ta l k i n g a b ou t on th e ri d e h om e, n ot a b ou t h er. N ot i f sh e w a s d a ti n g a n yon e, th a ts for su re. Stop tea si n g m e a b ou t C u rti s. Y ou k n ow Ive sw orn n ot to l i k e h i m a n ym ore. F or rea l . Sh e l a u n ch ed on to h i s b a ck a n d p u m mel ed h i s sh ou l d ers. P l ea se. C h a rl i e h ooted , secu ri n g h er l eg s. D esp i te you r fi rst fa i l ed m a k e ou t sessi on , a n d even th ou g h you d on t b el i eve me a n d even th ou g h I th i n k h es n u ts to con si d er you Im p retty p osi ti ve th e g u y i s tra ck i n g you on th e cru sh ra d a r. H e d i d a sk me a b ou t you on a seri ou s l evel tod a y. H E D ID . me V ere l a n d ed a g ood k a ra te ch op b etw een h i s sh ou l d er b l a d es, b u t h er b roth er w a s so h u g e h e d i d n t even fl i n ch . J u st sh u t u p a b ou t h i m . Its n ot fu n n y. Y ou k n ow Im b rok en w h ere h es con cern ed . E ven i f h e a sk ed , i ts n ot g oi n g to h a p p en . H e stop p ed a n d sp ok e over h i s sh ou l d er. I w i sh you w ou l d n t th i n k th a t a b ou t He you rsel f. Y ou j u st n eed a l i ttl e p ra cti ce. C u rti s tol d m e you h a d a w h ol e con versa ti on th i s a ftern oon . A cu te con versa ti on . I p u k ed w h en h e d escri b ed i t. Sh e stop p ed p u n ch i n g h i m , a n d tri ed to k eep h er el a ti on h er h op e ou t of h er voi ce. H on est? H e d i d ? sh e w h i sp ered . Hon H e d i d . Y ou h a ve p oten ti a l , b u t you fi rst h a ve to b el i eve you h a ve p oten ti a l . Im g oi n g to h el p you w ork on th i s. After I m a k e you p u k e for reven g e. C h a rl i e tra p p ed h er l eg s ti g h ter a n d ca u g h t h er i n to a n i n esca p a b l e, sp i n n i n g p i g g yb a ck ri d e a s h e rea ch ed th ei r w i d er fron t foyer. T h ey sh ot i n to th e l i vi n g room l i k e a torn a d o. V ere cl u tch ed C h a rl i es sh ou l d ers, fi g h ti n g for b a l a n ce. H er g a ze l a n d ed on th ei r n ei g h b or N a n fi rst, th en h er m om s h u g e, d i sa p p rovi n g Her frow n . O n th e n ext tu rn , sh e l ock ed on to a g u y sh e d i d n t recog n i ze w h o w a s si tti n g on th e cou ch w ea ri n g su n g l a sses ?

O n e m ore tu rn a n d sh ed ta k en i n a b l a ck ca p , d a rk b row n h a i r, a n d th a t h e w a s more sta ri n g . At th em . U n l ess h e h a d h i s eyes cl osed b eh i n d th ose g l a sses, w h i ch sh e d ou b ted con si d eri n g th e sp ecta cl e sh e a n d C h a rl i e w ere crea ti n g . P u t m e d ow n , sh e u ttered i n C h a rl i es ea r. C h a rl i e, ob l i vi ou s to th e com p a n y, w ou l d n t q u i t sp i n n i n g . O n h er n ext ti m e a rou n d , V ere ca u g h t a d i rect g l i m p se of th e g u ys fa ce, a n d i t w a s n ot l ost on h er, even d i zzy, th a t h e w a s g ood l ook i n g . V ere fel t h er ch eek s ti n g l e, b u t th e b l u sh d i ssi p a ted i n sta n tl y th a n k s to C h a rl i e w h od sta rted sp i n n i n g h er so fa st sh e l ost tra ck of th e en ti re room. Sh e k ep t h er room . voi ce stea d y i n a n a ttem p t to p l a y th i s cool . U h , Mom ? An y ti m e you w a n t to step i n ? P erm a n en tl y g rou n d h i m ? T a k e a w a y h i s ca r p ri vi l eg es a n d g i ve th em to m e? U h , Mom, C h a rl i e sp u n fa ster, m i m i ck i n g V eres h i g h er voi ce w i th a g i rl y voi ce of h i s ow n . An y ti me you w a n t to step i n a n d h el p V ere w i th h er ma n sk i l l s? Ive d eci d ed to l a u n ch h er i n to p op u l a r soci ety. Y ou m ea n sk i l l s l i k e m e l a u n ch i n g you i n to th e ca rp et? V ere g ra b b ed a t h i s me ea rs a n d ya n k ed . C h a rl i e g ru n ted a n d fel l to th e fl oor. Sh e l a n d ed i n a d i zzy, tri u m p h a n t h ea p on h i s b a ck . Sa d l y, th ese a re m y ch i l d ren . V ere, C h a rl i e, meet D u sti n McHu g h . D u sti n i s my m eet h es N a n s n ep h ew . An d h es movi n g h ere. Isn t th a t n i ce, k i d s? H er m oms ton e m ovi mom s h a d ch a n g ed to Ma ry- P op p i n s- b ri g h t a s sh e con ti n u ed , An d D u sti n i s ou r p roj ect. H e w i l l sta rt sch ool w i th you on T u esd a y a fter th e th ree- d a y w eek en d . H es g oi n g to n eed ou r h el p g etti n g a d j u sted . C h a rl i e, sti l l fa ce d ow n , g roa n ed , Im th e on e w h o n eed s a d j u sti n g . V ere a l most m ost k i l l ed m e. Severed my sp i n e w i th h er b on y k n ees. G et off. Someon e ca l l a n my Som eon a m b u l a n ce. V ere d u g h er k n ee d eep i n to C h a rl i es b a ck a s sh e cl a m b ered off h er b roth er a n d teetered i n to a ch a i r. Wh oa . D i zzy, sh e m u m b l ed . T h e n ew k i d l a u g h ed . Sh e sh ot a t h i m a l ook a n d th ei r g a zes m et. T h i s ti m e, V ere d i d n t l ose focu s. He me, He took off h i s su n g l a sses a n d V ere h a d to b i te b a ck a g a sp . T h e g u ys eyes w ere su ch a b l i n d i n g b ri g h t- b l u e th ey d i sori en ted h er. Sh e fel t th e b a ck of h er n eck ti n g l e. J eez. N ot g ood l ook i n g . T ry d rop - d ea d g org eou s. B efore sh e cou l d g et a secon d g l i m p se, h ed tu rn ed a w a y a n d p u l l ed d ow n th e b ri m of h i s b a seb a l l ca p . Sh e sta yed sea ted a n d m a d e a n effort to con trol th e ti n g l e th a t w a s ra p i d l y sp rea d i n g from h er n eck to h er ch eek s, b u t con ti n u ed to eye D u sti n cu ri ou sl y. N a n stood , b l ock i n g h er vi ew a s sh e h el p ed th e w h i n i n g , C h a rl i e to h i s feet a n d th en l ea n ed d ow n to h u g V ere. Y ou tw o a l w a ys m a k e m e sm i l e, N a n sa i d , b efore smi sh e tu rn ed to a d d ress h er n ep h ew . V ere a n d C h a rl i e w i l l k i ck th i s u n m a k i n g p l a n i n to g ea r. T h eyl l b e g rea t fri en d s for you , too. Rea l l y. Wel l th en . Its n i ce to m eet th em , I su p p ose, h e sa i d , crossi n g h i s a rms rm s i n fron t of h i m a n d d u ck i n g even l ow er i n to h i s ca p .

V ere w en t on a l ert. H i s voi ce h a d b een su p er- soft. L ow . Sh e h a d th e sen sa ti on th e g u y sou n d ed l i k e h e w a s w a y ol d er th a n th ey w ere; b u t th a t w a sn t w h a t h a d ca u sed V ere to p a u se. Hed sou n d ed ...b ored . An d p ossi b l y sa rca sti c. D i sd a i n fu l ? O r...w a s h e sort of p i ssed off? Sh e p eered a rou n d N a n , h op i n g for a n oth er sn ea k p eek a t th e g u ys fa ce, b u t h e w a s sti l l sl ou ch ed , a rm s crossed , h i d i n g i n h i s h a t. Sh e a l so h a d th e od d sen sa ti on th e k i d w a n ted to cu rl u p i n to a b a l l a n d h i d e? Wh a t th e h eck ? N ot to ra i se a fl a g too ea rl y h ere, Au n t N a n , b u t th ese tw o j u st mi g h t n eed th ei r mi ow n u n m a k i n g . O r, m a k eover. L ook a t th em . H e fl i ck ed a g l a n ce a t V ere. T h ey d on t seem ca p a b l e of h el p i n g m e. V ere sh ot h er m om a w h a t- d oes- th a t- mea n l ook , b u t h er m om w a sn t p a yi n g V ere a n y a tten ti on . In stea d , sh e w a s si g n a l i n g N a n w i th som e typ e of stra n g e si g n some l a n g u a g e, a n d th ey b oth l ook ed b eyon d n ervou s. Someth i n g s u p . Ma j or. C h a rl i e w a n d ered over to th e k i d u si n g h i s ma n - to- ma n ch a l l en g e sw a g g er. V ere fi g u red h er b roth er h a d n t l i k ed th e k i d s l a st com m en t or th e ton e of h i s voi ce, ei th er. I g u ess i ts n i ce to m eet you too, C h a rl i e sa i d , l a yeri n g on h i s ow n sa rca sti c ton e. T h e k i d stood a n d sh ook C h a rl i es offered h a n d . H ed m oved w i th sm ooth , a th l eti c g ra ce a n d l ook ed to b e a b ou t tw o i n ch es ta l l er th a n C h a rl i es si x feet. We h a ve a few th i n g s to tel l you , V eres m om j u m p ed i n . Y ou m ea n th ey d on t k n ow ? T h ey h a ve n o cl u e? I w a s tol d th ey w ere fu l l y ra m p ed i n , D u sti n sa i d . H ed b a ck ed a w a y from C h a rl i e. Sh e th ou g h t sh ed seen a fl eeti n g g l i m p se of p a n i c cross h i s fea tu res b efore h ed sh u ttered h i s eyes. C h a rl i e fol l ow ed h i m , n ot g i vi n g th e g u y a n i n ch . D u sti n w en t on , T h i s i s ri d i cu l ou s. Au n t N a n , Mrs. Roth , n o offen se, b u t I d on t w a n t to d o th i s. N ot w i th th em . N ot a t a l l . Y ou h a ve n o ch oi ce, N a n sa i d g en tl y. In on w h a t? V ere scow l ed . D o w h a t? D u sti n m i g h t b e ta l l a n d g org eou s a n d th e n ep h ew of a w oma n th e w h ol e fa m i l y mi om a l oved b u t th i s k i d w a s n ow a cti n g l i k e a d efi n i te w ei rd o. Sh e w a s a b ou t to a d d ress th e fa ct th a t h e m i g h t a l so b e a n a ss, b u t h er b roth er d i d n t g i ve h er a mi ch a n ce. H e l et ou t a l ow w h i stl e fol l ow ed w i th : O H . MY . G O D ! Y O U RE Y O U RE Y O U RE O H - N O - SH IT !! D U D E ! H O L Y C RAP ! D U U U U D E . C h a rl i e th en l a u n ch ed i n to a strea m of screech i n g , u n i n tel l i g i b l e b a b b l i n g a n d ra n d om cu rsi n g . V ere cou l d on l y sta re a s sh e w a tch ed C h a rl i e j u m p u p a n d d ow n l i k e a sq u a w k i n g ch i ck en . H e en d ed w i th : H ol y cra p . H ol y cra p ! D u d e. D u d e. D U D E ! O HMY G O D D U U D E . IM D Y IN G H E RE . WHAT - T H E - F AAK- IS G O IN G O N ? HE WH AT

V eres ch i n h i t th e fl oor. Sh e rock eted C h a rl i e a q u esti on i n g g l a n ce, b efore l ook i n g a t D u sti n to g a u g e h i s rea cti on to h er b roth ers frea k - ou t. B u t D u sti n seem ed to h a ve n o rea cti on a t a l l . N on e! Zero. H e si m p l y stood th ere stra i g h t fa ced . L ook i n g a t C h a rl i e a s i f h e w ere som e He a n n oyi n g , screech i n g i n sect. Im j u st w ow . WO W. T h i s i s so d a m n cool . H O L Y SH IT . C h a rl i e. Wa tch you r m ou th ! T h ei r m om yel l ed fi n a l l y. L et u s exp l a i n , N a n a d d ed . V ere tu rn ed b a ck to sta re a t D u sti n . H i s u l tra - b ri g h t, b l u e g a ze h a d b u rn ed tow a rd h er a s th ou g h h e w a i ted for h er to Hi d o som eth i n g off th e w a l l a s w el l . It w a s th en sh e sa w th e exp ressi on cross h i s fa ce a g a i n . Y ep . Ab sol u te p a n i c! Wh a t i s w ron g w i th th i s k i d ? O h . My. G od . C h a rl i e sta rted u p a g a i n . O H . My. G O D ! Wh a t i s w ron g w i th my i d i ot b roth er? T h i s i s th e a b sol u te cool est th i n g ever! N o. Sh i t! N o Sh i i i i i t! D u d e! So a m a zi n g ! D u sti n took off h i s ca p a n d ra n h i s h a n d th rou g h h i s h a i r. N i ce, th i ck , w a vy h a i r. H i s m a sk d rop p ed a g a i n a n d sh e ca u g h t h i s sh ou l d ers sl u m p i n g a l i ttl e. H e ma l ook ed a l m ost d efl a ted a n d som ew h a t sa d ? V ere d a rted a g l a n ce a t N a n . Sh e l ook ed sa d too. An d h er Mom l ook ed a s i f sh e m i g h t fa i n t! Poor D u sti n McHu g h . Poor Mom a n d N a n . T h ey mu st th i n k th e w orst. Sh e a n d C h a rl i e h a d b een so ru d e: a rg u i n g , yel l i n g , w restl i n g a n d n ow C h a rl i es l ost i t? V ere h a d to fi x i t b efore th ey b oth g ot b u sted . Sh e w a s n ot g oi n g to l ose ca r p ri vi l eg es th e fi rst w eek of sch ool . E ven i f th i s D u sti n McHu g h mi g h t b e som e sort of a sa d , stra n g e j erk . mi T i me to re- sta rt th e p ol i ten ess. V ere ch eck ed h er b u n a n d forced h ersel f to w a l k over to D u sti n . A m a j or fl u sh p u t h ea t on h er fa ce. So w h a t? Its n ot a s i f I ca n ch a n g e th e col or of my ch eek s. Il l j u st g et th i s over w i th . H er ea r ti p s b u rn ed a s sh e w en t for i t. Its n i ce to m eet you , D u sti n . Il l b e Her h a p p y to sh ow you a rou n d ou r sch ool . Wh a tever you a n d N a n th i n k you n eed . I k n ow w e seem u n rel i a b l e, b u t w ere n ot. We ca n h el p you . H on est. Sh e a d d ed Hon w h a t sh e h op ed w a s a n en cou ra g i n g n od . U n fortu n a tel y, th a t m ove h a d th e b u n b ob b i n g a l l over th e p l a ce on top of h er h ea d . H op i n g i t w ou l d h ol d , sh e h el d ou t a sh a k y h a n d a n d sl a p p ed on h er fri en d l i est sm i l e, a s sh e l ook ed u p a t th i s D u sti n McH u g h s fa ce. Wa y u p .

An d ch ok ed on h er ow n eyesi g h t. T h i s g u y i s b eyon d , over th e top , stu n n i n g ! L i k e a l i ve mod el . A mod el w i th n o p ores a n d rea l l y l on g l a sh es, a n d a sexy, p ou ty- ma n - mou th . An d b roa d sh ou l d ers w i th n i ce b i cep s. An d h es rea l l y ta n . An d ...a n d ...th e eyes...w ow . Seri ou sl y. Wow . Sh e sw a l l ow ed . Wh a tever! T h e k i d w a s so g org eou s h e w a s a b n orma l . If sh e w eren t b i ti n g on h er top l i p to k eep th e b l u sh u n d er con trol , h er j a w w ou l d h a ve g a p ed op en w i d e a s sh e took i n h i s p erfectl y, sq u a re ch i n . C h eek b on es a n d mu scl es a n d ...a re b oys a l l ow ed to b e th i s b ea u ti fu l ? H er h a n d w ob b l ed i n fron t of h i m l i k e a ru b b er ch i ck en . H i s eyes sca n n ed h er b u n th en h er fa ce, b efore h e step p ed a w a y a s th ou g h sh ed b u rn ed h i m . T h a t sa me fl a sh of p a n i c sh ot th rou g h h i s g a ze b efore h e cri n g ed . me U g h . U g h . U g h . He tota l l y cri n g ed . He d i d ! V ere sh oved h er h a n d b eh i n d h er b a ck . Sh e w a n ted to d i e. If sh e h a d a n y rem a i n i n g d ou b ts th a t sh e w a sn t com p l ete b oy p oi son , th eyd a l l j u st b een i n sta n tl y era sed b y th i s g u ys resp on se to h er. I rep el a l l g u ys. N ow I h a ve p roof. PRO O F . Wa i t ti l l J en n a h ea rs. Ma yb e I n eed a d i fferen t d eod ora n t? Sh e ra n h er ton g u e over h er teeth . O r tooth p a ste? V ere you d ork ! C h a rl i e d i ssol ved i n to fi ts of l a u g h ter. Sh es cl u el ess. Sh e h a s n o i d ea w h o you a re! Wh a t d o you m ea n ? H a ve I m et you b efore? I d on t th i n k so... Sh e scow l ed a t D u sti n , th en C h a rl i e. C h a rl i e. T a k e i t ea sy, N a n sa i d . V eres a ftern oon h ea d a ch e retu rn ed fu l l force. Sh ed th ou g h t th e d a y cou l d n t g et w orse. At l ea st N a n s n ep h ew h a d even ed ou t th e ru d e p oi n ts for th ei r m om b y b l a ta n tl y n ot sh a k i n g h er h a n d i n fron t of mom everyon e. An d on e b etter, Mr. Pretty h a d m a n a g ed to m a k e h er too a n g ry to b l u sh . ma H er fi ri n g ch eek s, n eck , a n d red h ot ea rs fa d ed b a ck to fi n e. B eca u se Im n ot b oth ered on e b i t b y h a n d some, ru d e b oys. Seri ou sl y, Mom , N a n , ca n you p l ea se exp l a i n ? C h a rl i e a sk ed . V ere crossed h er a rm s. Y ea h , sh e a d d ed , m a k i n g su re sh e sou n d ed cra n k y a n d a n n oyed , l i k e h er ti m e w a s b ei n g w a sted . B eca u se i t w a s. I sh ou l d b e u p sta i rs ca l l i n g J en n a to tel l h er th a t C u rti s ta l k ed to C h a rl i e a b ou t me. Ive g ot th i n g s to d o! Sh e ca u g h t D u sti n s g a ze a n d g l ow ered b u l l ets i n to h i m , rem i n d i n g h ersel f a g a i n th a t sh e w a s n ot a t a l l a ffected b y h i s l ook s or h u rt b y w h a t h e d i d . If h e p u l l ed creep y el eva tor- eyes l i k e C u rti s h a d d on e th i s a ftern oon , sh e w ou l d n ot h ol d b a ck th e p u n ch es. C u rti s cou l d l ook a l l h e w a n ted , b u t th i s g u y d i d n ot h a ve a n y sta ri n g ri g h ts. J u st try i t b u ster. G o a h ea d . T ry i t. Sh e i n ten si fi ed h er g l a re.

Sh e ch eck ed h er b u n from sl i p p i n g , b u t refu sed to b rea k h i s g a ze. Y ou ca n q u i t sta ri n g a t m e a n y ti m e, sh e h i ss- w h i sp ered . me me, Its you sta ri n g a t me, h e a n sw ered q u i etl y, a s th ou g h h e tota l l y u n d erstood m e, exa ctl y h ow b ea u ti fu l h e w a s. I a m n ot! I d on t sta re a t g u ys. Wh a t a re you ? C ra zy ? H i s d a rk , a rch ed , b row s sh ot u p a s th ou g h sh ed su rp ri sed h i m . T ru th ? Its p ossi b l e th a t I a m . Wel l j oi n th e cl u b a n d g et i n l i n e th en . Sh e rol l ed h er eyes ca l l i n g h i s b l u ff. O u r w h ol e fa m i l y i s n u ts, i f you h a ven t fi g u red th a t ou t a l rea d y. O n e si d e of h i s l i p tw i sted u p i n to a sm a l l sm i l e. Y ou re sti l l sta ri n g . Y ou a re, sh e sa ssed b a ck . F eel i n g l i k e a fool a n d a l i a r, sh e sta red h a rd er. It w a s a sta n d off n ow , a n d sh e w a s d eterm i n ed to w i n . Sh e scru n ch ed h er b row s a n d a d d ed a frow n . H e cra ck ed a sm a l l sm i l e. H i l a ri ou s! V ere, you rea l l y d on t recog n i ze h i m ? C h a rl i es voi ce, h ol d i n g a t ten d eci b el s l ou d er th a n n orm a l , w a s g etti n g rea l l y a n n oyi n g . C h a rl i e tu rn ed a n d orma h ol l ered a g a i n . D u d e. Y ou rock ! I h a ve a l l you r tra ck s on my i P od . my T ra ck s? T ra ck s? Im g l a d to k n ow you re a fa n , th e g u y resp on d ed w ood en l y, sou n d i n g a s th ou g h h e w ere on som e stra n g e a u top i l ot. H i s g a ze n ever w a vered from sk ep ti ca l a n d h el d V eres fa st. V ere tri ed to m a tch D u sti n s exp ressi on a s a ta u n t, b u t th a t b a ck fi red . F or som e rea son , h er a ttem p ts to m ock h i m h a d m a d e h i m sm i l e w i d er. Sh e tri p l ed h er g l ow er. H e tri p l ed th e sm i l e. smi V ere. C h a rl i e step p ed b etw een th em , b rea k i n g th e sta re d ow n . H es H u n ter Ken n ed y, C h a rl i e yel l ed a g a i n . T h e Hu n ter Ken n ed y. L ea d si n g er of G u a rd eRob e. D U H ! An d h es i n Mon u m en t, C ol ora d o. H e tu rn ed to H u n ter a n d g ot w a y too cl ose to th e g u ys fa ce. H ol y C ra p ! Hu n ter Ken n ed y! D u d e, you re i n ou r l i vi n g room! Is th e rest of th e b a n d h ere, too? C h a rl i e l ook ed a rou n d th e room l i k e a m a d m a n , sti l l g oi n g on , T h i s i s i m p ossi b l e. N a n , h ow ca n you b e H u n ter Ken n ed ys a u n t? D i d w e a l l WIN Hu som eth i n g ? Is th i s for MT V ? Wh ere a re th e ca m era s h i d i n g ? V ere frow n ed a n d p eered a rou n d C h a rl i e a s sh e tri ed to p l a ce th e g u y i n fron t of h er a s th e b l on d , cl ea n - cu t, b oy- b a n d si n g er sh ed seen a few ti m es on T V . C h a rl i e h a d a p oster of G u a rd eRob e , b u t sh e h on estl y d i d n t recog n i ze th i s k i d a s th e b l on d , g u i ta r- h ol d i n g , p i m p ed ou t g u y on C h a rl i es cl oset d oor. Wh en h ed h a d th a t p a n i ck ed l ook ea rl i er, i t h a d m a d e h i m seem so rea l , b u t H u n ter Ken n ed y w a sn t a rea l p erson . Wa s h e? N ot i n h er w orl d . T h i s i s n ot a T V sh ow , C h a rl i e. N a n sh ook h er h ea d . Im H u n ters g rea t a u n t. I d on t tel l p eop l e a b ou t h i m . T oo m a n y od d req u ests for fa vors, sh e a d d ed . H e d oesn t even l ook l i k e H u n ter Ken n ed y. V ere tu rn ed to b a ck to h i m . Y ou d on t, you k n ow ? D o you ? Are you rea l l y h i m ?

Ap p a ren tl y n ot a n ym ore, h e a n sw ered , sou n d i n g very cyn i ca l a g a i n . Y ou re on l y su p p osed to k n ow m e a s D u sti n McH u g h . So i t sh ou l d b e ea sy to forg et th e fa m ou s p a rt a b ou t m e ri g h t a w a y. B eca u se th a ts th e g oa l h ere. L ets try a g a i n . Sa y i t w i th m e: N i ce to m eet you , D u sti n McHu g h . H i s sa rca sm h a d retu rn ed fu l l force. O k a y. V ere crossed h er a rm s a n d tri ed h er b est to cop y h i s a n n oyi n g , sa rca sti c m ou th tw i st a n d u l tra - l ow voi ce. N i ce to meet you , D u sti n McHu g h . H a p p y? m eet T ru th ? H a p p i er th a n I w a s a few m i n u tes a g o, h e a n sw ered , sm i l i n g . B eca u se you ve b een cra ck i n g m e u p . G rea t. Sh e rol l ed h er eyes. It w a s th en V ere rea l i zed sh ed b een ta l k i n g to th i s g u y m i n u s a l l h er u su a l stu tteri n g a n d g en era l col or- ch a n g i n g w ei rd n ess. Som eh ow sh ed m a n a g ed to k eep h er a n xi ety i n ch eck . B u t h ow ? B eca u se h ed m a d e h er a n g ry? B y i m a g i n i n g sh e ma w a s ta l k i n g to th e p oster i n C h a rl i es room ? B eca u se th i s w h ol e si tu a ti on i s so ri d i cu l ou sl y stra n g e? Wh y i s i t you re h ere, a n d n ot w i th you r b a n d ? sh e w en t for a n oth er q u esti on , testi n g th e si tu a ti on h er rea cti on s to h i m . An d w h y d o you n eed u s a l l to u se a fa k e n a m e? C h a rl i e a d d ed . Is th a t w h y you r h a i r i s b row n ? Im I n eed H e b rok e V eres g a ze a n d l ook ed a t N a n . Im N a n n od d ed . T el l th em , sh e en cou ra g ed . H e crossed to th e oth er si d e of th e room b u t k ep t h i s b a ck to th em . T h e si l en ce stretch ed a s h i s h a n d s m oved l i g h tl y over th e fa m i l y p h otos l i n i n g th e top of th ei r u p ri g h t p i a n o. I g ot i n to som e trou b l e i n L os An g el es. My m om th i n k s I n eed to b e h ere...for a rest. Sh e a n d m y a g en t th i n k I ca n t d o th a t w el l i f p eop l e a n d my rep orters a re sw a rmi n g m e a s H u n ter Ken n ed y. rm i H e tu rn ed b a ck to fa ce th em . T h e l ook i n h i s eyes seem ed so b l ea k i t m a d e h er h ea rt cl en ch . V ere sen sed h e w a sn t l yi n g b u t h e a l so seem ed to b e h i d i n g som e of th e tru th . H u n ter w en t on , T h ey d eci d ed I cou l d h a n g i n C ol ora d o b est i f I cou l d b e sort of u n ma d e . Y ou k n ow , com p l etel y d i sg u i sed ? Au n t N a n ca n t coord i n a te th e h om e- sch ool i n g a n d tu tori n g Id n eed , so Il l b e a tten d i n g you r h i g h sch ool u n ti l th ey l et m e com e h om e. Wh i ch sh ou l d b e soon . I th i n k . H i s b ri g h t b l u e g a ze fou n d h ers a g a i n . G od . B u t th e col or of h i s eyes i s u n rea l . C omp l etel y. N ot. Rea l . T h i s ti m e, sh e th ou g h t sh e sa w p u re d esol a ti on h i d i n g i n th ere. H er h ea rt tw i sted a g a i n a n d era sed a n y n ew u rg es b l u sh . D esp i te h i s fa m e, a n d h i s b ea u ti fu l fa ce, h e seem ed so sa d . H e con ti n u ed i n a ch i p p er voi ce th a t d i d n ot m a tch w h a t sh e sa w i n h i s eyes,So, yea h . Y ou tw o a re a l so su p p osed to d ri ve m e a rou n d a n d h a n g ou t w i th m e so I b l en d i n b etter. Y ou ve offered u s to d o w h a t? ! C h a rl i e i n terru p ted . D a m m i t Mom ! Its cool to m eet th i s g u y a n d a l l , b u t w eve g ot rea l l i ves to l i ve h ere a n d N o. Stop . N ot on e m ore w ord ou t of you r p otty- m ou th , you n g m a n . Y ou h a ve

p u sh ed m e to m y l i m i t! Mom took C h a rl i es a rm i n to h er d ea th - g ri p . Sh e a n d N a n d ra g g ed h i m ou t i n to th e h a l l . H u n ter, V ere, w e w i l l b e ri g h t b a ck . C h a rl i e w a s g oi n g d ow n . Wa y d ow n .

9: gnomes and tumbleweeds HUNTER

Y ou re sta ri n g a g a i n , sh e sa i d fi n a l l y, b u t th i s ti me h er voi ce seem ed forced . seemed T i g h t, a s th ou g h sh e su d d en l y h a d to stru g g l e to sp ea k to h i m n ow th a t th ey w ere a l on e tog eth er. Worse, sh e w a s d ea d on . He h a d b een sta ri n g . Mostl y a t h er l i p s. He l i k ed th e w a y sh e ch ew ed th e u p p er He He on e off a n d on . F i n e. Il l ow n i t. Y ou ca u g h t me. Sorry, Hu n ter sa i d , b u t k ep t sta ri n g , d esp i te h er ob vi ou s d i scom fort. scomfort. Hel l . He cou l d n t stop sta ri n g a t th i s g i rl . N ot si n ce sh ed en tered th e room sp i n n i n g He a rou n d on h er b roth ers b a ck . Ri g h t n ow , i t w ou l d b e i mp ossi b l e for h i m to l ook a w a y b eca u se h i s w ord s h a d ca u sed h er to b l u sh a g a i n . U p cl ose, th e effect tu rn ed h er l i g h tl y freck l ed , a p p l e- rou n d ch eek s n ot to m en ti on p ra cti ca l l y every i n ch of h er sk i n a fa sci n a ti n g p i n k . It h a d a l so m a d e men h er l a rg e, d a rk b row n eyes seem d eep er, l u mi n ou s. G i rl w a s cu te w i th th a t p i n k fa ce. Wou l d you stop ? Sh e sh i fted h er feet. He w en t for h on esty a g a i n . Il l try b u t, you r ch eek s! Ma k es you l ook l i k e a l i ttl e He g n ome. Hi s comm en t ca u sed h er to g l a re a g a i n . H i commen Hed n ever b een g l a red d ow n b y a g i rl b efore. N ot cou n ti n g h i s mom , of cou rse, H ed m om b u t th i s g i rl w a s ob vi ou sl y w a y more ch a rmi n g th a n h i s mom . rm i m om. He cou l d n t resi st tea si n g h er a g a i n . Its th a t you a re j u st so i n teresti n g to He w a tch . He ch ok ed b a ck a l a u g h w h en sh e tu rn ed even red d er. He Her eyes p osi ti vel y sn a p p ed w i th th a t on e. H er B a ck a t you , b oy- b a n d - frea k . Y ou re th e on e w h o ca me from a n oth er p l a n et, n ot m e. B u t d on t w a i t for me to sw oon a t you r feet. If th i s i s you r a ttemp t a t fl i rti n g , me. you w on t ma k e m u ch p rog ress w i th th e g i rl s a rou n d h ere. ma O oh . C l a w s, h e tea sed b a ck , l a u g h i n g . In stea d of th e a d d ed p i n k effect H u n ter h a d b een h op i n g for, th e col or w en t th e Hu oth er w a y. T h e b l u sh i n g th i n g seemed to fa d e i n a n d ou t. O u t w h en a n n oyed . In every oth er secon d . F u n n y. Mrs. Roth a n d N a n ma rch ed b a ck i n w i th C h a rl i e. H u n ter er D u sti n , w e h a ve th e d ri vi n g th i n g settl ed . C on si d er th ese tw o you r w i l l i n g ch a u ffeu rs. A d i rect ord er, n ot a sta temen t. Hu n ter sh ot a n a p ol og eti c g l a n ce a t C h a rl i e. T h e g u ys ti g h t exp ressi on ta g g ed Hu

h i m a s b eyon d u n w i l l i n g to p a rti ci p a te i n a n y of h i s u n ma k i n g cra p . Hu n ter g ot Hu th a t i t m i g h t b e a w k w a rd for C h a rl i e a t sch ool to h a ve a n ew g u y h a n g i n g a rou n d h i s sen i or yea r. E i th er w a y, Mrs. Roth m u st h a ve th rea ten ed som eth i n g h u g e to someth m a k e h i m comp l y w i th su ch a stra i g h t fa ce. H u n ter cou l d rel a te. Mom s w ere a force few cou l d b ea t. Hu O n ce th ey g et over th e sh ock of th i s, th ey w i l l a ct n orma l l y, Mrs. Roth a d d ed . orm a Im sorry, C h a rl i e sa i d . I a cted l i k e a j erk . B u t d on t w a i t a rou n d exp ecti n g m y l i ttl e si ster to a ct n orm a l , ever. H u n ter sm i l ed d ow n a t th e sti l l g l a ri n g V ere. N orm a l i s b ori n g on m y p l a n et. Hu H e moved h i s a tten ti on to C h a rl i e. An d th e n a m e i s D u sti n McHu g h . P l ea se. H ow m oved How a b ou t you a n d I sta rt over? Im sorry i f I ca m e off a s An a ss ? C h a rl i e fi n i sh ed for h i m . C h a rl i e O w en Roth , i f you u tter on e m ore cu rse or sa y on e m ore ru d e th i n g to more p oor H u n ter Mrs. Roth h a d tu rn ed a s red a s h er d a u g h ter. Its ok a y Mrs. Roth . I w a s a com p l ete tool w h en I m et h i m. An d Im sorry. Ive m. b een rea l l y ti red p l a n n i n g my m ove to C ol ora d o. Y ou ca n i m a g i n e th i s d a y i s n ot my u p th ere on m y top ten l i st. my An d you d i d screa m i n h i s fa ce, C h a rl i e, V ere sa i d . H u n ter b i t h i s ow n l i p . Wa s th e g n om e g i rl d efen d i n g h i m? We ca n fi g u re ou t a Hu ome m? w a y I ca n b e l ow i m p a ct on b oth of you r l i ves. I w on t try to h a n g a rou n d w i th you i f i ts n ot ea sy or n a tu ra l , ok a y? C h a rl i e seem ed to rel a x. Ap p reci a ted . I a p ol og i ze ri g h t b a ck . I w en t from screa m i n g a t you to d rop p i n g th e b a l l on you r si tu a ti on . So, w i th ou t screa m i n g i n you r fa ce, D u sti n i ts n i ce to m eet you a g a i n . F or rea l . O r...w h a tever. C h a rl i e fl u sh ed a n d sh oved h i s h a n d s i n h i s p ock ets. T h e k i d w a s j u m p y a s h el l rem i n d ed h i m of Ma rti n . remi T o Hu n ter, j u m p y mea n t d i ffi cu l t to tru st. H u n ter n od d ed . T h a n k s...w ere cool . Y ou re n ot th e fi rst fa n b oy to l ose i t l i k e Hu th a t on m e. Ive h a d m u ch w orse. Y ou h a ve? V ere a sk ed . Y ou d on t even w a n t to k n ow . L ets n ot ta l k a b ou t th a t stu ff. Stori es a b ou t w h o Im N O T su p p osed to b e a n ym ore w i l l th row off ou r focu s. I on l y w a n t you to th i n k of me a s j u st a n oth er k i d , l i k e you . If th a ts p ossi b l e, H u n ter eva d ed . N a n i s ri g h t, Im su re I ca n t d o th i s w i th ou t you . I d on t k n ow ... C h a rl i e sh ook h i s h ea d , h i s exp ressi on sti l l n ot con vi n ced . Mom, w h y d i d n t you tel l u s a b ou t a l l th i s h i m soon er? V ere a sk ed , h er Mom , exp ressi on a l so h ol d i n g a t sk ep ti ca l . H i s i d en ti ty h a s to rem a i n a secret. N a n a n d I h a ve k n ow n for a m on th . I d i d n t w a n t to tel l you too ea rl y i n ca se on e of you sl i p p ed . Wel l , th e too- l a te op ti on b i tes, C h a rl i e m u ttered u n d er h i s b rea th . T h i s i s n o sma l l a ssi g n men t to p u l l off i n on e, l on g w eek en d . m en Mrs. Roth rew a rd ed C h a rl i e w i th a n oth er h el l - to- p a y g l a n ce. H i s Au n t N a n w a l k ed over a n d took C h a rl i es h a n d . P l ea se C h a rl i e. We n eed Hi you r h el p . C h a rl i e sh i fted u n comforta b l y. I k n ow . Im i n ...i f i t w i l l w ork , a n d even i f i t

w on t, Il l try. H e p a rri ed h i s m om s l ook . Mostl y b eca u se I d on t w a n t to b e k i l l ed . H u n ters a tten ti on w a s d i stra cted a g a i n b y V ere. H er ri g h t h a n d fl oa ted u p i n th e Her g ra cefu l , u n con sci ou s g estu re sh e u sed to ch eck h er Ma d Ha tter b u n . A g estu re H u n ter h a d a l rea d y g row n u sed to. It w a s a m ovemen t th e g i rl execu ted l i k e cl ock ovem en w ork every fi ve m i n u tes. We w i l l try...b u t w h a t w i l l w e try... sh e tra i l ed off softl y, p u l l i n g h er d el i ca te b row s tog eth er, frow n i n g a s sh e exa m i n ed h i m from h ea d to toe for a n oth er l on g m om en t. H ow ta l l a re you ? sh e a sk ed , fi n a l l y. H er g a ze stop p i n g a t H u n ters Her eyes. Si x th ree, h e a n sw ered , b i ti n g b a ck a l a u g h a t h er n ew a l l - b u si n ess ton e. Wh a t yea r? C h a rl i e a d d ed . H es to b e i n w i th th e j u n i or cl a ss, even th ou g h h es C h a rl i es a g e. We th ou g h t th a t sw a p w ou l d a l so h el p h i d e h i m. Mrs. Roth tu rn ed to H u n ter. Y ou l l b e i n m . a l l sen i or- l evel core cou rses th ou g h , so d on t w orry a b ou t b ei n g b ored . H u n ter h el d b a ck a g roa n , tra ck i n g V eres exp ressi ve, d a rti n g eyes a s th eyd m oved a rou n d h i s fa ce a g a i n . H e cou l d tel l th a t sh ed n oti ced h i s u n h a p p y rea cti on to h i s n ew j u n i or sta tu s'. V ere sp ok e a g a i n , Y ou w a n t u s to h i d e th i s si x- foot- th ree, p osi ti vel y g org eou s, fa m ou s rock sta r on e w h o h a s sp orts- d ri n k b l u e eyes B Y T H E WAY a n d w h o i s mou a b sol u tel y P E RF E C T l ook i n g , a t P a l m er D i vi d e H i g h ? In th i s tow n ? In my j u n i or cl a ss? Y es, Mrs. Roth a n sw ered . Wh y i s i t su ch a d i ffi cu l t con cep t for you to g ra sp ? B eca u se g u ys w h o l ook l i k e th a t . Sh e p oi n ted a fi n g er a t h i m . D o n ot com e from th i s tow n . In a d d i ti on to th e fa ce, h es too ta l l , a n d h es g ot th e p ostu re of som e Ru ssi a n b a l l eri n a ! An d d i d you n ot n oti ce h i s voi ce? Wh a ts w ron g w i th m y voi ce? H u n ter frow n ed . Its a l l L O W a n d , SU PE R- MAN L Y - AMAZIN G , sh e m od u l a ted h er voi ce d ow n , mod tryi n g to sou n d l i k e h i m . m. C h a rl i e cra ck ed u p , a n d H u n ter h a d to b u ry h i s ow n l a u g h . Hu N ob od y sou n d s l i k e th a t! Mom, Au n t N a n , i t w on t w ork . N o w a y i s h e ever, ever, ever g oi n g to b l en d i n . An d h i s...you k n ow ....h i s sh ou l d ers a re a l l w i d e a n d h es a l l ta n a n d l ook s Su p erm a n stron g ...a n d ... An yth i n g el se? Sh ou l d I tu rn a rou n d ? Hu n ter sh ot h er a smi l e, h op i n g for Hu sm i a n oth er b l u sh , b u t i n stea d d rew a g l a re from C h a rl i e. V ere th rew u p h er a rm s. An d h es a com p l i men t fi sh i n g , eg om a n i a c to b oot! m en H u n ter l a u g h ed . Wow . I a m n ot. Sw ea r. H e l a u g h ed a g a i n . V ere sh ot h i m a l ook th a t sa i d sh e d i d n ot b el i eve h i m a t a l l w h i l e sh e ti g h ten ed th e ru b b er b a n d i n h er g i a n t b u n . H e l a u g h ed on e m ore ti m e, u n a b l e to stop h i m sel f. msel D a mn , b u t sh es h i l a ri ou s. T h i s en ti re l u d i crou s si tu a ti on h a d g on e w a y b eyon d i n sa n e. An d th e od d a n ti cs of th i s V ere Roth w ere th e frosti n g on h i s w h a ck ed - ou t ca k e. H u n ter h a d n ever rea l l y h u n g ou t w i th a g i rl n ea r to h i s ow n a g e th a t h a d n t b een a cq u a i n ted w i th h i s m u si c or a t l ea st ob sessed / i m p ressed to th e p oi n t of

g u sh i n g over h i s sta r sta tu s. After el even yea rs i n th e p u b l i c eye, h ed j u st ta k en i t for g ra n ted th a t every teen sort of k n ew w h o h e w a s. V ere w a s on a w h ol e n ew l evel . Sh e h a d n t even recog n i zed h i m a t fi rst. H e w on d ered i f sh ed ever l i sten ed to G u a rd eRob es m u si c a t a l l . H el l , fi ve m i n u tes a g o sh ed a ctu a l l y a cted a s th ou g h sh e m i g h t n ot even w a n t to sta y i n th e sa m e room w i th h i m . N ow sh e w a s si tti n g h ere, ca l l i n g h i m h ot a n d h a tefu l l y con cei ted m. i n th e sa me sen ten ce. me T ota l en terta i n i n g n ovel ty! C h a rl i e sp ok e u p n ext. V eres ri g h t. J u st l ook a t h i m . H el l b e a n a tten ti on m a g n et. It i s n ot i m p ossi b l e. Mrs. Roth s voi ce w a s ti g h t. We h a ve fou r d a ys to fi g u re i t ou t. I w a n t you a l l to com e u p w i th a rea l d i sg u i se a n d ta k e h i m sh op p i n g ri g h t n ow . We ca n tea ch h i m h ow to sp ea k d i fferen tl y, m u m b l e m a yb e? An d H u n ter? Sh e frow n ed . D o you th i n k you ca n l ea rn to sl ou ch ? V eres ri g h t a b ou t th e p ostu re th i n g . Y ou d o sta n d ou t. Il l try m y b est. H u n ter sh ru g g ed . my Mrs. Roth con ti n u ed , I th ou g h t h e cou l d g et a w a y w i th b orrow i n g C h a rl i es cl oth es, b u t n ow I see th a t w on t w ork . H e n eed s som eth i n g l ess m a i n strea m . Som eth i n g a l ot of th i n g s to m a k e h i m m u ch l ess a ttra cti ve. T a k e h i m to a store som ew h ere, b u t N O T on e a t th e m a l l . I ca n t b e i n on th e sh op p i n g . C h a rl i e b a ck ed a w a y. Mom , C u rti s i s on h i s w a y. Y ou ca n t exp ect m e to g et k i ck ed off th e tea m for th i s p roj ect. If I mi ss I g et me mi b en ch ed . D u d e , Il l h el p you w i th th e sl ou ch i n g or w h a tever l a ter. Wel l m eet u p a t th e ca b i n . D ea l ? Id ta k e you , Au n t N a n sa i d . B u t m y a rth ri ti s w on t l et m e w a l k mu ch . Id mu h a ve n o i d ea w h a t to p i ck ou t so Il l j u st g a th er ou r th i n g s a n d m eet you u p th ere? H u n ter sh ru g g ed , su d d en l y w i sh i n g h e cou l d ru n a w a y a n d sl eep for a yea r. Al l th i s forced p ol i ten ess w a s exh a u sti n g h i m . T h ey d i d n t w a n t to d o th i s a s m u ch h e d i d n t w a n t to d o th i s. Im sorry Im so m u ch trou b l e, h e sa i d feel i n g b eyon d l a m e. Mrs. Roth s exp ressi on w a vered . V ere? D o you th i n k you ca n ta k e h i m a l on e? U h ... sh e a n sw ered . Im a l so g oi n g to n eed to g et som e th i n g s rea d y to b ri n g u p to th e ca b i n . Y ou w i l l k n ow w h a t h e n eed s to b l en d i n a t sch ool w a y b etter th a n I w ou l d . Y ou a l so h a ve g ood i n sti n cts for a cti n g a n d costu m es. Al l th a t sta g e stu ff you d o a t sch ool i s g oi n g to h a ve to com e i n to p l a y h ere. V eres fa ce reg i stered sh ock , th en a h i n t of b u g - eyed fea r b efore sh e m et h i s g a ze a n d tu rn ed com p l etel y p i n k a n d a w k w a rd a g a i n . comp V ere? H on ey? Wh a t d o you th i n k ? Mrs. Roth sa i d . V ere d i d n t a n sw er. It w a s l i k e sh e cou l d n t a n sw er. Mom . V ere ca n t j u st g o a n d ta k e a stra n g e g u y sh op p i n g ! C h a rl i e sa i d , Mom. ob vi ou sl y tryi n g to cover for V eres l a p se.

H u n ter w a s stru ck a g a i n b y th e b on d th a t seem ed to exi st b etw een th e tw o Hu si b l i n g s, a n d h ow th ey l oved a n d resp ected th ei r m om . F rom th e p h otos h ed seen l i n ed u p on th e p i a n o, i t a p p ea red th ey w ere th e p erfect, m a d e for T V , fa m i l y of fou r. T h e k i n d h i s n etw ork , N ew tN et , a l w a ys fea tu red i n sh ow s. H e cou l d on l y i m a g i n e th ei r d a d a s som e sort of u l tra - ch i p p er, l a w n - mow i n g , b a rb eq u e- ten d i n g , m ow fri en d l y stereotyp e. Wh o k n ew fa mi l i es l i k e th i s rea l l y exi sted ? B i za rre. Mrs. Roth l ook ed a s th ou g h sh e m i g h t k i l l C h a rl i e a g a i n . H e i s n ot a stra n g e g u y, h es N a n s n ep h ew . Weve i n trod u ced you , a n d my g ood n ess , w eve k n ow n N a n so l on g th i s b oy m i g h t a s w el l b e you r cou si n . Mom ! Seri ou sl y. Hes a com p l ete stra n g er. An d h e cou l d b e som e sort of g i rl H es p l a yi n g creep er! C h a rl i e fi sted h i s h a n d s b y h i s si d es. An d w e d on t n eed a n y m ore cou si n s! Rea l l y? Wel l I d on t w a n t a n y d a mn cou si n s ei th er! T h e sh ou ti n g esca l a ted , a n d H u n ters h ea d w a s a b ou t to i m p l od e. As m u ch a s h e fou n d V ere i n teresti n g , i t w a s ti m e to set th e record stra i g h t. H u n ter h el d u p h i s h a n d s h i g h i n su rren d er. O k a y. ST O P . H ol d u p ! E veryon e Hu j u st ch i l l ! T h ey a l l stop p ed a rg u i n g a n d l ook ed a t h i m . L ook . T h i s w h ol e con versa ti on i s ri d i cu l ou s. N o offen se i n ten d ed h ere. H e tossed V ere a sh ru g b efore h e con ti n u ed i n a m ore con trol l ed voi ce, Im u sed to g i rl s w h o a re...w el l ...m ore...u m . L ets j u st sa y sti ck - l eg g ed , m i l k - fed tu m b l ew eed s a re n ot m y typ e. T h ey a ren t even on m y ra d a r. Im n ot d esp era te, J esu s! C h a rl i e l a u g h ed , a n d H u n ter fel t b a d for th a t com m en t b eca u se i t ca u sed V ere to fl u sh red a g a i n . H er mou th h a d a l so d rop p ed op en i n w h a t a p p ea red to b e sh ock . m ou Wh a t d i d you ca l l m e? I ou g h t to G O D ! Wh a t w a s h er d ea l ? T h e g i rl mu st b e w h a ck ed . Ma yb e a s w h a ck ed a s I a m. H u n ter cou l d n t ta k e h i s eyes off of V eres fl u sh ed fa ce a l l over a g a i n , tryi n g to Hu fi g u re h er ou t. Sh e m i g h t n ot b e a b l e to ta l k , b u t h e cou l d tel l sh e w a s p i ssed off, th a t w a s certa i n . C h a rl i e l a u g h i n g l y p i p ed i n , I ca n on l y i ma g i n e w h a t k i n d of g i rl s you re u sed ma to. V ere w ou l d k n ock you fl a t i f you tri ed to m a k e a m ove on h er. Sh es fa m ou s for th a t. V ere seem ed to ch ok e. T h en sp u tter. C h a rl i e you su ck . J u st d on t E V E N g o th ere. J u st stop . Stop V ere fi n a l l y seem ed to rea g i n h er con trol a n d a i m ed a sm a l l - b a l l - of- d ea th g l ow er on to everyon e i n th e room. N o. O ffen se. B a ck . B u t I ca n ta k e ca re of m ysel f. I ca n room . certa i n l y d ra g th i s sp oi l ed , rock - a n d - rol l - p ri n ce sh op p i n g for u g l y cl oth es a n d d ri ve h i m to th e l a k e ca b i n w i th ou t g etti n g m a u l ed or p reg n a n t! Mrs. Roth g a sp ed . H u n ter b i t b a ck a n oth er h u g e l a u g h . Hu V ere tu rn ed to H u n ter a n d w ri n k l ed h er m ou th i n a n oth er on e of h er ch a rm i n g a ttem p ts a t a m ea n scow l . Sh e w a s b rea th i n g a l l fu n n y. P u ffi n g a i r i n a n d ou t l i k e sh ed j u st ru n rea l l y fa r.

Y ou sh ou l d b e so l u ck y, Mr. Mod el - Ma g a zi n e C over , to even ca tch m y eye. Y ou a ren t m y typ e ei th er! Im u sed to g u ys w h o d on t req u i re so m u ch a tten ti on a n d p erson a l g room i n g . Y ou a re th e l a st g u y on ea rth Id ever g o for. Im n ot d esp era te or i n to p retty b oys ei th er. So yea h . H u n ters g a ze ta n g l ed w i th V eres. H e h a d th e feel i n g sh e cou l d n t l ook a w a y from h i m a s m u ch a s h e cou l d n t stop sta ri n g a t h er. An d , a n d I w ou l d n t l ook tw i ce a t you a t you r w el l you r you k n ow a l l of you r Y O U . An d a l l th a t H e sa ved h er. O k a y. O k a y. Y ou w i n ! T ou ch a g a i n . Im g l a d th a ts u n d erstood . If w ere m ea n t to b e h a n g i n g ou t tog eth er i t w i l l h el p th e si tu a ti on to n ote to a l l mea i n vol ved : w e a re n ot ea ch oth ers typ es . G ood . G rea t. L et th e record sh ow . N ot a t a l l . An d n ever, V ere a d d ed , rol l i n g h er eyes. T h a t g oes for you too, C h a rl i e, H u n ter tea sed . Wel l a l l a g ree to b e j u st fri en d s , w i th zero w ei rd n ess. O k a y? C h a rl i e sn orted . Su re. In sta - fri en d s w i th on e of th e w orl d s m ost fa m ou s rock sta rs. ZE RO w ei rd n ess. C h eck . An d you re n ot m y typ e ei th er, d u d e. T h ey a l l cra ck ed u p a t th a t. V eres tem p er seem ed to w a n e a s q u i ck l y a s i t h a d com e. H e crossed h i s a rm s ti g h tl y a g a i n st h i s ch est. F orced h i m sel f to stop sta ri n g a t h ow V eres eyes cri n k l ed a t th e ed g es w h en sh e l a u g h ed . D em a n d ed h i s b ra i n to stop n oti ci n g th a t h e m i g h t rea l l y l i k e th e sou n d of h er l a u g h ... mi H e tu rn ed a w a y from h er a n d p reten d ed to exa m i n e th e d eta i l s of th e l i vi n g room w h i l e a n od d b a rra g e of m i sp l a ced b u tterfl i es ri p p ed a rou n d h i s stom a ch l i k e someon e h a d sh u ffl ed ca rd s i n th ere. E veryth i n g i n th e room m el ted to a b l u r. H e som eon n ever g ot b u tterfl i es j u st l i k e h e n ever l ook ed tw i ce a t g i rl s l i k e V ere. Hel l . B u t you ve l ook ed a t h er w a y more th a n tw i ce... An d h el l ... you seem to h a ve a w h ol e p i l e of b u tterfl i es ri g h t n ow .Prob a b l y j u st n erves. N oth i n g b u t th a t. If h e cou l d p l a ce a b et, h ed p u t tw o h u n d red tow a rd th e si d e th a t sa i d sh ed p rob a b l y n ever even b een k i ssed . H i s h ea d sta rted to p ou n d . Sh e ca l l ed me a p retty b oy! G i rl d oesn t even k n ow me, b u t th i n k s sh e d oes. Sh i t. I sw ea r Im d i zzy. T h i s h a s to b e some of th a t h i g h - a l ti tu d e si ck n ess Au n t N a n tol d me a b ou t. H e tu rn ed b a ck a n d stu d i ed th e l i g h t d u sti n g of freck l es on th e b ri d g e of V eres n ose, tryi n g to a n a l yze w h a t d rew h i s a tten ti on so stron g l y. T h e g i rl m i g h t b e a j u n i or b u t sh e l ook ed you n g er com p a red to th e g i rl s h ed k n ow n , even w i th th e soft sm u d g es of eyesh a d ow a n d m a sca ra sh e sp orted . Ma yb e h e w a s si m p l y fa sci n a ted b eca u se V eres en ti re l ook m i m i ck ed a l on g l eg g ed , b i g eyed , b ob b l eh ea d d ol l h i d i n g i n a g i a n t h ood i e? Wh o w ou l d n t sta re a t th a t? N o n eed to frea k ou t th a t you fi n d a p erson h i g h l y a mu si n g . N ot my typ e. N ot i n a mi l l i on yea rs. B u t very a p p ea l i n g to w a tch . N o cri me i n th a t. As i f to con fi rm h i s th ou g h ts, sh e a d j u sted h er i n cred i b l e b u n a n d h i k ed u p h er

b a g g y sh orts a l l over a g a i n . It w a s a l l h e cou l d d o n ot to b u st ou t g ri n n i n g l i k e a fool . At l ea st h ol d i n g b a ck l a u g h ter l i g h ten ed th e w ei g h t i n h i s h ea rt. It w a s a l so a b on u s to th i n k th a t V ere, p l u s h er w ou n d - too- ti g h t b roth er, w ou l d en su re h i s ti m e h ere w a sn t g oi n g to b e b ori n g . T h e g u ys a re g oi n g to b e h ere soon . L ets h ea r w h ere you re ta k i n g h i m , V ere. Ive g ot to ch a n g e for p ra cti ce. H es ri g h t. We d on t h a ve a l ot of ti m e. Wh a ts you r p l a n ? Mrs. Roth a d d ed . V ere h a d sl a p p ed on th e comi ca l d ow n - to- b u si n ess p erson a a g a i n . I w a n t to ta k e com i h i m to D a d s offi ce fi rst. I th i n k h e ca n j u mp sta rt th e d i sg u i se. mp Id a l rea d y th ou g h t of th a t too. Mrs. Roth n od d ed . G o th ere fi rst. D a d s w ork i n g th rou g h som e i d ea s a l rea d y. H u n ter l et th e n oi se a n d th e i m p ossi b l e con versa ti on i n th e room fa d e ou t a s h e g ra b b ed h i s b a ck p a ck a n d p u l l ed ou t h i s p h on e. T h e b a ttery m a rk er rea d fu l l . H ed set i t to vi b ra te, b u t so fa r, n oth i n g h a d b een texted . N o em a i l s ei th er. H e fi g u red th ere w ou l d n t b e a n y p h on e ca l l s from th e g u ys. N ot yet, a n yh ow . T h ey p rob a b l y w ere j u st g etti n g settl ed a t som e ren ted h ou se or ta k i n g over a h otel fl oor i n N ew Y ork . T h a t a l w a ys took ti m e... V ere w a l k ed forw a rd , h er exp ressi on g u a rd ed . O h , d o I h a ve som e g ood i d ea s n ow . P rom i se you l l l et m e ch oose th e overa l l th em e of you r m a k e- over? N o a rg u m en ts. H e p ock eted h i s p h on e a n d tri ed to con cen tra te on a n yth i n g b u t h ow h er eyes seem ed to sp a rk l e b ri g h ter th a n a n y eyes h ed ever seen on a g i rl . Y ou h a ve a th eme ? h e ma n a g ed , w on d eri n g i f h e w a s rea l l y g oi n g to l et th i s d i sa ster vi rg i n ma p i ck h i s ou tfi ts a n d d ri ve h i m a rou n d ? Y es. B u t you l l h a ve to tru st m e. Sh e crossed h er a rm s, w a i ti n g . H e d i d n t, b u t h e g a ve h er th e a n sw er h e th ou g h t sh ed w a n t. Mostl y b eca u se h e h op ed i t w ou l d b ri n g on h er sm i l e. O k a y. I tru st you . It w ork ed . V eres smi l e m a tch ed h er eyes. sm i O p en , h a p p y a n d n oth i n g el se . Mea n i n g i t w a s cool h ow sh e d i d n t seem to w a n t , or exp ect, a n yth i n g ou t of h i m at all. Il l l et V ere Roth d ri ve me stra i g h t i n to h el l i f sh e k eep s smi l i n g a t me l i k e th i s. H e sm i l ed b a ck . H e cou l d n t h el p h i m sel f. msel It w a s l i k e h er h a p p i n ess h er i rrep ressi b i l i ty w a s ru b b i n g off on h i m . N ot l i k e h e w a s g oi n g to sta rt sk i p p i n g a rou n d or a n yth i n g l i k e sh e seem ed to d o, b u t h e rea l i zed h e fel t ca l m a rou n d h er. At th e very l ea st, sa fe. T h a t feel i n g fel t d i fferen t en ou g h to m a k e h i m h op e th i s w h ol e exp eri en ce m i g h t n ot cru sh h i m . It a l so ma d e h i m w on d er i f h e sh ou l d try to tru st h er. If th e ma p ossi b i l i ty of b ei n g fri en d s a n d n oth i n g el se w i th som eon e h i s ow n a g e cou l d b e a rea l i ty. H ed g i ve i t, g i ve h er a ch a n ce. Ma yb e. P l u s, h e d i d n t w a n t to th i n k of h ow to d i sg u i se h i m sel f a l on e. T h ere w a s n o rea son to fi g h t a n y of th i s. H ed j u st rol l w i th everyth i n g . See w h a t ca m e n ext. L i k e B a rry sa i d .

O n e h ou r a t a ti m e. Wh y d o w e h a ve to g o see you r d a d ? D oes h e ow n a cl oth i n g store? h e a sk ed fi n a l l y, tryi n g to g ra sp on e sh red of th e con versa ti on fl yi n g over h i s sp i n n i n g h ea d . Wel l , l i k e I sa i d ... Sh e step p ed forw a rd . H e h a d to l ock h i s k n ees so h e w ou l d n t p u l l a w a y. An y p ossi b i l i ty of h i m con cen tra ti n g sh red d ed to b i ts w h en h e ca u g h t som e of V eres scen t. F l ow ers or l a ven d er...or sa g e? O r h el l , I h a ve n o d a mn cl u e. Smel l s l i k e fri en d l y- h a p p i n ess...w h a tever i t i s...w h a tever sh e i s... E veryon e seem ed to b e ta l k i n g a t on ce. H u n ter b rea th ed i n th e a i r a rou n d V ere, zon i n g ou t on h er com p l etel y w i th h i s rel a xed m eet- a n d - g reet sm i l e secu red on comp meeth i s fa ce. V ere ch a ttered a w a y. H u n ters eyes h a d l ock ed on to th e cu rve of h er u p p er l i p a g a i n . Sh e ch ew ed l i g h tl y on i t every ti m e sh e p a u sed i n h er sp eech . Sh e mu st b e w orri ed w h en sh e d oes th a t. Is sh e w orri ed a b ou t me? ! H i s ch est ti g h ten ed a t th e th ou g h t. Sh e d oesn t even k n ow me...a n d from w h a t I ca n tel l , n o on e h ere i s b ei n g p a i d . C ou l d th ey a l l rea l l y b e th i s n i ce? Sh e stop p ed ta l k i n g a n d b l i n k ed exp ecta n tl y, sti l l ch ew i n g on th a t d a m n l i p . H u n ter sh ot a g l a n ce a rou n d th e room . E veryon e seem ed to b e w a i ti n g for h i m to a n sw er. H e crossed h i s a rm s a n d h i d h i s cl en ch ed fi sts u n d er h i s a rm s, forci n g h i m sel f b a ck i n to th e con versa ti on . G rea t, sou n d s l i k e a g ood p l a n . H e b l i n k ed , a d d i n g i n a con vi n ci n g sm i l e. Il l d o w h a tever you recom m en d . Wh en th ey a l l j u st sta red a t h i m a s th ou g h th ey w ere su rp ri sed b y h i s too j ovi a l resp on se, h e con cen tra ted on w h a t h e k n ew h e w a s su p p osed to d o n ext. G o sh op p i n g w i th V ere, th en m eet everyon e u p a t th e ca b i n l a ter. An d th a n k s, everyon e. F or h el p i n g . Mrs. Roth , Im rea l l y l ook i n g forw a rd to seei n g th i s l a k e ca b i n a n d h a n g i n g i n th e m ou n ta i n s. I th i n k I cou l d u se a few d a ys of tru e h i d i n g ou t. Wh a tever h a p p en s, i ts very k i n d of you to h ost m e, h e a d d ed , u si n g h i s m ost p ol i te voi ce. T h ey a l l sti l l j u st b l i n k ed a t h i m , l i k e h ed ea ten th e fa m i l y d og or som eth i n g . D o th ese p eop l e even h a ve a fa mi l y d og ? T h ey p rob a b l y d o. A rea l l y cu te a n d p erfect G ol d en Retri ever or someth i n g . H e sh ru g g ed h el p l essl y. Wh a t? L ets g et sta rted . Wh eres th e ca r? T h a t w ork ed . E veryon e m oved a t on ce.

10: lying to jenna VERE

V ere h ea d ed to h er room to g a th er en ou g h stu ff for th e l on g w eek en d . Sh e d i a l ed J en n a on h er cel l a s sh e ra n u p th e sta i rs. O MG ! Wh a ts th e P RO J E C T ? J en n a yel l ed a s soon a s th e ca l l con n ected . Sh e n ever a n sw ered w i th a si mp l e h el l o. Ha ve you recovered from you r d a y? V ere ch ose to i g n ore th e secon d q u esti on b eca u se th ere w a s n o recoveri n g from th i s d a y. N ot w i th C h a rl i e sw ea ri n g C u rti s Wi sh ford h a d a sk ed a b ou t h er on th e cru sh l evel ! An d n ot w i th a fa mou s rock sta r w a i ti n g for h er d ow n sta i rs som ew h ere? somew T h i s d a y h a d exp l od ed ou t of a l l n orma l rea l i ty. orm a T h e p roj ect i s n ot a n exch a n g e stu d en t. N ot a t a l l . Its w orse. Its u h ...N a n s n ep h ew . Moved i n w i th h er. N a n h a s a n ep h ew ? H e sta rts sch ool w i th u s T u esd a y. I m en ti on ed h i m to you , I th i n k ? D o you men rem emb er? V ere rol l ed h er eyes a t h ersel f i n th e b a th room mi rror. mi L et th e l i es b eg i n . Y ou d i d ? J en n a si g h ed , sou n d i n g mi ffed . Wh a ts h e l i k e? O h , sort of exa ctl y l i k e Hu n ter Ken n ed y? !! V ere b i t b a ck a g i g g l e, sh ovi n g h er tooth b ru sh i n to h er w eek en d b a g a n d a n sw ered , I d on t k n ow yet. Y ou k n ow h ow i t i s. Ha rd to b rea k th e i ce a t fi rst. Ha Aw k w a rd m ostl y. mostl At l ea st som e of w h a t sh ed sa i d w a sn t a com p l ete l i e. V eres h ea rt sp ed u p a n d some comp th en cl en ch ed . T w i sti n g w i th g u i l t. B est fri en d s tel l b est fri en d s w h en fa mou s rock sta rs moved i n n ext d oor, d on t th ey? G u a rd eRob e w a s on e of J en n a s ma n y rock - b a n d - rel i g i on s. Sh e p rob a b l y fol l ow ed Hu n ter Ken n ed y on T w i tter! If J en n a ever fou n d ou t V ere h a d k ep t th i s i n forma ti on from h er, sh ed m a k e C h a rl i es rea cti on to H u n ter ma Hu Ken n ed y seem p u n y a n d q u i et. Sh ed a l so mu rd er me. N ever sp ea k to me a g a i n . E V E R. Wh i ch w ou l d b e ea sy, b eca u se Id b e d ea d from th e p a rt w h ere sh ed mu rd ered me. D i d you w ork on you r mom to rel en t a n d l et m e d ri ve u p to th e ca b i n ? At l ea st for Su n d a y n i g h t? J en n a w h i n ed . Its su ch a l on g w eek en d . N o. Y ou re b a n n ed . Moms con vi n ced th a t C h a rl i e a n d I a re g oi n g to b e th i s g u ys n ew b esti es. T h a ts th e p roj ect. Sh e w a n ts u s to b on d w i th h i m mi n u s a n y mi oth er fri en d d i stra cti on s. Sh e sa ys you a n d I w ou l d d i sa p p ea r a n d i g n ore h i m . P rob a b l y tru e. G a h . B u mmer. Y ou ? B on d i n g w i th a g u y? Ha s you r m om forg otten exa ctl y w h o m mer. Ha you a re? Is th e g u y h ot a t l ea st? Wh a ts h i s n a me? D u sti n . D u sti n McHu g h .

H e sou n d s h ot. Scotti sh l a st n a m e h ot. J en n a s ton e h a d tu rn ed h op efu l . me V ere l a u g h ed . Y ea h . Ab ou t th a t. Y ou l l h a ve to see h i m for you rsel f. H es Hes n ot...you r typ e. An d h es su re n ot m y typ e. Sh e sn orted , n ot n eed i n g to fa k e th e a n n oya n ce i n h er ton e, rem emb eri n g h ow h ed ca l l ed h er a g n om e- sti ck tu m b l ew eed . Hes m ore of a H es H es u g l y. Ad m i t i t. mi N ot u g l y j u st d i fferen t. Ki n d of ta l l . Seem ed n i ce on ce w e b rok e th rou g h th e sti ff i n trod u cti on s. C h a rl i es n ot i n to i t th ou g h . He a n d Mom g ot i n a fi g h t a b ou t D u sti n s p resen ce screw i n g u p C h a rl i es p reci ou s sen i or yea r. G a h . G u y mu st b e h i d eou s i f you r b roth er h a d to b a ttl e. V ere si d estep p ed th e l i es a g a i n . H ow ever h e l ook s, I th i n k i t w i l l b e g ood for m e to try to ma k e fri en d s w i th h i m . Y ou k n ow , to h a ve a g u y- b est- fri en d ." "Are you seri ou s? " Y ea h . It mi g h t h el p m e g et over m y p rob l em . An d w e cou l d u se h i m l i k e some me som e k i n d of b od yg u a rd . U m...h ed b e g ood for th a t. J en n a si g h ed , Wh a t w ou l d a b od yg u a rd d o for u s? B a ttl e ou r i n vi si b l e b oyfri en d s? V ere l a u g h ed . Heck yes. In vi si b l e b oyfri en d s ca n g et rea l l y ou t of h a n d . H m m. V ere cou l d h ea r th e p ou t i n J en n a s ton e. As i f you n eed fri en d s oth er mm . th a n ME . Y ou re l u ck y Im n ot feel i n g j ea l ou s. I ca n tel l from th e sou n d of you r voi ce th a t you re seri ou s a b ou t h i s p oten ti a l a n d th a t h es a tota l , h i d eou s g eek w h om you w i l l p rob a b l y n ever l ove m ore th a n you l ove m e. more H ey. T h a ts n ot n i ce. Y ou h a ven t even m et h i m . m. F i n e. B u t I reserve th e ri g h t to veto th i s n ew fri en d . We h a ve en ou g h p rob l em s ems tryi n g to b e cool w i th ou t you a d op ti n g a soci a l ch a ri ty ca se i n to ou r l i ves. Y ou r p a ren ts a n d N a n ca n t exp ect u s to h a n g ou t w i th h i m a l l th e ti m e, ca n th ey? Y es. T h ey exp ect u s to h a n g w i th h i m . Hop efu l l y h e w i l l b e h a l f- cool b eca u se H op Im n ot g oi n g to h u rt N a n s feel i n g s, or h i s. N a n sa ys h es h ere for th e yea r, b u t D u sti n s h i n ted i t m i g h t on l y b e for a few w eek s. Im n ot su re of h i s exa ct d ea l , b u t Il l fi n d ou t. U g h . Y ou d o th a t. An d tel l you r m om sh e su ck s for n ot l etti n g m e g o, J en n a w h i n ed a g a i n . Im sorry. V ere w a s su rp ri sed h ow q u i ck l y J en n a h a d b ou g h t i n to th e i d ea of D u sti n McHu g h th e p ossi b l e frea k . Ma yb e everyon e el se w ou l d d o th e sa m e. me. Sh e ya n k ed a sm a l l d u ffel ou t of th e h a l l cl oset, g ra b b ed h er sw i m su i t off th e sma msu b a th room ra ck , some oth er fa vori te h ood i es a n d sh oved th e w h ol e p i l e i n to th e b a g . Wh a t w i l l you d o w i th ou t me? Im g oi n g to si t h ere a l on e, ea ti n g i ce- crea m , J el l o, cook i es a n d stea l i n g m y l i ttl e b roth ers sta sh of Sk i ttl es u n ti l you com e b a ck . T el l you r m om th a t, w ou l d you ? If I b ecom e a d i a b eti c th i s w eek en d , i ts h er fa u l t. V ere p l a n ted on e l a st l i n e on J en n a : J u st d on t ca l l everyon e, tel l i n g th em th a t D u sti n McHu g h i s a n u g l y l oser. G i ve h i m a ch a n ce. N ot everyon e ca n b e a l l ...n orm a l ...you k n ow ? P ffft. N O T m a k i n g me feel a n y b etter a b ou t h i m . V ere smi l ed a n d w en t on , Im tryi n g to h a ve a n op en mi n d . T h e g u y ta k es m e sm i me

w a y ou t of m y com fort zon e th ou g h . comfort O h G od . N ow , you re sca ri n g th e sh i t ou t of m e. Im n ot h a n g i n g ou t w i th h i m . T h i s i s n ot h a p p en i n g to u s. V ere b u t h er l i p to stop a g i g g l e. J en n a h a d ep i c g ossi p - n etw ork i n g sk i l l s. T h i s i n form a ti on w ou l d sen d h er a l l over F a ceb ook a n d i n to text- l a n d i a w i th ch a tter th a t w ou l d sp rea d q u i ck l y. O n th e w a y d ow n th e sta i rs, V ere a d d ed , Rem em b er. Its w h a ts IN SID E a p erson th a t cou n ts. N ot i n ou r h i g h sch ool . J en n a sn orted . T el l C h a rl i e h e su ck s too, a n d n ot to m i ss m e, sh e a d d ed . As a l w a ys. Im su re C h a rl i e w i l l b e h ea rtb rok en to n ot see you a l l w eek en d l on g , sh e sa i d l ou d l y. H er b roth er w a s i n th e b a ck h a l l g etti n g h i s footb a l l g ea r tog eth er. Wh a t? H e frow n ed . J en n a sa ys, Hi a n d , D on t mi ss h er too mu ch . C h a rl i e ra i sed h i s u p p er l i p i n a d i sg u sted sn eer. T el l th a t g i rl th ey sti l l h a ve a few sp ots a t th e sp eci a l h i g h sch ool for creep ers, a n d th a t sh e sh ou l d g o th ere a n d stop sta l k i n g m e. I h ea rd th a t! J en n a g i g g l ed , com p l etel y n ot offen d ed . Y ou r b roth er so w a n ts to d a te me. m e. C h a rl i e p a u sed . Wh a t d i d sh e sa y? Someth i n g a b ou t h ow you k n ow you w a n t h er. Som eth C h a rl i e a n sw ered w i th a rou n d of l ou d , d ra m a ti c d ry h ea vi n g . J en n a , h ea ri n g h i m , l a u g h ed l ou d er. H es su ch a n a ss. Im g oi n g to d i e w i th ou t you , V ere. T ext m e w h en you m a k e i t b a ck to tow n . ma I p romi se. rom i C h a rl i e b u tted i n w i th a w h i sp er. C a l l th e frea k b a ck l a ter, h e sa i d k n ow i n g J en n a w ou l d h ea r. D i d h e ca l l m e a F RE AK? V ere h el d th e p h on e a w a y from h er ea r so C h a rl i e me cou l d h ea r. I h ea rd th a t you E G G - H E AD - U G L Y - J O C K! H e p a u sed to rol l h i s eyes a t th e p h on e w h i l e sh ooti n g V ere a h i l a ri ou s, cocon sp i ra tor eyeb row w i g g l e. H e sp ok e i n a rea l l y q u i et voi ce, D u sti n h a s b een i n th e ca r, w a i ti n g th i s w h ol e ti me. If h e m esses w i th you , sa y th e w ord a n d h es m e. messes d ea d . K ? I d on t ca re i f h es fa m ou s. I w i l l tra sh h i m . mou Sh u t u p . An d sh u t u p ! V ere sa i d , rol l i n g h er eyes a t C h a rl i es en d l ess, overp rotecti ve i m p u l ses. Are you tel l i n g m e to SH U T U P ? J en n a s voi ce sq u ea k ed th rou g h . V ere tu rn ed b a ck to h er p h on e. N o. N ot you . C h a rl i e. G otta g o. C a l l you w h en I ca n . P rom i se. Sh e g l a n ced a t th e w a i ti n g C h a rl i e a n d cou l d n t resi st. O h . An d C h a rl i e sa ys, b ye b ea u ti fu l . Sh e h u n g u p fa st b efore J en n a cou l d h ea r C h a rl i e yel l , I D ID N O T SAY T H AT . I HAT sa i d , B Y E F RE AK, th a ts w h a t I sa i d !

11: my new bestie VERE

V ere ma d e i t to th e g a ra g e a n d fl u n g h er b a g i n to th e b a ck of th e n ew , w h i te, V W B u g sh e a n d C h a rl i e sh a red . D u sti n McH u g h w a s th ere, si tti n g ra m rod stra i g h t. As sh e g ot i n , sh e n oti ced th e McHu mrod g u y w a s so l a rg e th a t h e seemed to fi l l every extra i n ch of sp a ce i n si d e th e ca r. H op e I d i d n t ta k e too l on g . Sh e sm i l ed . C a n you try to sl ou ch or som eth i n g ? smi I d on t w a n t a n yon e to g et a g ood l ook a t you u n ti l you re rea d y, or fi xed , or... U n ma d e. Y ea h . U n m a d e. ma T h a ts th e offi ci a l term. Her smi l e w a vered a t h i s d a rk ton e. Im su re th i s i s g oi n g to b e a l l k i n d s of fu n . H er Wh y d o you l ook so terri fi ed ? Ma yb e b eca u se you a p p ea r to b e too exci ted a b ou t frosti n g th e ca k e th a t m a rk s th e en d of my l i fe? my O h . Is th a t w h a t th i s i s? Im sorry. I j u st l ove d oi n g costu mes, th a ts a l l . I g u ess I d i d n t th i n k a b ou t w h a t i t a l l mea n s to you .... He b l i n k ed , seemi n g l y i g n ori n g w h a t sh ed sa i d . B u t sh e g ot th e feel i n g h e He seem i w a n ted h er to ch a n g e th e su b j ect. He sta red a t h er h a n d s on th e steeri n g w h eel a s h e w en t on , O r, ma yb e Im He si mp l y a fra i d of you . Are you su re you re ol d en ou g h to d ri ve? H a . Ha . N ow sl ou ch . D u sti n tri ed to sl i d e d ow n , b u t h i s k n ees b u mp ed i n to th e g l ove b ox. I th i n k you re fa k i n g th a t you re h a p p y to d o th i s. Wh a t? Her ch eek s fl a med . I sa w you ch ok e w h en you r mom a sk ed you to sh op w i th m e. me. U g h . F i g u res. How cou l d sh e exp l a i n h er b roth ers ea rl i er comm en ts a n d h er freeze- u p H ow w i th ou t sou n d i n g l i k e a tota l men ta l ca se? Sh e tri ed th e tru th . T h a t w a sn t a b ou t you p erson a l l y. Its...I d on t h a n g ou t mu ch a l on e. I mea n I d on t often h a n g ou t m ea w i th g u ys. Al on e. T h ey u su a l l y ma k e me... u h .... m e... Pa n i c, tu rn b ri g h t red , feel d i zzy, w a n t to vomi t, stu tter, stop b rea th i n g , d rop th i n g s, d i e from th e i n si d e ou t, a n d l ets n ot forg et h ea d - b u tt th e p eop l e I tru l y l ove u n ti l th ey req u i re h osp i ta l i za ti on . N ervou s, sh e fi n i sh ed . Im...sh y...or w h a tever. Som eti m es I ch ok e, th a ts w h a t you sa w . He n od d ed a s th ou g h h ed a l rea d y ma d e h i s ow n p i l e of a ssu m p ti on s a b ou t h er. He Y ou seem to b e rel a ti vel y fi n e h a n g i n g w i th me n ow . D o I ma k e you m ore n ervou s th a n most g u ys? N o. L ess, a ctu a l l y, sh e smi l ed a g a i n . He l a u g h ed . Wel l , d a mn g i rl . T h a ts a fi rst. Wh a t th e h el l ? Wh y? He I th i n k i ts b eca u se, i n my mi n d , Ive d eci d ed to b el i eve forever th a t you a ren t a

rea l g u y. H e ra i sed h i s eyeb row s. He Sh e g ri n n ed w i d er, a n d w en t on , N ot rea l l y rea l , a n yh ow . N ot to m e. If th a ts me. n ot offen si ve. I k n ow , of cou rse, you re a p erson a n d a l l th a t. B u t to m e, Im d eterm i n ed to th i n k you re a fa k e g u y . D u sti n McHu g h , sh e m a n a g ed , feel i n g ma stu p i d n ow . D oes th a t ma k e a n y sen se a t a l l ? H e l a u g h ed a g a i n , sh i fti n g i n h i s sea t. Y ea h . Its p erfect, a ctu a l l y. I d on t feel He rea l . N ot even to m ysel f. Wou l d you b el i eve th ey m y m om a n d m y a g en t h i red a mom my sta n d - i n for me? A g u y to w a n d er a rou n d a n d h a n g w i th th e b a n d w h i l e Im h ere? Sh e b l i n k ed . Wow . T h a ts w ei rd . H e g ri ma ced . Y ou sh ou l d h a ve seen h i m u p cl ose. My p erfect tw i n . T ota l l y He ma w ei rd . Al m ost a s w ei rd a s you h a vi n g to com e h ere a n d d i sg u i se you rsel f so you ca n g o to m y h i g h sch ool ? sh e a sk ed softl y, h er h ea rt w ren ch i n g a s sh e w a tch ed h i m w ork to m a sk h i s em oti on s. ma emoti Y a th i n k ? H e sh ook h i s h ea d , a n d l et ou t a l on g b rea th of a i r. V ere d i d th e sa m e, ca tch i n g a n oth er rou n d of d a rk n ess crossi n g th ou g h h i s cl ea r g a ze. T h i s k i d w a s su p p osed to b e C h a rl i es a g e on l y on e yea r ol d er th a n sh e w a s b u t h e su d d en l y seem ed a n ci en t i n comp a ri son . Sh e l et h er h a n d s d rop from th e com p steeri n g w h eel . G od . Im so sorry D on t b e. Its m y fa u l t. T h i n g s i n m y l i fe g ot ou t of h a n d . N o m a tter h ow m u ch mu I d on t w h a t to b e h ere, I th i n k I n eed th i s rest. I d o. F or w h a t i ts w orth , Im n ot h a ti n g i t a s m u ch a s I th ou g h t I w ou l d . mu Sh e frow n ed , b i ti n g h er u p p er l i p , n ot su re w h a t to sa y. H e w en t on , I l i k e you r i d ea of p reten d i n g Im n ot rea l . Il l try to d o th e sa m e. I He th i n k i t w i l l m a k e i t ea si er for m e to g et th rou g h a l l th i s. Y ou su re I d i d n t h u rt you r feel i n g s? Y es. H e fi d d l ed w i th h i s su n vi sor. Are you a l w a ys th i s en terta i n i n g ? Im n ot su re w h a t you m ea n . H e l a u g h ed a g a i n . He Are you l a u g h i n g a t m e? H e l a u g h ed more. N o. N ot a t a l l . Y ou j u st m a k e m e l a u g h . I h on estl y d on t He k n ow w h y. I fi n d m ysel f w i sh i n g I cou l d rea d you r th ou g h ts, th ou g h . Wel l Im p retty g l a d you ca n t. An d b a ck a t you , fa k e g u y from th e p l a n et L os An g el es. Im su re Id l ove to rea d you r th ou g h ts too. H e g ri ma ced . He ma H a , sh e a d d ed . Sca ry to th i n k a b ou t, h u h ? V ere p u sh ed th e b u tton on th e su n vi sor th a t op en ed th e g a ra g e d oor. A tel l ta l e ti n g l i n g m oved u p h er sp i n e a s a b l u sh th rea ten ed to ta k e over. If th e g u y ever rea d h er th ou g h ts, h ed ru n fa st a n d fa r a w a y from h er w h en h e fi g u red ou t w h a t a tota l m ess sh e w a s. In th e m ea n ti me, h e w a s stu ck w i th h er. mea F a k e. Pa p er. Poster. G u y. Wi th fa k e, p l a sti c, b l u e eyes. T h a t seem ed to w ork to ca l m d ow n th e b l u sh i n g u n ti l sh e d a rted h i m a n oth er

g l a n ce a n d h er a tten ti on ri veted on th e very rea l p u l se th a t b ea t ra p i d l y i n th e si d e of h i s n eck . H er b rea th ca u g h t. Hol y h el p . Y ou a re si tti n g a l on e i n a ca r w i th a l i vi n g , b rea th i n g g u y. L i vi n g b rea th i n g HU N T E R KE N N E D Y ! N o. L i vi n g , b rea th i n g , fa k e g u y D u sti n McHu g h . D on t b l ow i t. Y ou w ere d oi n g w el l . Sh e l et ou t a sl ow b rea th , a n d g ri p p ed th e steeri n g w h eel . C l osi n g h er eyes to g et h er h ea d tog eth er, sh e w i l l ed h ersel f to fi n d som e con trol . As sh e p u l l ed i n a fu l l b rea th sh e rea l i zed sh e th ere w a s a stra n g e sm el l com i n g off h i m. comi m. G od . Y ou re smel l i n g a p reten d g u y. HO L Y C O W, you re smel l i n g Hu n ter Ken n ed y! Hes D u sti n McHu g h . N ot a rea l g u y. J u st a g u y w h os g oi n g to b e you r fri en d . T h a ts a l l . A fri en d . P l ea se d on t tel l m e you d ri ve w i th you r eyes cl osed , h e d ra w l ed . Sh e rea cted i n sta n tl y to th e sa rca sm i n h i s l ow , ru m b l i n g voi ce a n d k n ew ri g h t th ere sh e w a s g oi n g to b e fi n e. Sh e sn a p p ed op en h er eyes a n d w ri n k l ed h er n ose. D o you sm el l l i k e...ch em i ca l s? sh e a sk ed , l ook i n g for a w a y to tea se h i m som eh ow a w a y to stop h er b l u sh i n g . H e n od d ed . H a i r d ye. A few h ou rs a g o I h a d b l on d h a i r. H e p u l l ed a t th e w a ves of b row n h a i r n ea r th e b a se of h i s n eck . I th i n k i t l ook s ok a y, th ou g h . F i ts th e n ew m e, d on t you th i n k ? O h . Su re. I l i k e i t. I d o, sh e sa i d l i g h tl y, p reten d i n g th a t h i s a n sw er h a d n t ca u sed h er h ea rt to tw i st h a d n t su ck ed a n y a n d a l l tea si n g com men ts ou t of h er m en l u n g s. P oor g u y. Sh e cou l d on l y i m a g i n e th e seri es of even ts th a t h a d l ed h i m to si tti n g i n th i s ca r, cou n ti n g on H E R to h el p h i m . P op p i n g th e ca r i n to reverse, sh e rol l ed HE i t b a ck , a n d a l m ost fa i n ted . C u rti s Wi sh ford a n d th a t stu p i d H ow i e Ru th eford w ere b oth l ea n i n g on th e h ood of C u rti ss red tru ck w ea ri n g th ei r p ra cti ce u n i forms a n d w a i ti n g for C h a rl i e. form s O h , n o! sh e mu ttered b efore sh e cou l d stop h ersel f. L i k e a n a d d i ct, V ere h a d to mu stretch u p i n h er sea t to try a n d ca tch a b etter vi ew of C u rti s. Sh e cou l d n t g et en ou g h of h i m . m. An d b on u s on th e n ew p ra cti ce u n i forms too. Si g h . G u ys w ea ri n g sh ou l d er p a d s, cl ea ts a n d footb a l l p a n ts w ork ed for h er. H er en ti re fa ce fl a m ed u n ch eck ed to a b ri g h t ch erry red . Sh e l ook ed a w a y, rea l i zi n g th a t sh ed a l l ow ed D u sti n McHu g h fron t row sea ts to h er p erson a l C u rti s- l on g i n g McH u l i festyl e. So w h a t. Si g h . Si g h . An d si g h . C u rti s i s w orth i t. D o you k n ow th em ? D u sti n a sk ed . C h a rl i es fri en d s. T h eyre l i k e i n terch a n g ea b l e cl on es, V ere eva d ed . Sh e ti ed to sq u el ch th e b u tterfl i es ru sh i n g a rou n d h er stom a ch a s th e mem ori es from th e m em a ftern oon p ou red i n .

D i d C u rti s rea l l y a sk a b ou t me? Rea l l y? F a ce th e street, i n ca se th ey recog n i ze you . Are you w orri ed th a t th ey mi g h t? mi D u sti n w a tch ed th e g u ys from u n d er th e b ri m of h i s ca p . N op e. Are you ? Worri ed a b ou t me? H e m et h er g a ze. N i ce of you to ca re, g n om e g i rl . H e ta p p ed m e? h i s ch eek s, g ri n n i n g n ow . Sh e rol l ed h er eyes, a n n oyed th a t h ed b rou g h t u p th e b l u sh i n g . Im su re th ey w on t m a k e a n y con n ecti on . Wh o w ou l d exp ect me of a l l p eop l e, to b e si tti n g i n a ca r w i th th e l ea d si n g er of G u a rd eRob e ? N ot m e, th a ts for su re. H e l a u g h ed a l i ttl e. V ere sh ot h i m a l i g h tn i n g fa st g l a n ce. Sh e w a n ted to tel l h i m th a t h e cou l d d o a l ot w orse, b u t sh e k n ew for a fa ct i t w ou l d n t b e a tru e sta tem en t. T h e i d ea of th e tw o of th em even sh a ri n g th e sa m e sp a ce on ea rth w a s so ri d i cu l ou s. B u t th a t i d ea m a d e V ere rea l i ze th a t d i sg u i si n g th i s g u y m i g h t a ctu a l l y w ork ! N o on e w ou l d ever b el i eve Hu n ter Ken n ed y h a d m oved to Mon u m en t, C ol ora d o a n d w a s h a n g i n g w i th h er. N ot ever! N ot i f th ere w a s a d ecoy, h a n g i n g i n N ew Y ork ! Seri ou sl y. H i d e you rsel f a l i ttl e m ore, p l ea se...som eh ow , sh e w h i sp ered , h ea rt ra ci n g . L i k e i t or n ot, you re stu ck w i th m e. N o n eed to w h i sp er, D u sti n w h i sp ered b a ck w i th a l i ttl e m ock i n g g ri n . T h ey ca n t h ea r u s. An d I th i n k I l i k e th e p a rt w h ere Im stu ck w i th you . J u st n ot a l l th e oth er p a rts of m y si tu a ti on . P l ea se. N o n eed to l i e. T h e tru th w on t h u rt m y feel i n g s. H e m et h er g a ze a n d sm i l ed b efore l ook i n g b l a ta n tl y b a ck a t C u rti s a n d H ow i e. T h e d a rk - h a i red on e seems to b e very i n terested , th ou g h , d oesn t h e? seem s Wa tch you r eg o, V ere q u i p p ed . T h a ts C u rti s. H e, l i k e every oth er u n th i n k i n g , sh eep - fol l ow i n g , m u si c fa n , l oves G u a rd eRob e. So p l ea se. L O O K AWAY ! I w ork l i k e 90 h ou rs a w eek on G u a rd eRob e stu ff. I w on t l i e to you , b u t i f you re g oi n g to con sta n tl y i n su l t m y l i fes w ork , m a yb e you sh ou l d l i e to m e? D u sti n si g h ed a n d tu rn ed a w a y from h er, C u rti s a n d How i e. H ow V eres h ea rt tw i sted a l l over a g a i n . Im sorry. T ota l l y u n ca l l ed for sta tem en ts. temen P l ea se d on t b e m a d . I w on t d o th a t a n ym ore. P rom i se. Im n ervou s, a n d w h en Im n ervou s I sa y i n sa n e, th ou g h tl ess th i n g s. F org i ve m e? F org i ven . H u n ters sh ou l d ers sh ru g g ed , a n d h e sl ou ch ed a w a y from h er a l i ttl e m ore. B esi d es, th a t d u d e w a s n ot l ook i n g a t m e. Hes tryi n g to ca tch you r eye. H es Rea l l y? ! Sh e a cci d en tl y h i t th e b ra k es a n d j erk ed th e ca r to a sk i d - stop . D u sti n cri n g ed i n h i s sea t a n d sh ot h er a n a ccu sa tory g l a n ce. V ere ca u g h t a g l i m p se of C u rti s a n d H ow i e l a u g h i n g a t h er i n th e si d e mi rror. mi Sorry a g a i n . Sh e th rew a n oth er forg i ve- m e g ri n a t a n ow very p a l e D u sti n . B a ck i n g u p i s m y on l y b a d steeri n g sk i l l . I sw ea r I ca n d ri ve forw a rd w i th n o p rob l em s. O h . My. G od . L ets h op e so. Sh e ea sed u p on th e b ra k es, l etti n g th e ca r con ti n u e to rol l b a ck w a rd s d ow n th e sl a n ted d ri vew a y, w a tch i n g C u rti s. H e d i d h a ve h i s g a ze tra i n ed on h er !

Y a y! P u l se esca l a ti n g to si x- b i l l i on b ea ts p er m i n u te, V ere m a n a g ed to b a ck u p en ou g h to tu rn h er h ea d , sm i l e, a n d w a ve a t C u rti s a s th ou g h sh e d i d n t m a k e a com p l ete comp fool ou t of h ersel f i n fron t of h i m on l y h ou rs b efore. Sh e sw erved a l i ttl e w h en C u rti s smi l ed a n d w a ved b a ck . sm i B on u s a n d su ccess! Sort of... V ere stea d i ed th e steeri n g w h eel , g ri n n ed on ce a t th e si d e of D u sti n s h ea d , a n d d rove off, w on d eri n g i f C u rti s h a d ta k en n ote of th e fa ct th a t sh e h a d a n a ctu a l g u y i n th e ca r w i th h er? How cool w ou l d i t b e to ma k e C u rti s a l i ttl e j ea l ou s? Ha . Ima g i n e...

12: dangerous driving HUNTER

Hu n ter tri ed to ma k e sen se of th e scen ery a rou n d h i m . Hu m. T h ey seem ed to b e fi n a l l y a p p roa ch i n g a n i n tersta te th a t l ed ou t of th e en d l ess, seemed w i n d i n g seven ti es n ei g h b orh ood w h ere V ere a n d N a n l i ved . T h eyd b een d ri vi n g ( or V ere h a d b een sw ervi n g ) for tw en ty m i n u tes. E very oth er mi tu rn i n th e roa d sh ow ed h ou ses b oa sti n g i ts ow n m ea d ow . L i ttl e red - d i rt p a th w a ys w ere everyw h ere. H e cou l d sw ea r h ed sp otted a t l ea st ten ra b b i ts too. Rea l , w i l d , He ra b b i ts, mu n ch i n g on fron t l a w n s. E ven a cou p l e of d eer. mu T h e p l a ce w a s l i k e T el etu b b i e- L a n d meets th e su b u rb s p l u s m ou n ta i n s. U h ...I m eets mou th i n k you ca n stop h i d i n g you r fa ce n ow . V ere seemed to b e stru g g l i n g to m a k e con versa ti on a g a i n . Sorry. Zon ed ou t. I w a sn t h i d i n g , j u st ch eck i n g ou t th e scen ery. My zom b i e zomb sta te i s on e of my ma n y p a p a ra zzi - ta u g h t l i fe sk i l l s. If I g et too q u i et you h a ve to b ri n g me b a ck . He tu rn ed forw a rd i n h i s sea t a n d g l a n ced a t h er ou t of th e corn er He of h i s eye. I u n d ersta n d . Someti mes, I n eed to b e b rou g h t b a ck too, sh e m u mb l ed , mb ch ew i n g h er u p p er l i p a g a i n . Wh a t i s sh e w orri ed a b ou t n ow ? Its n ot a b a d th i n g , sp a ci n g ou t. Is i t? H u n ter k ep t h i s ton e w a rm a n d h i s exp ressi on p l a ci d , b u t w h en sh e d i d n t a n sw er h e g ot a l i ttl e n ervou s. T h e ca r ca reen ed th rou g h th e cu rves i n th e roa d a s h er ten si on seemed to i n crea se too. If sh e g ri p p ed th e steeri n g w h eel a n y ti g h ter i t w a s g oi n g to exp l od e a n d tu rn to d u st. He fi g u red i f h e cou l d k eep h er ta l k i n g , sh e mi g h t rel a x. He Mi g h t n ot k i l l th em. He tri ed a g a i n to sta rt a con versa ti on . Y ou r m om tol d m e you a n d C h a rl i e w i l l He mom me d ri ve me b a ck a n d forth to sch ool a n d to sch ool fu n cti on s? Wh a t exa ctl y i s a sch ool fu n cti on ? h e a sk ed , w ork i n g to k eep h i s ton e ca l m. Sh e a ctu a l l y ca l l ed th em th a t? V ere g ri ma ced . Sh e m a k es i t sou n d so cl i n i ca l . ma ma D a n ces, cl u b meeti n g s a n d footb a l l g a mes a l l th a t k i n d of stu ff. Y ou l l l ove sch ool fu n cti on s! T h eyre th e b est p a rt of sch ool b eca u se th ey d on t i n vol ve sch ool ! Hu n ter sm i l ed w h en h er g l i tter- b ri g h t en th u si a sm retu rn ed fu l l force. N o ma tter Hu smi ma h ow en d ea ri n g sh e mi g h t b e w i th th a t, h e d i d n t w a n t h er to th i n k h e w a s g oi n g to j oi n h er g ol l y- Pol l ya n n a - p ep sq u a d a n y ti m e soon . He a n sw ered ca refu l l y, Il l me p a ss on th a t stu ff. B ei n g d ri ven a rou n d l i k e a l i ttl e k i d i s a l rea d y h u mi l i a ti n g en ou g h . Sh e n od d ed . I h ea r you . Im so g l a d C h a rl i e a n d I h a ve th i s ca r. Sh e g l a n ced over, th en b a ck a t th e roa d . Y ou n ever l ea rn ed h ow to d ri ve, h u h ? Is i t b eca u se you re so fa n cy- fa mou s a n d h a ve a l i m o? Y ou sh ou l d b e u sed to b ei n g d ri ven a rou n d . D on t b e emb a rra ssed , sh e a d d ed . Ma yb e you ca n g et you r l i cen se w h i l e

you re h ere. O r, d o you n eed m e to tea ch you h ow to ri d e a b i k e fi rst? me H e b i t b a ck a l a u g h , en j oyi n g th a t sh e d i d n ot h i d e h er d i sd a i n for h i s L os He An g el es l i festyl e. He tol d h er some of th e tru th : I d on t h a ve a l i cen se b eca u se i ts b een revok ed . An d yes, I h a ve a d ri ver a n d a l i mo. B u t I ca n d ri ve. Im h ere i n C ol ora d o b eca u se of a ca r a cci d en t th i n g . O h . O h . Sh e frow n ed . Y ea h . B i g 'oh '.In a d d i ti on to n eed i n g a rest, m y moms h ol d i n g m e h osta g e h ere mom s me i n C ol ora d o b eca u se sh es p i ssed a b ou t som e d a ma g e I d i d to m y ca r a n d a l so ou r some h ou se. Sh es p u n i sh i n g m e for a b u n ch of oth er p ra n k stu ff I p u l l ed too. L i k e w h a t? H i s h ea rt cl en ch ed w h i l e h e d eci d ed w h a t to tel l h er. I p a rti ci p a ted i n w h a t Hi som e w ou l d ca l l a on e n i g h t b i n g e of teen stu p i d i ty. T h e l eg a l term s m y m om s my a ttorn ey sl a p p ed on m e w ere reck l ess en d a n g ermen t a n d va n d a l i sm , a m on g oth er mon th i n g s. H ed k ep t h i s voi ce d el i b era tel y fl i p p a n t a s h e con ti n u ed , E n ou g h a b ou t m e. L ets h ea r m ore a b ou t you . Y ou r m om tol d me you re rea l l y n a m ed more G w en i vere. V ere rol l ed h er eyes. Y ea h . Sh es rea l l y p rou d of my a w k w a rd n a m e. H e a d d ed i n a tea si n g ton e to h i s w ord s b eca u se h e k n ew th a t w ou l d set h er off. He O ff of h i m mostl y. G w en i vere , m y cu te, g n om e- g i rl , ch a u ffeu r. I l ove Ki n g Arth u r, a n d Sh a k esp ea re, b y th e w a y. G w en i vere i s su ch a cl a ssi c n a m e. Im w i th you r mom . Wh y d on t th ey ca l l you G w en , th ou g h ? m om In stea d of m a k i n g h er b l u sh a s h ed th ou g h t sh e w ou l d , sh e rew a rd ed h i m w i th on e of h er sn a p p i n g g l a res. N o on e tea ses me a b ou t th e n a m e. Im V ere b eca u se me. m y m om l i k ed i t b etter. Wh a t a re you ? Som e k i n d of l i tera tu re exp ert? " Y es. Its m y fa vori te su b j ect. P oetry esp eci a l l y. Sh e ra i sed h er b row s, su rp ri sed . "T h i s i s g ood . J en n a a n d I n eed a fri en d w h o ca n h el p u s stu d y L i t. An d d on t th i n k I ca n t tel l you re tryi n g to ch a n g e th e su b j ect a w a y from d eep er top i cs. Im n ot ch a n g i n g su b j ects, I tol d you w h a t I cou l d a b ou t m e, H u n ter sta l l ed , me, p u l l i n g a t h i s sl eeves, w on d eri n g h ow mu ch m ore h e sh ou l d tel l h er. Y ou tol d m e on l y en ou g h to m a k e me cu ri ou s. Keep g oi n g on you r story. me ma It w a s n i ce to sp i l l som e of h i s secrets, b u t h ed p rom i sed Ma rti n a b sol u te si l en ce. P l u s h ed on l y j u st m et th i s g i rl . It ma d e n o sen se to b ri n g u p th i n g s h e ma h a d n t tol d B a rry. E ven i f th ose th i n g s w ere n ow on th e ti p of h i s ton g u e a n d rea d y to fa l l off l i k e a w a terfa l l of too- mu ch - i n forma ti on . B esi d es, h e d i d n t w a n t V ere to th i n k sh e h a d to feel even more sorry for h i m . O r m ore w orse, b el i evi n g h e w a s cra zy. E n ou g h p eop l e a l rea d y h el d th a t a ssu m p ti on . Ask m e q u esti on s a n d Il l see i f I ca n a n sw er th em, h e sa i d fi n a l l y. F i g u ri n g h e cou l d sk i rt th e tru th w h ere n eed ed . O k a y. If you d i d a l l th a t extreme va n d a l i sm stu ff, sh ou l d n t you b e i n j a i l i n stea d of h ere? Im n ot a n i d i ot, you k n ow ? I overh ea rd Mom m en ti on som e ma j or ma d ri n k i n g w a s i n vol ved . L evel w i th m e? T o cover, h e p reten d ed offen se. Wow . N osy m u ch ? I d on t h a ve a D U I, i f th a ts w h a t you th i n k . I d ra n k som e mu w i n e a fter th e ca r th i n g . After. An d th i s. H e moti on ed to th e w ood s ou tsi d e h i s

w i n d ow . Is m y j a i l , G w en i vere. Y ou a re m y j a i l er. my H ed ta u n ted h er w i th h er fu l l n a m e to d i stra ct h er a g a i n , a n d i t w ork ed b eca u se sh e'd sh ot h i m a b u l l et- g l a re b efore tu rn i n g b a ck to th e roa d . H e con ti n u ed , My ti m e h ere i s a ctu a l l y p a rt of a cou rt a g reem en t. I h a ve to g o to you r l a m e h i g h sch ool . Worse, Im n ot a l l ow ed to w ork . Its a su ck - a ss si tu a ti on th a t Im n ot h a p p y a b ou t a n d th a ts a l l th ere i s to i t. Y ou n ow k n ow a l l . N o m ore q u esti on s. T h e b i ts Ive l eft ou t a re b etw een m e a n d my m om . An d n on e of you r my b u si n ess. D ea l ? H e l ook ed ou t th e w i n d ow a g a i n . O k a y. C h a rl i e b u sts on m e a b ou t b ei n g n osy a l l th e ti m e. I su p p ose i t i sn t ea sy for you to l a y th e tru th ou t for m e, so th a n k s for tel l i n g w h a t you d i d . Im sorry i f I sou n d ed a l l m ea n a g a i n . I k eep d oi n g th a t to you ! Sh e l ook ed so com p l etel y con tri te, H u n ter fel t g u i l ty th a t sh e w a s th e on e a p ol og i zi n g . Y ou w eren t b ei n g m ea n . He si g h ed . It w a s a l l me. He m e. N o. Me. I th i n k Ive b een sort of m ea n to you si n ce w eve m et. H er voi ce soften ed . Im n ot u su a l l y l i k e th i s. Its som eth i n g a b ou t rock - sta r you , th a t sets m e off. I h a ve th i s stra n g e u rg e to trea t you l i k e I trea t C h a rl i e. Wi th zero resp ect? Sh e l a u g h ed . Y ea h , m a yb e. I d on 't k n ow w h a t i t i s, b u t I feel w a y, too com forta b l e a rou n d you . Wel l ...sa m e for me," h e a d m i tted . "An d rem em b er, th ere i s n o rock - sta r me. m e," m e. Im D u sti n . D u sti n McH u g h . O n ce you settl e on th a t i d ea , p ossi b l y you w on t n eed to l oa th e me so m u ch , h e tea sed , b u t i m m ed i a tel y reg retted i t. H e cou l d tel l me mu med h ed fl u stered h er. Some fri en d Im g oi n g to b e. If I a l rea d y h a ve you th i n k i n g I h a te you , w h en , Som e l i k e I sa i d , I'm p retty su re i t's th e op p osi te... Sh ed tra i l ed off w i th a n oth er sel fd ep reca ti n g l a u g h , th e red col or of h er ch eek s rei g n i n g h i g h a n d fl ood i n g th e rest of h er fa ce. Y ou th i n k w ere g oi n g to b e fri en d s? h e a sk ed . H er exp ressi on w a vered th en a s th ou g h sh e exp ected h i m to g i ve h er a ma j or set ma d ow n . O h ...w el l ...w ere g oi n g to b e sp en d i n g a l ot of ti m e tog eth er. I th ou g h t th a t w e w ou l d even tu a l l y b ecom e fri en d s. I m ea n . Y ea h . H er g l a n ce w a s con fu sed . ecome T h a ts h ow i t w ork s. Ri g h t? H u n ter d i d n t k n ow w h a t to sa y. T h i s w a s ou t of h i s a rea of exp erti se. H er fa ce fl ood ed d ou b l e. An d n ot i n th e cu te w a y h ed g row n u sed to. He fel t He rea l l y b a d for ca u si n g i t, b eca u se sh e l ook ed p osi ti vel y l i k e sh e mi g h t d i e i n si d e mi h er ow n sk i n . Worse, i t h a d a ffected h er sp eed . H er d ri vi n g h a d sp i ra l ed ou t of con trol a s sh e zoom ed th em i n to th e off ra m p w i th zero sl ow d ow n . mp I mea n . I m ea n I th ou g h t w e w ere g etti n g a l on g . An d so I th ou g h t w e m ea Sh e seem ed l ock ed th ere, sta ri n g a t th e roa d n ot n oti ci n g sh e w a s g oi n g to k i l l b oth of th em b y b a rrel l i n g th rou g h th e stop si g n a t th e top of th e ra mp ! mp N o w a y w a s h e g oi n g to d i e i n some od d C ol ora d o crossroa d s. H e sp ok e q u i ck l y to cover for b oth of th em . V ere! O f cou rse. O f cou rse w ere g etti n g a l on g . Its on l y th a t I d on t h a ve m a n y fri en d s. O r a n y fri en d s ou tsi d e m y my

b a n d fri en d s th a t a re g i rl s, th a ts for su re. Its w h y I p a u sed . I h a ve n o i d ea h ow to p roceed , th a ts a l l . H u n ter sh ook h i s h ea d , w on d eri n g w h y h ed tol d h er th e tru th . O h . O h ! G rea t! Sh e took i n a d eep b rea th a n d b ea m ed a t h i m a s sh e rol l ed th e ca r to a sa fe stop . I th ou g h t you d i d n t w a n t to. Y ou k n ow ? Wi th me. Wh i ch i s cool b eca u se you re a l l fa m ou s a n d Im j u st m e. H e si g h ed . H ow a b ou t you re p ossi b l y a m a zi n g a n d Im j u st a n a ss? An d Im n ot fa m ou s. Rem em b er? Y ou w i l l h a ve to stop sl i p p i n g u p w i th com m en ts l i k e th a t. Ri g h t. Me, p ossi b l y a m a zi n g . Y ou , a n ob od y- a ss. T h i s w h ol e th i n g i s m a k i n g m e feel cra zy. Sh e took a h a rd l eft a n d sp ed u p i n to tra ffi c. H i s h ea rt d i d a d ou b l e fl i p . Mostl y b eca u se sh e w a s u n b el i eva b l y cu te a t th a t m om en t, a n d h e cou l d sw ea r sh e w a s g oi n g to ra m th ei r ca r i n to th e p i ck u p tru ck omen d i rectl y i n fron t of th em ! J esu s. V ere! C ou l d you p l ea se w a tch w h a t you re d oi n g ? Sl ow d ow n ! Y ou re d a n g erou s on th e roa d . Sh e p u l l ed b a ck from th e oth er veh i cl e, a n d H u n ter cou l d b rea th e a g a i n . H e sh ot h er a h a rri ed g l a n ce. Y ou d i d n t h a ve to sh ou t. Sh e p ou ted . Its n ot m y fa u l t Im d ri vi n g so b a d l y. Its you rs. Wh a t? Y ou h a ve g ot to b e k i d d i n g . Y ou sw ore to m e you w ere g ood a t i t. Sh e stop p ed a t a red l i g h t a n d tu rn ed to fa ce h i m . L ook . Y ou mu st k n ow you r mu eyes a re tru l y d i stra cti n g , a n d you k eep L O O KIN G a t m e. Ive a l so n ever ta l k ed to a n yon e w h o sou n d s l i k e a m ovi e tra i l er a n n ou n cer b efore. Y ou r voi ce i s so cool . movi Im su re you k n ow th a t. Its p rob a b l y p a rt of you r fa mou sn ess . B u t h ere i n th i s ca r i ts u n settl i n g , b eca u se I h a ve th i s sen sa ti on you m i g h t su d d en l y b eg i n sen ten ces w i th som e d ra m a ti c sta rt. Sh e l ow ered h er voi ce. l i k e... IN A WO RL D , F AR, F AR AWAY ... H e l a u g h ed a l l th e w a y d ow n to h i s b el l y. Y ou re b eyon d h i l a ri ou s. Y ou k n ow th a t, ri g h t? T h e l i g h t tu rn ed g reen a n d th ey d rove on . Ive h ea rd i t b efore, b u t d on t g et you r h op es u p . Y ou r com p l i m en ts w i l l g et you n ow h ere w i th m e, p l a yer. N o m a tter h ow p retty you r fa ce m i g h t b e to oth ers i ts n ot rea l to m e. T h ou g h i t d oes sta rtl e m e off a n d on , k n ow m y h ea rt i s ta k en . So b eyon d th e voi ce th i n g you d on t a ffect m e on e b i t. So you ve sa i d . T h a t p a rt a b ou t you i s a h u g e rel i ef a ctu a l l y. An d d i tto for m e too, h e l i ed . As i f! H ow m a n y ti m es a re you g oi n g to b ri n g i t u p th a t Im n ot you r typ e? I so d on t ca re. J eez. Il l ca l l you i f I ever g et i m p l a n ts, d ye my h a i r p l a ti n u m , sta rt my w ea ri n g sti l ettos, red l ea th er zi p su i ts a n d h i re m ysel f ou t for ca sh . H e l a u g h ed a g a i n . C om e on . G i ve m e some cred i t. O n l y h a l f th e p orn sta rs Ive me som e d a ted l ook ed l i k e th a t. T h e oth er h a l f w ore g reen l ea th er zi p su i ts a n d th ey w ere g i n g ers n ot b l on d es. B esi d es, I n ever h a ve to p a y. H e g ri m a ced . Sh e g a sp ed a s th ou g h sh e tota l l y b el i eved h i m . Rea l l y? P orn sta rs? N o. Hel l n o! Ive n ever on ce d a ted a n yon e rem otel y si m i l a r to you r ri d i cu l ou s d escri p ti on s.

Wel l g ood . Y ou sca red m e. me. Sca red m e th a t you b el i eved i t. Its refresh i n g to h a n g ou t w i th you , h e a d d ed , con tem p l a ti n g h er p rofi l e. Sh e sh ot h i m a sk ep ti ca l g l a n ce. Wh y? Y ou d on t ta k e m e seri ou sl y. I l i k e i t. If I ever seem d efen si ve, k n ow i ts a refl ex. Ma yb e you ve b een trea ti n g m e l i k e C h a rl i e, b u t Ive b een trea ti n g you l i k e you re som e p ryi n g rep orter. As for you n ot b ei n g m y typ e a n d m e n ot b ei n g you rs...l ets d rop th a t. It i s w h a t i t i s. B u t th a t d oesn t m ea n w e ca n t h a n g ou t. I mea d o w a n t to b e fri en d s. H e ra i sed h i s b row s. If you re w i l l i n g to ta k e m e on b a g g a g e, voi ce a n d a l l , h e p a u sed to l ow er h i s voi ce. I cou l d b e a n a sset to you . IN A WO RL D WHE RE B U N N IE S RU N WIL D , h e fi n i sh ed i n h i s b est m ovi e tra i l er i m p erson a ti on . Sh e l a u g h ed . Seri ou sl y. Y ou cou l d b e so fa m ou s. I a m. Rem em b er? m. Sh e fl u sh ed . I fi n a l l y forg et, a n d n ow you w a n t m e to rem em b er? P i ck on e. T h ey b oth l a u g h ed . F i n a l tru ce? h e a d d ed , p reten d i n g n ot to n oti ce h er b l u sh . Sh e k ep t h er fa ce a verted . T ru ce. D o you m ea n i t a b ou t th e fri en d th i n g ? Ive n ever b een fri en d w i th a g u y ei th er. I m ost p rob a b l y w i l l b otch i t, so b e w a rn ed too. H er rep l y h a d b een so q u i et th a t H u n ter w on d ered i f sh ed sa i d i t a t a l l . Ma yb e Her sh e w a s g i vi n g h i m a n ou t, a w a y to ta k e b a ck th e offer. H e cou l d sen se th i s w a s rea l l y i m p orta n t. N ow th a t h ed sp en t a l i ttl e more ti m e w i th h er, H u n ter d i d n t mp m ore Hu th i n k h e w a s ca p a b l e of h u rti n g th i s g i rl s feel i n g s n ot on p u rp ose. If w e m ess i t u p , i t w on t ma tter. ma Wh y? B eca u se I d on t tru l y exi st, h e sa i d w i th m ore con fi d en ce th a n h e fel t. Y ea h . Ive b een d w el l i n g on th a t fa ct. F a k e g u ys seem to b e m u ch ea si er to com m u n i ca te w i th th a n rea l on es. Rea l l y? h e l a u g h ed . G ood . If you re seri ou s, I a ccep t. Y ou , D u sti n McHu g h , n ew l y b orn fa k e p erson , ca n b e m y B G F . B est G u y F ri en d , h ere a n d a t sch ool . F or a s l on g a s you exi st i n C ol ora d o! H e sh ook h i s h ea d , b ew i l d ered . Sou n d s l i k e a tru l y a w fu l j ob ti tl e. He C om e on ... B G F sta tu s i s a w esom e. Wel l sh a re secrets, a d vi ce, g ossi p a b ou t g i rl s a n d g u ys a n d stu ff. H er eyes w ere sp a rk l i n g su n sh i n e a g a i n . F a sh i on ti p s a l l ow ed ? H e eyed h er sh orts. Ma yb e. Sh e g l a red . After Im d on e u n ma k i n g you i n to soci a l ob l i vi on ! H e g ri n n ed . Im i n . Aren t w e su p p osed to p ri ck ou r fi n g ers a n d sea l i t? H e w a s He rew a rd ed w i th a n oth er on e of h er fu n n y h a l f eye rol l s a s h e exp l a i n ed , I w a s i n a m a d e- for- T V - m ovi e w h ere th ey d i d th a t. Is th a t n ot w h a t rea l - b est- fri en d s d o? If w e w ere ten . Y ou h a ve on e m i xed - u p vi ew of th e w orl d , d on t you ? Sh e sm i l ed , a n d h e cou l d tel l sh e w a s tru l y p l ea sed w i th th ei r ten ta ti ve p a ct. Y es. G et u sed to i t. Its th e root of m y p rob l em s. Im n ot even cl ose to n orm a l . Y ou re n orm a l en ou g h .

H e sm i l ed , tu rn i n g b a ck to th e scen ery. As th ey d rove a l on g , H u n ter rea l i zed th i s w a s th e fi rst com forta b l e si l en ce h ed h a d w i th a n oth er p erson i n a l on g ti m e.

** T h ey p u l l ed u p to a th ree story, b ri ck offi ce b u i l d i n g . V ere p a rk ed th e ca r i n th e h a l f fi l l ed l ot, cu t th e en g i n e a n d tu rn ed to fa ce h i m . B efore w e g et ou t, I h a ve a b u n ch of q u esti on s. Work i n g u n ma k i n g k i n d s of q u esti on s. H e m et h er g a ze d ea d on . F i n e. Sh oot. Wel l . Sh e fl u sh ed sl i g h tl y. U m . T h ese a re rea l l y a w k w a rd q u esti on s... H e b i t b a ck a g ri n . Ask m e a n yth i n g . G o. I sw ea r Im n ot ea si l y em b a rra ssed . Sh e sw a l l ow ed a n d ru sh ed on i n a fl u rry a s sh ed d on e b efore: O k a y. F i n e. F i rst. T h e eyes. Im fi g u ri n g you a re w ea ri n g col ored con ta cts. O n l y d ol l s, th e C a ri b b ea n sea a n d g l ow - sti ck s a re th a t i n sa n e, p u re col or b l u e. Secon d . Y ou r l a sh es ...a re th ey fa l se? I rea d i n a m a g a zi n e th a t l ots of sta rs h a ve fa k e l a sh es stu ck on som eh ow w i th g l u e th a t ca n b l i n d you g l u e you r eyes sh u t forever i f i ts d on e w ron g ! If th a ts th e ca se, a n d th ose fea th ery th i n g s n eed to com e off. An d you r ta n . Is th a t sp ra yed on ? Al l th e fa k e stu ff h a s g ot to g o. P l ea se con fess w h a t on you r p erson i s p l a sti c, w a sh a b l e a n d h op efu l l y rem ova b l e. H e sh ook h i s h ea d a n d sw a l l ow ed d ow n h i s u rg e to b u st ou t l a u g h i n g . Sh e h a d to b e k i d d i n g . T h e l a sh es a re rea l . T h e col or i s g en u i n e. T h e ta n w a s ca refu l l y a cq u i red on a d eck , u si n g rea l su n . Y ou su re l i k e n oti ci n g m y a ssets, th ou g h . Wh en sh e l ook ed over a t h i m h e w i n k ed so sh e w ou l d k n ow h e w a s k i d d i n g . G od you re so stu ck u p , sh e stu ttered . T h a t eg o th i n g i s g oi n g to h a ve to stop . As i s th e d i scon certi n g , sh ow - off w i n k i n g th i n g ! H on estl y! H e ra i sed h i s b row s b eca u se sh e a ctu a l l y sou n d ed som ew h a t p i ssed - off. I sw ea r. Im n ot stu ck u p . Wh y d o you th i n k th a t? O n l y stu ck u p p eop l e ta l k a b ou t th ei r a ssets . H e b l i n k ed . Ah , I see. Im sorry i f i t ca m e a cross th a t w a y. If you cou l d ta k e th a t com m en t from m y p oi n t of vi ew , m a yb e you d u n d ersta n d . Im l i sten i n g . Sh e crossed h er a rm s. Y ou a l rea d y ca u g h t on to th e eyes a n d th e voi ce, b u t th a ts n ot a l l of i t. See, I h a ve en ti re w eb si tes d evoted to m y h a i r a l on e. An d w el l , th eres m y h ei g h t, m y my m el od i ou s si n g i n g voi ce, m y w i l d m u si ca l ta l en t a n d d on t forg et m y p erfectl y scu l p ted b i cep s, w i d e sh ou l d ers, si x- p a ck a n d a ss. H er m ou th d rop p ed op en . H e sh ru g g ed , w ork i n g to m a k e h er u n d ersta n d . T h eres w h ol e Y ou T u b e m on ta g es p l a yi n g sti l l sh ots of m y b u tt to m u si c. I d on t ta k e cred i t for i t. My mu m om s b een p a yi n g a tra i n er for yea rs. O h , a n d m y si x- p a ck w on a F a n s C h oi ce Aw a rd ca l l ed th e Si xPa ck Atta ck . T h ree yea rs ru n n i n g . Sh e cl a m p ed h er m ou th sh u t a s th ou g h sh e w ere seri ou sl y h ol d i n g b a ck , ra i sed u p on e of h er a rch ed b row s a n d rol l ed h er eyes. Wh a t? Y ou seri ou sl y d on t b el i eve m e? H e p u l l ed h a l fh ea rted l y a t h i s sh i rt so sh e cou l d ca tch a g l i m p se of a p erfectl y fl a t, w a sh b oa rd stom a ch . Wa n t to g i ve i t

a fi st ta p ? Its sol i d . N o! N o. An d n o!! Sh e g a sp ed . O h . My. G od ! Keep th a t sh i rt d ow n . O HMY G O D . Sh e ch ok ed ou t a n em b a rra ssed sou n d i n g l a u g h . An d th e p a rt w h ere you a ren t stu ck u p b eg i n s...U H ... w h en ? Wh o sa ys stu ff l i k e th a t? Y ou re a com p l ete b ra g g er. Im n ot, h e p rotested . Im l i sti n g m y p rod u cts. Y ou d i d i t too. J u st n ow . T h ou g h n o on e h a s ever b rou g h t u p m y eye l a sh es! My m a n a g er a n d m y m om g o th rou g h m y p rod u cts, ta k i n g n otes a n d su g g esti n g ch a n g es every yea r. my N o w a y! H e n od d ed . Im n ot stu ck u p a b ou t th a t stu ff. I a ctu a l l y feel very d i scon n ected from m ysel f on th e a sset l evel , h el l , on every l evel . I con si d er a l l th e b i ts of m e a re l i k e a b u n ch of sp eci a l i zed ca r p a rts. P eop l e a re ob sessed w i th ea ch si n g u l a r i tem b u t th ey n ever g o b eyon d th a t. I m a k e fu n of i t a l l , I su p p ose. ma T h i s i s you r a ttem p t a t m a k i n g fu n of i t? Y ea h . H e sh ru g g ed , w a tch i n g a s a fl u rry of ch a n g i n g exp ressi on s crossed h er fa ce, ra n g i n g from h orri fi ed to con fu sed . Is i t n ot fu n n y? h e a sk ed fi n a l l y. Sh e g i g g l ed th en . I g u ess. I d on t k n ow . It m u st b e rea l l y frea k y to h a ve you r en ti re b od y ch op p ed u p a n d m a d e i n to w eb si tes, h u h ? Its m y l i fe. I th i n k Im b eg i n n i n g to u n d ersta n d you a l i ttl e. B u t you h a ve to k n ow , you r p ersp ecti ve i s com p l etel y tw i sted ! Y ou cou l d p ossi b l y b e a very m essed u p p erson . H e sm i l ed a n d m et h er g a ze. T ru st m e, i ts n ot a p ossi b i l i ty. Its a fa ct you sh ou l d b e a w a re of a b ou t m e. Sh e sm i l ed b a ck . Wh o k n ew w e h a d som eth i n g i n com m on . D on t w orry, you a re i n g ood com p a n y, B G F ! Im com p l etel y m essed u p too. P l ea se. Im a tota l b rok en d i sa ster com p a red to w h ol esom e, g ood - g i rl , you . Y ou ve on l y scra tch ed my su rfa ce stu ff. T h e i n form a ti on on m e on l y g oes d ow n h i l l my from h ere, h e a d d ed , testi n g th e w a ters on h er rea cti on to th a t sm a l l tru th . D u h . Y ou re a ssu m i n g th a t I b u y i n to you r stra n g e, sob story. T h ere i s n o w a y mi you cou l d p ossi b l y b e m ore p i ti fu l th a n I a m . Y ou r a ssets a l on e fl oa t you h i g h er b y d efa u l t. Id d i sa g ree, b u t h m m .... H e eyed h er h ood i e, sh ooti n g h er h i s m ost sk ep ti ca l most l ook , h op i n g sh e cou l d n t see th rou g h h ow a ttra cti ve h e th ou g h t sh e w a s. Sh e b ou g h t i t. O k a y. H ol d . We a re n ot g oi n g to sta rt a l i st on w h a t I d on t h a ve i n th e w a y of a ssets. H e rea ch ed forw a rd a n d fi d d l ed a b sen tl y w i th th e stereo b u tton s, w on d eri n g w h y sh e w a s so h a rd on h ersel f, b u t l eft i t a l on e. It w a s n ot h i s p l a ce to sta rt ca l l i n g th i s g i rl p retty, so h e ch a n g ed th e su b j ect.I d on t k n ow w h y Im tryi n g to exp l a i n m ysel f to you . I g u ess Id feel b etter i f w e cou l d re- sta rt a l l th i s w i th you b el i evi n g th a t Im n ot a com p l ete j erk , ok a y? F i n e. I w on t j u m p d ow n you r th roa t for you r ra n d om , stu ck u p sou n d i n g com m en ts w i th ou t g i vi n g you th e w h a ck ed - ch i l d h od - sta r- ra i sed - b y- w ol ves g ra i n s of sa l t. B u t you a re g oi n g to h a ve to k eep a l l of you r cl oth es on , ok a y? H e l a u g h ed , tossi n g h er a tea si n g g ri n . O k a y. Y ou too, th ou g h . Were i n th e

fri en d - zon e on l y. Sh e sh ook h er h ea d . G od . Y es, D u sti n McHu g h . Sh e sm i l ed a n d g estu red to th e b u i l d i n g i n fron t of th em . T h i s i s m y d a d s b u i l d i n g . L ets g o i n . H u n ter l oca ted a sm a l l si g n th a t rea d : Roth O rth od on ti cs a n d h e frea k ed . Y ou r d a d s a d en ti st? !! Wh a t a re you p l a n n i n g ? H el l n o. N o w a y. I a m n ot g oi n g i n th ere. Y ou l l h a ve to d ra g m e ou t of th i s ca r. Wh a t a re you g oi n g to d o? P op ou t on e of m y fron t teeth a n d m a k e me a h i l l b i l l y? me Sh e l a u g h ed a g a i n , a p ea l of p u re su n sh i n e th a t h e fou n d h i m sel f w i sh i n g w ou l d l a st l on g er. T h i s i s C ol ora d o, you d ork . T h ere a re n o h i l l b i l l i es a rou n d h ere, on l y cow b oys a n d h i p p i es. Rea l l y? N on e? H e frow n ed . Rea l l y. Sh e fl u n g h er a rm s w i d e. F or a g u y w h os su p p osed to b e w orl d l y, you su re seem l i k e you ve n ever b een ou tsi d e you r ow n b a ck ya rd . Weren t you l i sten i n g b a ck a t m y h ou se? We tol d you my d a d w a s a n orth od on ti st! my Sh e b i t h er u p p er l i p . H e tore h i s g a ze a w a y from h er fa ce. N o I w a sn t l i sten i n g b a ck a t you r h ou se, b eca u se I w a s og l i n g you r l i st of a d ora b l e a ssets l i k e th e comp l ete ASS I sw ore n ot to b e. N ow , a s you r p rocl a i med B G F , I ca n t seem to ta k e my eyes off you r l i p s. So p l ea se stop ch ew i n g th e p l u mp , p ou ti n g , u p p er on e b eca u se i ts d i stra cti n g a s h el l . V ere con ti n u ed on , n ot exp ecti n g h i m to a n sw er, a n d th a n k fu l l y sh e stop p ed ch ew i n g th a t l i p . We h a ve to d o som eth i n g m a j or w i th th a t ri d i cu l ou sl y p erfect sm i l e. Asset ma n u m b er on e or tw en ty or w h erever you ve p l a ced i t on th a t m essed - u p l i st of you rs. If w e ca n t h i d e th a t l i n e of sp a rk l i n g p erfecti on th en th e w h ol e d i sg u i se w i l l b e su n k . L i k e you sa i d , you r sm i l e i s th e stu ff of teen g i rl d rea m s so w e n eed to tu rn i t i n to a n i g h tm a re! O h , w el l th a t m a k es m e feel m u ch b etter, h e si g h ed . ma me Sh e frow n ed . H ey, d on t w orry. D a d s n ot g oi n g to h u rt you . H es g oi n g to fi t you w i th a h u g e, u g l y reta i n er, th a ts a l l . Wh en w ere d on e, Im g oi n g to b u y you a m i l k sh a k e to ch eer you u p . H ow d o you k n ow Il l n eed ch eeri n g u p ? F or som e rea son h er sym p a th y h a d ca u sed th a t d a m n tw i sti n g p a i n to retu rn som ew h ere b eh i n d h i s h ea rt. Y ou ve n eed ed ch eeri n g u p si n ce w e met. Ive b een sta ri n g a t you r sa d fa ce a l l m et. a ftern oon . H er ton e h a d sw i tch ed to ca j ol i n g en cou ra g em en t, a n d h er sm i l e rem i n d ed h i m to b rea th e. T h i n g s m i g h t g et a l i ttl e w orse b efore th ey g et b etter. B u t...l i k e...you re n ot g oi n g to b e a l on e a n ym ore, sh e a d d ed . Wh a t w i l l g et w orse? T h e tw i sti n g p a i n i n my ch est, or th e stra n g e w a y I feel l i k e I su d d en l y ca n t b rea th e w i th ou t you h el p i n g me? H e b l i n k ed a t h er, feel i n g stu n n ed . G ra tefu l sh ed sa i d th a t, a n d m ore g ra tefu l th a t h e cou l d tel l sh ed m ea n t every w ord . H e l et a cryp ti c l a u g h esca p e. Il l b e fi n e. B u t Im h ol d i n g you to th a t

m i l k sh a k e th ou g h . I h a ven t h a d on e si n ce I w a s ten . Im th i n k i n g D u sti n McH u g h i s a l l ow ed to i n g est w a y m ore ca l ori es th a n H u n ter Ken n ed y ever w a s. T h a ts th e most d ep ressi n g th i n g Ive ever h ea rd a n yon e sa y. H er eyes w ere m ost sol emn a n d th ou g h tfu l a s sh e sh ot h i m a n oth er sym p a th eti c sm i l e. L u ck i l y, m y em n B G F D u sti n l oves m i l k sh a k es. Ru m or h a s i t, h e a l w a ys h a s. T ru st m e? Ma yb e I d o, h e a n sw ered w i th a sm i l e th a t rea ch ed a l l th e w a y to h i s sou l . H e took i n a n oth er h u g e b rea th a n d l et a sm a l l p a rt of h i s h ea rt b e p u l l ed i n to h er d eep b row n eyes. Ma yb e I d o.

13: shopping with hells princess HUNTER

If Hu n ter w a sn t con vi n ced h ed l a n d ed on a n oth er p l a n et a fter meeti n g V eres m eeti j ol l y- d en ti st- d a d d y ( w h od h el p ed h i m ord er on e, h el l i sh , n eon - g reen reta i n er) th e si g n s p a i n ted a l l over Ri ck s Western E mp ori u m & F eed Su p p l y n a i l ed h i s n ew mp rea l i ty d ow n for g ood . T h e si g n a p p ea red to b e h a n d p a i n ted a n d rea d : Q u a l i ty Western Ra n ch Wea r, O a ts, F en ci n g , Ki tch en C a b i n ets, F eed , T ool s a n d G en era l T a ck Su p p l y. T h e si g n d u ct- ta p ed to th e l a rg er si g n w a s b est of a l l : P L E ASE B AG Y O U R O WN MAN U RE O U T B AC K, i ts F RE E . Hel l . Im a b ou t to g o sh op p i n g i n h el l . Hel l th a t sel l s p oop . Were g oi n g i n th e b a ck d oor. B y th e m a n u re p i l e? Hu n ter sh u d d ered . ma Y es. F ol l ow me a n d sta y cl ose. Y ou r w a rd rob e w i l l b e ep i c comi n g from h ere. com i V ere p u l l ed h i m a l on g . Sh op p i n g w i th h el l s p ri n cess. Hu n ter h a d to force h i msel f n ot to d ra g h i s feet. Hu Ri ck s E mp ori u m w a s h ou sed i n a g i a n t meta l b a rn th e si ze of a m eg a - sh op p i n g m eta meg m a l l . A b u i l d i n g , V ere h a d p rou d l y i n form ed h i m, h a d on ce b een th e sta tes sn ow ma m, p l ow stora g e u n i t i n th e seven ti es. T h e w h ol e th i n g l ook ed a s i f i t mi g h t col l a p se a t a n y mi n u te. V ere l ed h i m th rou g h a w i d e, meta l , b a rn - l ook i n g d oor, a n d th en u sh ered h i m th rou g h a g i a n t a i sl e th a t b oa sted every p ossi b l e typ e of ch i ck en fa rm i n g p rod u ct rmi h ed ever seen . C h i ck en food , a n d ch i ck en feed ers, ch i ck en coop s, a n d ch i ck en w a sh n ot to m en ti on ch i ck en b ed d i n g a n d ch i ck en vi ta m i n s? men mi Hu n ter froze i n fron t of some h a ts, t- sh i rts, a n d b u m p er sti ck ers th a t rea d : G et Hu mp Y ou r C h i ck s a t Ri ck s . Wow . Is th i s w h ere g u ys g o to h ook - u p ? V ere sh ook h er h ea d . In th e sp ri n g , Ri ck s sel l s b a b y ch i ck en s. T h ey set u p th e w h ol e b a ck of th e store w i th l i ttl e sel f- en cl osed h ea ted p en s w i th fu zzy b a b y ch i ck s i n th em. T h ey h a ve ton s of b reed s. Al l col ors. E ven d u ck l i n g s a n d g osl i n g s . em . Som eti mes th ey l et you w a tch th em h a tch . Its so cool w h en th a ts h a p p en i n g . Il l b ri n g you b a ck i n Ap ri l , i f n ot soon er. T h i s p l a ce i s a d d i cti ve. N o. Y ou a re a d d i cti ve. He smi l ed , h i d i n g th a t th ou g h t i n a sm a l l eye rol l . He Sh e w a l k ed a h ea d a n d l ook ed ri g h t, th en l eft, a t th e en d of th e a i sl e Wa i t h ere. Im g oi n g to d o a crow d ch eck . Sh e d a sh ed i n to th e l a rg er a i sl e a h ea d . Hu n ter l oved th e w a y h er eyes h a d b een sp a rk l i n g w h en sh ed ta l k ed a b ou t th e Hu b a b y ch i ck s. It w a s l i k e V ere Roth en j oyed everyth i n g on th e w h ol e p l a n et to som e sort of ma xi m u m h i g h . mu

Sh ed a l most frea k ed ou t over th e fresh p ea ch es i n th e m i l k sh a k es th eyd ea ten . m ost H u n ter a d mi tted th e l a te su mm er p ea ch es w ere b etter th a n u su a l , b u t a ccord i n g to mi V ere th eyd b een b eyon d p erfect . Al l cl ea r. Sh e sk i p p ed b a ck d ow n th e a i sl e, b u n b ob b i n g a l l a rou n d . Ive d eci d ed I n eed on e of th ese ch i ck sh i rts, h e sa i d , w on d eri n g w h en h ed b e a b l e to stop sta ri n g a t h er. Hed g et u sed to h er even tu a l l y, ri g h t? T h ey g o on sa l e w h en th e ch i ck s a re h a tch i n g . We ca n w a i t? I w on t b e h ere. If a l l g oes w el l , I cou l d b e h om e i n a few w eek s, h e rem i n d ed . ome O h , b u t ma yb e n ot? Ma yb e th i n g s w i l l ta k e l on g er? Its someth i n g to see. T h e som eth l i g h t from h er eyes d i m m ed , a n d h er h a n d sn u ck u p to stra i g h ten h er b u n . H e fel t b a d to h a ve ra i n ed on h er exci tem en t. He F or a momen t, h e w i sh ed h e cou l d com e b a ck h ere w i th h er. Mostl y on l y so h e mom en cou l d w a tch h er g u sh a t th e b a b y a n i m a l s. Sh ed p rob a b l y b e m a xi m u m- cu te th a t md a y. B u t Ap ri l w a s w h en fi n a l son g s for th e a l b u m w ere d u e...so...b y th en h ed b e l i feti m es a w a y from h ere. I d on t th i n k I sh ou l d ch a n ce i t. I m u st h a ve on e of th ese a w esom e sh i rts n ow . F or th e m em ori es, a n d for m y n ew p erson a . D u sti n McH u g h l oves b a b y ch i ck s. McHu H e g ra b b ed a si ze XL a n d tri ed to focu s th ei r con versa ti on b a ck to th e ta sk a t He hand. Ma yb e I ca n b e d i sg u i sed a s a fa rmi n g k i d or a fa rm - d u d e or...h eck ...w h a t d o rm i you even ca l l fa rm k i d s? h e fi n i sh ed , feel i n g d i sori en ted . Sh e g i g g l ed . Ki d s. Wh o l i ve on fa rm s? H ow a b ou t fa rmers ? Ri g h t. D U H . L ost my m i n d . Sh e g i g g l ed a g a i n a n d h i s h ea rt j u m p ed . H e tu rn ed a w a y a s th ou g h to stu d y th e ch i ck en feed d i sp l a y w h i l e sh e ch a ttered on b eh i n d h i m, N o w a y w ou l d you b e a b l e p l a y off a fa rm i n g d i sg u i se. T oo m a n y p eop l e w i l l ca l l you on th e d eta i l s. F a rm k i d s k n ow fa rm eq u i p m en t i n si d e a n d ou t. Wh a t d o you m ea n ? L i k e i f you r fa m i l y ra i sed ch i ck en s. Sh e sw u n g h er a rm w i d e l i k e a g a m e sh ow me h ostess a rou n d th e a i sl e. Y ou w ou l d k n ow every si n g l e p rod u ct h ere b y h ea rt. An d , b y th e ti m e you w ere si x. If you r fa m i l y ra i sed w h ea t, you w ou l d b e a b l e to me ta l k a b ou t d rou g h ts, sea son s, tru ck s, h a rvest, p esti ci d es a n d everyth i n g J oh n D eere. G et m e? H u n ter sh ru g g ed , p reten d i n g h e w a s on b oa rd . H e d i d n ot w a n t to l et on th a t h e Hu h a d n o cl u e w h o J oh n D eere mi g h t b e. I cou l d d o h orses. B e a cow b oy? mi H a . Y ou w i sh . D a ta ra m p u p on th a t i s even w orse. B esi d es, cow b oys a re h ot. mp F or rea l h ot. Y ou re tryi n g to b e for rea l N O T ? Sh e scru n ch ed h er n ose a n d l ook ed h i m u p a n d d ow n . D ressi n g si x- foot- you i n cow b oy b oots a n d a h a t, even w i th th e n ew reta i n er, w ou l d m a k e you a sta l k i n g - b ea con for a l l th e g i rl s i n ou r n ei g h b orh ood w h o ow n h orses. Sh i t. Are th ere l ots of th ose? T on s. H a l f ou r cou n ty i s zon ed for h orses. B esi d es, th e p rod u cts a n d sk i l l s n eed ed for eq u estri a n k n ow l ed g e w ou l d b e ep i c. Y ou d on t h a ve th a t m u ch ti m e to m em ori ze stu ff. An d I b et, sh e sh ot h i m a smu g tea si n g g l a n ce. Y ou d on t h a ve sm u w h a t i t ta k es to si t a h orse w i th ou t frea k i n g ou t.

H u n ter sh u d d ered . I forg ot a b ou t th e cow b oys g oi n g w i th h orses p a rt. P l ea se sa y you r fa m i l y d oesn t h a ve h orses. P l ea se sa y I d on t h a ve to ri d e h orses. Im a ctu a l l y a fra i d of l i vestock a n i m a l s. C ow s, m i n i a tu re g oa ts, p i g s, a n d even som e d og s frea k m e ou t. As a k i d , I on ce fl i p p ed ou t a t a p etti n g zoo. N ot m y p rou d est m om en t. my omen V ere sh ook h er h ea d a n d l a u g h ed . N o h orses. T oo exp en si ve. In th e su mm er, mm w ere m ou n ta i n l a k e l overs. B oa ti n g , fi sh i n g , h i k i n g , a l l th a t k i n d of stu ff. Wi n ter, w e sk i . H u n ter g ri m a ced . Mostl y b eca u se h e d i d n t w a n t to en cou ra g e a n i n vi ta ti on to a n y of th e a cti vi ti es sh ed l i sted . H u n ter w a s a ci ty b oy, a n d h e w a n ted to sta y a ci ty b oy. V ere took h i s Ri ck s C h i ck s tee ou t of h i s h a n d s. L ets g o to th e g en era l cl oth i n g secti on a n d sta rt th ere. T h i s sh i rt i s g i vi n g m e a g ood i d ea . C om e on . T h eyre on l y op en for a n oth er forty m i n u tes. Sh e l ed h i m p a st feed trou g h s, g i a n t w a ter b u ck ets, w ei rd g oa t feed ers a n d a n en ti re secti on of p i g fen ci n g b efore u sh eri n g h i m a cross a n oth er b ri g h tl y l i t a i sl e a n d i n to w h a t w a s a p p a ren tl y th e cl oth i n g a rea . D esi g n a ted b y th e w ood en , sp l i t ra i l fen ce su rrou n d i n g th e secti on . T h e en try i n to th i s secti on b oa sted tw o, h a n d - ca rved l og s, h ol d i n g u p a k n otty p i n e si g n th a t h a d b een b u rn ed to l ook l i k e a b ra n d . It rea d : D u d s. H u n ter l ook ed w i l d l y a t th e ra ck s. H ol y sh i t! Y ou ca n t b e seri ou s. V ere h a d frozen i n th e en tryw a y a n d w a s sca n n i n g h i s fa ce. H er b row s h a d d ra w n d ow n , ca u si n g a l i ttl e crea se to form i n th e cen ter of h er foreh ea d . Sh e sp ok e i n a l ow a l m ost d esp era te sou n d i n g w h i sp er. L ow er you r voi ce, a n d yes, I a m most seri ou s. T h eyve g ot ton s of op ti on s h ere. If a n yon e comes n ea r, tu rn you r h ea d com es a n d p u l l d ow n th a t ca p ? O k a y? J esu s, ok a y. Wh y a re you frea k i n g ou t? Y ou th e d a rn eyes l ook l i k e m oon b ea m s or l i g h t sa b ers u n d er th ese l i g h ts. Sh e p a u sed a n d sh ook h er h ea d . H u n ter tea sed , Is th i s you r tw i sted w a y of ca l l i n g me h a n d som e a g a i n ? D on t me w orry, Ive g ot su n g l a sses. H e l a u g h ed , p u l l i n g th em ou t. Iron i ca l l y, b l u e l i g h t sa b ers a re for th e g ood g u ys. D on t l et th e col or fool you . O h sh u t u p , w ou l d you ? Sh e cl osed i n on h i m , w a y too cl ose a n d p eered u p a t h i s eyes w h i l e h e cou l d n t stop h i m sel f from sta ri n g a t th e l i ttl e l i n e of p ea ch m i l k sh a k e ru n n i n g n ea r th a t d a m n p erfect u p p er l i p . I sw ea r I ca n sti l l see th e col or b eh i n d you r su n g l a sses. T h ere a ren t g oi n g to b e eye- g l a sses d a rk en ou g h . Were g oi n g to h a ve to p a y d ou b l e a n d p rob a b l y sp eci a l ord er you a tra sh b a g to cover you r w h ol e fa ce. Ma yb e i f w ere l u ck y Il l su ffoca te to d ea th a n d th en w e w on t h a ve to d o th i s? D on t j ok e a b ou t stu ff l i k e th a t. D on t. E ver. Sh e su ck ed i n a b rea th , h er a n g er a p p a ren tl y eva p ora ti n g a s q u i ck l y a s i t ca m e. Im sorry. Im b ei n g tota l l y m ea n to you a g a i n . Wh a t i s i t a b ou t you th a t m a k es m e a ct cra zy? Sa fe b eh i n d th e g l a sses, Hu n ter sh ot a l on g i n g g l a n ce a t th a t l i n e of p ea ch Hu m i l k sh a k e a g a i n . Its n ot you . Its m e. I h a b i tu a l l y d ri ve p eop l e n u ts. Il l stop b a i ti n g you . Im d oi n g i t on p u rp ose. Il l stop .

G ood . Sh e sta l k ed a h ea d a n d g estu red to th e cl oth es. T h i s p l a ce sel l s sp eci a l i zed ra n ch cl oth i n g . Its n ot ch ea p . We ca n a l so h i t th e th ri ft store n ea r b y to k eep costs d ow n . Y ou re g oi n g to n eed sh oes, a n d everyth i n g . If i ts too m u ch , m y m om a n d d a d w i l l h el p b u y th e g l a sses, Im su re. An d D a d w i l l n ever l et you p a y for th e reta i n er, so you re g ood th ere. Wh a t? Sh e frow n ed . T h i s p roj ect i s g oi n g to b rea k you . H e sh ook h i s h ea d a t h er i n w on d er. N o g i rl h a d ever w orri ed a b ou t h i m sp en d i n g m on ey b efore. Most h a d exp ected h e w ou l d sp en d ton s of i t, a n d m ostl y mon on th em . Sh ed a l so p a i d for th ei r m i l k sh a k es! H u n ter b a sk ed i n th i s n ew , u n fa m i l i a r feel i n g . V ere w a s a ctu a l l y w a tch i n g over h i m i n stea d of w a tch i n g h i m l i k e everyon e el se d i d . H e l i k ed i t. H er. A l ot. L ook . Im g ood for th e m on ey, ok a y? I g et p a i d . T on s. O h ...yea h . D U H. H . Wi th ou t th i n k i n g , h e rea ch ed ou t a n d g ra b b ed h er h a n d . Sh e froze. H e cou l d feel h er a rm ten se u p , so h e l oosen ed h i s g ri p b u t d i d n ot l et g o. V ere. U m . Y ou h a ve som eth i n g on you r fa ce. H e tu rn ed h er tow a rd h i m a s g en tl y a s h e p ossi b l y cou l d . H e sen sed th a t h ed frea k ed h er ou t, b u t n ow th a t h ed com m i tted h ed h a ve to fol l ow th rou g h , or sh ed th i n k h e w a s a frea k for g ra b b i n g comm h er h a n d l i k e th i s. He rea ch ed forw a rd to w i p e th e stri p e of i ce- crea m a w a y, He resi sti n g th e tem p ta ti on to exp l ore th e sh a p e of h er u p p er l i p w i th h i s th u m b . F ood on m y fa ce? C ou l d you n ot h a ve b rou g h t i t u p soon er? Im su ch a d i sa ster. Sh e cl osed h er eyes b u t n ot b efore H u n ter rea d p u re m orti fi ca ti on sh ooti n g th rou g h th e b row n - g reen d ep th s of h er eyes. O n e sm a l l stri p of m i l k sh a k e d oes n ot screa m d i sa ster . Y ou d d o th e sa m e for sma m e, ri g h t? Im a d i sa ster too. H e p oi n ted to sp ot w h ere a w h ol e p ea ch sl i ce h a d h i t a n d l eft a m a rk . L ook a t th e b l ob on m y sh i rt. ma Sh e op en ed on e eye a n d fou n d th e sp ot, seem i n g to rel a x w h en sh e con fi rm ed h e w a sn t l yi n g , a n d th en cl osed i t a g a i n w h i l e h e w ork ed th e d ri ed i ce crea m off h er u p p er l i p . H el p i n g p eop l e w i th food - fa ce i s th e m a rk of a tru l y n i ce p erson you k n ow ? T h i s cou l d ru i n you r rep u ta ti on . Wh a t h a p p en s a fter th e m i l k - sh a k e- sh op , sta ys a t th e m i l k - sh a k e- sh op . Sh e d i d n t a n sw er, so h e w en t on . Wh y d o you cl ose you r eyes a l l th e ti m e? h e a sk ed , stu d yi n g th e g i n g er- b row n cu rve of h er l a sh es. E yes sti l l scru n ch ed , sh e g ri m a ced . Im tryi n g n ot to b l u sh . In ca se you h a ven t n oti ced , m y fa ce, off a n d on , ca tch es on fi re. E sp eci a l l y i n extrem el y a w k w a rd si tu a ti on s. L IKE T H IS. H u n ter l et h er g o a n d step p ed b a ck . I l i k e i t w h en you ch a n g e col ors. Its ch a rmi n g . rm i Sh u t u p . Y ou p rom i sed n ot to b a i t m e. Sh e op en ed h er eyes, h er exp ressi on sh ooti n g b u l l ets, a n d crossed h er a rm s i n fron t of h er. L u ck i l y, w h en you m a k e m e ma d , i t d oesn t h a p p en . An d ca l l i n g th e b l u sh i n g ch a rmi n g m a k es m e m a d ! Its ma

a n yth i n g b u t th a t. N ow l ets g et b a ck to th e top i c of m on ey. H ow a re you g oi n g to mon p a y? H e sw a l l ow ed , tryi n g n ot to rem em b er th e soft feel of h er sk i n . I h a ve a h u g e He b u d g et for th i s u n m a k i n g , a n d a cred i t ca rd to b oot. I d on t w a n t you w orryi n g a b ou t m e. Ab ou t th a t. G od . N ever a b ou t th a t. I ca n t h el p i t. If you re m y fri en d , Im g oi n g to w orry a b ou t every b i t of you . A p erk of b ei n g i n m y fri en d zon e. J u st i n ca se, w el l sti ck to th e sa l e ra ck s w h en w e ca n . D ea l ? H u n ter l a u g h ed . Ive n ever even seen a sa l e ra ck . D o th ey rea l l y p u t l i ttl e red Hu sti ck ers to sh ow th e p ri ce h a s b een m a rk ed l ow er, or i s th a t j u st on T V ? Wow . Y ou re tru l y cl u el ess, a ren t you ? H e l a u g h ed ou t l ou d , u n a b l e to stop h i m sel f b eca u se sh ed u sed h i s ow n th ou g h ts He a b ou t h er , ri g h t b a ck on h i m ! H ow cou l d you , a g i rl w h os a p p a ren tl y n ever even step p ed ou tsi d e C ol ora d o, th i n k Im cl u el ess? As i f. Ive b een to U ta h , Ka n sa s, Id a h o, N ew Mexi co a n d D i sn eyl a n d , l oser. H e l a u g h ed l ou d er w h i ch seemed to ma k e h er m a d a g a i n . He seem ed ma Wh a t? Stop l a u g h i n g so l ou d l y. T h e voi ce, D U H . Som eon e i s g oi n g n oti ce you b efore you re p rop erl y d i sg u i sed ! N on e of th i s i s fu n n y, a n d w ere ru n n i n g ou t of ti m e. Sh e p a u sed a n d g l a red . An d ...Ive a l so b een to Mi ch i g a n , for a w ed d i n g , so d on t ma k e m e d eck you . ma H e cou l d n t con trol th e n ext b el l y l a u g h th a t b u rst forth . He H e l et i t en vel op h i m . It fel t so a w esom e to l et l oose. He F or som e rea son , h a n g i n g ou t w i th V ere h a d m a d e h i m h a p p y. B etter, h e cou l d n t rem em b er h a vi n g th i s m u ch fu n , ever. H a n d s on h er h i p s n ow , sh e sq u i n ted a n d l ook ed a s th ou g h sh e w a n ted to d o Ha b a ttl e. Y ou a re tota l l y d oi n g th a t on p u rp ose. D o you rea l l y n eed th e a tten ti on from stra n g ers th a t b a d l y? Sh e p u l l ed th e b ri m of h i s ca p d ow n h a l fw a y over h i s n ose a s sh e d ra g g ed h i m b y th e a rm fu l l sp eed tow a rd th e b a ck of th e cl oth i n g secti on . N ot a n oth er l ou d sou n d com es ou t of you r m ou th u n ti l a fter w eve g ot you r d i sg u i se fi g u red ou t.

14: clueless VERE

As a j ok e, V ere h el d u p a b ri g h t ora n g e, Rod eoD a re b ra n d w estern sh i rt. O n e w i th p a i sl ey- p u rp l e p i p i n g , w h i te fri n g e from th e a rmp i ts to th e cu ffs w i th rm p rh i n eston e b u tton s a n d fri n g e a l l over th e b a ck too. How a b ou t th i s? sh e w h i sp ered w i th a l ook th a t w a rn ed h i m to w h i sp er b a ck . D u sti n b l i n k ed on ce a n d p eered a t th e sh i rt, h i s fa ce i m p a ssi ve. Im a n extra l a rg e. T h a ts too sma l l . D o th ey h a ve a n oth er si ze? Hi s p erfectl y con tri te w h i sp er mea n t th a t h e w a s a p p a ren tl y tryi n g to a p p ea se h er Hi a fter h i s l a u g h a tta ck . B u t h i s l a ck of resp on se to th e u g l y sh i rt a ston i sh ed h er. Im k i d d i n g a b ou t th i s sh i rt. C a n t you tel l ? sh e h i ssed . N o. I ca n t tel l . D on t j ok e a rou n d . P i ck w h a t you th i n k i s a p p rop ri a te. Is th a t sh i rt n ot a g ood ch oi ce? It l ook s l i k e d ecen t d i sg u i se ma teri a l to m e. me. Sh e tossed th e h i d eou s rod eo sh i rt b a ck on to th e ra ck a n d fel t g u i l ty for tryi n g to tea se h i m. C l u el ess. L i k e I sa i d . He sh ook h i s h ea d a n d sh e sa w h u m or retu rn to h i s g a ze. D on t even sta rt u p He mor a g a i n . How a b ou t you p i ck w h a t you w ea r? L ets sta rt w i th a few th i n g s you a re d ra w n to. T h en w e ca n b u i l d from th ere. He g i n g erl y fi n g ered some of th e sh i rts on th e rou n d ra ck . H mm. I d on t k n ow . He Hm m. Ive n ever p i ck ed my ow n cl oth es. He seemed stu mp ed b y th e d i fferen t op ti on s, a n d sh e cou l d see con fu si on a n d He b ew i l d ermen t cross h i s fa ce. erm en N ever? N op e. I h a ve a p erson a l sh op p er. T h e stu ff sh ow s u p i n my room . My m om or room. styl i st d eci d e w h a t ou tfi t g oes on m e ea ch d a y. me Wh oa . Y ou re l i k e a P ersi a n p ri n ce! N ot even . I h a ve n o h a rem a n d w orse, n o b u tl er or va l et typ e h el p s zi p m e i n to th e u g l y ou tfi ts th ey p i ck for me. Sh e rol l ed h er eyes a n d p oi n ted to a sta ck of fl a n n el p l a i d b u tton d ow n sh i rts. D o you l i k e th ese? He sh ru g g ed n ot even g i vi n g th e sh i rts h a l f a g l a n ce. Il l l i k e th em i f you l i k e He th em ? em? V ere w a s fl oored a g a i n . He h a d n o op i n i on s a t a l l ! Ab ou t a n yth i n g , or a t l ea st h e d i d n t seem to k n ow h ow to d i scu ss th em. V ere sh ot a h a n d u p to ch eck h er b u n , ti g h ten i n g th e ru b b er b a n d so i t w ou l d n t sl i p . Sh e ca u g h t h i m w a tch i n g h er a s th ou g h i n tri g u ed w i th h ow sh e ma d e h er b u n ma or someth i n g , a n d sh e a l most h a d a n oth er b l u sh a tta ck . Sh e l ook ed a w a y, som eth em b a rra ssed , rememb eri n g th e feel of h i s h a n d on h er u p p er l i p , h i s oth er h a n d h ol d i n g h ers a s h ed w i p ed a w a y th a t i ce crea m. Her stoma ch fl ood ed w i th l i ttl e b u tterfl i es. H er stom a U g h . F ocu s. Ki l l th e b u tterfl i es. T h ose w ere n ot rea l h a n d s, on l y th e h a n d s of you r n ew b est g u y fri en d . Perfectl y

a p p rop ri a te th a t h e w ou l d g et th e i ce crea m off you r fa ce. F ri en d s d on t l et fri en d s h a ve food fa ce. Were g oi n g to h a ve to tu rn th i s i n to a g a me, V ere sa i d . m e, Sh e b rou g h t th e Ri ck s C h i ck s tee- sh i rt forw a rd a n d h u n g i t i n fron t of th em . Wh a t d oes th i s sh i rt remi n d you of? C h i ck s? An d n ot th e b a b y k i n d . H a . H a . Sh e si g h ed , p reten d i n g h e w a s n ot fu n n y. If you sa w a g u y w ea ri n g th i s, p l u s th e reta i n er you ord ered , th en w h a t w ou l d you th i n k ? E xtrem e b u t i n tri g u i n g d ork ? xtreme E xa ctl y w h a t I th ou g h t! Its a g ood i d ea , i sn t i t? H e sm i l ed , ch u ck l i n g a l i ttl e. I su p p ose th ere a re n o sp eci fi c p rod u cts I w ou l d He h a ve to m em ori ze i n ord er to q u a l i fy for th a t, h u h ? N op e. D ork s a re d ork s. Its a l l i n th e p ercep ti on of oth ers! I w a n t you to p i ck w h a t k i n d of d ork you w a n t to b e. Y ou cou l d m a k e th i s fu n , l i k e b ei n g i n a p l a y. D u sti n McHu g h i s you r ch a ra cter, a n d you re g oi n g to h a ve to l i ve i n h i s p a n ts a n d w a l k i n h i s sh oes so to sp ea k . So sta rt w i th p a n ts. H i s b row s sh ot u p a n d h e l ook ed sl i g h tl y sca n d a l i zed . Wh a t? G i rl , you a re Hi frea k i n g m e ou t. Stop ta l k i n g a b ou t m y p a n ts! V ere si g h ed , a n d d ou b l e rol l ed h er eyes. D o you see m y p a ti en ce l evel s g oi n g my a w a y? Wh a t k i n d of p a n ts d o you w a n t to w ea r for th e n ext few w eek s? H e l ook ed a w a y. V ere. I ca n t d o th i s. J u st ch oose som e d ork p a n ts for m e. H e He p u l l ed off h i s ca p a n d ra n d a h a n d th rou g h h i s h a i r. N op e. I w a n t you to p i ck . Wa l k a rou n d . See w h a ts h ere a n d g o w i th you r fi rst g u t feel i n g . Y ou a ren t g oi n g to h el p m e a t a l l ? H e l ook ed p i ti fu l a n d l ost, b u t V ere h el d fi rm. Im h ere to m a k e su re w h a tever He rm . you ch ose fi ts w i th i n p rop er d ork l i m i ts, th a ts a l l . T h e rest i s g oi n g to b e u p to you . Its l i k e my d ra m a coa ch sa ys: B e th e ch a ra cter, d on t ever l et th e ch a ra cter b e my you , sh e q u i p p ed . T h a ts b a d a cti n g . B e a l l th e d ork th a t I ca n b e? h e tri ed . H er tu rn . Ha ml et: T o d ork , or n ot to d ork , th a t i s th e q u esti on . Sh e smi l ed Her sm i p rou d l y, th i n k i n g of a n oth er. T h e a p p a rel oft p rocl a i ms th e ma n ! H e ch u ck l ed . H a m l et a g a i n , b u t th i s ti m e w i th a n E n g l i sh a ccen t: T h ou g h th i s He b e ma d n ess, yet th ere i s meth od i n i t. Y ou w eren t l yi n g a b ou t g etti n g As i n L i t. T h ey sh a red a sm i l e. smi An d w h o k n ow s H a m l et th i s w el l ? D ork s l i k e m e! H e g ri n n ed w i d er. Ha Sh e b ea med b a ck . Y es! My n ew B G F i s a n a w esome H a m l et q u ote g u y! Y ou l l esom e ml h a ve to p u l l th a t m essed - u p a ccen t on my b est fri en d J en n a , too. I ca n t w a i t to see h er fa ce w h en you l a u n ch i n to th a t a ccen t! Sh e g i g g l ed . After th a t, Hu n ter seem ed to h ea d i n to th e cl oth i n g ra ck s w i th p u rp ose. H e Hu w a n d ered u n ti l fi n a l l y stop p i n g d ea d i n fron t of th e T ou g h Mou n ta i n cl oth i n g d i sp l a y. H ol d i n g u p a p a i r of d a rk g ol d , h ea vy ca n va s p a n ts w i th h u g e, sq u a re fron t Hol p ock ets a n d a l a rg e comp a ss sew n i n to a fron t b el t p u l l , h e b ea m ed . My g u t sa ys

th ese a re th e p a n ts I w a n t to l i ve i n for th e n ext few w eek s. V ere w a l k ed over to g et a cl oser l ook a n d h a d to l a u g h . O h yea h . Y ou re tota l l y on to som eth i n g . Sh e rea d th e T ou g h Mou n ta i n l a b el a l ou d . H ea vyw ei g h t ca n va s cl oth i n g . Sew n from th e exa ct sa me p a ttern s u sed b y p i on eers b u t w i th a m od ern me tech n ol og i ca l tw i st for tod a ys ma n . T od a ys d ork y- m a n ! Wh a ts th e tech n ol og y? sh e a sk ed . T h e comp a ss? H e frow n ed . Ma yb e th ese g i a n t b u tton s? com p He Sh e su rveyed th e ra ck s of va ri ou s overa l l s, p a n ts, j a ck ets, vests a n d sh orts. Al l served u p i n T ou g h Mou n ta i n s fou r d i sti n ct col ors: b row n , g ol d , ora n g e, a n d ta n . Its p erfect. Rea l l y. Its a l l stu ff for ra n ch h a n d s or l u m b erj a ck s. I th i n k th e tel ep h on e- p ol e g u ys w ea r i t, fi re- fi g h ters, a n d th ose b u rl y h i g h w a y d u d es w h o fi x p ot h ol es! T ra n sl a ti on b ei n g , n o h u m a n teen a g er w ou l d b e ca u g h t d ea d i n th i s stu ff? Sh e n od d ed . E xa ctl y. So a w esom e. Im g etti n g on e of everyth i n g i n ea ch col or! Il l h a ve a com p a ss on every p i ece. D u sti n fi n g ered th e h ea vy fron t p ock et on on e of th e vests. L ook a t a l l th e g a d g et sp ots, a n d m eta l zi p p ers, a n d d ou b l e sti tch i n g everyw h ere. It l ook s b u l l et p roof! I h a te to a d m i t th i s, b u t I a ctu a l l y d o l ove i t, a n d I m ea n for rea l ! Some of th i s Som e w ou l d l ook so cool on sta g e. Sh h . D on t b ri n g th a t u p . It i s p retty cool , b u t i n a l l th e w ron g w a ys for h i g h sch ool . V ere frow n ed , k n ow i n g i t w a s a l so very exp en si ve, b u t sh e d i d n t sa y a n yth i n g a b ou t th a t. Sh ed h a ve to tru st w h a t h ed sa i d a b ou t th e m on ey. D u sti n p u l l ed som e ora n g e, roa d - w ork er overa l l s off th e ra ck a n d sl u n g th em h a n g er a n d a l l over h i s h ea d , l etti n g th em d a n g l e d ow n h i s b od y. H e fl i p p ed over He th e ta g , h i s sm i l e ra d i a n t w i th w h a t l ook ed to b e u n ch eck ed , si l l y g l ee. It com es w i th a ten - yea r w a rra n ty. Wh o w ea rs cl oth es w i th a w a rra n ty!? My u b er- d ork b est fri en d , D u sti n . T h a ts w h o. N ow w h a ts you r si ze? We on l y h a ve tw en ty m i n u tes l eft to col l ect th e rest a n d ch eck ou t. Im a th i rty- tw o w a i st, 36 l en g th i n p a n ts. XL sh i rts. Il l try on a cou p l e. If i ts a g o, w el l p u l l th e rest w i th ou t tryi n g i t on . Im u su a l l y a n ea sy fi t. Sh e n od d ed , ta k i n g u p a p a i r of si ze th i rty- tw o ca n va s sh orts a n d som e b a si c some p a n ts. H e p i ck ed u p a few of th e w h a ck ed ou t fi sh i n g - vests. N ow . Sh i rts. C h oose, sh e sa i d . I d i d l i k e th ose p l a i d on es you p oi n ted ou t. T h ey m a d e th ei r w a y b a ck to th e fl a n n el sh i rts a n d h e sta rted p i ck i n g ou t some of th e b u tton d ow n s i n va ri ou s som e col ors. T h ese a re a l l l on g sl eeved . Y ou l l n eed to g et som e sh ort sl eeved on es, too. We h a ve a m on th or so of h ot w ea th er l eft. N ever. I d on t ca re. D u sti n McH u g h l i k es on l y l on g sl eeved , fl a n n el sh i rts. Al w a ys. An d forever. N o. N o w a y. O u r sch ool i s a fu rn a ce. I w a s a l m ost a h ea t- strok e ca su a l ty th i s a ftern oon . Y ou sa i d I g et to p i ck . I on l y l i k e th ese sh i rts. B esi d es i sn t i t d ork y to d ress off sea son ? He sm i l ed w i d e a n d sh e fel t a b i t l i g h t h ea d ed . He

Y ea h . Wel l , i ts you r fu n era l . H e sh ru g g ed h a p p i l y. L ets m a k e p l a i d , ca n va s a n d com p a sses m y a b sol u te tra d em a rk s. D u sti n McH u g h . Al l p l a i d . Al l ca n va s. Al l th e ti m e. An d Im n ever l ost. Wh a t sa y you , d ork j u d g e? T ota l A++. Il l p i ck som e a d d i ti on a l a ccessori es tru ck er l ook i n g b a l l ca p s, l u m p y sw ea ters, th a t sort of th i n g . Wh a t exa ctl y i s a l u m p y sw ea ter? Im a h ood i e g u y. mp H ood i es a re of th e p a st. My B G F , w ea rs on l y ol d - m a n sw ea ters w i th b i g b u tton s. ma An d to sh a k e th i n g s u p , p ossi b l y a h a n d k n i tted , g ra m p s vest. Sh e g i g g l ed , ca tch i n g h i s eye, g ri n n i n g w i d er w h en h e sm i l ed b a ck a n d l a u g h ed w i th h er. H el l n o. I m ea n to b e l on g g on e b efore I h a ve to w ea r sh a d y w ool en s. T h ey h ea d ed tow a rd th e d ressi n g rooms. D u sti n McH u g h , th i s n ew w a rd rob e room s. w i l l sen d you stra i g h t i n to h i g h sch ool i n si g n i fi ca n ce. Ah h . My d rea m com e tru e. We a ren t d on e. N ext i s footw ea r, sock s, u n d erw ea r a n d a few od d b a l l sch ool su p p l i es. I th i n k T ou g h Mou n ta i n m a k es a few b a ck p a ck s. Y ou l l b e so p erfectl y ma tch i n g ! Sh e n od d ed to a b a ck w a l l th a t h ou sed th e a ccessori es. H ow a b ou t th e p a ck w i th th e sa fety w h i stl e? H e d a sh ed i n fron t of h er. H i s eyes a l i g h t w i th exci tem en t. N ot d ork y en ou g h . Hi temen An d d i d you n oti ce? N O C O MP ASS. Move over. I see on e I l i k e! After th a t, D u sti n sta rted p i ck i n g th i n g s ri g h t a n d l eft a s th ou g h th ey w ere col l ecti n g rock s, or fi n d i n g p en n i es, a n d a d d i n g th em to a n ever g row i n g p i l e on th e cou n ter. Sh e tri ed a secon d ti m e to con vi n ce h i m to p u rch a se som e l i g h ter w ei g h t sh i rts, b u t h e stea d fa stl y refu sed . Wel l , everyon e h a s someth i n g . J en n a h a tes a l l th i n g s red . I d on t l i k e ea rri n g s. An d C h a rl i e on l y w ea rs sp orts j erseys. Wh a ts th e d i fferen ce i f D u sti n McHu g h l oves sh i rts w i th l on g sl eeves? Ma yb e i ts a g ood th i n g . Sh e k n ew fi rsth a n d d ork s w ere su p er- p rou d of th ei r od d l ook s a n d en sem b l es. Sh ed h a ve to tra i n h i m h ow to b e extra sm u g a b ou t h i s n ew g ea r a n d h i s n ew sel f i n p u b l i c. Wh en sh e w a s fi n i sh ed w i th h i m, a n y i n su l ts to h i s p erson w ou l d b e ta k en a s m, h u g e comp l i m en ts. It d rove th e b u l l i es w i l d w i th fru stra ti on . T h i s a l w a ys l ed to com p m ore ou tca st b a ck l a sh . In th e l on g ru n th ou g h , i t w ou l d en su re h e h a d p erm a n en t, extra sol i d , g eek l a b el i n g . O n ce th e l a b el stu ck , D u sti n w ou l d b e ta g g ed . U n tou ch a b l e a n d u n - d a tea b l e. ( U n ti l h e w a s a l l ow ed to g o to col l eg e w h ere sh e w a s su re d ork s rei g n ed su p rem e) . D i d n t th ey? Sh e su re h op ed so, or sh e w a s g oi n g to sp en d h er l i fe a l on e.

15: loyalty, trust and a haircut HUNTER

T h ree h ou rs l a ter, a fter a tri p to th e Su p erMa rt op tometry cen ter a n d a l on g ca r ri d e, Hu n ter a n d V ere ma d e th ei r w a y i n to th e Roth F a mi l y ca b i n . Hu mi O h . N o. Y ou . D i d n t. C h a rl i e b u rst ou t l a u g h i n g a s h e op en ed th e d oor. Work b oots! P ri cel ess. D u d e. Y ou a re g oi n g to g et b ru ta l i zed w i th th ose. I k n ow ! H u n ter p u t d ow n h i s sh op p i n g b a g s i n th e en try a n d stomp ed h i s Hu b oots, comp l etel y p sych ed . I l ove th ese th i n g s. So m u ch so, th a t I h a d to w ea r com p th em ou t. V ere p u sh ed i n b eh i n d h i m, h er a rm s a l so fi l l ed to th e b ri m w i th a l oa d of h i s rms b ra n d n ew w a rd rob e. T h ey on l y h a d th e ora n g ey col or i n h i s si ze. Aren t th ey m a g n i fi cen tl y h i d eou s? ma Hu n ter d i d n t m i ss C h a rl i es g a ze systema ti ca l l y sea rch i n g h i s si sters fa ce a s Hu mi th ou g h to ch eck i f sh e w ere ok a y sa fe or, someth i n g . som eth Wh a t? C h a rl i e seemed sa ti sfi ed w i th w h a t h e sa w i n h i s si sters smi l i n g exp ressi on a n d sm i a p p ea red to rel a x. After a sh ort p a u se C h a rl i e sp ok e u p a g a i n . An d I sa i d i t cou l d n t b e d on e. Y ou tw o h a ve p u l l ed i t off. P ossi b l y g on e too fa r. T h e b oots a re m essed - u p . messed Hu n ter tri ed to sta y focu sed on th e b oots a n d on C h a rl i e to ta k e h i s mi n d off h i s Hu g row l i n g stoma ch . Y ou ca n l a u g h a l l you w a n t b u t Il l b et th ese b oots sta rt a stom a tren d . Y ou l l see. Il l ta k e th em b a ck h ome a n d w ea r th em on sta g e. om e Y ea h , b u t u n ti l th en , th ese b a sta rd s a re g oi n g to sol i d i fy you i n th e l ow est soci a l stra ta of ou r w h ol e sch ool . C h a rl i e ca me cl oser a n d k i ck ed th e toe of on e of th e b oots a n d sh ook h i s h ea d . Meta l toe ti p s? In ca se I d rop a b ook on my foot! H u n ter g ri n n ed . Hu C h a rl i e su rveyed th e rest of h i m. L et m e g u ess. T h e l en ses i n th ose n erd g l a sses me a u tom a ti ca l l y ti n t even d a rk er w h en you w a l k i n th e su n ? H e l a u g h ed a g a i n . He P erfect! Y ou ve b ecome a h i d eou s, cel l p h on e sa l es g u y mi xed w i th a d u d e w h os mi a l l Wi l d West . O r n o, w a i t, Ive g ot i t. Y ou re P a u l B u n ya n m eets Wa l d o! C ool , h u h ? T h e g l a sses g o d a rk even w h en Im u n d er reg u l a r l i g h ts, H u n ter Hu a n n ou n ced p rou d l y. T h e eye cen ter g u y sol d u s th e fl oor mod el b eca u se w e tol d m od h i m I h a d a h u g e U V B su n ra y a l l erg y a n d th a t Id l ost m y g l a sses on th e a i rp l a n e. V ere si g h ed . I fel t b a d b eca u se I l i ed to h i m so m u ch . At fi rst h e w a s g oi n g to m a k e u s w a i t fi ve to seven d a ys. Wh en h e sa i d th a t, I cri ed a l l over h i m, th en ma m, p retty mu ch vow ed Hu n ter w ou l d g o b l i n d b y th e en d of th e w eek en d . Y ou d i d ? C h a rl i e a sk ed . Hu n ter n od d ed . O h , sh e d i d . T h e g u y fol d ed i n tw o secon d s. H e a g reed i t w a s Hu He a n em erg en cy th a t I p rotect my eyes, b u t w e b oth k n ow i ts b eca u se h e cou l d n t sta n d to w a tch th e l i ttl e p i xi e tea r u p . V ere p u n ch ed h i s u p p er a rm.

H u n ter w en t on , V ere th i n k s th ese g l a sses w i l l b e a l m ost b l a ck i n th e sch ool Hu l u n ch room a n d th e h a l l w a ys too. Wh a t d o you th i n k ? C h a rl i e n od d ed w i th a p p rova l . B ru ta l . Sh e n a i l ed i t. T h e p l a ce i s a frea k i n g ei g h ti es, sk yl i g h t sh ow room . V ere, you re a n a rti st. H ey. I ch ose a l ot of th i s l ook , Hu n ter p rotested . H es sti l l h u g el y ta l l a n d n oti cea b l e. C h a rl i e frow n ed . Y ea h , b u t a g i a n t d ork i s sti l l a d ork . Its a u n i versa l sta te of b ei n g . V ere set d ow n h er p i l e of b a g s. Wa i t ti l l you see h i s n ew w a l k . An d th a ts n ot h a l f of i t. D a d a g reed to a reta i n er w i th m eg a w i d e, a n d d ou b l e- crossed , sh i n y w i res. It a rri ves Sa tu rd a y vi a F ed E x a l l th e w a y from Atl a n ta . O vern i g h t sh i p p i n g i s so cool , h u h ? H ow d o th ey d o i t? H u n ters g a ze ca u g h t on h er h a p p y smi l e, ch a rmed a g a i n b y h er b ou n d l ess Hu sm i rm ed en th u si a sm over sma l l stu ff. Wh o g ot exci ted a b ou t ma i l servi ces? ma T h e stra n g e ou t of b od y feel i n g from th i s m orn i n g su d d en l y retu rn ed a l on g w i th a ma ssi ve h ea d a ch e. H e w a s h i tti n g a w a l l , a n d su d d en l y fel t tw o h u n d red yea rs He ti red . E very b on e i n h i s b od y a ch ed , b u t h e rea l i zed i t w a s m ostl y a ch i n g w i th mostl rel i ef. Rel i ef th a t n o on e h a d recog n i zed h i m? O r, w a s i t rel i ef th a t th i s p l a n m i g h t a ctu a l l y w ork ? H e ca u g h t a w h i ff of w h a t h e h op ed w ou l d b e d i n n er. It sm el l ed l i k e p u re He h ea ven . T h e mi l k sh a k e h a d b een g rea t, b u t n ow h e n eed ed food . An d h op efu l l y, soon , a b ed . T h ese p eop l e m a d e Ma rti n s d ema n d s on h i s ti me seem ea sy. me C h a rl i e fl u n g h i s overl a rg e, footb a l l p l a yer fra m e to si t on th e sta i rs th a t l ed me u p sta i rs. D u d e. I h a ve on e req u est b efore th i s g oes a n y fu rth er. Sh oot. Hu n ter ten sed , w a i ti n g . H e h a ted th e w ord req u est , a s m u ch a s h e h a ted th e w ord s fa vor , b orrow a n d p ress con feren ce . Wh en th i s yea r i s a l l over, I g et you r a u tog ra p h on every G u a rd eRob e t- sh i rt a n d sw a g I ow n . Its g ot to b e si g n ed , t o my b est b u d , C h a rl i e . If Im a g reei n g n ot to ra t you ou t for m i l l i on s of d ol l a rs to Med i a C h a n n el T od a y, I g otta h a ve som eth i n g to p rove you w ere h ere a fter th e fa ct. D ea l ? Wh a t l i ttl e a i r Hu n ter h a d l eft i n h i s ch est sw oosh ed ou t of h i s l u n g s. Su re. Hu T h a ts n o p rob l em . If you k eep you r mou th sh u t. m ou B rea th e. B rea th e. Rememb er to b rea th e. C h a rl i e k ep t b a b b l i n g on , I w on d er h ow mu ch ca sh I w ou l d g et p a i d for th i s mu story? Wou l d a n yon e b el i eve m e i f I tol d th em Hu n ter Ken n ed y w a s a t m y l a k e h ou se ri g h t n ow ? C h a rl i e ch u ck l ed . H u n ter sw a l l ow ed , a n n oyed w i th h i msel f. Hu m sel T h i s i s w h a t h a p p en s w h en you l et d ow n you r g u a rd . H e fel t V eres w i d e- eyed g a ze on h i m b u t h e d i d n t w a n t to l ook . D i d n t w a n t to He see h er fa ce ch a n g e a s sh e sp ecu l a ted w h a t sh e cou l d g et ou t of h i m . H i s h ea rt cru m p l ed i n to a ti g h t, l ea d en b a l l . Wh a t w i l l sh e w a n t? H ow q u i ck l y h ed forg otten th ese tw o k i d s w ere l i k e everyon e el se. N ew p eop l e How a l w a ys w a n ted a p i ece of h i m . A ta k ea w a y. It h a d n t even b een on e d a y a n d a l rea d y, i t h a d sta rted .

D u sti n , h es n ot seri ou s! V ere p u t h er sm a l l h a n d on h i s a rm a n d g a ve i t a l i ttl e sq u eeze, a l l ow i n g h i m to p u l l i n a l on g , fu l l b rea th . C h a rl i es th e m ost l oya l p erson I k n ow . H e d efi n es h i m sel f b y i t. If you h a ve h i s w ord you h a ve i t forever. He on l y p reten d s h es a j erk . Weve p rom i sed ou r m om , He N a n , a n d n ow you . B el i eve m e, th e l a st th i n g w ed ever d o i s b l ow you r cover. N ot a fter w eve p rom i sed . N ot a fter a l l th i s h a rd w ork . Weve sw orn to p rotect you , a n d p rotect you w e w i l l . H er exp ressi on h a d g row n fi erce a n d ea rn est. T a k e i t b a ck , C h a rl i e. D u sti n h a s n o i d ea you a re k i d d i n g , a n d i ts com p l etel y ru d e w h a t you sa i d ! Were fri en d s n ow ! J eez. C h a rl i e h op p ed u p a n d p u l l ed V ere i n to a g en tl e h ea d l ock , ta g g i n g h i s k n u ck l es i n to h er crow n b efore l etti n g h er g o. V ere sm i l ed a t th e u n u su a l trea tmen t. tm en D u d e. D u sti n . T h a t w a s b a d form on m y p a rt. I a p ol og i ze, C h a rl i e sa i d , fl u sh i n g sl i g h tl y. Id n ever ra t you ou t, a n d w el l ...w h a t ca n I sa y? Im a n a ss. Sorry. H u n ter si g h ed , sl ow l y w a rm i n g u p to th e b i g oa f. If V ere l oved h i m , th e k i d m u st b e cool , somew h ere, som eh ow . Ma yb e h e n eed ed to rel a x a n d g i ve C h a rl i e a rea l som ew someh ch a n ce. N o. Its n o p rob l em . O f cou rse Il l g et you b oth a n y G u a rd eRob e j u n k you w a n t. Si g n ed to m y b est fri en d s. I p rom i se. C h a rl i e sm i l ed , a n d H u n ter sm i l ed b a ck . An d i t a l m ost fel t si n cere! L ets a l l l a y off p oor D u sti n for a b i t, Mrs. Roth sa i d , com i n g i n from th e comi k i tch en . Pl ea se l et h er sa ve me. Sh e ca m e forw a rd a n d p eered cl osel y a t h i s fa ce. Y ou a l rea d y l ook very d i fferen t, a n d com p l etel y d i sg u i sed . I l ove w h a t you ve ch osen . T h a n k s. H u n ter h a d m ea n t th a n k s for tel l i n g th em a l l to l a y off, b u t h e w a s mea p l ea sed w i th h er p ra i se. Mrs. Roth seemed to g et th a t h e w a s ti red a n d feel i n g rea l l y off ri g h t th en . H a s seem ed a n yon e ever tol d you w h a t a g ood sp ort you a re, you n g m a n ? Sh e g a ve h i m a q u i ck h u g , a n d h e d i d n t h a ve th e u rg e to p u l l a w a y. Im u sed to d oi n g w h a t p eop l e tel l m e to d o, H u n ter a n sw ered h on estl y a s h e b rea th ed h er i n . H e cou l d sw ea r Mrs. Roth sm el l ed l i k e fresh b a k ed b rea d a n d w a rm b l a n k ets. T h i s a l l of u s i ts a l l p retty overw h el m i n g , i sn t i t? sh e a sk ed , step p i n g b a ck so sh e cou l d see h i s eyes. H e g a ve h er a h a l f- sm i l e. H er q u esti on s w ere th e k i n d h e k n ew h e d i d n t h a ve to a n sw er. N i ce. Mrs. Roth con ti n u ed , Y ou r Au n t N a n s i n th e k i tch en . Sh es b rou g h t you r oth er stu ff. T om orrow w el l l et you sl eep i n , a n d th en , w el l g et you i n to som e su n sh i n e. T h e h a rd p a rt i s over. T h i s th ree d a y w eek en d you w i l l g i ve you extra ti m e to rest. Sh e frow n ed . "L ea rn h ow to sl ou ch b etter, cover u p you r voi ce a n d w el l ...w el l try to m a k e i t a s fu n a s p ossi b l e w h i l e w e w ork a l l th a t ou t. O k a y? ma H e n od d ed . Y ou sou n d so p osi ti ve th a t a l l th i s w i l l w ork . An d exa ctl y l i k e V ere. Sh e sm i l ed . I h op e you re g oi n g to l i k e i t h ere. D o you h i k e?

I n ow ow n b ra n d n ew h i k i n g sh oes. V ere m a d e m e b u y th em , h e eva d ed . G rea t. T h en you h i k e. Wh os h u n g ry? C h a rl i e, sh ow D u sti n th e g u est room . V ere, w a sh u p , you re sh a ri n g w i th N a n . D i n n er i s i n fi ve. D a d sa i d h ed m a k e i t h ere b y n i n e. V ere d a rted H u n ter a sm i l e a n d tra i l ed h er m om i n to th e n ext room , sa yi n g , After d i n n er, H u n ter's g oi n g to l et m e u n ma k e room, h i s h a i r- cu t som e. D o w e h a ve a n y b l u n t, terri b l e sci ssors? Sh e l ook ed over h er sh ou l d er a n d sh ot h i m on e l a st sm i rk . D u d e. Y ou com i n g ? C h a rl i e ca l l ed , h a l fw a y u p th e w i d e, p i n e sta i rs. Ri g h t b eh i n d you , h e l i ed . B eca u se w i th ou t V eres h a p p y en erg y p u l si n g ri g h t n ext to h i m , h e w a s fi n d i n g i t very d i ffi cu l t to w a l k on h i s ow n . m,

16: no going back Dustin

T h e ta p p i n g on h i s d oor w ok e h i m. D u sti n . D u d e. Were g oi n g h i k i n g . Y ou g oi n g to sl eep a l l d a y? D u sti n ! D u sti n . Wh o th e h el l i s D u sti n ? Hi s h ea d , g rog g y a n d h ea vy w i th sl eep , w ou l d n t move. Hi s en ti re b od y h a d Hi m ove. m orp h ed i n to a b ri ck . morp D u sti n , C h a rl i e i n si sted from th e oth er si d e of th e d oor. Rea l i ty h i t h i m l i k e a sl a p i n th e fa ce a s h e b eca me fu l l y a w a k e. Y ea h . Il l b e th ere. T w o mi n u tes. He rol l ed ou t of b ed a n d g ra b b ed th e l on g - sl eeved b l u e, g reen , a n d w h i te p l a i d He sh i rt h ed l eft on th e fl oor. He p u l l ed i t over h i s w h i te u n d ersh i rt, ta k i n g a n extra secon d to m a k e su re th e cu ffs w ere b u tton ed ti g h tl y over h i s w ri sts b efore ma g ra b b i n g h i s cel l . T h e ch a rg e w a s comp l ete, b u t l i k e l a st n i g h t n o si g n a l . Sti l l i n h el l , h e mu ttered , th orou g h l y a n n oyed . Ma rti n mi g h t h a ve fi n a l l y mi texted th e con ta ct ema i l , b u t n ow i t seem ed n oth i n g w ou l d com e th rou g h u p h ere come for th e w h ol e w eek en d . He w on d ered i f Ma rti n w ou l d fl i p ou t w h en h e d i d n t resp on d to h i s texts, th en He h e w on d ered i f h i s mom or th e g u ys mi ssed h i m a t a l l . As i f i t m a ttered . T h eyd b een mi ssi n g h i m for w eek s a l rea d y. Ma yb e th ey d i d n t even n oti ce h e w a s g on e a n ym ore. He fel t tru l y stra n g e a s h e ca u g h t h i s refl ecti on sta ri n g b a ck a t h i m i n th e m i rror. He Sh i t. Is th a t me? He rea ch ed u p a n d ra n h i s h a n d th rou g h h i s V ere- crop p ed h a i r, fi n g eri n g th e He u n even , d a rk col ored cl u mp s n ea r h i s foreh ea d . V ere h a d a tta ck ed h i m l a st n i g h t w i th a p a i r of ma n g l ed sci ssors. Sh ed k ep t h i s l en g th , b u t ma d e h i m l ook l i k e ma h ed stu ck h i s h a i r i n a b l en d er. Worse, a s h e g l a n ced l ow er, h e rememb ered w h a t h ed tri ed to forg et. He w a s remem b w ea ri n g ti g h ti e- w h i ti es. An d h e h a d n o oth er op ti on s i n h i s w a rd rob e. Y esterd a y, V ere h a d con vi n ced h i m to a d d th e ti g h ti e- w h i ti es to h i s n ew w a rd rob e a l l w h i l e g i g g l i n g th a t cu te, i rresi sti b l e g i g g l e of h ers. Sh ed ch a rmed rm ed h i m so mu ch th a t h ed b ou g h t 3- p a ck s of th ese d a mn , ri d i cu l ou s th i n g s to k eep h er l a u g h i n g . V eres w ord s sti l l ra n g i n h i s h ea d . Y ou h a ve to comm i t a l l th e w a y, i n si d e a n d com mi ou t , or n o on es g oi n g to b el i eve i t. T h e g eek u n d erw ea r w i l l ma k e su re you d on t ma forg et w h o you a re w h en you re a l on e. It h a d sou n d ed g ood a t th e ti me. He sn a p p ed th e d ou b l e- w i d e w a i stb a n d a g a i n st h i s stoma ch a n d w i g g l ed h i s b u tt He i n th e mi rror, b u t stop p ed w h en h e sa w h ow V ere h a d ch op p ed u p th e b a ck of h i s h a i r.

H e ra n h i s h a n d th rou g h th e l on g , u n even stra n d s. He Sh i t. T h e g i rl i s a m en a ce. men Am I g oi n g h i k i n g i n ti g h ti e- w h i ti es a n d ca n va s ra n ch sh orts? Wi th th i s h a i rcu t, a p l a i d sh i rt, meg a - g eek g l a sses a n d a w h ol e b u n ch of comp a sses? Hel l . I g u ess I a m. N ot l i k e Ive g ot a n yth i n g b etter to d o tod a y. Wi th a resi g n ed si g h , h e p u l l ed on h i s n ew b row n ca n va s sh orts, a d j u sted th e comp a ss on th e b el t l oop , a n d sh oved h i s p h on e i n to on e of th e m a n y u ti l i ty p ock ets i n ca se h e cou l d fi n d a si g n a l l a ter. H e p u t on th e b l a ck fra med g l a sses. T h e l a te m orn i n g su n strea mi n g i n to th e He m ed mi room h a d a l rea d y ca u sed th em to tu rn com p l etel y b l a ck , b u t h e cou l d see su rp ri si n g l y w el l th rou g h th em . In th e m orn i n g l i g h t, th ey w ere u g l i er th a n morn yesterd a y, b u t th ey d i d h i d e th e col or of h i s eyes p erfectl y w el l . H e p eered cl oser, sa ti sfi ed th a t a t a n y a n g l e, h e cou l d n ot see h i s ow n eyes. He D u sti n McH u g h , you a re on e, frea k y b a sta rd . H e g ri n n ed , h ea rt l i g h ten i n g a s h e a l m ost cra ck ed u p a t h i m sel f. Ma yb e i t w a s He msel g oi n g to b e fu n to b e someon e el se for a l i ttl e w h i l e. H e g ra b b ed h i s n ew h i k i n g sh oes, a p a i r of od d sock s th a t V ere h a d sw orn w ere He on l y for h i k i n g b eca u se th ey w i ck ed moi stu re a w a y from h i s feet. H e ya n k ed th e l a b el s off b oth a n d p u t th em on . He T h e cl ock on h i s d resser rea d 11:08. H e n ever sl ep t th i s l a te. As a m a tter of fa ct, He h e u su a l l y h a d a h a rd ti m e sl eep i n g more th a n si x h ou rs stra i g h t. N ot a n y more, h e m u ttered . I, D u sti n McH u g h , n orm a l teen a g er w i th b a d u n d erw ea r, sl eep l a te a l l th e ti me! H e l a u g h ed a s h e sh oved on yesterd a ys Sa cra m en to Ki n g s ca p , p u l l i n g th e b ri m u n ti l i t a l m ost tou ch ed th e top of h i s g l a sses exa ctl y h ow h e a n d V ere h a d d eci d ed h i d h i s fa ce b est l a st n i g h t. T h e scen t of m a p l e syru p w a fted th rou g h th e a i r. Pa n ca k es? Wa ffl es? F ren ch T oa st! O h , p l ea se. F rom w h a t h e cou l d tel l , Mrs. Roth w a s th e b est cook i n th e w orl d . If d i n n er l a st n i g h t h a d on l y b een th row n tog eth er, a s sh ed sa i d , h e cou l d h a rd l y w a i t for th e p l a n n ed d i n n er ton i g h t. Stom a ch i n fu l l g ru m b l e mod e, h e ch eck ed h i s w ri st covera g e on e l a st ti m e. mb m od Hi k i n g . Sh i t. Hop e I d on t d i e i n th e w ood s. H i s stom a ch roa red . Hi stoma O h , yea h . T h e smel l of syru p i s a very g ood si g n . D u sti n op en ed h i s d oor a n d h ea d ed d ow n th e h a l l .

17: guy exposure works VERE

V ere tru d g ed tow a rd th e ca b i n w i th a sa ti sfi ed sm i l e. T h i s morn i n g , th e l a k e h a d rea ch ed h er d efi n i ti on of p erfect. T h e w a ter h a d b een crysta l cl ea r, refl ecti n g th e fi rst g ol d en - yel l ow a sp en l ea ves. An d , a fter th e l on g , h ot su m mer, i t h a d rea ch ed mm er, p ri m e temp era tu re. Mea n i n g i t w ou l d b e sw i m ma b l e u p u n ti l th e fi rst frost. mm a H op efu l l y th a t w ou l d n ot h a p p en u n ti l a fter th ey ca me u p for L a b or D a y i n a Hop me cou p l e of w eek s. Sh e w i g g l ed h er l ow er j a w . Sh ed smi l ed so m u ch th i s morn i n g a n d yesterd a y, th e si d es of h er m ou th a ch ed . sm i mu mou It cou l d n t b e h el p ed . Sh e th ou g h t of D u sti n s rea cti on to th e h erd of d eer i n th e ca b i n s d ri vew a y l a st n i g h t a n d h a d to g i g g l e ou t l ou d a l l over a g a i n . T h e g u y h a d p osi ti vel y fl i p p ed . Refu sed to g et ou t of th e ca r. Hed tol d h er h ed n ever seen rea l d eer i n th e w i l d b efore. As i f th ei r d ri vew a y cou l d ever b e d escri b ed a s th e w i l d . HA. Wa i t ti l l h er n ew B G F sa w th e b ea r cross th e footb a l l fi el d a t th ei r sch ool . T h ei r n ei g h b orh ood a l so b oa sted more d eer th a n u p h ere a t th e l a k e. Mon u men t w a s th e sa m e el eva ti on a n d l a n d sca p e a s th i s l a k e p rop erty, m i n u s th e l a k e a n d cu te ol d ca b i n s, of cou rse. B u t D u sti n p rob a b l y d i d n t k n ow th a t. H e w a s u n d er th e i m p ressi on th ey w ere w a y h i g h i n th e mou n ta i n s ri g h t n ow . V ere g ri n n ed a g a i n a t th e memory of D u sti n p reen i n g i n th e mi rror a t Ri ck s. T h e g u y h a d b een p retty d a rn fu n n y. G u y exp osu re. A++ I sh ou l d th a n k h i m. T el l h i m h ow mu ch h es h el p ed me. B u t h ow ? T h e ob j ect of h er g ra ti tu d e w a s si tti n g on th e p orch , l a ci n g h i s b ra n d n ew h i k i n g sh oes. V ere sa t on th e step b el ow h i m a n d l ook ed u p a s sh e p u l l ed h er w et b u n i n to a ti g h ter ru b b er b a n d . T h e ol d p a n i c set i n for a m om en t, b u t a fter a q u i ck rem i n d er omen th a t th i s w a s O N L Y D u sti n McHu g h , sh e settl ed i n a n d sta rted off w i th a si mp l e, mp n orm a l , H ey. Hey. D u sti n stop p ed l a ci n g a n d smi l ed . N ot even a fl u sh or ti n g l e i n h er ch eek s! H ey. Y ou m i ssed th e w a ffl es. mi I h a d some. Hou rs a g o, b ed sl u g . Y ou l ook g rea t, b y th e w a y! Sh e g ri n n ed b a ck som e. a t h i m. O h , ma rvel ou s d a y! Im a l most cu red . N ot. E ven . B l u sh i n g . N ot too g rea t, I h op e? D u sti n frow n ed , con cern ed . Sh e g i g g l ed . Are you fi sh i n g for comp l i men ts a l rea d y? I mea n you l ook g rea t, a s m en m ea i n , terri b l e- d ork - p erfect . V ere ch eck ed h er ch eek s w i th h er fi n g erti p s.

H ow cou l d sh e n ot h a ve even on e b l u sh on th e h ori zon ? How H er sa n i ty h a d sta yed com p l etel y i n ta ct, sh e h a d n t fa l l en off th e step or m a d e a Her fool ou t of h ersel f. Sh ed a l so m a n a g ed to sta y on top i c. C h a rl i es ri g h t, th i s g u y exp osu re w ork s! H u n ter tu rn ed b a ck to h i s l a ces. Wh ere w ere you ? Hu Sw i mm i n g . V ere p oi n ted b eh i n d h er. D o you sw i m ? mm H e b l i n k ed , a s th ou g h su rp ri sed . N ot i n l a k es. E ver. D oesn t i t w ei rd you ou t, He a l l th ose fi sh , sn a p p i n g tu rtl es, frog s a n d sl i m y p l a n ts? h e a sk ed . Its a sa n d y b ottom l a k e erod ed g ra n i te. T h ere a re d efi n i tel y fi sh , b u t n o sl i m y stu ff. An d n o tu rtl es or frog s l i ve u p h ere. Its n ot a p on d for g ood n ess sa k es. Its a l a k e. Is th ere a d i fferen ce? H e l ook ed so sk ep ti ca l , th a t sh e g i g g l ed . Y es. O h , m a n . Sh e frow n ed . We He d i d n t b u y you a sw i msu i t. Y ou ca n b orrow on e of C h a rl i es. Im su re w el l sw i m m su a fter th e h i k e, a n d you l l see for you rsel f. H e l ook ed p osi ti vel y p etri fi ed . N ot on you r l i fe. I th i n k th e h i k e w i l l b e p l en ty He n a tu re u p cl ose for on e d a y, th a n k s. Sh e l a u g h ed . C h a rl i e ca m e ou t on th e p orch w i th a b ottl e of su n screen . L a th er u p . U n l ess you w a n t to b e l ob ster- red l a ter. Wh y? D u sti n a sk ed . Im a l rea d y ta n . T h e l a st p l a ce I sta yed h a d th i s a w esom e p ri va te d eck w h ere I ta n n ed every d a y. V ere sn orted . O u r C ol ora d o su n sh i n e com es w i th a w i ck ed secret. It w i l l b u rn ri g h t th rou g h you r... sh e g l a n ced u p so sh e cou l d see h i s rea cti on to th e zi n g er sh e w a s a b ou t to l et fl y, b u t h i s l en ses, n ow b l a ck from soa k i n g u p th e su n , h a d ob scu red h i s eyes. H er i n a b i l i ty to see h i s g a ze tea si n g b a ck , d i sa p p oi n ted h er m ore th a n sh e cou l d sa y. D u sti n crossed h i s a rm s w i th a frow n . T h e su n w i l l b u rn ri g h t th rou g h m y my w h a t? O h , u m , V ere recovered . Hi g h a l ti tu d e su n b u rn s a re th e stu ff of l eg en d s. Y ou d o n ot w a n t on e, th a ts a l l , sh e fi n i sh ed l a mel y. Sh e sm ea red some su n screen m el smea som e a cross h er n ose, took a h u g e sq u i rt for h er l eg s a n d offered th e b ottl e to D u sti n . C h a rl i e n oti ced D u sti n s g l a sses a s w el l . Wh oa . Y ou r l en ses l ook l i k e i n k . T h a ts a sh ock i n g l y h i d eou s effect. I h a rd l y rem emb er w h o you w ere yesterd a y. G ood . T h a ts w h a t w ed h op ed for, ri g h t? D u sti n smea red th e crea m on to th e sm ea b a ck of h i s n eck a n d sta rted on h i s fa ce. N o on e a t sch ool w i l l ever ca tch on , C h a rl i e a d d ed , sh a k i n g h i s h ea d . Am a zi n g . Wh a t exa ctl y a m I su p p osed to d o w h i l e Im a t you r sch ool ? I m ea n , b eyon d g oi n g to cl a sses a n d a l l th a t. Wh a t sk i l l s d o you h a ve? O th er th a n sta n d i n g sti l l , sm i l i n g a n d l ook i n g a l l fa m ou s, I m ea n ? C h a rl i e a sk ed , p u l l i n g a fa ce a t h i m . mea m. T h e ob vi ou s on es, I g u ess. I ca n t d o a n yth i n g th a t w ou l d b l ow m y cover. T h ey w ou l d n t l et m e b ri n g a g u i ta r, a n d Ma rti n , m y a g en t, ma d e m e p rom i se n ot to romi si n g or b e on sta g e.

V eres h ea rt tw i sted . T h a t su ck s. D u sti n b l i n k ed . Its n ot a b i g d ea l . I d on t m ea n to b e h ere l on g en ou g h for i t to m a tter. Im a w h i z a t m em ori zi n g stu ff. Scri p ts, p oem s, a n yth i n g . ma oems, O n l y th a t? N o sp orts? C h a rl i e a sk ed . Ive n ever b een a l l ow ed to p l a y con ta ct sp orts. D on t w a n t to b ru i se u p th e con tra cted m erch a n d i se. I d o yog a a n d w ei g h t ma ch i n es. N o free w ei g h ts. T oo merch ma d a n g erou s. P i sser. Y ou re a l ost ca u se, C h a rl i e sa i d . V ere l ea n ed b a ck a g a i n st th e step s. L i g h ten u p , C h a rl i e. Al l you ca n d o i s ca tch a b row n b a l l , ru n fa st a n d k n ock p eop l e d ow n . C h a rl i e sh ook h i s h ea d . D on t g et m e sta rted on you r l a ck of sk i l l s. T o D u sti n h e a d d ed , Y ou re g oi n g to h a ve to b e a d ra m a d ork . ma T h e p eop l e i n d ra m a a re n ot d ork s! Y ou j ock s a re th e d ork s. B esi d es i f w ere ma d ri vi n g h i m a rou n d , h e mi g h t a s w el l j oi n som eth i n g . H el l h a ve to w a i t for u s mi a fter sch ool ei th er w a y. Wh a t d o you sa y? J oi n u p ? H u n ter sh ook h i s h ea d . I u su a l l y d o sch ool sol o. My tu tors ch eck my w ork a n d my test m e. Im n ot j oi n i n g a n yth i n g . So you re h ome sch ool ed ? V ere a sk ed . om e Stu d i o sch ool ed . Ki n d of l i k e h om e sch ool . H a ve you ever b een to a rea l sch ool ? C h a rl i e a sk ed . N ot si n ce fou rth g ra d e. I d on t remem b er i t m u ch . Wh en I w a s n i n e I h a d a n rem em on g oi n g cerea l com m erci a l Ha p p y Pop s ? It p a i d rea l l y w el l so my m om p u l l ed m e my ou t a n d sta rted th e tu tori n g . O MG ! O MG ! Y ou re th e H a p p y P op s Ki d ? V ere sq u ea l ed . T h a t i s so n ea t. I l oved H a p p y P op s. I sti l l g et H a p p y P op s on m y b i rth d a y! SO C O O L ! Ha D u sti n g ri m a ced a n d sh ook h i s h ea d , g l a n ci n g a t C h a rl i e. Is sh e tryi n g to tortu re m e on p u rp ose? G u a rd eRob e sol d si x mi l l i on a l b u m s l a st yea r i n th e U S mi a l on e, a n d sh e on l y recog n i zes m e tw o d a ys l a ter for h er l ove of a cerea l th a t m i g h t me mi b e toxi c. D u d e. I so feel you r p a i n . Y ou r si ster i s u n b el i eva b l e. C h a rl i e l a u g h ed l on g a n d l ou d . Y ep . Im a w a re. H ey. H a p p y P op s i s forti fi ed w i th 12 vi ta m i n s a n d m i n era l s, V ere p rotested , Ha crossi n g h er a rm s. C h a rl i e sh ru g g ed . T ol d you . H op el ess. Wh a t el se h a ve you d on e th a t w e mi g h t mi k n ow ? D u sti n si g h ed a n d l ook ed u p a s th ou g h th i s con versa ti on p a i n ed h i m . F rom th ere I w a s on a soa p . St. C l a i r T ow n ? Y ou k n ow i t? I d on t, sa i d C h a rl i e. I d o! V ere b ea med . O H MY G O D . Y ou m u st h a ve b een D octor L a m b ers m ed mu mb si ck l y, l on g l ost SO N ! Ah h h ! D Y IN G ! D u sti n scow l ed , b u t V ere cou l d tel l h e w a s b i ti n g b a ck a sm i l e. Y es. An d th a n k fu l l y, th e k i d w a sted a w a y a fter on e sea son b eca u se th a t p a rt su ck ed . T h e N ew t N etw ork Ki d s- C l u b j ob sta rted a fter th a t, so I n ever w en t b a ck to sch ool . I rem em b er th a t Ki d s- C l u b th i n g . H ow stra n g e w a s th a t? T h ey m a d e you a l l How w ea r m a tch i n g k n ee sock s for a w h i l e, C h a rl i e sa i d . N ot very. Im sti l l on i t, syn d i ca ti on a n d reru n s on va ri ou s n a ti on a l a n d

C a n a d i a n ca b l e n etw ork s. My con tra ct i s n ot u p for a n oth er th ree yea rs. It w a s w h a t I d i d . Wh a t I d o. U n ti l n ow , I m ea n . B u t w h a t a b ou t G u a rd eRob e ? H ow d i d th a t com e a b ou t? C h a rl i e a sk ed . come G u a rd eRob e w a s l a u n ch ed th rou g h N ew tN ets teen m a rk eti n g p rog ra m . Most p eop l e d on t m a k e th a t con n ecti on , b u t i ts a l l ma rri ed to th e p a ren t comp a n y. Its ma com p on e h u g e, i n tertw i n ed , i n cestu ou s m a ch i n e. Is th i s som e sort of i n tervi ew ? I feel l i k e Im a t a tri b u n a l of p u sh y rep orters. O h . Sorry, C h a rl i e m u m b l ed , n ot so sm u g a n y m ore. J u st cu ri ou s. Y ea h . Were cu ri ou s, V ere sa i d , k eep i n g h er ow n l i st of q u esti on s si l en t. Sh e cou l d n t h el p b u t b e i m p ressed , th ou g h . H e w a s rea l l y sm a rt, a n d l i k e yesterd a y, sh e h a d th e sen sa ti on th a t h e w a s w a y ol d er th a n seven teen . H ed p rob a b l y h a d to g row u p fa st. Sh e cou l d see w h y h e k ep t ca l l i n g h er cl u el ess . Accord i n g to h i m, a n d th e w orl d h e ca m e from , sh e w a sn t even b orn yet. V ere m, from, d i d n t en vy h i m , th ou g h . Sh e n ever w a n ted to g row u p . N ot to th e p oi n t w h ere you h a d to ta l k a b ou t th i n g s l i k e syn d i ca ti on a n d p a ren t com p a n i es, w h a tever th ose w ere. It i s on e h eck of a w ei rd l i fe you ve h a d com p a red to ou rs, C h a rl i e a d d ed , h i s ton e a p ol og eti c. Y a th i n k ? Wel l , i ts a l l I k n ow , so i ts n ot w ei rd to m e. H e g estu red a t th e trees a rou n d h i m . I th i n k h i k i n g a n d sw i m m i n g i n l a k es i s tw i ce a s w ei rd . Wel l , my D u sti n McH u g h i s a g rea t h i k er, a n d h es g on n a sw i m i n th a t l a k e my even tu a l l y. V ere g ri n n ed , g oi n g for a su b j ect ch a n g e. So ra m p u p . I n eed a l i st of th i n g s w e d i d to tel l my b est fri en d J en n a . my Y ea h . An d i f a n yon es g oi n g to recog n i ze you , i ts g oi n g to b e h er. T h a t ch i ck i s a G u a rd eRob e frea k a n d a frea k i n g en era l . H ey. Sh es b eyon d a w esom e, a n d fu n n y, a n d p erfect. Y ou re too d en se to n oti ce, V ere d efen d ed h er fri en d b efore tu rn i n g b a ck to D u sti n . B e w a rn ed th ou g h , J en n a i s a ch a n n el su rfi n g , m u si c- l ovi n g , soci a l - m ed i a ma n i a c. If a n yon e w i l l test you r ma d i sg u i se, i t w i l l b e h er. D u sti n sh ook h i s h ea d . I ca n t w a i t. H e sou n d ed w orri ed , b u t V ere cou l d n t He tel l for su re, b eca u se sh e cou l d n t see h i s eyes. U G H. I h a te h i s g l a sses so mu ch . I h op e D u sti n ca n k eep u p w i th u s on th i s h i k e. C om i n g from sea l evel , h e m i g h t g et d eh yd ra ted , a l ti tu d e si ck n ess ma yb e w e sh ou l d d o a n ea si er tra i l , ma C h a rl i e ca u ti on ed . V ere frow n ed . O h , I forg ot a b ou t th a t. D o you th i n k h es g oi n g to b e ok a y? V ere j u m p ed u p a n d p u t h er h a n d on D u sti n s b row . D oes you r h ea d h u rt a t a l l ? mp Is i t h a rd to b rea th e? E r, yes a n d yes, i f you m u st k n ow . D u sti n g ri n n ed b efore con ti n u i n g . B u t i t m i g h t h a ve som eth i n g to d o w i th you a n d th i s ri d i cu l ou s con versa ti on . someth C h a rl i e rol l ed h i s eyes. Sh es trea ti n g you l i k e a p et, h a ve you n oti ced ? I a m n ot! Il l b e ri g h t b a ck w i th extra w a ter, j u st i n ca se. V ere d a sh ed i n to th e h ou se.

18: promises promises Dustin

T h ey b oth w a tch ed h er g o. D u sti n fel t a col d ru sh of a i r w h en sh ed p u l l ed h er h a n d a w a y from h i s b row . As th e screen d oor sl a m med , h e h a d a n oth er fl ood of mm ed th a t stra n g e feel i n g from l a st n i g h t. It w a s a s i f h e cou l d n t fu n cti on i f V ere w a sn t ri g h t b y h i s si d e. He sh ook i t off, took u p th e b ottl e of su n screen , a n d sl a th ered some on h i s He ca l ves, h op i n g C h a rl i e w ou l d n t n oti ce h i s l a p se. C h a rl i e b rok e th e a w k w a rd si l en ce. Were p retty b ori n g comp a red to w h a t com p you re u sed to, h u h ? D u sti n sh ook h i s h ea d . N ot rea l l y. Y ou r w h ol e fa mi l ys cool . Y ou re p ossi b l y th e m ost n orma l p eop l e Ive ever met, th ou g h . N ot g oi n g to l i e, you re n ot w h a t Im most u sed to. Its a l w a ys b een me a n d my m om. My mom i s...k i n d of col d . After m y rea l m om d a d d i ed , sh e a n d I sta rted w ork i n g tog eth er. Sh e b eca m e m y m a n a g er for m a n y me ma yea rs. An d so th e l i n es b etw een h er b ei n g a mom a n d me b ei n g a son g ot crossed . He si g h ed , rememb eri n g h ow h ed cry to g o to b ed som e l on g n i g h ts, a n d h i s He some m om w ou l d cry too. B u t th en sh ed ord er h i m to sta y a w a k e a t d i n n ers a n d even ts mom l i k e l on g a w a rd ceremon i es th eyd b een i n vi ted to. He w en t on , Y ou r m om I d on t k n ow sh es su ch a rea l mom. C ook i n g mea l s a n d fol d i n g th e l a u n d ry m ea w i th ou t a n y on e h i red to h el p h er. An d you r d a d w a s rea l l y g rea t a b ou t sta yi n g l a te to ord er th a t reta i n er for me. As for V ere, sh es C h a rl i e d i d n t l et h i m fi n i sh . L i sten . B efore sh e com es b a ck , I h a ve to l evel w i th comes you a b ou t my si ster. T h e fa ct th a t sh e ca n ta l k to you l i k e sh e d oes h a s n ever my h a p p en ed to h er b efore. Y ea h . Sh e men ti on ed th a t some. I d on t g et i t, h e sa i d , g i vi n g u p on th e m en su n screen . Sh e th i n k s sh es tru l y a frea k , a s i n b rok en . B u t sh es n ot. Sh es rea l l y sh y, or sen si ti ve. Someth i n g g i ves h er th ese soci a l a n xi ety a tta ck s. G u ys, p a rti es, a n y n orm a l th i n g w h ere p eop l e a re h a n g i n g ou t, seems to set i t off. Sh e stu tters tu rn s col ors or w orse. Ive seen som e of th a t. some C h a rl i e n od d ed . Someti mes sh e ca n con trol i t, b u t oth er ti mes...sh e b ecomes a tota l tra i n w reck . An d , I w a sn t k i d d i n g a b ou t th e p et th i n g . Sh es a cti n g a s th ou g h you re some k i n d of g i ft to h er l i fe. Its w ei rd . som e Sh e i s? Wh a tever. N o b i g d ea l . Im h a p p y to b e h er p et, I su p p ose. F or a w h i l e. C h a rl i e g l ow ered a t h i m a s h e ra n h i s fi n g ers th rou g h h i s d a rk b l on d h a i r. Sh e tol d me th a t you tw o w ere g oi n g to b e fri en d s ? F or rea l ? Are you ? Wh a ts you r p oi n t? So w h a t i f w ere fri en d s? Ma yb e i ts a g ood th i n g . I d on t w a n t to sou n d l i k e a n a ss a l l over a g a i n , b u t...I n eed you to k n ow m y my si ster h a s a w a y of formi n g h u g e a tta ch men ts to p eop l e, th a ts a l l . C h a rl i e sh i fted h i s feet, l ook i n g su p remel y u n comforta b l e. I ca n t h a ve you tryi n g to m a k e a m ove on h er w h i l e you re h ere. If you tou ch h er, h u rt h er i n a n y w a y Il l move

stra i g h t u p k i l l you . D u d e! Wh a t th e h el l ? I th ou g h t w e w ere cl ea r on th a t. Im n ot g oi n g to m a k e a ma m ove on th a t g i rl . I w ou l d n t even k n ow h ow to n a vi g a te p a st th a t b u n a n d a l l h er vi rg i n a l cl u el essn ess. C om e O N . N ot my typ e. N ever. N ot. H a p p en i n g . C h a rl i e sq u a red h i s sh ou l d ers. If sh e th i n k s you re fri en d s, V ere cou l d g et a l l sa p p y. I d on t w a n t you ta k i n g a d va n ta g e of th e si tu a ti on . My si ster i s com p l etel y comp stu p i d som eti mes, a n d very i mp u l si ve a n d sw eet a n d sh e cou l d ea si l y sh i t , I m es, mp d on t k n ow w h a t Im sa yi n g . C h a rl i e l ook ed h i m d i rectl y i n th e eyes. C h a rl i es p oi n t w a s crysta l cl ea r to h i m . G i ve me a b rea k . We a ren t g oi n g to b e rea l b est fri en d s. H a ve sl eep overs, me g i g g l e a n d sh a re secrets u n ti l w e su d d en l y fi n d ou rsel ves m a k i n g ou t. If th a ts ma w h a t you th i n k , th en you re men ta l . I l i k e h er. Sh es a rea l l y n i ce g i rl . T h a ts i t. m en H e took off h i s ca p a n d w ork ed to b en d th e b ri m i n to a b etter sh a p e. I tol d you yesterd a y. V ere sh es l i k e n o oth er g i rl Ive met. B u t i n a l l th e w ron g w a ys, i f you k n ow w h a t I m ea n . Y ou ca n stop w orryi n g . E ven i f sh e th row s h ersel f a t m e, Il l fi el d th a t b a l l a n d p u t h er b a ck . Im p retty exp eri en ced a t d efl ecti n g g i rl s. P l u s, sh es m a d e i t cl ea r sh es n ot i n to G u a rd eRob e or me l i k e th a t. Hel l . N ot a t a l l . O k a y. O k a y. G ood . B esi d es, you 're ri g h t sh e's n ot i n to you . V ere i s i n l ove w i th m y- b ro C u rti s. Al w a ys h a s b een . H e's a l so m y b est fri en d . C h a rl i e seem ed to rel a x He's a fter th a t. H e sh ot h i m a sm i l e a n d sh ook h i s h ea d . I b et you h a ve som e g i rl some stori es, h u h ? Y ea h . B u t i ts n ot m y styl e to k i ss a n d tel l . An d i f you mu st k n ow , toyi n g w i th mu ea sy g i rl s w h o trea t you l i k e a p i ece of m ea t g ets ol d p retty fa st. Ri g h t. C h a rl i e sn orted . Id su re l i k e th e ch a n ce to fi n d th a t ou t for m ysel f. L u ck y b a sta rd . H e sh ot D u sti n a k n ow i n g l ook . Y ou d on t b l a m e m e for b ri n g i n g i t u p , th ou g h ? I h a d to l a y i t ou t th ere. Its m y d u ty a s a b roth er. D u sti n sh ook h i s h ea d . Id d o th e sa m e i f I h a d a si ster h a n g i n g a rou n d w i th a g u y l i k e me 24/ 7, th a ts for su re. Ma n , Id tra d e l i ves w i th you i n a h ea rtb ea t. Y ou d g et ti red of i t. D u sti n sh ru g g ed . Y ou r fa m i l y i s so sta b l e. I som eti m es w i sh I cou l d h a ve a d i fferen t l i fe, a fa m i l y th a t l ook s ou t for ea ch oth er g oes to a ca b i n a l l th e ti m e. D u sti n m oved d ow n th e step s a n d sa t on th e l a st on e. C h a rl i e took h i s p a ck a l on g w i th h i m a s h e fol l ow ed , d rop p i n g h i s voi ce. Sp ea k i n g of m e l ook i n g ou t for V ere a n d n ow th a t w ere sol i d Im h op i n g you m i g h t b e a b l e to h el p me w i th som eth i n g . F or V ere, I mea n . J esu s. I th ou g h t th e con versa ti on a b ou t you r si ster w a s over. Y ou j u st tol d me to me sta y th e h el l a w a y from h er. C h a rl i e l a u g h ed . An d n ow th a t you ve p rom i sed to d o th a t, Im en l i sti n g you r to b e on ou r fa mi l y tea m. m . D u sti n b l i n k ed , b u t d i d n t a n sw er b eca u se th ere w a s n o w a y h e w a n ted to b e on th e fa m i l y tea m . H e h a d en ou g h p rob l em s of h i s ow n . T h e si l en ce stretch ed b etw een th em . em. So you d on t w a n t to h el p ? C h a rl i e n ow l ook ed so a w k w a rd , D u sti n d i d n t h a ve th e h ea rt to sh u t h i m d ow n l i k e h e w a n ted to. P l u s, h e w a s sl i g h tl y cu ri ou s.

O f cou rse I w a n t to h el p , h e l i ed . I th i n k V ere w ou l d d i e of h a p p i n ess i f C u rti s a sk ed h er ou t. Sa d l y, sh e ca n t even exch a n g e m ore th a n a few w ord s w i th h i m . N ot w i th ou t tu rn i n g a l l red , k n ock i n g over l a m p s, a n d fl a i l i n g l i k e a p sych o i n fron t of h i m , th a t i s. Its b een th a t w a y b etw een th em for yea rs. O k a y? D u sti n sa i d , a l m ost l a u g h i n g a s h e p i ctu red V ere d oi n g a l l th a t stu ff. I most j u st d on t see w h a t you r si sters cru sh h a s to d o w i th m e. Wel l , i ts a l on g sh ot th a t C u rti s w ou l d even g o for V ere, b u t Im g oi n g to d rop a cou p l e of h i n ts h i s w a y. G i ve h i m th e th u m b s u p . V eres g oi n g to n eed m a j or a ssi sta n ce b efore sh e w i l l even h a ve a ch a n ce w i th C u rti s. Sti l l w a i ti n g for you to g et to th e p oi n t. Y ou re th e h el p er. C h a rl i e fl u sh ed , a n d g l a n ced over h i s sh ou l d er a t th e cl osed screen d oor. L ook . L i k e I m en ti on ed , so fa r, you re th e fi rst g u y sh es b een a b l e to ta l k to th a t i sn t a tea ch er, or a b l ood rel a ti ve. C a n you k eep w ork i n g w i th h er? G et h er to com e ou t of h er sh el l a l i ttl e more? I w i l l h a n d l e th i n g s from th e oth er m ore? si d e. G et h er set u p w i th C u rti s. T og eth er, w e ca n h a ve h er l ock ed a n d l oa d ed w i th a rea l b oyfri en d b y th e en d of th e m on th ! D u sti n rol l ed h i s eyes th a n k fu l for th e g l a sses. H e d i d n t k n ow w h y h e fel t h a l f p i ssed off a l l of a su d d en . I th i n k you re n u ts. V ere d oesn t n eed m y h el p or a n yon es h el p . Sh es fi n e. Ad ora b l e, fu n n y, a n d cool a s sh e i s. If you r- ma n C u rti s ca n t see th e ch a rm i n a g i rl w h o k n ock s over l a m p s, ma yb e h es a n a ss? ma C h a rl i e l evel ed h i m w i th a stea d y l ook . D u d e. C u rti s i s cool . He a n d V ere h a ve He a very l on g , tw i sted p a st. Y ou h a ve n o cl u e. Y ou l l u n d ersta n d m ore w h en you see more h ow i t i s for h er w h en sh es i n fron t of th e g u y. Its a b ru ta l scen e. Sh e ch ok es on h er sh yn ess. T h e a n xi ety m a k es h er freeze u p comp l etel y. Sh e n eed s th i s h el p . com p E veryon e p i ck s on h er a b ou t i t. H eck , even I ca n t resi st som eti m es. C h a rl i e stood a n d l ea n ed on th e sta i r ra i l , d rop p i n g h i s voi ce to a w h i sp er. Sh es a l rea d y con vi n ced you re g oi n g to h el p cu re h er; w h y n ot b ri n g i t ou t i n to th e op en n ow th a t sh es l a b el ed you h er creep y B G F ? D u sti n ch ok ed , a n d th en l a u g h ed . C h ri st. Sh es tol d you a b ou t m y n ew , d u mb mb n i ck n a m e? C h a rl i e n od d ed . Y ea h . Sh es com m i tted to you , D u sti n . An d for m y si ster, th a t mi m ea n s a l ot. D u sti n l ea n ed b a ck a g a i n st th e step s a n d si g h ed , crossi n g h i s h a n d s b eh i n d h i s h ea d . Wh y d o I g et th e vi b e you w i sh i t w ere som eon e el se w h o cou l d h el p you r si ster? Am I w ron g ? C h a rl i e d a rted h i m a ch a g ri n ed l ook . O f cou rse I w i sh you cou l d b e som eon e el se som eon e m ore n orma l . Ag a i n , d o you b l a m e m e? Y ou d rop p ed ou t of th e sk y me? a s fa r a s w ere con cern ed . An d n ow , a fter on l y tw o d a ys, V ere a cts a l l ch a tty a n d h a p p y a rou n d you . It h a s m e w orri ed a s h el l . Wh y? Y ou ve g ot m y p rom i se. Im g oi n g to trea t h er l i k e g l a ss. C h a rl i e m et h i s g a ze. If you re g on e tomorrow , I w ou l d n t g i ve a ra ts a ss. B u t tom orrow V ere w i l l ca re. I k n ow m y si ster. Id h a te for a n y of you r b u l l sh i t to ca rry over my on to h er. Sh e h a s en ou g h p rob l ems w i th ou t you r h i g h - exp osu re cra p ma k i n g h er em s ma even m ore mi sera b l e. E xi t h er scen e ca refu l l y w h en you g o. We sti l l h a ve to l i ve mi

h ere a fter you re g on e. P l ea se d on t b rea k h er on a n y l evel . Sh es k i n d of fra g i l e. T h e k i n d of p erson you cou l d h u rt, w el l forever . D o you g et m e? Y ea h . D u sti n sw a l l ow ed . H e h a ted h ea ri n g th e tru th a b ou t h i m sel f. H e rea l i zed He th en h ow m u ch h i s p resen ce h ere rea l l y d i d a n d cou l d a ffect th em a l l . T h a n k s for th e h on esty. H e si g h ed . I w i l l d o m y b est to n ot trea t th e Roth fa m i l y i n vol vemen t i n my cra p - a ss l i fe l i g h tl y, h e sa i d q u i etl y, m eeti n g C h a rl i es vem en my g a ze. An d you re ri g h t, Ive g ot a l oa d of b u l l sh i t b i g g er th a n you ca n i m a g i n e. I w on t d u m p a n y of i t h ere p erm a n en tl y. I p rom i se. He cou l d n t h el p b u t b e mp He h u m b l ed b y w h a t th eyd a l l a l rea d y d on e for h i m. m. Sh i t. H e p i ctu red V ere cri n g i n g i n fron t of a p ress m ob . T h en Au n t N a n w i th h er sl ow m ovi n g g a i t, tryi n g to g et a w a y from a crow d , a n d h e sh u d d ered . Su d d en l y, h i s d i sg u i se, w ork i n g , rea l l y m a ttered . An d n ot for h i m . B u t for th em. ma em . Il l h el p V ere. An y w a y I ca n . T el l m e w h a t you n eed a s i t com es u p . I cou l d a sk h er d i rectl y w h a t sh e th i n k s sh e n eed s? T h a t m i g h t b e ea si est. C h a rl i e g ri m a ced , th en l a u g h ed . It w i l l b e u g l y. B u t yea h d i rect i s b est. Ask h er a b ou t someth i n g ca l l ed th e i n ci d en t. Sh es g oi n g to fl i p , th ou g h . B e a fra i d . som eth H e sh ru g g ed . Ive g ot n oth i n g to l ose, a n d a ccord i n g to you sh es g ot everyth i n g to g a i n . Im h a p p y to h el p . I feel l i k e I ow e h er a b u n ch a l rea d y. H el l , I ow e you r w h ol e fa mi l y for h el p i n g m e, esp eci a l l y V ere. So...th a n k s for even d ea l i n g w i th m e mi me, a t a l l . C h a rl i e n od d ed sol em n l y. C ool . G ood . Im g l a d you u n d ersta n d . C h a rl i e l et emn ou t a l on g b rea th of a i r. L ets stop ta l k i n g a b ou t th i s. Im n ot g oi n g to h u g you , d u d e, so d on t a sk . An d d on t you d a re try to m a n - h u g m e, ei th er. Y ou re too d a m n u g l y to even tou ch i n th a t ou tfi t. Wh a tever. D u sti n ch u ck l ed . T h e g u y w a s fu n n y. C h a rl i e g ri n n ed a n d sh oved a t D u sti n s sh ou l d er. C h a rl i e l a u g h ed w h en D u sti n sh oved b a ck . Y ou k n ow on ce sch ool i s op en , ou r fri en d sh i p fa d es to n i g h ts a n d w eek en d s. An d on l y w h en zero w i tn esses a re p resen t. I w i l l h a ve to b ru ta l i ze you i n p u b l i c on T u esd a y, a n d every d a y a fter th a t to ma k e th i s b el i eva b l e, D O RK . ma N i ce. D u sti n sm i l ed . L ets h op e th i s costu m e w ork s. D u d e, n o on e i s g oi n g to k n ow th a t i ts you . I p rom i se. An d ...d on t w orry, I w on t l et a n yon e b u l l y you too m u ch . Wh y th a n k you for you r p rotecti on Mr. J ock P op u l a r, b u t I th i n k I ca n ta k e ca re of mysel f. I d o l ook forw a rd to you r fu tu re ri d i cu l e, th ou g h . m ysel D u sti n h op p ed b a ck u p th e step s a n d w a l k ed th e l en g th of th e p orch . C h eck th e n ew w a l k . T h e sl ou ch i n g w a s k i l l i n g m y b a ck , so w e ca m e u p w i th a w a y to h i g h l i g h t my h ei g h t to th e w orst effect. my H e sw a g g ered , b u t w i th h i s b od y ri g i d a n d stra i g h t, k eep i n g h i s h ea d h i g h , a l i ttl e too h i g h , a s i f h e w ere a rob ot on som e red ca rp et. I sti l l h a ve to w ork on i t. C h a rl i e b u sted ou t l a u g h i n g . O h , n o. N o, you d on t. Its p erfect. Y ou a re on e w ou n d - ti g h t w ei rd o. O n ce you g et th a t reta i n er i n , C h a rl i e sp u ttered w i th m ore l a u g h ter, you w on t even recog n i ze you rsel f!

I a l rea d y d on t. Its k i n d of fu n b ei n g som eon e el se. H e retu rn ed h i s l a u g h a n d someon took a d eep b rea th . V ere ru sh ed b a ck on to th e p orch , h a u l i n g fou r, d ri p p i n g w a ter b ottl es. T h e b ottom ed g e of h er oversi zed , sh a p el ess, g rey t- sh i rt w a s soa k ed , a s w ere h a l f of h er sh orts from th e sw i m su i t sh e sti l l w ore. msu Sorry i t took so l on g . D a d h a d to p u l l th ese ou t of th e stora g e a rea . I stop p ed to w a sh th em a n d fi l l th em to th e top w i th i ce. D u sti n , th i s i s g oi n g to b e th e b est w a ter you ve ever ta sted . J u st you w a i t. T h e b est! Its from th e w el l ou t b a ck ! H er ch eek s w ere fl u sh ed . An d sh e seem ed to ra d i a te p u re l i g h t. Ad d i n g to th e Her effect w ere sm a l l w i sp s of l i g h t- b l on d e cu rl s, ri oti n g l i k e a su n b u rst a rou n d h er sma fa ce. H i s ch est ti g h ten ed a t th e si g h t of h er. D u sti n b l i n k ed , stru ck d u m b . Som eth i n g Hi h a d ch a n g ed w i th h er, a n d i n si d e of h i m . H e fel t l i g h t h ea d ed a n d h ol l ow . L i k e h ed b een p u m p ed fu l l of h el i u m . Si m i l a r to th e th i n g h ed fel t yesterd a y. mi H e a l so fel t b etter. Wa y b etter. L i k e h ed fi n a l l y l a n d ed on tw o feet i n th i s He u p si d ed ow n , si d ew a ys a n d b a ck w a rd s u n i verse. Ma yb e i t w a s b eca u se h e w a s n ow ca l l i n g h i m sel f D u sti n i n si d e h i s ow n h ea d , a n d i t fel t p erfect. It a l so w a s cool th a t everyon e el se w a s ca l l i n g h i m D u sti n too. O r, m a yb e th e feel i n g h a d m ore to d o w i th th e smi l i n g g i rl sta n d i n g i n fron t of sm i h i m . A g i rl w h o fou n d , p ea ch es a n d b a b y d u ck s a n d n ow p l a i n w a ter to b e th e b est th i n g s i n th e w h ol e w orl d . D a mn ! Ha d sh e b een th i s b ea u ti fu l a few mi n u tes a g o? Ma yb e h e fel t th i s g rea t b eca u se V ere ob vi ou sl y b el i eved h er n ew b esti e, D u sti n , w ou l d a g ree w i th h er exci tem en t a b ou t h ow everyth i n g ord i n a ry w a s a ctu a l l y extra ord i n a ry. Wa s th a t w h y h e cou l d n t tea r h i s g a ze a w a y from h er g l ow i n g p rofi l e? H er sm i l e? O r w a s i t b eca u se h e w a s h a p p y th e fri en d s th i n g b etw een th em seem ed to b e w ork i n g ou t. J u st fri en d s...j u st fri en d s...b u t d a mn ... Im feel i n g w a y more th a n th e j u st fri en d s feel i n g . Ma yb e h e sh ou l d ca l l B a rry a t F a l con er to fi n d ou t w h a t i n th e h el l w a s g oi n g on i n h i s h ea d ri g h t n ow . B a rry w ou l d g u sh stra i g h t a w a y, O h ! Y ou re h a vi n g a feel i n g . F i n a l l y, a rea l feel i n g ! B u t w h a t feel i n g i s th i s? Hel l ...n ot someth i n g I w a n t to ta l k a b ou t w i th B a rry, th a ts for su re. H e g l a n ced a t V ere a g a i n , a n d h i s h ea rt froze, sta rti n g b a ck u p d ou b l e ti m e. He Sh ed tu rn ed h er sm i l e on h i m a n d h i s h ea rt a l m ost stop p ed b ea ti n g . Sh i t. Am I g etti n g a cru sh on th i s g i rl ? Is th a t w h a t th i s i s? H e sh ook i t off a s i m p ossi b l e. H e fi g u red fri en d sh i p w i th a g i rl m u st feel cl ose to He a cru sh . Si n ce h e'd n ever h a d a g i rl th a t w a s on l y a fri en d , h e m u st b e si m p l y mu con fu sed . T h e h ea rt b ea ti n g th i n g w a s g ra ti tu d e to V ere. H e ow ed th i s g i rl for th e fi rst ta ste of ra w h a p p i n ess h ed fel t i n yea rs. H i s He feel i n g s, g etti n g a l l sa p p y l i k e th i s, m u st b e h i s fri en d sh i p sh ooti n g b a ck a t h er. T h ey w ou l d l ose i n ten si ty on ce h e g ot u sed to h er th i s p l a ce a n d h i s n ew sel f.

C h a rl i e w a s w a tch i n g h i m cl osel y. C ou l d th e g u y tel l everyth i n g h ed j u st sa i d a b ou t V ere n ot b ei n g h i s typ e h a d p ossi b l y m orp h ed i n to a comp l ete l i e? T h a t h e h a d a b ra n d n ew typ e? T h a t a l l h e com p w a n ted to d o w a s k i ss V ere Roth s cu te u p p er l i p ri g h t n ow ? D u sti n sh ook h i s h ea d to cl ea r i t. H e m i g h t b e th e n ew l y b orn , D u sti n McH u g h , b u t th a n k fu l l y, h e sti l l h a d H u n ter Ken n ed ys p ress- m od e- m a sk w ork i n g for h i m . H e cou l d n 't forg et h e ow n ed H u n ter Ken n ed ys tw i sted a n d j a d ed h ea rt u n d er th i s d a m n p l a i d sh i rt. It d i d n t m a tter w h a t h e w a s feel i n g a b ou t V ere Roth . T h i s g i rl l i k ed someon e el se. H ed p rom i sed to b e h er fri en d . som eon Hed An d th a t w a s a l l h i s h ea rt a n d h i s m i n d h a d room to h ol d . mi P l u s, sh e w a s w a y too i n n ocen t for a g u y l i k e h i m . Sh e m oved cl oser to h i m th en . H e cou l d sm el l su n screen m i xed w i th l a ven d ersa g e comi n g off h er w a rm sk i n . H e fel t extrem e g u i l t for even th i n k i n g a b ou t h er com i a t a l l . L i k e h e n eed ed to g o stra i g h t to a ch u rch a n d b eg forg i ven ess. An d ri g h t n ow . Sh e p eered a t h i s fa ce. D u sti n , you re l ook i n g rea l l y fl u sh ed . Y ou re g oi n g to d i e from h ea t a n d w e h a ven t even sta rted h i k i n g yet. An d I m ea n D IE . E veryon e d i es, V ere, h e eva d ed , crossi n g h i s a rm s i n ca se h e su d d en l y w en t n u ts a n d tri ed to tou ch h er. Sh e m oved cl oser. C om e on . Y ou k n ow w h a t Im ta l k i n g a b ou t. T a k e off th a t l on g - sl eeved sh i rt. P l ea se, or Im g oi n g to ta k e i t off for you . Sh e d i d n ot j u st sa y th a t. Sh i t. An d d ou b l e sh i t. H e w en t on th e d efen si ve. D on t even com e n ea r m e, you cra zy p i xi e. Worry a b ou t you r ow n sh i rt, i f th a ts w h a t you ca l l th a t g i a n t, sog g y n i g h tg ow n you re p l a n n i n g to h i k e i n . H ey. T h i s i s m y d a d s ol d col l eg e sh i rt, a n d i ts a w esom e. Hey. Y ou r w ord s, n ot m i n e. mi C h a rl i e l a u g h ed , h ea d i n g off th e p orch step s. H e ta g g ed i t, V ere. Y ou ve g ot to stop w ea ri n g a l l of D a d s G ood w i l l p i l e. V eres g a ze h a d n ever l eft h i s fa ce. I k n ow you re tryi n g to ch a n g e th e su b j ect, D u sti n . H a n d over th e sh i rt. Its a m a tter of p erson a l sa fety. H on estl y. D on t b e so stu b b orn . H e p u sh ed a w a y from h er, g ra b b ed h i s p a ck a n d h ea d ed d ow n th e tra i l , fol l ow i n g C h a rl i e. T h e sh i rt sta ys on . B u ry me i n i t. Is sh e a l w a ys th i s b ossy? h e a sk ed me C h a rl i e. Y ou h a ve n o i d ea , C h a rl i e a n sw ered . D u sti n 's mi n d h a d g on e w i l d w i th i m a g es of V eres d el i ca te fi n g ers w ork i n g on mi h i s sh i rt b u tton s. B l ood su rg ed i n every a rea i t sh ou l d n t. L u ck i l y, th e h ea vy ca n va s of h i s sh orts, a n d th e fa ct th ey w ere w a l k i n g si n g l e fi l e, h i d a l l of th a t. B u t h ow a m I g oi n g to h i d e th e fa ct th a t I th i n k I've tru l y g ot a cru sh on th i s g i rl ? B eh i n d you r d a rk g l a sses, d u mb a ss. Sh el l n ever k n ow . How h a rd cou l d i t b e? Y ou l l b e g on e i n a few w eek s. L i ve w i th th e feel i n g . Its cool , a n d i t ma k es you feel a l i ve.

H e p u t a h a n d over h i s ra ci n g h ea rt. D oes i t? B eca u se I k i n d of feel l i k e I a l so mi g h t b e su d d en l y d yi n g ri g h t n ow . Wa i t u p ! V ere ca l l ed a fter h i m . Y ou r l eg s a re too l on g . If w e w a l k th i s fa st w e ca n t ta l k or sea rch for cool rock s. H e sl ow ed h i s p a ce even th ou g h h e w a n ted to ru n a s fa st a s p ossi b l e i n th e oth er d i recti on . Wh en sh e ca u g h t u p , h a l f- g a sp i n g , h ed recovered h i s con trol . P rom i se to n ot b u st on m y sh i rt? Sh e rol l ed h er eyes, a n d softl y p u n ch ed h i m i n th e sh ou l d er. P rom i se. B u t l et th e record sh ow , you re b ei n g stu p i d . H e g ri m a ced . Y ou re sti l l i n d i rectl y, b u sti n g on my sh i rt. my F i n e! Sh e fel l i n to step b esi d e h i m . Wh a t sh ou l d w e ta l k a b ou t, th en ? H u n ter sta red d ow n a t h er a n d si g h ed . Accord i n g to C h a rl i e, som eti m e tod a y, w e sh ou l d ta l k a b ou t a k i d ca l l ed C u rti s Wi sh ford ? C h a rl i e th i n k s I ca n h el p you w i th h i m . Sh e fl u sh ed so i m m ed i a tel y red , h e fel t k i n d of b a d for b ri n g i n g i t u p . Wh a t? Wh a t? ! sh e g a sp ed ou t, h er eyes g oi n g w i l d . C h a rl i e oh my G od Im g oi n g to k i l l you ! sh e h ol l ered a h ea d . C h a rl i e d i sa p p ea red a rou n d a b en d i n th e tra i l , a n d V ere tossed D u sti n a n oth er w i l d g l a n ce. Wh a t d i d h e sa y a b ou t m e a n d C u rti s? Wh a t l i es d i d C h a rl i e sp ew !! D u sti n sh ru g g ed . T on s. B u t n ot en ou g h . C on cen tra ti n g on h i s footi n g a s th e p a th w a y b eca me stea d i l y steep er, h e w a tch ed me th e d u st settl e i n to h i s h i k i n g sh oes. It m a d e th em n ot l ook so n ew . L i k e th i s w a sn t h i s fi rst ti m e ou t i n th e w ood s. Sh e sta rtl ed h i m w h en sh e cu p p ed h er h a n d s to m a k e a sm a l l m eg a p h on e. C h a rl i e...you su ck ! O HMY G O D - WHAT D ID Y O U T E L L HIM ? T h ere w a s n o a n sw er from C h a rl i e. H e w a ved a s h e h i t on e sw i tch b a ck a b ove th em . C om e on . H ow tou g h cou l d i t b e to ta l k a b ou t th i s C u rti s w i th you r n ew b esti e ? h e ca j ol ed . V ere m a d e a stra n g l ed cou g h - ch ok e sou n d , a n d h er fa ce fl a m ed even b ri g h ter. N o! N o! Its n ot th e a p p rop ri a te ti m e or p l a ce. Were h i k i n g . Sh e stop p ed me w a l k i n g th en , b l ock i n g h i s p a th . E h em . We a ren t h i k i n g n ow . D i d you n oti ce th a t? Wh y d o you h a ve to u se th a t voi ce on m e? Sh e crossed h er a rm s a n d b l i n k ed a t rms h i m a ccu si n g l y. I w a sn t u si n g a n y voi ce. Y ou re g oi n g to h a ve to g et u sed to i t, I g u ess. It com es w i th m e everyw h ere I g o. H e sm i l ed a n d took off h i s g l a sses to w i p e th e sw ea t off th e b ri d g e of h i s n ose, a n d cl ea n ed th e m oi stu re off th e l en ses w i th h i s sh i rt. H e p a u sed , ca tch i n g h er g a ze. Wh en sh e d i d n t m ove, h e l ea n ed cl oser, sca n n i n g h er fa ce for som e resp on se. Sh e some a p p ea red to b e tryi n g h a rd to b rea th e. H e rem a i n ed sti l l a n d a cted a s th ou g h h er b eh a vi or seem ed com p l etel y n orm a l . H e tota l l y g ot h ow i t su ck ed w h en you w ere

si m p l y tryi n g to b rea th e a n d p eop l e refu sed to w a i t for i t to h a p p en . Is th i s w h a t C h a rl i e h a d mea n t a b ou t V ere h a vi n g a n xi ety? C ou l d I h a ve set th i s off w i th a cou p l e of si mp l e q u esti on s? V ere? h e a sk ed softy. H er eyes w i d en ed a l l h u g e a n d rou n d , j u st l i k e th e d eer th a t h a d b een ca u g h t i n th ei r ca r h ea d l i g h ts l a st n i g h t. T h e g i rl w a s m i l es from h i m a t th i s m om en t a n d sh ow ed n o si g n s of com i n g b a ck . C h a rl i e w a sn t k i d d i n g . T h i s h a d to b e b ru ta l i f i t h a p p en ed to h er i n p u b l i c, a n d i t su re a s h el l w ou l d sca re off a n y g u ys. G u ys w h o w ere p ossi b l e j erk s, th a t i s. V ere m a d e th e sa m e stra n g l ed sou n d a n d b l i n k ed a s th ou g h i t w ere sta rti n g a l l over a g a i n . H er fa ce h i t l i cori ce- red a n d h er b u n h a d sl i p p ed fa r to on e si d e. U n l i k e a l l th e oth er ti m es, V eres h a n d s rema i n ed u n ch a ra cteri sti ca l l y m oti on l ess rem a b y h er si d es w h i l e h er exp ressi on s ra n g ed from d ou b tfu l , to tru sti n g , to com p l etel y frea k ed ou t. D a mn . B u t sh es so a d ora b l e l i k e th i s. G i rl k i l l s my h ea rt. D u sti n s th roa t w en t d ry. H e h a d th e su d d en u rg e to h u g h er...fi x th e b u n for h er. An yth i n g to h el p h er ou t of th i s. B u t h e w a sn t a l l ow ed . An d a fter yesterd a ys h a n d - h ol d i n g m om en t p l u s tod a ys secret- cru sh a d m i ssi on h e n o l on g er tru sted h i m sel f to g o n ea r h er. H e tri ed ta l k i n g a g a i n , sti l l p reten d i n g h er l a p se w a s p erfectl y n orm a l . So. We w ere on th e top i c of C u rti s ? H e sa i d th e g u ys n a m e cl ea rl y, to rem i n d h i m sel f of me th e g u y sh e rea l l y l i k ed . H e w en t on ,Y ou r cru sh . C a n w e p l ea se com e u p w i th som e w a ys I ca n h el p ? Wi th w h a t l ook ed l i k e a h u g e effort, sh e fi n a l l y m oved , a n d sta rted w a l k i n g . moved T h en ru n n i n g ! Aw a y! Hi l a ri ou s . H e th ou g h t sh e u ttered , Ma yb e- d on t- k n ow - p rob a b l y- m a yb e, a s sh e b ol ted fu rth er a h ea d . As sh e rea ch ed fu l l sp eed , h er voi ce g rew cl ea rer. T h a ts w h en sh e h ol l ered b a ck to h i m , After I k i l l m y b roth er. Ma yb e. C h a rl i e w a s n ow th ree sw i tch b a ck s a b ove D u sti n . P rob a b l y ru n n i n g for h i s l i fe. Ki d m u st h a ve k n ow n V ere w a s g oi n g to com e a fter h i m a n d th a ts w h y h e took off i n th e fi rst p l a ce! D u sti n g ri n n ed . As V ere h i t th e h i g h er sw i tch b a ck , sh e stop p ed to ca l l a h ea d , I H AT E Y O U C H ARL IE RO T H . SO B AD L Y . RE V E N G E IS C O MIN G . Y O U SU C K. C h a rl i e sh ou ted b a ck from w a y a b ove, I l ove you , l i ttl e si s. Its for th e b est! Sta rt b y tel l i n g h i m T HE IN C ID E N T . HE Sh e g a sp ed . F reezi n g a g a i n . D u sti n l ook ed u p a t h er a s sh ed stop p ed i n th e sp ot on e sw i tch b a ck d i rectl y a b ove h i m . H e ra i sed h i s b row s. T h e i n ci d en t ? Sou n d s so ep i c. An y i d ea w h a t you r m om

p a ck ed for ou r l u n ch ? H a ve I men ti on ed h ow m u ch I a p p reci a te you r m om s m en cook i n g ? SH U T U P , sh e g a sp - yel l ed . D u sti n w a sn t su re i f sh e w a s ta l k i n g to h i m or C h a rl i e. Sh e l ook ed so frea k ed ou t a n d m a d , h e w a sn t g oi n g to a sk . Sh e g l ow ered d ow n a t D u sti n , th en a n d a d d ed , P l ea se....p u t you r g l a sses b a ck on . Y ou l l g et a n eye su n b u rn ! G od ! Sh e w a s sti l l fu m i n g to h ersel f a s sh e stom p ed a w a y. H e h ea rd someth i n g a b ou t h i s eyes l ook i n g l i k e l i q u i d - b l u e G a tora d e a g a i n . som eth D u sti n rep l a ced th e g l a sses a n d p u l l ed h i s ca p l ow , w a tch i n g a s V eres sk i n n y a rm s fl a i l ed i n to fi sts a s sh e sta rted ru n n i n g a l l over a g a i n w h en sh e m a d e th e n ext sw i tch b a ck tu rn . C h a rl i e w a s l on g g on e. V ere w ou l d n ever ca tch h i m . D u sti n h i t th e secon d sw i tch b a ck , tryi n g to ca tch h i s b rea th . An i m p ossi b l e fea t, mp b eca u se th e fi rst sw i tch b a ck h a d b een steep a s h el l . B esi d es, h e w a s l a u g h i n g too h a rd to m ove a n y fa rth er.

19: the incident revisited VERE

Hi k e a b a n d on ed h a l f w a y, th eyd stop p ed to ea t l u n ch on a sl op i n g rock . V ere, Hi ta k i n g p i ty on th e overh ea ted D u sti n ( a n d b eca u se sh ed stu p i d l y RU N u p th e tra i l ) sh ed sw orn sh e w a s too ti red , a n d too h u n g ry to g o a n y fa rth er. B eca u se i t w a s tru e. N ei th er of th e b oys fou g h t h er on i t. C ome on , V ere. Sa y you a ren t ma d a n ymore, C h a rl i e p l ea d ed , ea ti n g h a l f of ym ore, h i s tu rk ey sa n d w i ch i n th ree h u g e b i tes. Im n ot ma d . Im comp l etel y h u mi l i a ted . V ere g l a n ced a t D u sti n , w h o w a s a l so ma ea ti n g h i s sa n d w i ch w i th ou t ch ew i n g , b u t th a n k fu l l y, m i n u s th e ta l k i n g - w i th - h i smi m ou th - fu l l p a rt. mou Y ea h , come on . D on t b e emb a rra ssed . T a k e a d va n ta g e of th e si tu a ti on . I com e u n d ersta n d you r comp l ete d i sd a i n for me a n d m y ca reer ma k es i t ea si er for you to my ma ta l k to me. So ta l k . T h a ts n ot tru e. I tota l l y resp ect mu si ci a n s. I si m p l y h a te G u a rd eRob e a n d E a sy D u sti n w ri n k l ed h i s n ose. Y ou ve n ever l i sten ed to on e son g . How ca n H ow you h a te su ch a w esome mu si c? B ra g g er. V ere smi l ed , fi n a l l y rel a xi n g u n d er h i s k i n d , w a rm g a ze. C h a rl i e sp ok e to D u sti n . D u d e. Its n ot a b ou t th e mu si c. Sh e h a tes G u a rd eRob e mu si mp l y b eca u se I l i k e G u a rd eRob e . Its a si b l i n g th i n g . Wh en on e of u s a n n ou n ces w e l i k e som eth i n g , th e oth er mu st th en vow to h a te i t forever. someth Is th i s tru e? D u sti n frow n ed . Y ou g u ys d o th a t? Is th a t n orma l i n fa m i l i es? orm a Y ea h . U n i versa l b eh a vi or. V ere n od d ed . Ive refu sed to l i sten to G u a rd eRob e for tw o yea rs. So b l a me C h a rl i e for m y d i sd a i n . Hi s fa u l t for d i scoveri n g th e b a n d my Hi fi rst. V ere sh ook h er h ea d , somew h a t a sh a m ed a t D u sti n s cru sh ed l ook . D a mn , th a ts so messed u p . If I h el p you w i n th i s C u rti s Wi sh ford , th en m y p a ym en t i s th a t you h a ve to a t l ea st l i sten to on e or tw o tra ck s. If you ca n t sta n d th e mu si c, th en rea d th e l yri cs. D ea l ? V ere h i d a smi l e. T h a t req u est crosses a l i n e th a t w a s ma d e yea rs a g o w h en sm i C h a rl i e ch op p ed th e h a i r off my d ol l s a n d d ressed th em i n h i s G I J oes ou tfi ts. I d on t th i n k I ca n a g ree, sh e l i ed , vow i n g to l i sten to every son g G u a rd eRob e ever w rote w h en sh e g ot h ome. Y ou d i d th a t? Hi l a ri ou s. He took a n a p p l e ou t of h i s l u n ch b a g a n d h el d i t u p . Hi How d i d you r mom k n ow my fa vori te? T h e G ra n n y Smi th ru l es. He took a h u g e b i te. Ive a l w a ys w a n ted to cu t off d ol l h a i r. T oo b a d I n ever h a d a si ster. H e g ri n n ed a p p rovi n g l y a t C h a rl i e. V ere g l a red . T ra i tor! Me, l i sten i n g to G u a rd eRob e, w i l l n ot h a p p en u n l ess you a n d C h a rl i e memori ze my fa vori te Ka ty P erry son g s. An d w ord for w ord a fter th a t m em ori sta temen t. Al rea d y d on e. D u sti n smi l ed . Im a h u g e fa n . C h a rl i e n od d ed . Im i n th e Ka tyKa t fa n cl u b , u n l i k e you . Poser . C h a rl i e w en t

on , B a ck to th e top i c a t h a n d . T h e In ci d en t. Sp i l l i t, or I w i l l . D on t you w a n t to b e cu red ? T h i s g u ys offeri n g to h el p so stop b l ow i n g sm ok escreen s. V ere l ook ed a w a y from b oth of th em a s th e ti p s of h er ea rs ca u g h t on fi re. If I tel l th i s story, you , C h a rl i e Roth ca n n ever, ever tea se m e a b ou t i t a g a i n . Sh e me tu rn ed on D u sti n . An d you , D u sti n McHu g h , ca n n ever sta rt tea si n g m e a b ou t i t. me O k a y? C h a rl i e n od d ed sol emn l y. I sw ea r, from th i s d a y forw a rd . N o m ore tea si n g a b ou t C u rti s or th e i n ci d en t. Al l oth er top i cs a re sti l l w i d e op en th ou g h , ri g h t? If so, th en I p rom i se. romi D u sti n b i t h i s b ottom l i p a s th ou g h h e w a n ted to l a u g h a n d a n sw ered , I p rom i se too. V ere took a l on g sh a k y b rea th . F i n e. Ive w a n ted to b e w i th C u rti s Wi sh ford si n ce I w a s ol d en ou g h to k n ow w h a t g i rl fri en d mea n t. B efore th a t, I si m p l y m ea w a n ted to m a rry h i m i n th e Pri n ce a n d Pri n cess styl e. ma C h a rl i e rol l ed h i s eyes. I h a ted l i vi n g i n th e room a cross th e h a l l th ose yea rs. Sh e sa n g th e stu p i d est son g s. Wh a tever. Y ou r sp i t- sh ooti n g g u n b a ttl es w ere w orse. D u sti n l a u g h ed . B a ck to C u rti s, p l ea se. V ere w en t on , B efore th a t, I w a n ted to p l a y h ou se w i th C u rti s a n d h a n d h i m p l a sti c cook i es. Someth i n g I d i d often , b eca u se w e a l w a ys p l a yed h ou se tog eth er, Som eth l on g b efore th i n g s g ot rea l l y a w k w a rd . An d p l a yi n g h ou se i sn t a w k w a rd ? C h a rl i e sn orted . V ere tossed h i m a g l a re. Y ou p rom i sed ! C h a rl i e h el d u p h i s h a n d s a n d g a sp ed ou t, I k n ow . I k n ow . Its j u st n ot ea sy. H e b en t over a n d tu rn ed a w a y, sh ou l d ers sh a k i n g , u n ti l a fu l l b el l y l a u g h esca p ed him. D u sti n sta rted l a u g h i n g too. V ere stood a n d th rew h er a p p l e a t C h a rl i e. Sh e m i ssed h er m a rk a n d i t b ou n ced ma off D u sti n s h ea d i n stea d . B oth g u ys j u m p ed u p to g et ou t of h er w a y, l a u g h i n g mp u n con trol l a b l y. P - p - p p l a sti c cook i es. Sh es n ot k i d d i n g , C h a rl i e ch ok ed ou t, h ol d i n g h i s stom a ch . We p l a yed h ou se a l l th e ti m e. H a a . Stop . N o more d eta i l s. D u sti n sti l l l a u g h i n g , p u l l ed off h i s g l a sses a n d ru b b ed h i s eyes. Y O U b oth SU C K! Wh y d i d I even try? An d , D u sti n , i f th i s i s you , tea ch i n g m e sel f- con trol a fter Y E ARS of a cti n g cl a sses, n ow w e a l l k n ow w h y you h a ve n ot yet recei ved a n a cti n g a w a rd ! Y ou ve g ot w ork to d o. As th ou g h th a t i n su l t d i d n t even tou ch D u sti n , h e l a u g h ed l ou d er. H es g ot tw o Meg a - Mu si c Aw a rd s. Isn t th a t en ou g h ? sa i d C h a rl i e. Y ou d o? V ere, b l i n k ed a t D u sti n , w h i l e sh e con tem p l a ted th row i n g rock s a t C h a rl i e. I d on t h a ve a n y a w a rd s. Im j u st D u sti n . C h a rl i e, stop b ri n g i n g a l l th a t sh i t u p . He m et V eres g a ze a n d l a u g h ed a g a i n . U g h . Stop l a u g h i n g a t m e, V ere cri ed . N o. N o! D u sti n l a u g h ed l ou d er. I sw ea r, Im n ot l a u g h i n g a t you . I l a u g h ed a t

C h a rl i e, b eca u se h e w a s so fu n n y tryi n g n ot to l a u g h . I sw ea r. T h e k i d s fa ce cra ck s m e u p . me An d I on l y sta rted l a u g h i n g b eca u se I rem em b ered th e ti m e C u rti s a ctu a l l y a te me on e of th ose p l a sti c cook i es. T h en I rem em b ered , th a t cook i e w a s th e fi rst ti m e you d sen t C u rti s to th e em erg en cy room . C h a rl i e m a d e h i s eyes a l l b i g a n d room. rou n d . T h e i n ci d en t w a s th e secon d ti m e! Id forg otten a b ou t th a t. V ere sh ook h er h ea d . V ere, you re l i k e h i s fa ta l a ttra cti on ! C h a rl i e d ou b l ed over, h ow l i n g a g a i n . E ven V ere h a d to cra ck u p a t th a t. Im g l a d you ve b een k eep i n g tra ck . P l ea se d on t p a ss th i s i n form a ti on on to a n yon e ou tsi d e th e th ree of u s, you a ss . N o n eed for p eop l e a t sch ool to k n ow . V ere m et D u sti n s smi l i n g eyes, a n d rea l i zed th e p l a i n , fl eck l ess, b u rn i n g b l u e sm i col or h a rd l y sh ock ed h er a t a l l a n y m ore. C u rti s u sed to ea t everyth i n g . H e a te rock s ou t of ou r fron t ya rd on ce, sh e exp l a i n ed . Som e tree b a rk too, a n d every q u a rter h e cou l d fi n d . Sh e g i g g l ed . T h e k i d w a s a l w a ys h ea d i n g to th e h osp i ta l for stu ff l i k e th a t. Are you su re you w a n t to g et w i th th i s g u y? H e sou n d s...ch a l l en g ed . D u sti n g ri m a ced . V ere g i g g l ed a g a i n . H es a m a zi n g . D u sti n a rch ed a b row . O f cou rse h e i s. An d n i ce. An d b eyon d g ood l ook i n g . An d yes , Im su re I w a n t to b e w i th h i m . Ive b een i n l ove w i th h i m forever. D u sti n si g h ed . O k a y, g ood , a s l on g a s you h a ve you r g oa l stra i g h t. I d o. T h en tel l m e a b ou t th i s i n ci d en t th i n g . Wh a t cou l d p ossi b l y b e h ol d i n g th e tw o of you , u l tra - n i ce, creep y, l ove- b i rd s a p a rt? T h ey a l l sa t b a ck d ow n . V ere l ea n ed h er b a ck a g a i n st th e rock . Sh e g l a n ced a t C h a rl i e, h op i n g for h el p . C h a rl i e si g h ed a n d sta rted for h er, It w a s a t a n ei g h b orh ood su m m er b a rb ecu e. Seven th g ra d e. E veryon e w e k n ew w a s th ere. T h e w h ol e mi d d l e sch ool , mi p ra cti ca l l y. An d everyon es p a ren ts. L ets n ot forg et th em . V ere sh u d d ered . If you re g oi n g to h a ve a m a j or i n ci d en t, you sh ou l d n ever h a ve i t i n fron t of p a ren ts. B eca u se th ey overrea ct, ri g h t? E sp eci a l l y i f th eres a ton of b l ood . D u sti n n od d ed a s th ou g h h e com p l etel y u n d erstood , w h i ch g a ve h er th e cou ra g e to g o on , Wel l , I h a d th i s b est fri en d b a ck th en . Kri sten H od j w i ck . O n l y sh e Hod w a sn t rea l l y m y fri en d ...d oes th a t ma k e sen se? Sh e w a s l i k e a fren em ey. N i ce on ma th e ou tsi d e, evi l th e rest of th e ti m e? C h a rl i e p u l l ed a frow n . D u d e. Sh es sti l l b ru ta l . L i k e a si n i ster, m a n i p u l a ti n g , b ra i n w a sh er. T h i s ch i ck s w ork ed h er sp el l on h a l f of th e footb a l l tea m . Y ou l l m. m eet h er. B e a fra i d . V ery a fra i d . V ere w en t on , Kri sten a n d I, w i th a b u n ch of oth er g i rl s, h a d d on e th i s sl eep over th e n i g h t b efore. We w ere a l l su p p osed to sh a re ou r d eep est, d a rk est secrets. An d , stu p i d l y, I w en t fi rst. I tol d everyth i n g . Ab ou t h ow m u ch a n d h ow d esp era tel y i n l ove I w a s w i th C u rti s. I even tol d th em a b ou t th e w a y I d i d

h om ew ork every n i g h t b y w ri ti n g h i s n a m e i n m y j ou rn a l s, a n d l i k e h ow I tota l l y my cou l d n t w a i t for h i m to com e over a n d see C h a rl i e. E veryth i n g . D a m n . C h a rl i e g ri n n ed . I a l w a ys w on d ered w h a t you w ere scri b b l i n g . G i rl s a re su ch d i stu rb i n g p eop l e. C h a rl i e w ri n k l ed h i s n ose. G o on , i ts n o b i g d ea l . Im sti l l n ot seei n g h ow th i s w a s a n yth i n g m a j or, D u sti n sa i d . O h j u st w a i t, you h a ven t ma d e i t to th e g a m e of T ru th or D a re. C h a rl i e m oved ma to si t on th e rock n ext to V ere. Y ea h . V ere p u l l ed h er k n ees u p to h er ch est. T h a ts w h ere i t a l l w en t w ron g . Wed a l l h u d d l ed u p on th e si d e of th e h ou se to p l a y. Kri sten ca l l ed on m e. I w a s stu p i d en ou g h to p i ck d a re b eca u se I th ou g h t sh ed m a k e m e a d m i t th a t I l i k ed C u rti s i n fron t of th e w h ol e sch ool i f I ch ose tru th . Ma k es sen se. So w h a t w a s th e d a re, D u sti n a sk ed . Kri sten h i t m e w i th on e w orse. Sh e d a red m e to KISS C u rti s Wi sh ford . In fron t me of everyon e. Sou n d s l i k e th e p erfect ch a n ce to sta rt som eth i n g i n th e ri g h t d i recti on ? Y ea h , i f you re n ot V ere, a n d i ts n ot seven th g ra d e, C h a rl i e ch u ck l ed . D u sti n sh ot V ere a ca l mi n g l ook . T el l m e th e rest. Wh a t d i d you d o? mi Sh e sw a l l ow ed , rem em b eri n g . F i rst, I w a s exci ted , ri g h t? So h a p p y. Id w a i ted for th i s m omen t m y w h ol e l i fe. P ra cti ced on m y p i l l ow th ou sa n d s of ti m es. mom en C h a rl i e g ri m a ced , ob vi ou sl y b i ti n g b a ck a n oth er l a u g h . P l ea se. H ol d off on m ore frea k d eta i l s. I sw ea r to G od , Ive l ost th e u rg e to even sn ea k a p ea k a t you r j ou rn a l s i f th i s i s th e d ra ma th a ts i n th em . ma V ere sh ot h er b roth er a g l a re, b efore sn ea k i n g a p eek a t D u sti n th rou g h h er l a sh es. If D u sti n w a s a b ou t to l a u g h or b e d i sg u sted , h e d i d n t sh ow i t, so sh e k ep t ta l k i n g , An d C u rti s, w el l h e d i d n t seem a g a i n st th e k i ss i d ea . H e w a s sm i l i n g a n d a cti n g a l l g ood a b ou t i t. So...l i k e...yea h ... V ere fel t h er fa ce fi n a l l y g row h ot. Sh e sta red a w a y from D u sti n s eyes a n d focu sed on th e b l a ck sp eck s i n th e rock u n d er h er h a n d s b efore con ti n u i n g , E veryon e m a d e a ci rcl e a rou n d u s, m ostl y so th e p a ren ts cou l d n t see. An d a s I moved i n , I k ep t sta ri n g a t h i s l i p s a n d th i n k i n g m oved a b ou t fi n a l l y k i ssi n g my C u rti s . T h en i t sh i fted to tota l a n xi ety. I g ot p i ssed th a t Kri sten ou ted m e w i th th i s secret, p ri va te th i n g . An d so I stop p ed m ovi n g . Sh e l ook ed u p . B eca u se everyon e w a s sta ri n g a t m e i t w a s l i k e I cou l d n t move. m ove. D u sti n sh ook h i s h ea d . Wow . Aw k w a rd . Y ea h . Sh e w a s seri ou sl y frozen i n m i d - p u ck er w i th h er eyes b u g g i n g ou t, C h a rl i e a d d ed . V ere ru sh ed on , Wh en I stop p ed m ovi n g C u rti s d eci d ed to g o for i t. H e ca m e a t m e fa st, w h i ch m a d e me tota l l y fl i p ou t a n d l ose m y b a l a n ce. My h a n d s w en t a l l me cra zy a n d I cl ock ed h i m so h a rd i n th e h ea d th a t h e a ctu a l l y fel l d ow n . C h i n , a ctu a l l y. Sh e h i t h i s ch i n . Wi th a cl osed , fa st m ovi n g fi st, C h a rl i e sa i d . A p erfect u p p er cu t. Woa h - n o- you - d i d n t! D u sti n s eyeb row s sh ot u p . V ere n od d ed . Sh e cou l d h a rd l y sw a l l ow , l et a l on e fi n i sh th e story. C h a rl i e k ep t g oi n g for h er. V ere l ook ed l i k e som e sort of el b ow - k n ees- a n d - fi sts

torn a d o. C u rti s w a s j u st i n th e p erfect p osi ti on to g o d ow n h a rd . H ed b een sl i g h tl y b en t over, b eca u se V eres so p u n y. H ed a l so p u ck ered u p b i g - ti m e. Hed Scru n ch ed h i s eyes cl osed ri g h t b efore V ere w en t, SL AM, B AM, KA- PO W! C h a rl i e d i d h i s b est ren d i ti on of V ere on th a t d a y, a n d V ere cou l d n t even fa u l t h i m for on e m ove. Sh e cou l d fi n a l l y sp ea k a g a i n . An d l ets n ot forg et. T h i s h a p p en ed . In . F ron t. O f. E veryon e. D u sti n l et ou t a l on g , l ow w h i stl e. So h ow d i d you d ra w th e b l ood ? C u rti s b a sh ed h i s w h ol e fa ce i n to som e h u g e g a rd en rock w h en h e fel l . Sh e sh ru g g ed . N o sh i t? D u sti n l ook ed a t C h a rl i e for con fi rm a ti on . H e n od d ed . Kn ock ed ou t col d . B l ood sp u rted everyw h ere. F rom w h ere h i s fa ce He h i t th e rock . V ere si g h ed . Kri sten w a s th e fi rst, a n d th e l ou d est screa m er. E veryon e a n d everyon es p a ren ts ca me ru n n i n g , of cou rse. me C h a rl i e p i p ed i n a g a i n , T h e w h ol e ti m e Kri sten w a s h ow l i n g : V E RE D ID IT . V E RE KIL L E D HIM. Poor C u rti s tri ed to k i ss h er a n d sh e w en t cra zy a n d a tta ck ed a l l of u s. V ere b ea t C u rti s u p l i k e a ma n i a c! N o w a y! Wa y. C h a rl i e m a d e a fa ce. So, V ere a n d Kri sten w eren t fri en d s a fter th a t? D u sti n a sk ed . V ere ca u g h t C h a rl i e h i d i n g a p i tyi n g l ook a s h e n od d ed . T h a t g i rl d i d n t n eed fri en d s. Som eh ow , sh e b ra i n w a sh ed a n d th en d a ted C u rti s u n ti l th e en d of fresh m a n yea r. Al m ost k i l l ed ou r b ro- fri en d sh i p forever. D u sti n l et ou t a l on g w h i stl e. E ee- vi l . B eyon d evi l . V ere l ook ed u p a n d g a ve D u sti n a resi g n ed sh ru g . T u rn s ou t, Kri sten h a d l i k ed C u rti s a l l a l on g . Sh ed b een rea l l y j ea l ou s a fter th e sl eep over. Ki n d of p l a n n ed th e w h ol e th i n g to g et ri d of m e. Sh e si g h ed a g a i n . Al l s fa i r i n l ove a n d w a r, I g u ess. Worse, C u rti s h a d d ou b l e b l a ck eyes for m on th s. E veryon e tea sed h i m even m ore th a n th ey tea sed V ere, C h a rl i e a d d ed . I k n ow th a t m a d e h i m h a te m e. My b l u sh i n g a n d stu tteri n g a ct sta rted sh ortl y a fter. Its n ever stop p ed . O b vi ou sl y. D o you th i n k th eres h op e for m e? sh e a sk ed . D u sti n n od d ed . Y esterd a y, w e a l l th ou g h t you cou l d n t u n ma k e m e. H e p u t h i s g l a sses b a ck on . An d l ook h ow Ive ch a n g ed . If w e ca n sn ea k m e i n to you r h i g h sch ool , th en tu rn i n g th i n g s a rou n d b etw een you a n d C u rti s sh ou l d b e ca k e. L et m e g el w i th th i s. G et th rou g h m y fi rst w eek of sch ool a n d w el l com e u p w i th a p l a n . Id l i k e to ob serve you tw o i n a cti on b efore I sol i d i fy a n yth i n g th ou g h ? O k a y? Y ea h . O k a y. Sh e rea ch ed i n to h er p a ck a n d p a ssed ou t th e w a ter b ottl es. D u sti n a n d C h a rl i e took on e ea ch a n d i n secon d s d ra n k h a l f of ea ch b ottl e. D a m n , th a ts g ood w a ter. L i k e you sa i d V ere, C h a rl i e sm i l ed , h ea d i n g d ow n th e tra i l . L ets g et h om e. D u sti n w a s b l i n k i n g a t h i s h a l f em p ty w a ter b ottl e a n d fi n a l l y m et V eres g a ze. H e l ook ed k i n d of stu n n ed .Its tru e. B est w a ter i n th e w h ol e w orl d . D a m n ! V ere g ri n n ed a t h i m , com p l etel y h a p p y th a t sh ed m a n a g ed to h ol d w h a t sh e

w a s certa i n h a d to b e th e l on g est con versa ti on sh ed ever h a d w i th a g u y b esi d es C h a rl i e! D u sti n sh ook h i s h ea d . Wh y a re you sta n d i n g th ere g ri n n i n g a t m e l i k e th a t? I d on t k n ow . I g u ess i ts b eca u se Im so h a p p y you ca m e to ou r h ou se to ou r l i ves. H e si g h ed a n d seem ed to ten se u p . Wh a t? D i d I sa y someth i n g w ron g ? N ow you k n ow m y w h ol e l i fe story, a n d you som eth my d i d n t even j u d g e m e so w e m u st b e a t offi ci a l tru st l evel s n ow . I ca n t b e h a p p y a b ou t h a vi n g a n ew fri en d ? Sh e frow n ed . H e l ook ed a t th e sk y. Hel l . I d on t k n ow . I d on t w a n t to ra i n on you r p a ra d e, b u t cou l d you p l ea se try to rem em b er th a t Im n ot exa ctl y th ri l l ed to b e h ere? T h i s i s n ot j u st a b ou t you . O h . Ri g h t. Sh e sw a l l ow ed . O f cou rse. H e soften ed h i s ton e. I k n ow I sa i d Id h el p you ou t, b u t I h a te b ei n g u sed . Ma yb e i ts m e b ei n g p a ra n oi d b u t I feel l i k e som eh ow , som ew h ere, you m ea n to someh d o th a t to m e b efore th i s i s a l l over. Y ou re a cti n g l i k e w ere a l l si g n ed u p for some sort of h a p p y ca m p . I d i d n t w a n t a n y of th i s. I w a s forced to com e h ere. som e mp V eres h ea rt tw i sted . Sh e sh ook h er h ea d , a l m ost ru n n i n g i n to h i m a s h e cu t i n fron t of h er to sta rt d ow n th e tra i l b eh i n d C h a rl i e. D u sti n , w a i t. Im sorry. Y ou re ri g h t. I w a s u si n g you . I g u ess I sti l l a m . H er voi ce w a vered a s h er th roa t g ot a l l ti g h t. I su ck . m. Sh i t! T h a ts n ot w h a t I m ea n t, a n d you d on t su ck . mea H e stop p ed a n d tu rn ed a rou n d , h i s h u g e fra m e b l ock i n g th e w h ol e p a th . P l ea se d on t m a k e th a t fa ce l i k e you re a b ou t to cry. Sh e p u l l ed i n a b rea th . Wh a t fa ce? J eez. I w a n t to u n d ersta n d you , th a t's a l l . Wel l I w a s tryi n g to b e h on est. T o tel l you h ow I feel . O n l y, i t ca m e ou t b a d . Im terri b l e a t ta l k i n g a b ou t feel i n g s. My th era p i st sa i d I sh ou l d try to d o i t m ore. O b vi ou sl y I fa i l ed . Sh e sta red a t h i s feet, tryi n g to focu s on w h a t h ed j u st sa i d . Y ou h a ve a th era p i st? H e tu ck ed a fi n g er u n d er h er ch i n a n d b rou g h t h er fa ce u p . Sh e cou l d see h er h orri fi ed exp ressi on refl ected b a ck i n h i s d a rk g l a sses. E veryon e i n L os An g el es h a s a th era p i st. P l ea se. Im n ot stu p i d . T h ey d o n ot. H e sh ru g g ed a n d sh u ttered h i s exp ressi on . V ere l et m e sta rt over. I k n ow you a ren t u si n g m e. Y ou a ren t th e typ e to b e l i k e th a t. An d n ow , I've vol u n teered to h el p so I ca n on l y b l a m e m ysel f i f th i n g s g et stra n g e. Y ou vol u n teered b eca u se w e ma d e you . An d I h a ve b een u si n g you ! Al l a l on g w h i l e I p ra cti ced ta l k i n g to you w i th ou t b l u sh i n g . I d i d d o th a t w i th ou t you r k n ow l ed g e. Wel l I u sed you to h el p m e com e u p w i th a d i sg u i se. I w a n ted to h el p you . Sh e frow n ed . Y ea h , b u t I d i d n t w a n t you . N ot a t a l l . N ot a t fi rst. An d i ts n ot l i k e you re g etti n g p a i d for a l l th ese h ou rs of b a b y- si tti n g m e. H e p u l l ed h i s h a n d a w a y from h er fa ce a n d h i s eyes d a rk en ed . Wa i t. Sh i t? Are you g etti n g p a i d ?

Sh e b l i n k ed . N o. Wh a t i s w ron g w i th you ? V ere. D on t you g et i t? E veryth i n g s w ron g . Ive l eft m y h om e, m y b a n d , m y my ca reer a n d th eres th e m a tter of m y sta n d i n to w orry a b ou t. P l u s, I ca n t g et th rou g h to m y a g en t. T h e g u y i s su p p osed to tel l m e w h en a l l th i s m a d n ess w i l l b e over. Sh e fl i n ch ed . Im sorry. I g ot too fi red u p . I d i d n t th i n k . Y ou d i d n t k n ow . H e fi n i sh ed h i s w a ter a n d p u t on h i s p a ck . Wh a t a b ou t you r mom ? Won t sh e tel l you w h en you g et to g o h om e? m om T h ey sta rted w a l k i n g tog eth er sl ow l y. Mom a n d I a re n ot on sp ea k i n g or texti n g term s. N ot even cl ose. O h . N ow th a t you l a y i t a l l ou t th ere, I g u ess i t cou l d seem I w a s d a n ci n g on you r g ra ve th ere a l i ttl e, h u h ? sh e sa i d , tryi n g u n su ccessfu l l y to ma sk th e p i ty i n ma h er voi ce. I d on t k n ow h ow to a ct a rou n d you yet. V ere, th eres n ot m u ch to k n ow b eyon d Im th e cl osest th i n g to th e d a rk si d e you l l ever m eet. Wh i ch i s w h y I d on t k n ow h ow to a ct a rou n d you ei th er. P l ea se. Im n ot b u yi n g i t. If you re rep resen ta ti ve of th e d a rk si d e, th en i ts p rob a b l y a n a w esom e p l a ce! H e l a u g h ed . T h i s i s w h a t I m ea n . O n l y you w ou l d fi n d som eth i n g g ood to sa y a b ou t th e w orl d m el ti n g i n to m a g m a . Y ou re l i k e a ra n d om ra y of l i g h t. B ri g h ten i n g u p everyth i n g i n every d i recti on . I ca n h a rd l y k eep tra ck of you a m on g th e oth er cra p Im d ea l i n g w i th i n m y h ea d . I g u ess you , th a t b ri g h tn ess, j u st frea k ed m e ou t. Sh e n od d ed . I g et you . Im overw h el m i n g . C h a rl i e vow s d a i l y th a t I exh a u st h i m . My p a ren ts sa y i t too. Il l try to ch i l l u n ti l you re u sed to m e. D on t. I l i k e h ow you a re. B u t i f I g et sh ort tem p ered or a ct w ei rd i ts a b ou t m e n ot you . Kn ow Im d ea l i n g w i th m y ow n p erson a l g a rb a g e a n d d on t g et you r feel i n g s h u rt. O k a y? O k a y. An d th a n k s for tel l i n g m e a l l th i s. B ei n g com p l etel y h on est. B efore h e step p ed a h ea d w h ere th e p a th w a y n a rrow ed to si n g l e fi l e, sh e g ra b b ed h i s a rm .Wa i t. Sh e w a s su d d en l y fu l l y a w a re th a t h er tou ch h a d ca u sed h i s m u scl es mu to ten se. He h a s a l ot of mu scl es. An d a very l a rg e forea rm. F rom g u i ta r p l a yi n g p rob a b l y... Sa d l y, th a t th ou g h t fi red h er ch eek s to red . U h , so...yea h . If you w a n t to b a ck ou t. If i t a l l g ets too a w k w a rd , Im su re I ca n g et C u rti s to n oti ce me on m y ow n . I me d on t rea l l y n eed you r h el p , sh e l i ed , h ol d i n g h er b rea th . Wh en h e d i d n t a n sw er, j u st sta red a t h er h a n d , sh e l et g o a n d ru sh ed on , O k a y. F i n e. I d o n eed you . Its n ot g oi n g to b e stra n g e. Il l try to ton e i t d ow n . I p rom i se. B u t...ma yb e w e ca n d o som e m ore p ra cti ce ta l k i n g sessi on s b efore w e t...m a h ea d d ow n th e h i l l Mon d a y? L i k e ta l k i n g a b ou t rea l , l i ve b oy g i rl top i cs? We've g ot tw o, w h ol e d a ys l eft to cu re m e b efore sch ool re- op en s on T u esd a y for me rea l . I w a n t th i s yea r, me , to fi n a l l y b e d i fferen t. H e ra i sed h i s b row s h i g h . Y ou p rom i se to ta k e m e to tow n tom orrow so I ca n try to fi n d a n etw ork for m y p h on e? Y ea h . O f cou rse, b u t d on 't g et you r h op es u p . Sh e sta b i l i zed h er b u n b efore i t

top p l ed to th e si d e. P l ea se sa y yes to th e oth er stu ff. H e sm i l ed softl y a s th ou g h sh ed som eh ow a m u sed h i m a l l over a g a i n . Y ou d on t n eed m e, V ere. B u t h ow cou l d I d en y you w h en you a sk m e l i k e th i s? Im n ot b a ck i n g ou t. F or a s l on g a s Im h ere, D u sti n McHu g h i s you r g o- top ra cti ce- g u y. O r, w h a tever you n eed m e to b e u n ti l you w a k e u p a n d d u m p m e. Sh e l et ou t a l on g b rea th a n d g ri n n ed . As i f. C a n you i m a g i n e m e d oi n g th a t? Y es. H e sm i l ed . I ca n . Sh e l a u g h ed a n d rol l ed h er eyes. C h a rl i es voi ce ca m e from fa r b el ow . L osers. Wh a t ARE you d oi n g ? C om e on . I w a n t to g o sw i m m i n g . V ere sh ot D u sti n a h op efu l l ook . N ot on you r l i fe. I w i l l n ot sw i m i n th a t l a k e!

20: the first test Dustin

T h i s i s th e T O WN ? D u sti n g roa n ed . It l ook s l i k e a movi e set. An d n ot a g ood m ovi on e. C a r w i n d ow s a re sti l l op en . Sh h ! V ere comma n d ed . H er fa ce h a d g on e sl i g h tl y com ma Her p a l e. T h i s i s m y p romi sed metrop ol i s of B u en a P a rk ? T h e ma i n street i s sti l l a d i rt my rom i ma roa d ! How ? Wh y? He rea ch ed i n to h i s u ti l i ty p ock et to p u l l ou t h i s p h on e. T h e l a ck of b a rs h a d h i m p a n i ck ed , h orri fi ed a n d h u g el y d i sa p p oi n ted . D a mm i t! N o mm si g n s of a n etw ork a t a l l . How ca n p l a ces l i k e th i s sti l l exi st off th e g ri d ? V ere sh ook h er h ea d a s th ey b oth g ot ou t of h er V W. I w a rn ed you . C h eer u p . I d i d d el i ver on th e cu te p romi ses, sh e a d d ed . T h e h i stori ca l soci ety a ctu a l l y reb u i l t th e b oa rd w a l k s so you ca n rea l l y g et th e ol d - w est feel . D o you l ove i t? O n l y b eca u se you l ove i t, D u sti n a n sw ered , ma k i n g V ere sm i l e. Hi s n ew smi Hi fa vori te a cti vi ty. So fa r, n o on e seems to n oti ce me, h e sa i d , ch eck i n g ou t th e tou ri sts. T h eyre l ook i n g a t you a n d you r ep i c ou tfi t w a y m ore th a n l ook i n g a t me. more Y es! I k n ow . Im d i stra cti n g th em. Is th a t w h a t you re d oi n g ? D u sti n l a u g h ed . D u h . Y es. V ere p u l l ed h er sh i rt d ow n . T h i s ou tfi t w a sn t a n a cci d en t. I w ore i t to d a zzl e p eop l es a tten ti on a w a y from you . D u sti n l a u g h ed , su rveyi n g h er. V ere h a d w orn w h a t a p p ea red to b e C h a rl i es ol d footb a l l j ersey. L on g b efore sh ed met h i m, sh e mu st h a ve th ou g h t i t a g ood i d ea to tye- d ye th e m on strou s th i n g g ra p e- j u i ce- p u rp l e. L i k e a l l of h er oth er cl oth es, mon th e th i n g sw a l l ow ed h er sma l l fra me. Sh ed u n - m a tch ed th e th i n g w i th som e j ea n ca p ri s, w h i ch h e cou l d on l y see ma some from b el ow h er k n ees to h er ca l ves. B eca u se, yes, th e p u rp l e j ersey w a s T H AT h u g e. Ad d i n h er cl u ster- cl u mp - b u n , some n eon ru n n i n g sh oes a n d th e overa l l effect w a s th a t of a sh a p el ess, cra zed - l ook i n g ci rcu s cl ow n . Sh e d a sh ed i n fron t of h i m a n d sca n n ed th e street. D o you feel n ervou s? I feel rea l l y n ervou s? Sta y b eh i n d me. An a d ora b l e, n ervou s, ci rcu s cl ow n w h o th i n k s sh e n eed s to p rotect me. He took i n h ow th e h i k i n g a n d h er ti me a t th e l a k e h a d b rou g h t ou t th e g i n g er He col or i n th e freck l es a cross h er h i g h ch eek b on es. T h ey n ow m a tch ed th e red d i sh ma ti p s of th e cu rl i n g h a i r w i sp s th a t a l w a ys sn u ck ou t of h er b u n . H e n ever ti red of w a tch i n g th em w ea ve a rou n d h er exp ressi ve fa ce. V ere g l a n ced q u i ck l y a rou n d a g a i n , th e stra i g h t set of h er l i p s l ook ed b eyon d stressed . L ets sti ck cl ose to th e ca r for a b i t, j u st i n ca se. Rem emb er, th i s i s on l y Rememb a test. D ress reh ea rsa l . D u sti n tri ed to l i g h ten th e mood b y mi m i ck i n g th e Am eri ca n B roa d ca sters voi ce: m i mi Ameri T h i s i s a test. T h i s i s O N L Y a test. V ere g a sp ed , tu rn ed a n d sl a p p ed h er h a n d over h i s m ou th . An d , p l ea se d on t mou

ta l k a b ove a w h i sp er u n ti l w e g et th e voi ce th i n g fi g u red ou t. Are you i n sa n e ! D u sti n smi l ed d ow n a t h er. Sorry, h e sa i d from u n d er h er h a n d . sm i Sh e g l ow ered . An d d el ete th a t g ri n u n ti l m y d a d fi ts you w i th th e reta i n er tom orrow . Y ou p romi sed . We w a l k a rou n d . Y ou d on t ta l k . Y ou d on t sm i l e. We g o h om e a n d w e re- a d j u st th e d i sg u i se w h ere n ecessa ry. Wh a t i s w ron g w i th you r m em ory? O m fk a y. Moveyou rh a n d . mfk N ot u n ti l I ca n feel you r smi l e d i sa p p ea r. Sh e p u sh ed h er sm a l l h a n d fa rth er a g a i n st h i s m ou th . I ca n t. Y ou r cra ck i n g m e u p m a j or ri g h t n ow . H e l a u g h ed b eh i n d h er p a l m . ma Stop i t! D on t even sta rt. J u st k eep th a t voi ce u n d er w ra p s, a l on g w i th a l l th e oth er a m a zi n g a ssets ok a y? Sh e sl ow l y removed h er h a n d . H e l ea n ed forw a rd a n d w h i sp ered , Y ou k eep m en ti on i n g th e a ssets, fa n g i rl . I He th i n k you fi n d m e a m a zi n g l y a ttra cti ve a n d i ts k i l l i n g you . Sh e sh oved h i s sh ou l d er a s th ey sta rted d ow n th e b oa rd w a l k . A corp se w ou l d fi n d you a ttra cti ve a n d you k n ow i t! Its n a tu ra l h u ma n sel ecti on . Were b oth of th e sa m e sp eci es. Im b ou n d to rea ct to w h a t b i ol og y set u p so very w el l for you . Stop fi sh i n g for m ore comp l i men ts off me. Im n ot g oi n g to even th row you on e. m en P eop l e w h o l ook h ow you l ook , sh e p a u sed a n d con si d ered h i m . Y es? H e b i t h i s sm i l e b a ck i n to a com p osed exp ressi on . He Wel l you a l l m u st b e ru i n ed from g a p i n g a t you r ow n b ea u ty i n th e m i rror every m orn i n g . Aren t you ? T h a ts w h a t I w ou l d d o i f I h a d you r fa ce. Y ou re ca l l i n g me b ea u ti fu l n ow ? T h row i n g ou t more com p l i m en ts, j u st w h en you sw ore you d n ever. D o you w a n t me to b ecom e p erm a n en tl y stu ck u p ? me Im n ot. T h ese a re p erson a l fa cts, a s you sa i d . P a rt of you r m a rk eti n g p a ck a g e. An d you forg ot to l ow er you r voi ce a g a i n , sh e h i ssed . H e ch u ck l ed , ta k i n g i n th e l a y of th e l i ttl e tou ri st tra p . T h e tow n b oa sted th e He fol l ow i n g d i sg u sti n g l y q u a i n t sh op s: Sod a Sh op , T oy Sh op , B ook Sh op , An ti q u e Sh op , Wood Sh op , th e T a ffy Store, Wi l d West Sa l oon a n d a Mu seu m . m. H e tri ed to rem a i n ca l m a s fa m i l i es a n d even a b u n ch of teen a g e g i rl s p a ssed h i m He b y. V ere w a sn t d oi n g a s w el l . H e cou l d sw ea r sh e w a s a ctu a l l y h ol d i n g h er b rea th u n ti l th e g i rl s tu rn ed th e He corn er, w h i ch took a very l on g ti m e. I feel l i k e w ere ca st i n a sp y m ovi e, h e w h i sp ered . movi Y ea h , ri g h t? Sh e g a sp ed , p u l l i n g i n som e d eep b rea th s. T h a n k s for b ra vi n g th e test ru n w i th m e. Wh ere fi rst? h e w h i sp ered extra me. q u i etl y so h e cou l d m ove a l i ttl e cl oser to h er. I d on t k n ow . An ti q u e sh op ? Its ri g h t h ere. Sh e j erk ed h er h ea d tow a rd th e w i n d ow . An d i ts th e on l y on e w i th a w i d e d oor i n ca se you d ra w a crow d . Its g ot a stra i g h t l i n e to m y ca r. Wow . Y ou h a ve excel l en t p a p a ra zzi sk i l l s. B efore w e g o i n , Im g oi n g to test som eth i n g . Wa tch . D u sti n b ol d l y sta red a t th e n ext teen a g e g i rl th a t w a l k ed b y w i th h er fa mi l y. V ere tu g g ed a t h i s a rm . D on t. D on t d o th a t. Im n ot rea d y. Y ou a ren t rea d y.

Ab ort th e test. Ab ort th e test. P l ea se! Sh e sou n d ed so p a n i ck ed h e a l l ow ed h er to d ra g h i m i n to th e d a rk , cool , en try of th e a n ti q u e sh op . H e p u l l ed off h i s g l a sses so h e cou l d g et a b etter l ook a t h er fa ce. Sh e w a s b rea th i n g l i k e sh ed j u st ru n tw o m i l es, a n d l ook ed so stressed h e h a d th e u rg e to w ra p h er i n h i s a rm s; b u t i n stea d h e settl ed for p i ck i n g u p on e of h er h a n d s. Sh i t. Sh es rea l l y sh a k i n g . Sh ou l d n t I b e th e on e sh a k i n g ? V ere. Its cool . T h e d i sg u i se w ork s. Its a l l g ood . Im ok a y. Sh e sq u eezed h i s h a n d b a ck , h a rd . I k n ow . I k n ow . B u t w h a t i f w h a t i f som eon e d oes recog n i ze you ? Sh e con ti n u ed to w h i sp er, H ow w i l l w e ever How p u l l th i s off a t sch ool ? T h i s i s g oi n g to b e i m p ossi b l e. H u n ter sh ru g g ed . I h a ve to p u l l i t off, n ot you . An d I w a s j u st fi n e ou t th ere. My cover i s b ou n d to cru m b l e even tu a l l y. I h op e n ot. Sh e frow n ed . Weve w ork ed so h a rd . H e l et g o of h er h a n d . Il l sti ck i t for a s l on g a s i t h ol d s, I g u ess. After th a t, w h o k n ow s w h a t w i l l h a p p en to m e. I d on t w a n t to fi n d ou t. I h op e i t w ork s for a rea l l y l on g ti m e. I a l rea d y d on t w a n t you to g o b a ck h om e. H er h a n d d ri fted g ra cefu l l y u p to ch eck h er b u n . C ol or p ool ed i n h er ch eek s w h i l e sh e b i t h er l i p to h i d e h er w orry. H e g a zed d ow n a t h er, soa k i n g u p h er el fi n , h ea rt- sh a p ed fa ce m emori zi n g th e em ori w a y on e cu rve of h er l i p tw i sted sl i g h tl y d ow n w h en sh e w a s sa d a n d u p a l l oth er ti m es. B u t on l y on th e on e si d e. C u te. V ery cu te. H e h a d to force h i s fi n g ers n ot to rea ch ou t a n d tou ch th a t sp ot. F orce h i s h a n d s n ot to g ra b h er a n d try to k i ss th e sa d tw i st b a ck i n th e oth er d i recti on . B u t, h e k n ew th a t w ou l d com p l etel y frea k h er ou t. D a mn my cru sh . It w ou l d comp l etel y frea k me ou t. Sh e th i n k s w ere b oth of th e sa me sp eci es, b u t vu l tu res d on t ma k e fri en d s w i th h u mmi n g b i rd s. Il l k eep i n tou ch a fter. Y ou cou l d vi si t, w i th C h a rl i e a n d N a n . If Im n ot too b u sy. H e cou l d n t m eet h er eyes. H e k n ew i t w ou l d b e i m p ossi b l e to k eep i n tou ch w i th h er a fter h e w en t h om e. It mp w a s for th e b est. H e d i d n t w a n t a n yon e from h ere to see h i s oth er l i fe. Sh e fl u sh ed b ri g h t red u n d er h i s scru ti n y, b u t seem ed to recover a b i t b eca u se sh e tossed h i m a l i ttl e eye rol l . It w a s a s i f sh e k n ew h ed b een l yi n g . O f cou rse w el l k eep i n tou ch . I k n ow i ts on l y b een th ree d a ys, b u t you p rob a b l y a l rea d y w on d er h ow you su rvi ved seven teen yea rs w i th ou t m e. Am I ri g h t? H er ton e h a d b een so sel f- d ep reca ti n g , h e a n sw ered w i th ou t th i n k i n g , Y ep . I a l m ost d i d n t m a k e i t b efore I met you . H e p u l l ed a t h i s sl eeves a n d q u i ck l y most m et He fol d ed h i s a rm s, tu rn i n g h i s w ri sts u n d er h i s od d l y a ch i n g h ea rt. rms, C a n I h el p you ? An ol d er, g rey- h a i red l a d y ca me ou t of th e a n ti q u e sh op s b a ck me room . Is i t ok a y i f w e l ook i n b a ck ? I w a n ted to sh ow m y fri en d someth i n g , V ere som eth a sk ed . T h e l a d y sm i l ed . Su re h on ey. J u st ri n g th e b el l i f you n eed m e. Sh e d i sa p p ea red i n to th e b a ck room a g a i n .

V ere l ed h i m p a st som e ol d tri cycl es a n d si n g l e w ood en sch ool d esk s, a n d a rou n d a tow eri n g h i g h secti on of b ook s on crea k y, w a fer th i n sh el ves. As th ey p a ssed a fa n , D u sti n w a s h i t w i th a w a rm w a ve of h er cl ea n , l a ven d ersa g e sm el l . It m i xed w i th th e d u st from th i s p l a ce p l u s th e m i n t g u m sh ed b een mi n ervou sl y ch om p i n g si n ce th ey p a rk ed th e ca r. H e b rea th ed h er i n l i k e sh e w a s w a ter a n d h ed b een i n som e sort of l on g , terri b l e d rou g h t. L ook . Sh e p oi n ted to a fa r w a l l . O n th e h ook , h i g h u p . H i s eyes sca n n ed th rou g h th e ch a oti c mess. Its a n ol d g u i ta r, h e sa i d , p l a ci n g m ess. h i s g l a sses i n h i s fron t sh i rt p ock et. H i s fi n g ers cu rl ed i n a n ti ci p a ti on a s h e step p ed forw a rd to p u l l th e g u i ta r off th e w a l l a n d exa m i n e th e n eck . H e l et ou t a l on g , a p p reci a ti ve b rea th . A Stra t. B ea t u p a n d b a ttered , b u t n ot on e b i t w a rp ed . N o stri n g s...b u t, d a m n . Sh es a b ea u ty. Sh e m oved i n cl ose b eh i n d h i m . Is th a t a g ood g u i ta r? Y ou re sm i l i n g l i k e i ts moved g ood . H e fl i p p ed i t over a n d tossed h er a g ri n . Y ea h i ts a w esom e. O l d Stra ts a re som e esome. of th e b est g u i ta rs i n th e w orl d ! H e l a u g h ed a n d fl i ck ed h er a n oth er g l a n ce, w on d eri n g i f sh ed n oti ced h ed su d d en l y sou n d ed a l l g i d d y a n d g oofy l i k e sh e d i d . B u t th i s w a s n o d el i ci ou s, col d w a ter b ottl e. It w a s a Stra t! H e w a tch ed h er eyes ta k i n g i n th e g u i ta r. P retty m oth er of p ea rl i n l a y on th e tw i sty th i n g s. T h eyre ca l l ed tu n ers. An d th ese a re d el u xe. T h e w ood l ook s l i k e P op l a r. N eck i s m a d e ou t of Rosew ood . H e fel t h er sta ri n g a t h i s h a n d s a s h e ra n i t over th e b a ck a n d th e si d es of th e g u i ta rs cu rves. Som e h a rsh scra tch es b u t n ot on e cra ck ! Am a zi n g . J u st n eed s stri n g s a n d a n a m p . H ow l on g h a s th i s th i n g b een b a ck h ere? Ama mp Sh e sh ru g g ed . As l on g a s I ca n rem em b er. I cou l d b u y i t for you ? D o you w a n t i t? L i k e w i l l i t h el p you ? H i s th roa t cl osed u p , a n d h e fel t h i s k n ees sta rt to sh a k e. H el p m e w i th w h a t? H el p you n ot seem so sa d ? Y ou exp l a i n ed som e of you r stress yesterd a y. Al l th a t you l eft b eh i n d . I th i n k th eres more. L i k e...h ow ca n you j u st l ea ve b eh i n d you r m ore. g u i ta rs? Y ou sa i d b efore you ca m e h ere you w ork ed 80 h ou rs a w eek on stu ff. B u t h ow ca n you d o th a t w i th ou t a g u i ta r? Aren t you frea k i n g ou t? H e b l i n k ed , stu n n ed . Am a zed th a t sh ed seemed to mem ori ze everyth i n g h ed seem ed m em sa i d . More stu n n ed th a t sh ed b een so p ercep ti ve a b ou t a l l h e h a d n t sa i d . H e p u l l ed a fa k e sm i l e. D on t g et me w ron g . Im tou ch ed you ca re. B u t I me p rom i sed n ot to g o n ea r a n y g u i ta rs w h i l e Im h ere. Ive a l rea d y crossed th e l i n e m essi n g w i th th i s ol d th i n g . I ca n t d ra w a n y a tten ti on to m ysel f. If w e stru n g th i s b a b y u p , w el l Id b e temp ted to H e g l a n ced a t h er l i p s. T em p ted to g o a l l - ou t tem p a n d l ose con trol . Id p l a y i t from th e rooftop s, a n d Id n ever p u t i t d ow n . T h a ts w h y you sh ou l d h a ve i t. H i s h ea rt tw i sted w i th l on g i n g a s h e sta red a t h er fa ce. If th a t h a p p en s, l i ttl e b esti e , i t w ou l d n ot b e g ood for ei th er of u s. Y ou j u st tol d m e you w a n ted m e to sta y h ere a w h i l e. An d b el i eve i t or n ot, Im cu ri ou s a s h el l to try you r h i g h sch ool a fter h a n g i n g w i th you . T h a t m ea n s, i n d i sg u i se, a n d i n con trol . T h i s g u i ta r w ou l d b l ow u s b oth ou t of th e w a ter. G ot i t? h e w h i sp ered .

Sh e fl u n g h er p u rp l e- sl eeved a rms w i d e. Y ea h , b u t p romi ses a re m a d e to b e rm s rom i b rok en ! Are th ey? H e frow n ed , con si d eri n g th e h u g e p rom i se b etw een h i m a n d C h a rl i e. I d i sa g ree. Im a l l a b ou t b ei n g h on ora b l e. My m om a n d m y b a n d m a tes a re rea l l y p i ssed a t m e. I n eed to p rove to th em th a t Im sorry. Its p a rtl y w h y Im h ere. Ive g ot to sti ck w i th th e p l a n th eyve l a i d ou t. At l ea st for a w h i l e. I m a d e th e p rom i se, Im k eep i n g i t. B u t w h a t i f th e p rom i se mea n s l i fe a n d d ea th ? Wh a t a b ou t b l i ss? Sa vi n g you r m ea sou l ? If a l l th a t i s a t sta k e, th en p rom i ses n eed to b e b rok en . V ere. N oth i n g s a t sta k e. N ot on th a t l evel . Sh e p u sh ed cl oser. H e cou l d rea d th e exci tem en t i n h er eyes. Y ou sh ou l d see h ow you l ook h ol d i n g th a t th i n g . L i k e i ts a l rea d y you rs. Sh e g l a n ced a rou n d . T h eres n o m i rror h ere for you to see you rsel f, b u t I sw ea r, th a t g u i ta r l ook s p erfect w h en you h ol d i t i n you r h a n d s. L i k e som eh ow you k n ow every b i t of i t, even h ow i ts g oi n g to sou n d . Y ea h , w el l Ive p i ck ed u p th ou sa n d s of g u i ta rs, so th a ts ea sy. N o. I sw ea r. T h i s g u i ta r w a n ts to b el on g to you even n ow h ow you h ol d i t i n fron t of you . Its l i k e you tw o a re d a n ci n g ! Sh e g ri n n ed . D on t you th i n k th a ts w orth b rea k i n g a p rom i se over? U m ...Im n ot on e to p u t feel i n g s a n d em oti on s on to a n i n a n i m a te ob j ect. Its w ei rd . Sh e stom p ed h er foot. Wel l I a m . O th er exa m p l es, th en . Sh e b rea th ed u p , p u ffi n g th e esca p ed cu rl s off h er foreh ea d . D o w e h a ve to? h e g ri m a ced , w i sh i n g sh e w ou l d stop . Ri g h t n ow you l ook h ow I feel w h en I g et a n ew b ook . O r, w h en i ts op en i n g n i g h t of a p l a y a n d th eyve j u st tu rn ed d ow n th e l i g h ts. Y ou r eyes l ook l i k e th eyve sn a p p ed i n to th a t p erfect momen t. T h a t b rea th l ess secon d w h en th e fi rst p a g e i s tu rn ed , or w h en th e a u d i en ce i n th e th ea ter g ets a l l q u i et a n d th e cu rta i n h a sn t op en ed yet. Y ou r fa ce, w h i l e h ol d i n g th a t g u i ta r, i s a b ea m of tota l , b l i ssfu l a n ti ci p a ti on . T h eres n o m ore p erfect th i n g th a n th a t. T o you , V ere. N ot to m e. Im n ot l i k e you . I ca n see th a t you a re, sh e i n si sted , sti l l d efen d i n g h i m even th ou g h h e w a s d el i b era tel y mi su n d ersta n d i n g h er. mi If you , tou ch i n g a n ol d g u i ta r, g ets th e exp ressi on Im seei n g n ow to h i t you r fa ce, I ca n on l y i ma g i n e h ow you l l l ook p l a yi n g i t. D on t you g et i t? Y ou re th e ma l u ck i est p erson i n th e w h ol e w orl d to h a ve a l rea d y fi g u red ou t w h a t you l ove. An d you l l b e, q u i te p ossi b l y, th e stu p i d est p erson i n th e w orl d i f you d on t h ol d on to i t. Y ou re i n sa n e, h e b rea th ed , p reten d i n g h er w ord s h a d n t m a d e p erfect sen se. H a d n t m oved h i m. H a d n t ma d e h i s h a n d s ti g h ten d esp era tel y on th e n eck of th e m. ma g u i ta r a s th ou g h i t w ere a l i fe- ra ft a n d h e m i g h t b e d row n i n g . Im n ot. A sm a l l , stu b b orn g ri m a ce set h er ch i n com p l etel y stra i g h t, a n d sh e fl u sh ed b ri g h t red . T h e fi rst ti m e sh ed d on e so si n ce yesterd a y. I ca n tel l th e g u i ta r m a k es you r h ea rt si n g , a n d th a t p l a yi n g i t w i l l ma k e you h a p p y. D on t you ma w a n t th a t? I b et i f you r m om or you r a g en t sa w you h ol d i n g th i s Stra t, th eyd ta k e

b a ck th e stu p i d p rom i se th ey forced you to m a k e. T h ey w ou l d l et you b rea k th e p rom i se a n d N o. Stop ! B ri n g i n g u p h i s m om a n d Ma rti n g a ve h i m th e rea l i ty ch eck h e n eed ed . H e l oosen ed h i s g ri p to fl i p th e g u i ta r on e m ore ti m e. Ma yb e you re ri g h t a b ou t h ow m u ch I w a n t th i s ol d th i n g . B u t stop p esteri n g m e. I ca n t h a ve i t. Y ou ca n t or you w on t? B oth . V ere! D a mmi t. J u st b a ck off! Y ou d on t u n d ersta n d . Sh e w i n ced . H e fel t rea l l y b a d , b eca u se h e th ou g h t sh e m i g h t cry or som eth i n g . In a softer voi ce h e sa i d , Im h ere i n C ol ora d o to g et cl ea r. T o l i ve a d i fferen t l i fe. T o th i n k th i n g s over. Hel l I d on t k n ow , a ctu a l l y. B u t I d o k n ow Im su p p osed to b e h i d i n g a n d d oi n g exa ctl y w h a t my m om a n d a g en t h a ve sen t m e h ere to d o. Ive my b ecom e som eon e el se for a w h i l e. In si d e a n d ou t, j u st l i k e you h el p ed m e to b e. An d I th i n k I m i g h t l i k e i t. Y ea h b u t H e sh ook h i s h ea d , stop p i n g h er. Im w orri ed th eres a p ossi b i l i ty Il l l ose w h o Im tryi n g to b ecom e i f I sta rt p l a yi n g th e g u i ta r. An y g u i ta r. Wel l Im w orri ed you l l l ose you rsel f i f you d on t. My ch oi ce to m a k e, V ere. L ets sti ck to th e p l a n . D u sti n McH u g h d oesn t k n ow h ow to p l a y th e g u i ta r. O k a y? H e h u n g th e Stra t b a ck on th e h ook s, tryi n g n ot to ca re th a t h i s ton e h a d p u l l ed th e l i g h t of h er eyes. Sh e sh ook h er h ea d , cl ea rl y sti l l n ot a g reei n g . H e g l a red a t h er. Afra i d sh ed sta rt u p a g a i n h e a d d ed , N ot. O n e. N ote.

21: awkward topics: a++ VERE

An yon e el se w a n t to ri d e d ow n w i th N a n a n d me? V eres d a d ca m e ou t on to th e m e? p orch fol l ow ed b y N a n . Her sta n d a rd , ti g h t, g rey a n d w h i te cu rl s w ere sl i g h tl y ru mp l ed . Sh e l ook ed yea rs you n g er w i th ou t h er g l a sses on . V ere g reeted h er w i th a smi l e, a s sh e tri ed to sti fl e a l on g ya w n . An yon e? h er d a d tri ed a g a i n . N o on e resp on d ed . V ere h a d sp ra w l ed n ext to C h a rl i e a n d D u sti n i n on e of th e si x Ad i ron d a ck ch a i rs on th e d ou b l e- w i d e en cl osed su n p orch . It w a s everyon es fa vori te m orn i n g g a th eri n g p l a ce a t th e ca b i n . T h i s morn i n g w a s n o excep ti on . I ca n t b el i eve w e h a ve to sh u t th i s p l a ce d ow n i n tw o w eek s. How cou l d L a b or D a y sn ea k u p on u s so fa st? Its so sa d . V ere sa t u p . Wh a ts sa d i s th e C ol ora d o P u b l i c Sch ool s ma k e u s sta rt i n th e mi d d l e of Au g u st. T h a ts w h a ts sa d , C h a rl i e mu ttered . Wh a t i s w ron g w i th you th ree? N a n g l a n ced a t C h a rl i es a n d D u sti n s p ron e form s. D u sti n p u l l ed off h i s g l a sses a n d p l a ced th em i n h i s fron t p ock et a s h e ru b b ed h i s eyes a n d g roa n ed . Mrs. Roth forced u s to ea t secon d h el p i n g s of b a con q u i ch e a n d stra w b erry mu ffi n s. Im n ot d i g esti n g a n ymore, Ive d i ed . ym ore, Ah . Wel l . T h a t exp l a i n s i t. Y ou r moth er j u st a tta ck ed u s w i th th e l a st of th e F ren ch toa st on th e w a y ou t h ere. F rom th e l ook of you th ree, Im th i n k i n g you sh ou l d ta k e on e more h i k e b efore you h ea d ou t. m ore G ood i d ea . Wh os i n ? V ere stru g g l ed ou t of h er sea t a n d stood . Il l g o. I n eed to see i f I ca n g et m y l eg s w ork i n g . N oth i n g extrem e. P l ea se. D u sti n h a u l ed h i s ta l l , l a n k y fra me forw a rd a n d sta red a t h i s feet a s th ou g h h e cou l d n t move a n oth er i n ch . H ol d u p . Au n t N a n step p ed i n fron t of D u sti n . I h a ve someth i n g for you . som eth F rom you r mom . Sh e h a n d ed h i m a l etter. D u sti n took i t a n d g l a n ced u p a t h i s m om. a u n t, h i s eyeb row ra i sed i n q u esti on . Its a l etter. T h a ts ob vi ou s, Au n t N a n . F rom w h o? D u sti n b l i n k ed . Y ou r mom. mom . D u sti n q u i ck l y h a n d ed i t b a ck . Keep i t. Im n ot g oi n g to b e a l l m a n i p u l a ted from a fa r. N ot i n terested . C a n you sen d i t b a ck ? E veryon e seem ed to b e u n a b l e to ta k e th ei r eyes off th e en vel op e i n N a n s h a n d s. seemed Her d a d cou g h ed , w a n d eri n g to th e w i n d ow , p reten d i n g to a d m i re th e vi ew . H er mi Il l p u t i t i n you r d esk . O k a y? I p romi sed to ma k e su re you h a d i t ri g h t w h en you g ot h ere, b u t I forg ot. D el i very com p l eted . O ffi ci a l l y, a n d i n fron t of comp w i tn esses. N a n si g h ed w h en D u sti n seem ed to ta k e too l on g to meet h er g a ze. seemed O k a y? Wh a tever. F i n e. If you sp ea k to h er, tel l h er Im n ot op en i n g i t. D u sti n g l a n ced

a t h i s a u n t th en l ook ed a w a y b u t n ot b efore V ere n oti ced a fl a sh of u n g u a rd ed p a i n i n h i s eyes. H er d a d cou g h ed a g a i n . Her C h a rl i e a p p ea red to h a ve g on e b a ck to sl eep , b u t h e h a d n t fool ed V ere. H er b roth er a voi d ed a l l a w k w a rd n ess b y fei g n i n g sl eep . V ere h a d to sa y someth i n g b efore h er d a d cou g h ed a g a i n . H i k i n g . L ets g o, th en . B u t you ch ose th e rou te, D u sti n . D on t w a n t to h u rt you th i s ti m e. D u sti n stretch ed on e l eg forw a rd a n d cri n g ed , ca u si n g V ere to l a u g h . T w o d a ys l a ter, a n d i ts sti l l fu n n y, sh e tea sed h i m b u t h e d i d n t resp on d . H i s eyes w ere tra i n ed on N a n a s sh e h ea d ed b a ck i n to th e ma i n p a rt of th e ca b i n . ma C h a rl i e stood a n d stretch ed . Im com i n g w i th you , D a d . T h i s i s a s m u ch comi q u a l i ty, fa m i l y ti me I ca n ta k e. V ere, D u sti n , i ts b een w ei rd . He w i n k ed , b u t mi He V ere cou l d tel l h e w a s sti l l u n comforta b l e w i th h er h a n g i n g ou t a l on e w i th D u sti n . Wei rd b u t fu n , C h a rl i e a d d ed . D a d , g i ve m e a sec to g ra b m y stu ff. D u sti n g ra b b ed on e of th e b a g s Mr. Roth h a d p i l ed on to th e p orch a n d h ea d ed tow a rd th e ca r to h el p h i m l oa d . Mr. Roth , I a l rea d y tol d you r w i fe th i s, b u t...th a n k s for everyth i n g th i s w eek en d . T h e p l a ce, th e food , th e reta i n er. Al l of you r h el p w a s g rea t. T h a t rem i n d s me, son . Stop b y l a ter ton i g h t a n d w el l g et th e th i n g fi tted remi m e, p rop erl y. Il l p i ck i t u p a t th e offi ce on th e w a y h om e. V ere fol l ow ed a l on g w i th th ei r cool er, smi l i n g th e w h ol e w a y a t D u sti n s b a ck . T h e g u y i s rea l l y so d a rn n i ce. An d h el p fu l . D a rk si d e. Im, so su re. H ed w orn th e p ol yester g reen tru ck er ca p b a ck w a rd s tod a y. As th ou g h h e k n ew Hed sh e w a s sta ri n g , h e tu rn ed b a ck a n d sh ot h er a sm u g g ri n . H i s eyes ca u g h t i n th e su n , a w i l d fl a sh of b l u e l i g h t strea k ed h er d i recti on . Wh en w i l l th ose th i n g s stop ya n k i n g th e a i r ou t of my l u n g s? Sh e sh ook h er h ea d , w a tch i n g h i m w a l k tow a rd h er. Sh ed h a ve to rem i n d h i m n ot to w ea r h i s h a t th a t w a y b eca u se i t sh ow ed w a y too m u ch of h i s p erfectl y recta n g u l a r foreh ea d . An d , of cou rse, yet a n oth er rem i n d er to k eep th e g l a sses on . If sh e b rou g h t i t u p n ow , h ed a ccu se h er of a d m i ri n g h i m a g a i n so i n stea d sh e sa i d , H ow ca n you n ot b e d yi n g of h ea t i n th ose l on g sl eeves? Y ou a re so stu b b orn . Stu b b orn l i k e you , m a yb e? H e g ri m a ced . Wou l d you p l ea se stop b u sti n g on ma m y a w esome sh i rts? I l ove th ese th i n g s. esom e Sh e frow n ed a t th e ob vi ou s l i n e of sw ea t th a t h a d form ed on h i s foreh ea d . I w i l l formed n ever u n d ersta n d you . Y ou sh ou l d n t try. H e sh ot h er a l ook w h i l e h er d a d p i l ed th e b a g s i n to th e tru n k , fi l l i n g i t to th e b ri m . V ere scow l ed a n d d ra g g ed th e cool er a rou n d to th e si d e of th e ca r. H er d a d w a s d oi n g th e m a n - to- m a n voi ce. Its b een a p l ea su re g etti n g to k n ow Her you , son . I h op e you com e b a ck n ext w eek en d for th e cl ose- u p . H er d a d n od d ed to V ere. D on t b e too l on g . Ma k e su re th e p l a ce i s l ock ed u p i f Mom a n d N a n a re g on e w h en you g et b a ck from you r h i k e.

O k a y. V ere sh oved th e cool er i n to th e b a ck sea t. Il l ta k e D u sti n a rou n d th e l a k e tra i l . We ca n h ea d ou t n ow . Sh e p u l l ed h er h ea d ou t of th e ca r a n d sh u t th e d oor. Wh a t d o you sa y, B G F ? D u sti n l ook ed a rou n d . Wi th ou t su p p l i es? D on t w e n eed w a ter b ottl es or su n screen ? A p a ck fu l l of food ? H ow a b ou t som e g i a n t g u n s i n ca se w e ru n i n to w i l d l i fe? H e l ook ed more th a n a l i ttl e n ervou s. H i s n a tu re p h ob i a th i n g w a s so m ore cu te. D u sti n a n d h er d a d ci rcl ed b a ck a n d p i ck ed u p th e l a st b a g s. Sh e p u l l ed h er g a ze a w a y a s h e a p p roa ch ed a g a i n . Is i t ch ea ti n g on C u rti s b eca u se I rea l l y l i k e th e w a y D u sti n McHu g h s b a ck fl exes w h en h e p i ck s u p h ea vy th i n g s? Wh a t? Som eth i n g w ron g ? H er en ti re fa ce fl ood ed w i th ti n g l es a s h e d rew n ea rer. N o. Its j u st I th i n k a fter a l l th i s a w esom e p rog ress, Im h a vi n g a tota l rel a p se. Im k i n d of sh y to g o h i k i n g w i th you a l on e. B a ck to th e sn i d e w i tty com m en ts! Y ou ca n d o th i s. Y ou took me to tow n me yesterd a y a l on e , a n d w e h a d a fu l l on a rg u m en t. Sh e fol l ow ed b eh i n d h i m a s h e p i l ed th e l a st b a g s n ext to th e ca r. Y ea h , w el l a rg u i n g i s ea sy, a n d tod a y, Im h a rd l y h a ti n g on you a t a l l . I ca n fi x th a t b y p i ssi n g you off. Wou l d th a t h el p ? H e l a u g h ed . Sh e n od d ed , sta ri n g a t h i s ch i n . U p cl ose, i t h a d th i s cu te b l on d stu b b l e on i t. T ota l op p osi te of C u rti ss d a rk col ori n g yet eq u a l l y a p p ea l i n g . An d som eth i n g th eyd h a ve to w a tch . G u ys w i th b l on d stu b b l e d i d n ot h a ve d a rk h a i r. L u ck y h i s eyeb row s a n d l a sh es w ere frea k i sh l y d a rk . N a tu res w a y of m a k i n g h i s eyes exp l od e ma off h i s fa ce so every oth er g u ys eyes seem ed b ori n g , of cou rse. Sh e sw a l l ow ed . Wh a t w ere w e ta l k i n g a b ou t.... H er mi n d h a d j u st b een w i p ed cl ea n w i th g u y stu b b l e p l u s b a ck m u scl es p l u s mi th i n k i n g a b ou t d a rk l a sh es? V ere Roth , cu ri n g th e a n xi ety j i tters. D a y th ree: F An d j u st L O O K a t h i m. Wh a tever. L et th e b l u sh fi re fu l l force. It ca n t b e h el p ed . Im n ot d ea d , ri g h t? Sh e h op ed h e w ou l d n t n oti ce, b u t h ow cou l d h e n ot? Sh e w a s a t sca l p ti n g l e l evel a l rea d y. E a rs b u rn i n g b ri g h t. Sh e m u st l ook l i k e a n i d i ot. D u sti n ta p p ed h i s ch eek s a s th ou g h to tea se h er a l i ttl e. U g h . He n oti ced . H e g a ve h er a n od d l ook th en a n d sh ook h i s h ea d a n d sm i l ed . C h eck b a ck i n , l i ttl e g n om e g i rl . Wh a t a b ou t ou r h i k i n g su p p l i es? Mr. Roth , d o you h a ve a n y ome su n screen on you ? V eres d a d ch u ck l ed , n ot n oti ci n g V eres b l u sh a tta ck . Y ou w on t n eed a n y i f you a re on l y h i k i n g th e l a k e tra i l . Its sh a d y, a n d sh ort. An n oyed w i th h ersel f a n d w i th h i m for ca l l i n g h er a g n om e a g a i n , sh e g ra b b ed ome D u sti n s a rm a n d tu g g ed h i m i n to step n ext to h er. B ye D a d ! C om e on . T h e l a k e ome tra i l sta rts j u st over th ere.

So cl ose? H a d you g on e sw i mm i n g on ce , ci ty- ch i ck en , you w ou l d k n ow th i s. It i s on l y on e mm m i l e a rou n d th e en ti re l a k e l oop a n d a s fl a t a s a p a n ca k e. H e h a d to d u ck l ow u n d er th e b ra n ch es. I h op e th e en ti re tra i l i sn t l i k e th i s. Im n ot a Hob b i t l i k e you . H a . H a . It w i d en s a t th e l a k e. Were a l m ost th ere. Wh a tever. H ey. Are w e fi g h ti n g a g a i n ? Sh e stop p ed a n d h e tu rn ed a rou n d to fa ce h er. I th ou g h t you w a n ted m e to m a k e you a rg u e. H e p u l l ed of h i s ca p a n d ra n h i s h a n d th rou g h h i s th i ck h a i r. Im com i n g a cross w ron g . I feel tota l l y off. Stressed a l l over a g a i n . I th i n k I d on t w a n t to g o b a ck to Au n t N a n s h ou se. It m a k es th e i d ea of sch ool , th i s d i sg u i se, seem a l l too rea l . V ere sh ot a l ook a t h i s fa ce. O r, m a yb e you d on t w a n t to fa ce th e l etter? H e si g h ed . T h a t th i n g i s so l i k e m y m om. D ea l i n g w i th ou r rel a ti on sh i p or om . l a ck th ereof w i th som e d i scon n ected w ord s. I k n ow w h a t to exp ect i n th a t en vel op e. I h a ve n o i n ten ti on of rea d i n g i t. Im su re i ts l i n es a n d l i n es of h er g u i l t- d i p p ed , sob - story cra p . Im w a y m ore a fra i d of g oi n g to you r h om og en i zed h i g h sch ool tomorrow th a n th a t l etter. tom orrow Its you r sch ool , too. We w on t a b a n d on you w h en th e b el l ri n g s. I h op e n ot. H e w a s tryi n g to p l a y i t off b u t sh e k n ew h e m u st b e fl i p p i n g ou t. After mu yesterd a ys tri p to tow n , sh e w ou l d n t w a n t to tra d e p l a ces w i th h i m . T h ey ma d e i t th rou g h th e trees a n d tu rn ed tow a rd a w ood en d ock . T h e su rfa ce of ma th e sm a l l l a k e g l i ttered j et- sm ooth i n th e m orn i n g l i g h t. It refl ected th e b ri g h t sma yel l ow a sp en trees, mou n ta i n s, cl ou d s a n d ta l l p i n es i n th e d i sta n ce. m ou Wow . T h i s p l a ce i s a l i vi n g p ostca rd . T h e fl a t rock b y th e d ock i s m y fa vori te sp ot to n a p . Wh ere? Wel l , i ts k i n d of b eh i n d th a t h u g e b u sh . Y ou ca n see th e ed g e of i t. V ere p oi n ted to a th e ti p of a g ra n i te b ou l d er, very w el l h i d d en w a y off to th e si d e of th e d ock . T h e d ock i s w h ere w e d i ve i n . O h n o. N ot w e. N ot ever. Sh e frow n ed . A g ood d eep sp ot i s on th e l eft si d e. N ext ti m e w e com e u p you w i l l sw i m . See? Stu b b orn . D u sti n McH u g h d oes n ot sw i m . F ocu sed a n d d eterm i n ed . V ere g ri n n ed , ta u n ti n g h i m . My D u sti n McH u g h d oes sw i m . H e sh ook h i s h ea d . An n oyi n g a n d si n g l e focu sed . C h a rl i e a l w a ys tel l s m e m y i n a b i l i ty to l ose focu s i s w h a t g ets m e a l l frea k ed ou t, esp eci a l l y w h ere C u rti s Wi sh ford i s con cern ed . Wh y? H e sa ys Ive g ot C u rti s on some k i n d of p ed esta l , th a t h es j u st a g u y, l i k e a n y som e oth er. I try to see h i m l i k e th a t, b u t I ca n t. H es j u st too b u i l t u p for m e i n m y ow n m i n d . Wh a t d o you th i n k ? D u sti n sta red a t th e sk y a n d th ou g h t for a l on g m omen t. I h a ven t seen you w i th om en

th i s sl i ce of m a n l y p erfecti on , n or h a ve I m et h i m , b u t you r b roth er m i g h t b e on to som eth i n g a b ou t th e sou rce of you r b eh a vi or. T h eyd m a d e i t to th e d ock a n d D u sti n step p ed u p on to i t w i th a g roa n . H e b en t a n d ru b b ed h i s ca l f. D o you m i n d i f w e j u st si t a n d p u t ou r feet i n th e w a ter i n stea d of h i k e? Id l ove to. Wi sh I h a d m y su i t. V ere sa t a n d k i ck ed off h er sh oes a n d sock s. D u sti n d i d th e sa m e. Sh e p u t h er feet ri g h t i n to th e w a ter b u t D u sti n h el d h i s j u st a b ove th e su rfa ce. H e g l a n ced a t h er a n d w ri n k l ed h i s b row . U h . Wh a t a re you d oi n g ? sh e a sk ed , feel i n g h er h ea rt b u b b l e w i th l a u g h ter. If on e fi sh n i b b l es m y toes Im g oi n g to l ose a l l testosteron e a n d screa m l i k e a l i ttl e g i rl ri g h t i n fron t of you . T h ey w on t, w i l l th ey? N o! Sh e g ri n n ed . H e h el d h i s feet even h i g h er. An d you sw ea r, th ere a re n o sn a p p i n g tu rtl es i n He h ere. N ot on e frog ? Im terri fi ed of a l l a m p h i b i a n s. V ere l a u g h ed op en l y, l ea n ed forw a rd a n d p u sh ed d ow n on on e of h i s k n ees a n d th en th e oth er u n ti l h i s feet w ere i n th e w a ter. C om e on , rel a x. Il l k eep you sa fe. Im a n exp ert fi sh w ra n g l er, you k n ow ? Wh y d o I feel a s th ou g h I ca n t d o a n yth i n g i n C ol ora d o w i th ou t you r h el p ? H e l ook ed ri g h t i n to h er eyes, a n d V ere fel t th e ch eek s ti n g l e fu l l force. U h . B eca u se you ca n t? Sh e sh ru g g ed . I cou l d m ove to L os An g el es a n d p reten d to b e a rock sta r w i th w a y few er frea k ou ts th a n you re h a vi n g h ere j u st p reten d i n g to b e n orma l . So you th i n k . Id h a ve you i n tea rs a t you r fi rst su sh i b a r. I w ra n g l e ra w fi sh a n d w a sa b i . Y ou w ou l d n t l a st on e d a y a s a rock sta r. Id l i k e to see you m a k e you r w a y th rou g h a n i g h tcl u b . H a n d l e Ib i za , or d i tch crow d s i n T i m es Sq u a re on N ew Y ea rs E ve, for th a t m a tter. O k a y. Y ou w i n . I d on t even k n ow w h a t k i n d of food Ib i za i s. H e g ri n n ed . Its a n i sl a n d . O ff th e coa st of Sp a i n w h ere p eop l e p a rty, a n d p a rty, He a n d th en p a rty som e more. O u r b a n d h a s g on e th ere to p l a y th e p a st tw o su m m ers. m ore. In Sp a i n , th e resta u ra n ts d on t op en ti l l 9 P .M. An d th e n i g h tcl u b s d on t fi l l u p u n ti l a fter mi d n i g h t. Wa y p a st you r b ed ti m e. mi V ere sta red a t h er toes w i g g l i n g i n th e w a ter. Sti l l m a k es you seem h el p l ess to m e. H ed rel a xed a n d l ea n ed b a ck on h i s a rm s. V eres eyes ri veted to w h ere h i s sh i rt Hed h a d ti g h ten ed over h i s u p p er b od y. Hol y moth er of ri p p ed - g org eou s. G et over th e a ssets. G et over th e a ssets. Its a n a w a rd - w i n n i n g si x p a ck . SO WHAT ? G et over i t. Hes j u st you r fri en d . Y ou r D u sti n McHu g h . T h i n k a b ou t C u rti s. Wa ters w a rm er th a n I th ou g h t i t w ou l d b e. N ot b a d , h e sa i d testi n g h i s feet. Ma k i n g sm a l l w a ves. Wh en sh e d i d n t a n sw er, h e g l a n ced a t h er a n d sh e rea l i zed sh e w a s sti l l sta ri n g a t h i s a b s, a t h i s a rm s. At h i s everyth i n g .

T h i n k a b ou t C u rti s. C u rti s...C u rti s... H a vi n g a h a rd ti m e a g a i n ? C om e on V ere, i ts j u st m e. Ha Sh e n od d ed . Ri g h t. I k n ow . Y ou j u st su d d en l y l ook d i fferen t. L i k e...m ore rested a n d Mom s food m u st h a ve d on e you som e g ood . An d you a ren t w ea ri n g th e d i sg u i se. Wi th on l y th e g reen h a t a n d th e p l a i d sh i rt, w el l , you l ook comp l etel y com p E a sy th ere, g i rl . Sa ve i t for C u rti s, w ou l d you ? Ive h ea rd i t b efore. I k n ow Im p retty. Rem em b er? Y ou a l rea d y tol d m e. Sh e g l ow ered , a n n oyed th a t i t fel t a g a i n l i k e h e cou l d rea d h er mi n d . P l ea se. I mi w a s g oi n g to sa y you l ook n orm a l , th a ts a l l . orma H e l a u g h ed , th e su n ca tch i n g h ow th e sm i l e l i t h i s eyes b ri g h ter. N orm a l , h u h . Wh a tever th a t m ea n s. C u rti s...C u rti s...C u rti s... Sh e w en t on , O f cou rse. An d you k n ow th a t I cou l d ca re l ess a b ou t you r p retty , sh e l i ed , tea ri n g h er g a ze a w a y from th e p u l se b ea ti n g i n th e b a se of h i s n eck . H e g ri m a ced . Y ou ve m a d e th a t cl ea r en ou g h . So tel l m e, th en . If l ook s a re th e l a st th i n g you n oti ce i n a g u y, th en w h a t i s th e fi rst? V ere l ea n ed b a ck on h er a rm s a s w el l , p reten d i n g to stu d y th e w a ter. Sh e l et h er feet sp l a sh ou t i n fron t of h er, forci n g h er voi ce to rem a i n stea d y. I n oti ce n i ce. N i cen ess. G od . Y u ck . He sh u d d ered . So, th i s C u rti s Wi sh ford g u y... i s h e som e k i n d of He extra ord i n a ri l y sw eet, d oor- op en i n g , sn ow sh ovel i n g , g ood i e- g ood i e, n i ce p erson ? Sh e sm i l ed , th i n k i n g of C u rti s h a d m a d e h er tu m m y fl u tter. Im n ot su re i f h es n i ce n ot on th a t l evel . H es a l w a ys b een n i ce to m e, th ou g h . I th i n k h es n i ce, a n d I w a n t h i m to b e n i ce. F u l l of n i cen ess. D oes th a t cou n t? D u sti n sn orted a n d took th e w ei g h t off h i s a rm s to settl e fl a t on to h i s b a ck . H e crossed h i s h a n d s b eh i n d h i s h ea d a n d cl osed h i s eyes. G i rl s. Y ou re a l l th e sa m e. Y ou j u st w a n t to i m a g i n e som eon e i s som eth i n g , w i th ou t even k n ow i n g th em fi rst. Wh a t d o you m ea n b y th a t? V ere fel t sl i g h ted . H e sh ru g g ed . V ere p ressed on , C om e on . G i ve m e th e i n si d e g u y i n fo. Y ou ve p rob a b l y h a d a ton of exp eri en ce. D i d you d o you h ook u p w i th l i k e, g rou p i es? H e tu rn ed , a n d g a ve h er a m ea su ri n g g a ze. I h a ve. Y es. Sh e fel t h er eyes g row w i d e. D o g rou p i es rea l l y d o w h a t th ey sa y g rou p i es d o? Y ea h , a n d more. m ore. Wow . H a ve you ever h a d a g i rl fri en d ? N op e. Wh a t! H ow ca n th a t b e? Y ou re p osi ti vel y p erfect b oyfri en d m a teri a l . I th i n k you re fu l l of sh e tore h er g a ze a w a y from h i s w a sh b oa rd stom a ch for th e th i rd stoma ti m e a n d con tem p l a ted h i s p erfectl y scu l p ted fa ce, fu l l of n i cen ess, a m on g oth er th i n g s. Wa tch i t. My eg o, rem em b er? I p refer th e a l oof, b a d - b oy p erson a Ive w ork ed so h a rd to a cq u i re. T h ey l a u g h ed tog eth er.

After a l on g p a u se h e a d d ed , Y ou h a ven t ever h a d a b oyfri en d . An d I th i n k you re p osi ti vel y p erfect g i rl fri en d m a teri a l , yet, you a re si n g l e. H e op en ed h i s eyes a n d reg a rd ed h er sol em n l y. P ossi b l y you h a ve a ta d too mu ch of th e n i cen ess mu th i n g , th ou g h . C ou l d b e w h y. Sca res th em a w a y. Sh e d i d n t b l u sh , b eca u se ob vi ou sl y th e g u y w a s l yi n g . O h , sh u t u p . As i f. Ive n ever even b een a p p roa ch ed for m y n u m b er. O n ce, th i s a m a zi n g h ot g u y a sk ed me for J en n a s n u m b er th ou g h . T h a t w a s fu n . C ri m i n a l . D u sti n si g h ed a n d l ook ed u p a t th e sk y. Seem s i m p ossi b l e. G i rl l i k e you sh ou l d b e l ock ed d ow n . V eres h ea rt d i d a stra n g e l i ttl e fl i p . U g h . B a ck to you . T el l m e w h y you n ever me h a d a g i rl fri en d . Its on l y fa i r. Y ou k n ow everyth i n g a b ou t m y d a ti n g a n d soci a l my d i sa ster si tu a ti on s. Wh y h a ve you n ever h a d a rea l g i rl fri en d ? Ive n ever th ou g h t a b ou t w h y . T h i n k n ow . Wh a t w a s th e p rob l em w i th a l l th ose g i rl s? Were th ey n ot p retty, or n i ce, or w h a t? T h e p rob l em w a sn t from th e h ook i n g u p . Its n ever th a t. H e g ri n n ed , w i ck ed l y. V ere fel t h er w h ol e fa ce fl a m e u p . B u t even a sn ow m a n w ou l d h a ve b l u sh ed a n d m el ted i n sta n tl y w i th th e l ook h e h a d i n h i s eyes. Sh e ca l l ed h i s b l u ff. If you re tryi n g to m a k e m e b ol t a n d ch a n g e th e su b j ect, Im n ot g oi n g to. G o on . We w ere on th e top i c of you h ook i n g u p a n d w h y ? D a m n . O k a y. H m m m . H e l et ou t a l on g b rea th . N o d en yi n g th a t a l l th e mn a tten ti on from g i rl s w a sn t a ru sh a t fi rst. An d i t w a s g ood for m y ed u ca ti on to my sa y th e l ea st. H e sh ot h er a fu n n y g ri n a n d th en l ook ed b a ck u p a t th e sk y. A g u y l i k es to k n ow h e h a s i t a l l - tog eth er a n d fu n cti on i n g w i th en ou g h l eft over. P l u s th e ta l en t to p l ea se i f you k n ow w h a t I m ea n . H e fi n i sh ed w i th a w i n k . V ere g i g g l ed a t th a t. H a . Im su re, sh e m a n a g ed to ch ok e ou t even th ou g h sh e w a s d yi n g i n si d e. H e g a ve a l i ttl e sel f- d ep reca ti n g l a u g h a s th ou g h h e th ou g h t sh e w ere m ock i n g h i m . Wh a t? I h a ve sk i l l s. Wh a t of i t? G od . Y ou a re so fu l l of you rsel f. Som eon e rea l l y sa i d th a t to you ? Someon E a sy. Y ou a sk ed . An d I w i l l h a ve you k n ow , m y sk i l l s h a ve b een com p l i m en ted m ore th a n on ce. U h . E ew ? Sh e g i g g l ed a l l over a g a i n a n d p u n ch ed h i s sh ou l d er. It d oesn t m a k e i t l ess fu n n y! My step fa th ers a ssi sta n t sa i d i t m ost, a n d th a t w a s a cou p l e of yea rs b a ck . most, Woa h . Rea l l y? Wh en you w ere 15? H e n od d ed . Are you tryi n g to sh ock m e or si m p l y sca re m e? B oth ? If w e a re g oi n g to b e fri en d s you m i g h t a s w el l k n ow I w a sn t k i d d i n g a b ou t th e d a rk - si d ed stu ff. V ere l a u g h ed b u t h a d g row n u tterl y u n comforta b l e. Ag a i n , sh e h a d th e feel i n g h e com forta th ou g h t sh e w a s a b ou t to ma k e fu n of h i m . ma Wh a tever. T h a t a ssi sta n t w a s on th e d a rk si d e. N ot you ! Sh ou l d n t sh e b e i n jail?

N o, sh e w a s seven teen a t th e ti m e. T u rn ed ei g h teen , b rok e u p w i th m e a n d took off w i th m y step - fa th er. Mom p a ys h i m n ot to con ta ct m e. N ot th a t I w a n t h i m too. T h e a ssi sta n t i s l on g g on e. J eez...a n d w ow ! Sh e w a n ted to l i g h ten th e m ood so sh e u sed a l i g h ter voi ce so h e w ou l d n t n oti ce h ow creep ed ou t sh e w a s b y h i s story. T h i s, p l u s a l l th e oth er stu ff h ed tol d h er, w a s over th e top . H ow cou l d th a t a ssi sta n t g i rl k n ow so m u ch a n d b e so you n g ? D u sti n sh ot h er a w ry l ook , p i ck i n g u p on h er j ok i n g ton e. N o cl u e. L ook a t you . Si xteen a n d you ve on l y m a d e ou t w i th a p i l l ow . Isn t th a t you r cl a i m to fa m e? Wh oa . O k a y, ok a y. I resen t th a t a n d so d oes m y p i l l ow . H e g ri n n ed so w i d e h e a l m ost b l i n d ed h er, th en b i t h i s b ottom l i p l i k e h e w a s h ol d i n g b a ck a l a u g h . An yh ow . Sh e h a d to l ook a w a y. H i s sm i l e h a d sort of m a d e h er ch est a ch e. Sh e su d d en l y u n d erstood th a t h e w a s a n exp ert a t h i d i n g h i s p a i n b eh i n d a h u g e m a sk . We a l l k n ow Im b eh i n d . Wa y b eh i n d , sh e a d d ed , h i d i n g h er ow n p a i n . H e g l a n ced over a n d reg a rd ed h er w i th a sol em n exp ressi on . As th ou g h h e k n ew th i n g s w ere g etti n g w a y sa d a n d seri ou s, h e sh ot h er a too- k n ow i n g sm i rk . F eel free to l et m e k n ow i f you ever n eed a n y b est fri en d or coa ch i n g p oi n ters on th a t su b j ect. Ma yb e you re d oi n g som e stu ff a l l w ron g w i th you r p i l l ow ? H e fl i ck ed h er a n oth er ch a l l en g i n g g l a n ce a n d a com i ca l b row w i g g l e. C oa ch D u sti n i s h ere to serve. P l ea se! I m a d e th a t p i l l ow very h a p p y. An d you w on t b el i eve th e fea th ers i t p u t i n my ea r. Sti l l d oes, a n d I h a ven t m a d e ou t w i th i t i n over a yea r. Y ou a ren t th e my on l y on e w i th m eg a - sk i l l s, sh e j ok ed , a m a zed th a t sh e d i d n t even feel em b a rra ssed a b ou t th i s con versa ti on ! B etter, sh e w a s w el l p a st b l u sh i n g w h en h ed w i n k ed a t h er! T h e cu re i s b a ck on . H er h ea rt soa red w i th th e k n ow l ed g e th a t sh e tru sted h i m n ot to g o th ere. C u rti s w ou l d k i ck you r a ss i f h e h ea rd you . Wel l see. C a l l me a fter h es a sk ed you ou t, a n d Il l set u p a fi g h t d a te. Ki d me sh ou l d b e k i ck i n g you r p i l l ow s a ss, a n yh ow . N ot m i n e. Im n ot a th rea t. I w i sh h i m l u ck . Wh a tever b a ck . I h op e you r n ext g rou p i e i s N IC E . Wh i ch ta k es th e con versa ti on ri g h t b a ck to you . Sh e sm i l ed . H e g roa n ed . N o. C a n t w e stop ? H a sn t th i s b een en ou g h p ra cti ce yet? N op e. T el l m e a l i ttl e a b ou t w h a t you th i n k a b ou t g i rl s. In g en era l terms, I term s, m ea n . If you re tru l y m y coa ch th en k eep ta l k i n g . I n eed th i s m a l e i n si g h t. Y ou sa i d I cou l d a sk you a n yth i n g . D u sti n rol l ed on to h i s si d e a n d fa ced h er. Sh e h a d th e od d est sen sa ti on h e w a s sta ri n g a t h er l i p s. G od . N ot th i s top i c, h e sa i d . Y es, sh e d em a n d ed . P l ea se. I n eed to k n ow w h a t g oes on i n si d e g u ys h ea d s so I ca n ch a n g e. C h a rl i e on l y tel l s m e so m u ch , you k n ow . H e sh ook h i s h ea d . Wh y d o you th i n k you n eed to ch a n g e? Y ou re g rea t th e w a y

you a re a n d H er ston y, d eterm i n ed , g l a re m u st h a ve stop p ed h i m b eca u se h e sh ook h i s h ea d a g a i n a n d si g h ed a s h e l a y b a ck a g a i n b rea k i n g h er g a ze. F i n e. Ive g ot som e i d ea s a b ou t you a n d C u rti s a n d w h a ts n ot w ork i n g . Sh e g a sp ed . Rea l l y? G o...ta l k ...w h a t? ! Y ou k n ow w h a t C h a rl i e sa i d ? Ab ou t you p u tti n g C u rti s u p on a p ed esta l , a n d h ow you sh ou l d n t? T h eres a l ot to th a t. V eres h ea rt soa red . Sh e cou l d n t b el i eve h ow cool th i s w a s. Sh e w a s tw el ve i n ch es from a g u y a n d ta l k i n g a b ou t g i rl s, a n d b oyfri en d s, a n d m a k i n g ou t, a n d l i fe. An d i t fel t n orm a l . Sh e cou l d h ea r D u sti n s feet sp l a sh i n g i n th e w a ter som ew h ere n ext to h ers b u t d i d n t w a n t to ri sk a l ook a t h i m . H er tu m m y d i d a n oth er l i ttl e fl i p . H e w en t on , I ca n on l y sp ea k for m ysel f b u t Ive sp en t m y fa i r sh a re of ti m e on th e fa n p ed esta l s. I ca n i ma g i n e, b u t...i sn t i t cool to b e a d m i red ? ma N o, a n d yes. B u t th e p ed esta l th i n g b i tes. T h e g i rl s, th e on es th a t h a ve m e on th a t p ed esta l , a re a l l th e sa m e. T h ey even l ook w ei rd . Sca ry. Its th ei r eyes m ostl y. I feel l i k e I ca n sp ot th i s h u n g ry, g l a zed over, exci ted g l ea m w h en th ey l ook a t m e. Ma k es m e w a n t to cra w l ou t of m y sk i n . Its th e w ron g k i n d of exci tem en t. Its so stra n g e, b u t th ey w i l l d o w h a tever I a sk th em to d o w h en th ey a re l i k e th a t. Its a tota l tu rn off. Wh y? I th ou g h t a l l g u ys l oved i t w h en g i rl s w ere ea sy or w h a tever. It took m e a l on g ti m e to fi g u re th a t ou t. T h e w ei rd p a rt com es from th e fa ct th a t th e g i rl s a ren t m eeti n g m e, th ey a re m eeti n g w h o th ey i ma g i n e I a m , you k n ow ? V ere n od d ed a n d cl osed h er eyes, en j oyi n g th e sou n d of h i s ru m b l i n g voi ce a s i t fl oa ted over h er. Y ea h . Ive d on e th a t. Sta red a t p osters of g u ys, or m ovi e ch a ra cters a n d i m a g i n ed tota l l y w h a t th eyd b e l i k e i f th ey w ere w i th m e. E veryon e d oes th a t. Its w h a t fa n s d o. Y ea h , b u t fa n a d ora ti on i s i m p ossi b l e to l i ve u p to. N o on e ca n b e th a t p erfect. So i f you h a ve th i s Wi sh ford g u y on a p ed esta l , m a yb e you re d oi n g th a t w ei rd fa n b eh a vi or w i th h i m . If so, i t cou l d m a k e i t d i ffi cu l t for you to h a ve a rea l con versa ti on w i th h i m a n d so you frea k . T h a ts w h a t m y fa n s d o. T h ey j u st screa m , a n d cry, a n d b a b b l e stu ff l i k e, oooh - my- G od - I- l ove- you - so- mu ch a n d a ct g en era l l y i n sa n e w h en th ey m eet m e. Im p ossi b l e. Ive k n ow n C u rti s forever. Im su re Im n ot i m a g i n i n g w h a t h es l i k e. I m u st a l rea d y k n ow . H es th e p erfect g u y for m e. Is th a t p u tti n g h i m on a p ed esta l ? Sh e op en ed h er eyes a n d l ook ed for h i s resp on se. D u sti n sh ru g g ed . Al l g i rl s th e on es Ive m a n a g ed to g et cl ose to a n yh ow , seem to h a ve th i s m essed u p fa i ry ta l e i d ea . T h ey a l l i m a g i n e, u n i versa l l y, th a t th ey w ere T H E O N E G IRL th a t I w a s g oi n g to j u st fa l l i n l ove w i th , si m p l y b eca u se w ed m a d e i t to th e h ook i n g u p stu ff. T h ey a cted a s i f I w a s g oi n g to sta rt ca l l i n g th em or em a i l i n g th em every d a y w h en I g ot h om e a fter w ed you k n ow ....Wh y d o g i rl s g o th ere? I d on t k n ow . Y ou m u st b e on to som eth i n g th ou g h . I ca n con fi rm th a t J en n a a n d

I a re a l l d rea m y- g oofy l i k e th a t a b ou t m ovi e sta rs. L i k e i f L eon a rd o D i C a p p ri o myw ere 25 yea rs you n g er, a n d h e m et m e Im su re th a t h ed fa l l i n l ove w i th m e on si g h t. Y ou a re su ch a tw i sted p erson . L eo i s ol d er th a n you r d a d ! B u t n ot i n th e Rom eo a n d J u l i et rem a k e. H es forever you n g th ere. An d h e l oves m e. ME , sh e j ok ed , b u t th en sob ered . Sorry. G o on . T el l m e. Wh a ts i t l i k e th en , from you r si d e i f th e fa m ou s p erson d oesn t fa l l i n l ove w i th th e a d ori n g fa n ? I ca n on l y sp ea k for m ysel f. B u t...a fter a w h i l e, th e w h ol e scen e of th e a d ori n g g i rl s b u m m ed m e ou t. I k n ew I w ou l d n t fa l l i n l ove w i th a n y of th em . T h e l on g est Id sp en t h ook i n g u p w i th a g i rl b a ck sta g e w a s for a few h ou rs. We l ock ed ou rsel ves i n a cl ea n i n g cl oset a n d sh e h a d so m u ch sta m i n a th a t w e... O k a y, coa ch . T MI . Stop on th e sp eci fi cs. Im sorry I a sk ed . H e l a u g h ed . I w ou l d n t w a n t to b e resp on si b l e for ta k i n g you from a G ra ti n g to a n R. Sh e scow l ed a t th e sa rca sm i n h i s voi ce a n d w a s rew a rd ed w i th h i s fl a sh of tea si n g , l i g h t b l u e eye tw i n k l es. H ey. Im a t l ea st a P G - 13 k i n d of g i rl . H e l a u g h ed a g a i n . T h e offi ci a l d efi n i ti on of P G - 13 i n cl u d es fou l l a n g u a g e a n d k i ssi n g a n d you h a ven t crossed ei th er b ou n d a ry. D o you ever u se fou l l a n g u a g e? h e a sk ed i n a stern , com i ca l voi ce. Y es. O f cou rse. An d j u st b eca u se I h a ven t d on e stu ff d oesn t m ea n I d on t k n ow stu ff. I rea d b ook s. An d w a tch MT V . Movi es. H e ra i sed on e b row rea l l y h i g h . O h n ever m i n d . Stop tryi n g to ch a n g e th e th e d a mn su b j ect, sh e sa i d i n a n a ttem p t to p rove sh e cou l d cu rse. H er ch eek s h a d fl u sh ed to m a rk h er a tota l fra u d , a n d h e ch u ck l ed . U g h . Sh e tu rn ed a w a y i n fru stra ti on a n d h e l a u g h ed l ou d er. I b et you l ed som e of th ose g i rl s on . Sh e a l rea d y sen sed th a t h e p rob a b l y some h a d n t, b u t sh e w a n ted to d i g a t h i m a l i ttl e for em b a rra ssi n g h er. N o. I d i d n ot. I m a d e su re th e g i rl s w h o w ere w i l l i n g w ere a l so w el l a w a re I w ou l d n t ca l l th em a fterw a rd s. I m a d e th a t very cl ea r. E w . T h a ts w ei rd a n d creep y. E sp eci a l l y th e p a rt w h ere th e g i rl s sti l l stu ck a rou n d for th e h ook - u p a fter you d tol d th em a l l th a t. Wel l , th ey d i d . B u t I fel t b a d a b ou t i t, so l i k e si x mon th s b efore I.... m on H e stop p ed a n d l ook ed a w a y a n d took i n a d eep , a l most sh a k y sou n d i n g b rea th m ost b efore g oi n g on , Si x m on th s b efore I ca m e h ere, Id stop p ed h a n g i n g ou t w i th g i rl s a l l tog eth er. Id sort of g i ven u p on th em . G i ven u p on tryi n g to m a k e a con n ecti on w i th a n yon e. Id w ork ed so m a n y h ou rs. An d th e th i n g w i th m y m om om I g ot ti red . I sort of tu rn ed i n to a h erm i t. V ere l ook ed a t h i m a s sh e rea d j u sted h er b u n so sh e cou l d rest h er h ea d fl a t on th e d ock . T h i s w h ol e story of you r d a ti n g l i fe or n on - d a ti n g l i fe you cou l d ca l l i t m a k es m e g o b a ck to th a t i d ea I h a ve of you th a t you re from a n oth er p l a n et. I a m . C om p a red to you , Im a j a d ed , b l a ck - h ea rted , d a rk - si d ed , col d , b a sta rd , a ss. T h a ts th e tru th . I feel l i k e som e typ e of i n n ocen ce d esp oi l er for even h a n g i n g ou t w i th you a n d tel l i n g you m y stori es.

Sh e g l a n ced over a n d h e w a s reg a rd i n g h er a s th ou g h h e b el i eved w h a t h ed j u st sa i d . O h p l ea se. U n l ess you re g oi n g to tel l m e you re secretl y a va m p i re a n d you r w ea l th y, g org eou s fa m i l y i s h i d i n g i n th e w ood s w on d eri n g w h y you d on t j u st b i te m e a l rea d y, you ca n j u st l ea ve you r b i g b a d w ol f fron t for som eon e el se. Y ou a ren t fool i n g m e. I th i n k you re j u st a fra i d , l i k e m e. L i k e a n y, n orma l , a n yon e i s orm a a fra i d . Y ou si m p l y d i d n t g i ve a n y of th ose g i rl s a ch a n ce to b e you r g i rl fri en d . H ea r me ri g h t, i ts n ot a fron t. I n ever w en t i n to a n y of th ose h ook - u p s w a n ti n g me a g i rl fri en d . I w a n ted to h ook u p . T h a ts i t. I d i d n ot, n or d o I tod a y, ever, w a n t a g i rl fri en d . Sh e fl u sh ed a g a i n . B u t w h y? T o m e, a g i rl fri en d i s j u st a n oth er p erson w h o w ou l d w a n t m e to p erform for me th em i n som e w a y. At th e en d of m y d a ys, I d on t seem to h a ve a n y p erform i n g l eft i n m e. After th e sex, i ts too m u ch d a m n trou b l e to h ol d a con versa ti on w i th a n y of th em . WH AT ? V ere sa t u p stra i g h t a n d b rou g h t h er l eg s u n d er h er, cri sscross. Sh e g l a red d ow n a t h i m . H e h a d n t m oved . Aren t you j u st i n sp i ri n g ! I w on d er i f a l l g u ys th i n k th a t? " D u sti n stretch ed a n d sa t u p . I d on t k n ow . Ma yb e you k n ow g u ys w h o a re com i n g from a m ore n orm a l p l a ce. Al l I k n ow i s th a t b oyfri en d s a re su p p osed to b e a b l e to m a k e th ei r g i rl fri en d s h a p p y for m ore th a n on e h ou r. I d o n ot h a ve th a t ca p a ci ty. D u h . An d d u u u u h ! Y es you d o. E veryon e d oes. Sh e h a d th e stra n g est u rg e to cl ock h i m j u st th en so sh e ya n k ed ou t h er b u n a n d rem a d e i t b a ck i n i ts n orm a l sp ot to k eep h er h a n d s b u sy. Sh e cou l d n ot ra n d om l y w h a ck h i m , n o m a tter h ow stu p i d h e sou n d ed . T h i s i s w h a t g oes on i n g u ys h ea d s? sh e ra n ted . Wa i t ti l l sh e g ot C h a rl i e a l on e to con fi rm h i s th ou g h ts on th i s top i c! Wa i t ti l l sh e tol d J en n a ! Sh e th rew h er a rm s i n to th e a i r, tryi n g n ot to yel l , B u t b u t h a vi n g a g i rl fri en d b ei n g a cou p l e, a n d a l l th a t i ts su p p osed to n ot feel l i k e w ork or l i k e a n i m p osi ti on . Its su p p osed to j u st h a p p en , ea si l y a n d n a tu ra l l y. Isn t i t? Wh y d o you m a k e i t sou n d l i k e th a t? H e frow n ed . L i k e w h a t? I w a s j u st b ei n g h on est. D a mn , g i rl , you a sk ed m e. I tol d you w h a t I cou l d . Y ou m a d e i t sou n d em p ty. V oi d . T erri b l e. An d so...col d . Y ou ve l ost a l l th e rom a n ce. D u sti n sh ook h i s h ea d . G od . Roma n ce. Y ou w ou l d g o th ere. Rom a n ce i s every g i rl s m essed - u p fa n ta sy i n vol vi n g fl ow ers, a n d p oetry, a n d p i l es of fa k e cra p . I g u ys d on t k n ow h ow to h a n d l e a l l th a t. An yon e w h o d oes i s so fa k i n g i t. An y g i rl w h o fa l l s for i t Im sa d for th em, b eca u se th eyre vi cti m s of m a rk eti n g ! em , Wh a t? Wh a t? V ere sp u ttered . If th ere a re fl ow ers a n d cu te stu ff, i ts b eca u se th e cou p l e ca res a b ou t ea ch oth er a n d th ey w a n t to d o sw eet th i n g s to sh ow th ei r l ove to ea ch oth er. It i sn t a j ob . As for th e p oetry you re a son g w ri ter! Are th e zi l l i on s of l ove son g s on th e p l a n et n ot rea l ? J eez. G u a rd eRob e d oesn t h a ve a n y l ove son g s. B u t you w ou l d n t k n ow th a t, n ow w ou l d you ?

Sh e g a sp ed , a n d h er h ea rt tw i sted p a i n fu l l y. Wel l th ere you g o! An oth er rea son n ot to l i k e you r b a n d . Im sa d for you . Its a tota l w a ste of a w h ol e b a n d i f th ey d on t si n g l ove son g s, so th ere! Sh e sh ot h i s w ord s b a ck a t h i m . I th i n k i f m. you ve on l y h a d th e h ook - u p s th en you ve m i ssed a l l th e g ood , sw eet stu ff. Wh a t a b ou t th e everyd a y k i sses? An d m a k i n g ou t on th e cou ch ? O r th e h a n d - h ol d i n g w h ere you d on t even m a k e ou t b u t you re j u st d a yd rea m i n g tog eth er? H e sa t u p too. Is th a t w h a t you r p i l l ow ta u g h t you ? O r i s th i s a l l com i n g from fa vori te b ook s a n d m ovi es? V ere g l a red h u g e b u l l ets i n to h i s stu p i d , b l u e eyes. Wh a t a b ou t th e b u tterfl i es i n you r stom a ch ? D o g u ys n ot h a ve th e b u tterfl i es, a t l ea st? C om e on . I k n ow th ose a re rea l for m e b eca u se Ive fel t th em . P l ea se, sa y th ey a re rea l to g u ys. H i s g a ze ca u g h t h ers i n a ta n g l ed , con fu sed , h a l f- a n g ry w a y a n d h e tu rn ed a w a y. Wh en h e d i d n t a n sw er, on l y sta red a t th e l a k e, sh e fel t h er ch eek s fl u sh . Sh e w on d ered i f sh ed h u rt h i s feel i n g s.I I sh ou l d n t h a ve yel l ed . H i s voi ce sou n d ed rou g h , sa rca sti c, a n d som eh ow l ost w h en h e fi n a l l y tu rn ed b a ck to h er. I ca n con fi rm th e exi sten ce of g u y b u tterfl i es. B u t i ts n ot som eth i n g th a ts a d verti sed . O k a y? Wel l ...th a ts som eth i n g , sh e sa i d u n d er h er b rea th , a l l of th e fi g h t g oi n g ou t of h er. V ere p u l l ed h er sn ea k ers n ext to h er, u n a b l e to h ol d h er th ou g h ts i n ord er a s a h u g e, ra n d om b l u sh a tta ck set i n . Sh e tri ed to ta l k h er w a y th rou g h i t. B oy. T h i s B G F th i n g i s a tota l eye op en er. As i f. Wel l , I d on t k n ow a n yth i n g a b ou t g u ys, you re ri g h t. An d ...I g u ess Im sorry I a sk ed . Im g l a d you g a ve m e a rea l i ty ch eck , th ou g h . Ma yb e I a m l i k e th ose g rou p i e g i rl s. T oo ca u g h t u p i n th e fa i ry ta l e versi on s of l ove. V ere I Sh e cou l d n t stop h ersel f. N o. Its g ood for m e to h ea r th i s. I n eed a fri en d l i k e you . See, b u tterfl i es a re th e on l y th i n g Ive ever h a d w h en i t com es to rom a n ce a n d g u ys. An d m ostl y, you re ri g h t. Ive fou n d th em i n b ook s a n d m ovi es a n d a l l over th e ca st of T een Wol f. Sh e sh ot h i m a sh eep i sh sm i l e. N ot g oi n g to l i e. Wh a t Im tryi n g to sa y i s...th a t I l ove th ose b u tterfl i es. I sea rch for th em en d l essl y. Rea l or n ot, I h a ve to i m a g i n e th ey a re g oi n g to l ea d m e to som eth i n g rea l . An d a w esom e. V ere cou l d feel h er fl u sh d eep en i n g b u t sh e cou l d n t stop h er m ou th from m otori n g on , Ma yb e I b el i eve a l l th i s j u n k b eca u se Im a tota l d ork . A rea l on e. N ot l i k e you p reten d i n g to b e a d ork . Y ou w ou l d n t u n d ersta n d w h a t th a t feel s l i k e. I l i ve you r h el l i sh d i sg u i se every si n g l e d a y a n d i ts p erma n en t. erm a V ere, you a ren t a d ork . N ot even cl ose. Y ou re j u st sh y. Wh a tever. Im n ot a sh a m ed of i t. An d b ei n g sh y p u ts m e sm a ck i n th e ou tca std ork - n erd ca teg ory. If w e a re tru l y g oi n g to b e fri en d s th e n ext few w eek s or m on th s, th en you n eed to g et th i s a b ou t m e. H e sh ook h i s h ea d . N o. D on t sa y a n yth i n g . Y ou ve on l y seen a n d k n ow n m e h ere. B u t ou t th ere b a ck i n th e rea l w orl d ? I k n ow m y d ea l my a ssets j u st l i k e you d o. Ive g ot n o m a g i c- h a t a n d g l a sses tri ck to p u l l off w h ere I retu rn to fa b u l ou s . I ca n t stop a w h ol e room of p eop l e b rea th i n g b eca u se of m y eye col or. Im th e on e w h os a l rea d y

fa i n ted on th e fl oor a n d m a d e a fool ou t of m ysel f b eca u se I sa w you r eye col or. G et m e? So w h y d oes th a t m a k e you sou n d so a n g ry? Are you m a d a t m e for h ow I l ook ? F or tryi n g to b e tota l l y h on est from m y ow n h ea rt? Sh e sh ru g g ed . N o. O f cou rse n ot. Im on l y m a d b eca u se I th ou g h t I w a s w a i ti n g for som e b oy to com e a l on g w h o b el i eves i n rom a n ce. If I ever fi n d h i m , w el l th en i ts g oi n g to ta k e h i m a rea l l y l on g ti m e to g et m e ou t of th a t d ea d fa i n t b efore h e ca n even fi n d m y l i p s to p l a n t a fi rst k i ss on th em . V ere I d i d n t m ea n to N o. L et m e fi n i sh . Wh a t i f I w a i t a n d I th i n k Ive fou n d th a t g u y a n d h e tu rn s ou t to th i n k exa ctl y l i k e you d eep d ow n i n si d e? Wh a t i f th a t g u y j u st w a n ts to sl eep w i th m e a n d p reten d s h es h a p p y h e g ot m e roses. An d h e d i d a l l th a t rom a n ce cra p for th a t si n g u l a r g oa l a n d n ot for for l ove a n d b u tterfl i es? !! T h en Ive b een w a i ti n g a l l th i s ti m e a n d for w h a t? Ma yb e I O k a y. Im g oi n g to stop you h ere, b efore you b l ow a fu se. H i s l ow voi ce g rou n d ed h er. Sh e su ck ed i n a d eep b rea th , rel i eved h ed b rok en i n to h er en d l ess ch a tter. H ed d on e th a t yesterd a y too. It w a s a s th ou g h h e u n d erstood sh e cou l d n t stop h ersel f w h en sh e g ot l i k e th i s, a n d h e som eh ow k n ew exa ctl y h ow to h el p . Sh e b l i n k ed a t h i m a n d tri ed to rep l a y w h a t sh ed j u st sa i d i n fron t of h i m . H op efu l l y n oth i n g too h u m i l i a ti n g h a d b u mb l ed ou t. Sh e g a ve h i m a n a p ol og eti c mb a n d very g ra tefu l smi l e. Sh e h a d to a d m i t i t w a s n i ce to h a ve a fri en d w h o d i d n t sm i j u d g e h er for exp l od i n g l i k e th a t. T h a n k s. I l ost i t. Y es. B u t i ts p a rtl y m y fa u l t. I fl ood ed you r b ra i n w i th m y m a d l i fe, a n d I eg g ed you on . H e smi l ed b a ck a n d k i n d l y d i d n t a d d ress h er sti l l fl a m i n g fa ce. sm i D i d you ? Wel l , th en yea h , i ts a l l you r fa u l t, you j a d ed , rom a n ce- b u b b l eb u ster. H e m oved a sm a l l p i ece of h a i r ou t of h er eyes. I d on t k n ow w h a ts rea l w h en i t com es to l ove a n d rom a n ce. Ive n ever h a d ei th er, ok a y? B u t I d o k n ow I w ou l d n t recog n i ze th e sw eet stu ff you ta l k a b ou t i f i t w ere a b u s ru n n i n g m e over. My exp osu re i s too sk ew ed . Im p erm a n en tl y b rok en i n th a t a rea . D u sti n p u l l ed h i s feet ou t of th e w a ter. H e p u sh ed h i msel f b a ck a n d stretch ed h i s m sel l eg s ou t to d ry th em i n th e su n . Y ou r u n tri ed versi on of w h a t d a ti n g sh ou l d b e seem s w a y b etter th a n w h a t Ive b een d oi n g . My B G F a d vi ce to you i s to ca rry on a n d b el i eve. Im su re Im w ron g . F or th e sa k e of th e w h ol e u n i verse, I h op e so, Mr. V a d er. H e sm i l ed , a n d sh ot h er a si d el on g g l a n ce. Im g l a d you fi n a l l y b el i eve m e. After th i s, I th i n k w ere w el l p a st form a l i ti es. P l ea se, ca l l m e D a rth . Sh e cou l d n t even l a u g h b eca u se h i s exp ressi on seem ed so forl orn . Sh e fel t u tterl y sorry for th e g u y si tti n g n ext to h er. H e seem ed so l on el y. H ed j u st tol d h er so m u ch a b ou t h i m sel f, sh e n ow fel t l i k e sh ed k n ow n h i m for a rea l l y l on g ti m e. Y ou r toes a re a l l w ri n k l y, sh e tol d h i m . Y ou rs too. T h ey're so ti n y com p a red to m i n e. H i s voi ce h a d tu rn ed q u i et. V ere d a rted a g l a n ce a t h i s fa ce a g a i n . Sh e l ea n ed to th e si d e a n d b u m p ed h i s a rm

w i th h er sh ou l d er. L ook . If I d on t h a ve ti m e to sa y i t b efore tom orrow , I j u st tomorrow w a n t you to k n ow th i s w eek en d a n d a l l th e ti m e you ve g i ven to ta l k i n g to me me a n d h el p i n g m e th rou g h m y i ssu e h a s m ea n t a l ot. H e l a u g h ed l ow , a s h e p u l l ed on h i s sock s a n d sh oes. V ere. Its b een a p l ea su re. T ru l y. Y ou a re th e on e w h o d eserves th e th a n k s, for h el p i n g me su i t- u p a n d h i d eou t. Y ou re rea l l y a n a w esom e p erson for a d ork . H e stood a n d w h en sh e w a s fi n i sh ed w i th h er sh oes, h e h el p ed h er to h er feet. Y ou re a w esom e too, sh e sa i d . D esp i te th e p a rt w h ere you sh ou l d p rob a b l y k eep h ol d of you r th era p i st forever, sh e a d d ed , tossi n g h i m a l i g h t sm i l e so h ed k n ow smi sh e w a s j ok i n g . O h , I w i l l . H e g ri n n ed . Sh e w a s so fi l l ed u p w i th th i s stra n g e g ra ti tu d e tow a rd h i m th a t w h en h e tu rn ed b a ck to fa ce h er sh e j u st n eed ed to h u g h i m . So sh e d i d . O of. D u sti n sta g g ered b a ck . T h a n k s. I th i n k . T h e feel of th e w a rm su n sh i n e th a t h a d h ea ted h i s sh i rt, mi xed w i th h i s fresh soa p sm el l en vel op ed h er. H i s ch est w a s so sol i d . Sh e cou l d feel h i s h ea rt b ea ti n g n ea r h er ea r. H e h u g g ed h er b a ck for a secon d or w a s i t a l ot of secon d s? Sh ed h ea rd h u n d red s of l i g h tn i n g fa st h ea rtb ea ts i n si d e h i s ch est b efore h e set h er a w a y from h i m . It m u st h a ve b een l ots of secon d s. AWKWARD . Hop efu l l y h e d i d n t n oti ce. U g h . Wh a t w a s th ere to n oti ce? It w a s j u st a h u g . T h a ts a l l . Morti fi ed , sh e a voi d ed h i s g a ze com p l etel y a n d w a l k ed a h ea d so h e w ou l d n t see h er fl a m i n g ch eek s. As sh e j u m p ed off th e d ock sh e ch ose a fl i p p a n t, con fi d en t voi ce i n ca se h ed n oti ced a n yth i n g w a s off. B eca u se n oth i n g i s off. N ot a t a l l . C om e a l on g , m y D u sti n McH u g h , l ets h ea d for h ome. C a n you d o m e a fa vor? h e a sk ed from b eh i n d . Su re. Stop ca l l i n g m e my D u sti n McH u g h . Its sort of d i stra cti n g . It i s? Su re. Su re. Sorry. Sh e stop p ed a n d tu rn ed to l ook a t h i m w i th a frow n , feel i n g sa d a b ou t h i s req u est. An d th en sh e rea l l y l ook ed a t h i m . Hi s ca p w a s off a n d h i s b a d l y ch op p ed u p h a i r h a d soften ed i n to th i ck , d a rk , cu rl i n g w a ves. Som eh ow , th a t m a d e h i m l ook even m ore h a n d som e th a n th e fi rst ti m e sh ed seen me h i m w i th h i s fa n cy sa l on h a i rcu t. Hi s p erfect ch i n w a s more p ron ou n ced th a n k s to Hi m ore a sl i g h t ta n a n d th e fa ct th a t h i s l i p s w ere a l l seri ou s a n d frow n i n g . As h e strod e sm ooth l y a l on g th e p a th , m i n u s h i s l on g p ra cti ced d ork g a i t, h er D u sti n McH u g h l ook ed sl i g h tl y l i k e a b l u e- eyed p a n th er. If th ere w ere b l u e- eyed p a n th ers...a n d ...w h a tever. I ca n sti l l ca l l h i m mi n e i n si d e my ow n h ea d . B eca u se h e k i n d of i s...mi n e... C a n you d o m e a fa vor b a ck ? H er voi ce cra ck ed . Sh e h a d to l ook w a y u p i n to h i s sh u ttered g a ze, a s h e cl osed th e d i sta n ce b etw een th em .

He stop p ed i n fron t of h er a n d q u i ck l y l ock ed h i s a rms b eh i n d h i s b a ck . Ma yb e He h e w a s a fra i d sh ed h u g h i m a g a i n . An yth i n g , l i k e I sa i d . Ask m e a n yth i n g . H i s voi ce seemed d i fferen t, g ra vel l y Hi seem ed d eep a s u su a l , b u t i t sou n d ed w a ry a n d sl i g h tl y p erp l exed . H i s g a ze seemed to b e Hi tra vel l i n g a l l over h er en ti re fa ce. Sh e h a d th e od d est sen sa ti on h ed b een sta ri n g a t h er l i p s l i k e sh ed b een sta ri n g a t h i s. Wel l , Im n ot l ook i n g a t h i s p erfect l i p s a n ymore, th a ts for su re. Her h ea rt th u mp ed od d l y a g a i n st h er ch est, a n d sh e rea l i zed sh e h a d l i ttl e g oose H er mp b u m p s on h er a rm s. As th ou g h h er ow n b od y a n d b ra i n b etra yed h er, sh e w a s rms. fl ood ed w i th b u tterfl i es eru p ti n g a rou n d h er stoma ch . stom a Sh e cl a m p ed h er a rm s a cross i t. mp T h ese a ren t rea l b u tterfl i es. T h ey come w i th h i s p a ck a g e- er- h i s a ssets. T h i s i s a tota l l y n orma l resp on se. U g h . N ot rea l b u tterfl i es. Sa y someth i n g , V ere. V ere h a d th e feel i n g th a t th i s ti me h e w a s n ot g oi n g to b a i l h er ou t i f sh e l ost i t. C ou l d you p u t you r g l a sses a n d h a t b a ck on for th e ri d e b a ck ? Y ou , m i n u s th e d i sg u i se, i s d i stra cti n g too. D on t w a n t to b e a l l d a n g erou s b a ck on th e roa d . He ra i sed h i s eyeb row s a n d sh ook h i s h ea d . He F i n e. Y ea h . O f cou rse. Il l w ea r th em from n ow on .

22: test bunnies Dustin

D u sti n l ea n ed i n to th e b a ck sea t of V ere a n d C h a rl i es V W. T h ey w ere on a l on g stretch of roa d C h a rl i e h a d ca l l ed th e 105. Ap p a ren tl y, th e h i g h sch ool w a s som ew h ere a l on g th i s stretch . F rom w h a t h e cou l d see, th ere w a s n oth i n g h ere b u t somew trees, h i l l s, a n d ta l l g ra ss. Au t n o h i g h sch ool , th a t w a s certa i n . He mi g h t a s w el l b e i n a mod ern ep i sod e of L i ttl e Hou se on th e Pra i ri e. He Hi s p h on e l i t u p th e ti me. 7:10 AM. Hi He a ccessed h i s ema i l a g a i n a n d rel oa d ed a l l n ew messa g es. He N oth i n g . T h e text messa g e b ox sti l l sh ow ed on e m essa g e, sen t to h i m F ri d a y a ftern oon a t messa 5:43 P M, from Ma rti n a b ou t th e sa m e ti me h ed b een d ri vi n g u p th e h i l l to th e me ca b i n w i th V ere. It con ta i n ed on l y th e n ew ema i l a d d ress i n form a ti on p l u s h i s m a i l b ox p a ssw ord , forma ma a s p rom i sed . If D u sti n w a n ted to g et i n tou ch w i th h i s a g en t h e w a s su p p osed to em a i l or text to N Y j u i ce77@g m a i l .com. ma Ma rti n sa i d h ed d o th e sa me a t to C oj u i ce99@g m a i l .com. T h ey w ere su ch l a m e em a i l a d d resses. Ma rti n l oved fresh sq u eezed j u i ce a n d h i s Ma xi - J u i cer. H e w a s ob sessed w i th i t. He D ra n k i t 24- 7. He mu st h a ve b een d ri n k i n g j u i ce i n N ew Y ork w h en h ed m a d e He th em u p . D u sti n rel oa d ed th e ma i l a g a i n . Sti l l . N oth i n g . He g ot th a t h i s mom w a sn t g oi n g to ema i l h i m. Sh e ob vi ou sl y w a n ted h i m to He em a rea d h er su ck a ss l etter a n d g et ch ok ed u p a n d ca l l h er. B u t l i k e h ed vow ed , h e h a d n t even tou ch ed th e th i n g . Wel l , n ot b eyon d l ook i n g i n th e d ra w er n ext to h i s b ed a n d n oti n g i t w a s i n th ere, th a t i s. Ma yb e h e w a s exp ecti n g too mu ch from Ma rti n a n d th e g u ys. E veryon e w a s p rob a b l y b u sy a n d d i stra cted g etti n g th e b a n d settl ed i n N ew Y ork . G etti n g everyon e si tu a ted i n th e stu d i o. L ock i n g u p th e frea k i sh i m p oster g u y. mp T h a t h a d to b e i t. It h a d b een on l y fou r d a ys. O n l y fou r d a ys, b u t for some rea son , i t fel t l i k e a l i feti me h a d p a ssed h i m b y. me He g l a n ced u p . He V ere sa t i n th e p a ssen g er sea t i n fron t of h i m, si l en tl y ch ew i n g h er u p p er l i p m, w h i l e C h a rl i e d rove. T h e l on g roa d l ea d i n g to n ow h ere sti l l seem ed to stretch ou t seemed i n fron t of th em i n more en d l ess cu rves. Wh ere i s th i s frea k i n g sch ool a n yw a y? U n a b l e to sta re a t th e roa d a n ymore or V eres d a m n u p p er l i p h e q u i ck l y typ ed mn a n em a i l messa g e to Ma rti n : Y o- N Y J u i ce.

Wh ere r u ? 2d a y i s 1st d a y sch ool ! I D O N T WAN 2. G E T ME O U T T A T HIS ASAP. Pl z. B 4 I fl i p . N o si g n a l a l l w k n d . N o msg s from u or Mom? WT F ? F Y I, h i d i n g i n d ork l n d . Me + g l sses + reta i n er + a ma zi n g n ew l y i n ven ted l i sp . Pl a n s g oi n g O K. N o on e k n ow s. F a mi l y h el p i n g i s cool . Ki d s h el p i n g me r cool 2. Hi g h h op es my cover w i l l sti ck . Wh ere R U ? T el l Mom 2 ca l l N a n . Is Mom w u i n N Y or sti l l i n C A? More l 8r.WRIT E ME B AC K. D u sti n McHu g h . D u sti n zi p p ed th e p h on e i n to th e si d e p ock et of h i s ca n va s p a n ts. T h e p ock et l oca ted a b ove h i s k n ee, n ot on e of th e tw o recta n g u l a r p ock ets a t h i s k n ees. So m a n y p ock ets! H e n eed ed to g et som e more d ork stu ff to fi l l th em u p . He P E Z ca n d y d i sp en sers, a ca l cu l a tor, ru l er, ton s of p en ci l s a n d m a yb e even a ma sh a rp en er a n d h i s very ow n ti n y sta p l er. Ma yb e h e sh ou l d su g g est a n oth er sh op p i n g tri p . He cou l d j u st i ma g i n e V eres fa ce l i g h ti n g u p a s th ey ch ose m ore more a ccessori es for h i s d i sg u i se. Wh en h e l ook ed u p , h e l ock ed eyes w i th V ere w h od tu rn ed i n h er sea t a n d w a s eyei n g h i m . H ow you d oi n g ? sh e a sk ed , h er b i g b row n eyes h ea vy w i th w orry. D u sti n g a ve h er h i s b i g g est sm i l e to sh ow off h i s g i a n t reta i n er. T h su u p er. V ere g i g g l ed . T h a t th i n g i s so Am a ttth h h i n g , I k n ow . Ama Sh e g i g g l ed a g a i n , a n d even C h a rl i e cra ck ed a sm i l e. D u sti n ra n h i s ton g u e over th e reta i n er on th e roof of h i s m ou th . It fel t stra n g e, mou a s i f h ed stu ck th e b ottom of a m el ted p l a sti c w a ter b ottl e i n h i s m ou th or som eth i n g . H e h a ted i t, b u t l oved i t b eca u se th e th i n g ma d e V ere l a u g h every ti m e sh e l ook ed a t i t. E very ti m e h e sp ok e. me H e a l rea d y k n ew h e l i k ed m a k i n g V ere l a u g h , so h ed m a d e a p oi n t of sh ow i n g i t He off to h er a n y ch a n ce h e g ot. V eres d a d h a d ru n th e w i re a cross th e fron t l i k e a n y n orma l reta i n er, b u t th en orm a h ed a d d ed a secon d , l a rg er w i re th a t tw i sted a n d cri sscrossed over th e fi rst, g i vi n g th e h i m th e a p p ea ra n ce of b ra ces. It tru l y l ook ed l i k e h ed ea ten a b u n ch of sod a ca n s. Si n ce th ere w a s n o n eed for th e w i res to b e ti g h t, i t w a s on l y m i l d l y u n com forta b l e. V ere h a d fi n i sh ed texti n g someth i n g i n to h er p h on e a n d tu rn ed a g a i n to l evel h i m w i th h er m ost seri ou s exp ressi on . L i sten . Were on l y tw o m i n u tes from J en n a . Sh es m eeti n g u s i n th e p a rk i n g l ot. C h a rl i e sp ok e i n a p erfect evi l Ru ssi a n - sp y voi ce, If sh e vi l l n ot b e fool ed , veee m u st a b a n d on zee exp eri m en t a n d a ssi mi l a te h er. O r b etter, vee sh ou l d m u rd er h er C h a rl i e! Sh u t u p ! Wh y d o you a l w a ys h a ve to ta k e th i n g s too fa r? V ere

p rotested . D u sti n cou l d n t h el p b u t ch i m e i n , Ssssh eee vi l l d oo a s vee sa yyy, or sh e vi l l b e very, very sorry. It w a s ea si er to l a u g h a b ou t th e si tu a ti on th a n fa ce th e tru e stress of i t a l l . V ere rol l ed h er eyes. O k a y w ei rd os. Stop . We n eed h er. J en n a s ou r ca n a ry i n th e ca ve, ou r l i tm u s p a p er, ou r teen - test b u n n y. If sh e ca tch es on even a l i ttl e, Im th i n k i n g , a t th a t p oi n t w e sp i l l i t to h er. J en n a s sa fe. Sh e w ou l d n t tel l . Sh e m i g h t screa m a n d d a n ce a rou n d w orse th a n C h a rl i e d i d . B u t even tu a l l y, a fter w e took off th e d u ct- ta p e w ed b e forced to w ra p h er i n , sh e w ou l d rel a x a n d si m p l y b e a p a i n i n you r b u tt for th e yea r. B u t sh e w ou l d n t tel l . D u sti n sw a l l ow ed . G rea t. C a n t w a i t to m eet h er. G od . D u d e. Sh es a frea k , l i k e I sa i d . G ood l u ck w i th th a t g i rl , C h a rl i e a d d ed a s h e tu rn ed i n to a l on g d ri vew a y l ea d i n g to a h u g e p a rk i n g l ot. V eres ri g h t th ou g h , sh es l oya l to th e ca u se, b u t I h op e to h el l a n d b a ck sh e d oesn t fi n d ou t. Sh ed com e over to vi si t even m ore th a n sh e a l rea d y d oes. Y ou a re so l u ck y you a re d ri vi n g ri g h t n ow . Wh en I p u n ch you l a ter, you l l k n ow w h y, V ere sa i d , fl i ck i n g a g l a re a t C h a rl i e, a n d th en , L ook . T h eres th e sch ool . D u sti n su rveyed th e l on g , tw o- story b ri ck b u i l d i n g . T a l l w i n d ow s m a d e u p ea ch of th e b u i l d i n g corn ers. H e sp otted th e even l y sp a ced sk yl i g h ts th a t ra n a cross th e en ti re l en g th of th e sl op ed m eta l roof, g l i n ti n g i n th e su n . T h e cen ter of th e b u i l d i n g w a s ob scu red b eh i n d th e p i n e trees p l a n ted i n fron t of th e sch ool , b u t h e cou l d see th e en ti re fron t of i t w a s m a d e of g l a ss. H i s n ew p eep ers w ou l d b e b l a ck a s n i g h t i n th ere. B u t...d a mn , th e p l a ce i s h u g e. D u sti n eyed th e row s a n d row s of em p ty p a rk i n g sp a ces th a t w ere fi l l i n g u p i n a n ord erl y fa sh i on a s th ey w a i ted for th ei r tu rn to p a rk . I su p p ose I sh ou l d h a ve a sk ed th i s soon er, b u t h ow m a n y k i d s g o to th i s m on strosi ty? Al m ost th ree th ou sa n d , V ere a n sw ered . D o th i s m a n y p eop l e l i ve ou t h ere? T h i s i s th e on l y h i g h sch ool for l i k e fou r d i fferen t b a ck - to- b a ck tow n s. We a l l h a d ou r ow n mi d d l e sch ool s, b u t sh a re on e h i g h sch ool . I th ou g h t w ed w a rn ed mi you . N op e. B u t Ive n ever b een g ood a t a sk i n g q u esti on s a b ou t stu ff. G ot a b a d h a b i t of g u essi n g a n d a ssu m i n g th i n g s. Its on e of m y g oa l s w h i l e h ere to j u st a sk q u esti on s, h e sa i d d ryl y. H e g ri m a ced a s h e rem em b ered w h a t a n a ss h ed b een w h en h ed a ssu m ed h i s m om w ou l d ta k e h i m h om e from th e a i rp ort l a st w eek a n d ome n ot ma k e h i m com e h ere. ma V ere i n terru p ted h i s th ou g h ts. Rem em b er, w e b oth h a ve you r cel l n u m b er a n d emb you h a ve ou rs. Il l k eep m i n e on vi b ra te. If you n eed to b e rescu ed , text m e fi rst th en h i d e ou t h ere i n th e p a rk i n g l ot. Il l fi n d you . C a l l m e i f you en d u p n eed i n g me to ru n . Wh a t! D u sti n frow n ed . V ere b l i n k ed , a s th ou g h th i s w ere a p erfectl y n orm a l con versa ti on for th em to

h a ve. T h eres som e g ood p l a ces to h i d e i n th e w ood s b eh i n d th e sch ool , j u st m em ori ze w h a t l a n d m a rk s you re n ea r so you ca n text u s to fi n d you . If you g et th a t fa r, d u d e. C h a rl i e l a u g h ed . He w a s fi n d i n g th i s w a y too He en terta i n i n g . N o. Rea l l y? D u sti n sw a l l ow ed , p u sh i n g b a ck th e i m a g e of th e w h ol e h i g h ma sch ool sw a rm i n g h i m for a u tog ra p h s. B u t i t cou l d h a p p en . It h a d h a p p en ed . B u t h ed a l so b een su p p orted b y b od yg u a rd s a n d a w a i ti n g l i m o. N ot b y p i n e trees! mo. T h ere sh e i s! V ere p oi n ted to a l a n k y, b l on d e g i rl w i th h i p ster- w h i te su n g l a sses, l ea n i n g a g a i n st a w h i te, l a te- m od el H on d a h a tch b a ck . D u sti n eyed J en n a a s th e ca r crep t tow a rd h er i n th e sl ow l i n e of tra ffi c. Sh e d i d n t l ook a s sca ry a s V ere a n d C h a rl i e h a d d escri b ed . T h a t w a s som eth i n g , a t l ea st. Sh e h a d th e sa m e, w h ol esome, fresh - n o- ma k e- u p , p retty th i n g g oi n g on , l i k e V ere esom e, d i d . B u t, u n l i k e V ere, J en n a s ou tfi t a n d h a i r w ere styl i sh . N i ce j ea n s, sa n d a l s, a n d a fa sh i on a b l e, ta i l ored b l u e sh i rt th a t sh ow ed off h er cu te fi g u re. Sh e l ook ed n orm a l , even . D u sti n fel t i m m ed i a tel y b a d for th a t th ou g h t a n d ri sk ed a g l a n ce V ere i n th e fron t sea t. Sh e w a s b u si l y g ra b b i n g u p h er stu ff, a n d sti l l ch ew i n g on h er l i p . Her a d ora b l e top l i p . T h e l i p w i th th e l i ttl e tw i st... G od . Im g oi n g cra zy from stress. T h a t h a s to b e w h y I ca n t sh a k e my a ttra cti on to th i s torn a d o of a g i rl . Sh e tu rn ed su d d en l y i n h er sea t a n d ca u g h t h i m sta ri n g . D u sti n k n ew i t w a s ea sy to k eep a stra i g h t fa ce b eh i n d h i s d a rk g l a sses b eca u se h ed sp en t h ou rs p ra cti ci n g i n fron t of th e m i rror l a st n i g h t. H e si m p l y h el d sti l l , a n d k ep t h i s fa ce p a ssi ve. H op efu l l y sh e w ou l d n t n oti ce th e fa ct th a t h i s h ea rt w a s a b ou t to b ea t ou t of h i s ch est. D on t forg et to sm i l e, i t d i stra cts from you r p erfect ch i n , V ere w h i sp ered a s sh e op en ed h er d oor a n d sw u n g h er l eg s ou t of th e ca r. Y ou th i n k m y ch i n i s p erfect? h e a sk ed q u i ck l y, k n ow i n g th e com m en t w ou l d m a k e V ere p a u se a n d sa ss h i m b a ck . G a h ! Rem em b er? My D u sti n I m ea n Sh e m et h i s g a ze, l ook i n g g u i l ty a n d con ti n u ed , D u sti n McH u g h i s n ot a stu ck u p eg om a n i a c. V eres voi ce l a ck ed i ts u su a l b i te. D u d e. C h a rl i e ca u g h t D u sti n s eye i n th e m i rror. Rem em b er. I d on t h a n g ou t w i th you , Im n ever g oi n g to h a n g ou t w i th you , a n d I h a ted b ei n g forced to sp en d th e w eek en d w i th you . I on l y tol era te you ou t of cou rtesy to m y si ster a n d m y n ei g h b or, N a n . Its sea l ed , d ork b oy, d on t even a p p roa ch m e. me. C h eck . N o a p p roa ch i n g . D u sti n fa k e g ri n n ed . As i f I w ou l d . D u sti n i s n ot com forta b l e a rou n d stu ck - u p j ock s. comforta C h a rl i e g ri n n ed b a ck . G ood l u ck . H e tu rn ed to h i s si ster. V ere, i f i ts a b u st, d ri ve h i m to N a n s. L et m e k n ow th e d ea l . If i ts a g o, g rea t. Il l m eet u p w i th you g u ys a fter sch ool . If i t b om b s.... H e sw a l l ow ed . G ood l u ck , d u d e. C h a rl i e, D u sti n ca l l ed ou t q u i etl y a s C h a rl i e op en ed h i s d oor. Its a p p reci a ted . Al l of i t. C h a rl i e g l a n ced b a ck q u i ck l y a g a i n a n d , w i th a n i m p ercep ti b l e n od , h e d a rted

ou t of h i s sea t. H e sh ou ted , Hey cra zy! to J en n a , a n d took off w i th ou t a He H ey b a ck w a rd g l a n ce. H ey, l oser! J en n a ca l l ed a fter to h i m . D i d you m i ss m e? L i k e a corp se m i sses th e p l a g u e, C h a rl i e sh ot b a ck , j oi n i n g u p w i th a p a ck of g u ys i n ora n g e j erseys. I w i sh I d i d n ot h a ve to g et ou t of th i s ca r, h e m u ttered . I k n ow , V ere w h i sp ered . Its g oi n g to b e fi n e. Il l b e w i th you . D u sti n sm i l ed . It w a sn t ea sy to k eep th e reta i n er ou t of si g h t, a n d h e w a n ted h er to see h i s rea l sm i l e. Wa n ted h er to k n ow h e w a s b eyon d h a p p y to h a ve h er w a tch i n g over h i m . Hel l . Ma yb e I a m va i n . T h a n k s, g n om e g i rl , b esti e . H e smi l ed , sw a l l ow i n g a l u m p of fea r a t th e b a ck sm i mp of h i s th roa t. H er b i g eyes soften ed , a n d sh e sh ot h i m a h a l f sm i rk . Rem em b er, i ts me , w h os Her th a n k i n g you , b esti e . Were b oth on tri a l tod a y. Sh e p oi n ted a t h er ch eek s. An d l ook ! Zero p i n k n ess! Y ea h . Y ou re d oi n g g rea t. H e w a tch ed h er sm a l l , d el i ca te h a n d s b u tterfl y u p to ch eck th e b u n . I h a ven t b l u sh ed on ce si n ce w e ta l k ed on th e l a k e d ock . I th i n k you r extrem e con versa ti on top i cs seri ou sl y d esen si ti zed m e. I feel l i k e l i k e I ca n ta l k a b ou t me. a n yth i n g w i th a n y g u y n ow ! Sh e b ea m ed . P ra cti ce on you r p i l l ow fi rst, h u h ? J u st i n ca se, h e tea sed . Y ea h , yea h , Wh a tever! N ow stop tryi n g to p rocra sti n a te. Im g i vi n g you tw o m i n u tes to exi t th i s ca r, sh e com m a n d ed a n d d i sa p p ea red ou t of h er sea t, sl a m m i n g th e d oor, b u t n ot b efore h ed seen th e w h ol e b a ck of h er n eck tu rn b ri g h t p i n k . Sh e ra n over a n d h u g g ed J en n a , a n d th ey i m m ed i a tel y sta rted mm w h i sp eri n g . D u sti n l et h i s g a ze l i n g er on V ere th rou g h th e w i n d ow . T od a y, sh ed w orn a l on g , p a i sl ey, h i p p i e- i sh sk i rt. Sh e h a d u n - m a tch ed i t w i th a n oth er g i a n t h ood i e, u n d er w h i ch h e cou l d see som e g a rg a n tu a n , w h i te tee- sh i rt p eek i n g ou t n ea r h er k n ees. An d sh e ma k es fu n of me i n th e l on g - sl eeved sh i rts? T h e l i ttl e h yp ocri te l ook ed p osi ti vel y sw a l l ow ed u p , l i k e a ti n y w a rri or, h i d i n g i n h er g i a n t cotton a rm or. Her stra n g e en sem b l e com b i n a ti on s w ere som eth i n g H er h ed b eg u n to tru l y l ook forw a rd to. H e l i sten ed to h er exci ted voi ce a s i t sl ow l y rose a s i f to j erk h i m i n to a cti on . He H es n i ce, l i k e I sa i d , J en n a . Su p er n i ce . D u sti n h i d a sm i l e. T h e g i rl w a s a ctu a l l y ta u n ti n g h i m . H es a l rea d y g ot ma rk s a g a i n st h i m for stea l i n g you for th e w h ol e w eek en d . H e ma b etter b e d ou b l e n i ce. J en n a fl i p p ed h er b ra i d s a n d tu rn ed tow a rd th e ca r. H ey. G i ve h i m a ch a n ce. I w i l l , I w i l l , sh e g ru m b l ed . Wh a ts h e d oi n g ? D u d e. D u sti n , a re you com i n g ou t? V ere g u sh ed , Wa i t ti l l you see m y g u y exp osu re i n a cti on . I ca n ta l k to h i m a n d a l m ost a l w a ys, n o b l u sh ! H es cu ri n g me. Wa i t ti l l you see u s tog eth er. m e.

H e n ervou sl y ch eck ed h i s p h on e a g a i n . Al l g ood a n d set to vi b ra te i n ca se a n y m essa g es ca m e i n . H e cra ck ed op en h i s d oor a n d g ra b b ed h i s T ou g h Mou n ta i n b a ck p a ck off th e sea t. H i s ch est w a s so ti g h t h e th ou g h t i t m i g h t exp l od e, a n d th en h e rem em b ered : b rea th e, b rea th e, b rea th e. D a mn , g et a g ri p . E xi ti n g sl ow l y, h e l a u n ch ed h i s h ea vy w ork b oots so th ey sl a m m ed on to th e b l a ck - top . T h e g i a n t th w a ck - th u d , th ey l et off g a ve h i m th e cou ra g e to g et com p l etel y ou t of th e ca r. J en n a Ri l ey, m ost cool est g i rl ever , meet D u sti n McHu g h . H es N a n s n ep h ew , m eet McH u m y n ew B G F , a n d n ew est m em b er of ou r j u n i or cl a ss. V eres voi ce h a d sou n d ed sti ff. Rob oti c even . T h a ts ma k i n g me l ess n ervou s. T h a n k s, b esti e. D u sti n sh ot h er a l ook , th en fa ced J en n a d ea d on . B ri n g i t, test b u n n y. B ri n g i t. J en n a m u st h a ve n oti ced V eres ti g h t sou n d i n g voi ce a s w el l , b eca u se th e l ook sh e g a ve V ere w a s h a l f- terri fi ed , h a l f a m u sed . Ma yb e sh e a l so fou n d V ere Roth s a n ti cs to b e h i l a ri ou s? If so, th en th ey m i g h t even g et a l on g . H ey, sh e sa i d . Hey, H ey, D u sti n ma n a g ed . Hey, ma Al l th e w a y from C a l i forn i a , h u h ? H ow d o you l i k e i t so fa r? Sh e l ook ed h i m u p a n d d ow n . D u sti n g l a n ced over a t V ere. Sh e w a s b eh i n d J en n a , g i vi n g h i m a h u g e sm i l e a n d p oi n ti n g a t h er m ou th . H e q u i ck l y stretch ed h i s sm i l e w i d e a n d b a red h i s reta i n er to J en n a . I l i k e i t. L otssth of treessstth . T h e test b u n n y d i d n ot a n sw er. Sh e w a s too b u sy fl i n ch i n g a n d th en tryi n g to h i d e th e l ook of h orror on h er fa ce. D u sti n h a d sta rted to sw ea t. Ma j or. An d I j u sstth l ove th e h i k i n g , h e a d d ed . H e k n ew h e sou n d ed a s l a me a s h e l ook ed , b u t i t cou l d n t b e h el p ed . H e w a s me frea k i n g ou t. H e tri ed to smi l e even b i g g er. sm i C ome on reta i n er, d on t fa i l me n ow . J en n a , a s i f fi n a l l y focu si n g i n on h i s reta i n er, execu ted a fu l l b od y cri n g e a s sh e l ook ed a t h i s fa ce. T o h er cred i t sh e fi n a l l y d i d m a n a g e to p a ste on a fa k e sm i l e a s a q u i ck recovery. D u sti n cou l d see V ere cra ck i n g u p ou t of th e corn er of h i s eyes. If th e si tu a ti on w eren t so d a m n seri ou s h ed l a u g h a l so. Hel l . How ca n th i s screw ed - u p d ea l b e my very ow n l i fe? Wh a t th e h eck ? J en n a rea ch ed forw a rd a n d g ra b b ed th e com p a ss sew n i n to th e p ock et of th e ora n g e ca n va s vest h ed p i ck ed for tod a y. T h e vest m a tch ed w i th h i s ora n g e ca n va s p a n ts i n exa ctl y th e w ron g w a y. Y ou l i k e com p a ssth es? N ever th ou g h t a b ou t th em . J en n a frow n ed . D o you d o you u m a re you some k i n d of p rofessi on a l fl y fi sh erma n , or d eer h u n ter or... someth i n g ? J en n a som e erm a

a sk ed , fl i p p i n g h er b ra i d s over h er b a ck a n d m ovi n g a l i ttl e cl oser. N op e. It w a s a l l D u sti n cou l d to n ot to ta k e a step b a ck every step sh e took cl oser. L i ve on a ra n ch ? J en n a w a s a l m ost toe to toe w i th h i m n ow . Sh e l ea n ed i n cl ose a s th ou g h to stu d y h i m stu d y h i s g l a sses! Som eth i n g h a s to exp l a i n th a t ou tfi t. Ma n ! O h , m a n ! Ive g ot i t. Y ou l ook j u st l i k e h m m . J u st l i k e h ol y C RAP ! ma mm D u sti n ca u g h t h i s b rea th . D a mn . Its over. H e g l a n ced a t V ere to see i f sh e sh ow ed a n y si g n s of p a n i c; h er sm i l e h a d tu rn ed smi to p l a sti c a n d i t l ook ed sort of sta p l ed on , b u t a b ou t to fa l l off. Sh ed p u l l ed ou t h er ca r k eys a n d h a d h er th u m b on th e b eep er u n l ock . Sh i t! N ot g ood . N ot g ood . Its on l y ten feet from h ere to th e p a ssen g er d oor... D u sti n stru g g l ed to a n sw er J en n a . N op e. N o h orses, n o h u n ti n g . Im from B a k ersth h h fi el d , C a l i forn i a . T h i ssth i s j u st n orm a l w ea r from b a ck h om e...I ome...I g u ess. H e l ook ed b a ck a t V ere. T h eyd d eci d ed on B a k ersfi el d j u st th i s m orn i n g . He Ma yb e i t h a d b een a p oor ch oi ce. J en n a i g n ored w h a t h ed sa i d . D u d e. F or rea l . V ere! F or RE AL ? Sh e w a l k ed a rou n d h i m , a n d l ook ed over a t V ere th en b a ck a t h i m b efore sp ea k i n g a g a i n . Seri ou sl y, I d on t m ea n a n y offen se, b u t you re you re b oth k i d d i n g m e, ri g h t? Ive b een to B a k ersfi el d . N o WAY d o th ey w ea r th i s stu ff d ow n th ere. N O WAY , a n d n ever on p u rp ose. J en n a ! V eres voi ce h el d a h i g h er n ote of a l a rm . D u sti n took on e step b a ck . H e d i d n ot feel g ood a t a l l . B u t, V ere. C a n t you see i t? H es h es th e sp i tti n g i m a g e of of Hes T h e ca n a ry, th e test b u n n y, n ow th e evi l , b a d J en n a Ri l ey w a ved h er h a n d s i n th e a i r, a n d th en p oi n ted stra i g h t a t h i m . Ive g ot i t! H es j u st l i k e th a t cool ei g h ti es b a n d , D E V O ! D ea d on . N erd g l a sses a n d a l l ! H O W d o you N O T see i t? Ma yb e b eca u se I w a s n ot b orn i n th e ei g h ti es a n d d i d n t sta rt l i sten i n g to mu si c mu u n ti l th e yea r tw o- th ou sa n d ? V eres voi ce w a s sh a k i n g , b u t J en n a d i d n t seem to n oti ce. Sh e w en t on , C om e on . E veryon e k n ow s th a t b a n d ! Its th e g rou p w i th th ose ome b oots a n d th e m a tch y- m a tch y, ra d i o- a cti ve fa l l ou t l ook i n g zi p su i ts? Al th ou g h , I th i n k th ey w ore yel l ow , or w a s i t w h i te... V ere sh ook h er h ea d . N op e. D on t k n ow th em . em. G od , V ere. you re su ch a p h i l i sti n e! J en n a cri ed . D u sti n su ck ed i n a d eep b rea th . I k n ow th e b a n d . Y ou r p oi n t a b ou t th em ...? J en n a sh ru g g ed . N o p oi n t. J u st sea rch i n g for rea son s a s to WH Y you a re w ea ri n g th i s i n sa n e ou tfi t. P l ea se sa y you re a fa n . I a m a fa n , a ctsttth u a l l y. Y esssth . D E V O w a s on e of h i s fa vori te i n sp i ra ti on b a n d s. N o w on d er h ed b een d ra w n to th e ora n g e su i ts a n d b i g b oots. Sh e g ra b b ed a t h i s sh i rt sl eeves w h i ch m a d e h i m fl i n ch m a j or, d ra w i n g a frow n ma from J en n a . Sorry. Sh e b l i n k ed , cl u tch i n g h i s sh i rt even ti g h ter. B u t a g a i n , w h a ts w i th th e fl a n n el ? J en n a ! V ere g a sp ed . Y ou re b ei n g ru d e.

F i n e, m a yb e I a m , b u t w h a t th e H E C K? D u sti n q u i ck l y crossed h i s h a n d s i n fron t of h i m , p rotecti n g h i s w ri sts. H e h a d to force h i m sel f n ot to fl i n ch a s th e test- b u n n y con ti n u ed p u l l i n g on h i s sh i rt. H m m ...T h e p l a i d m a k es you sort of p u n k a s w el l a s l a te ei g h ti es...so con fu si n g . So b og g l i n g ...so w ron g . Y et, I k i n d of l i k e i t . Sh e tu rn ed to V ere, a n d p u l l ed g l eefu l l y on th e en d s of h er b ra i d s. I d on t even k n ow h ow to l a b el h i m th ou g h . T h en d on t, D u sti n ch ok ed ou t, h ol d i n g b a ck a l a u g h of a b sol u te rel i ef. T h i s J en n a g i rl i s sl i g h tl y cool . J en n a w a s on som e k i n d of rol l b eca u se sh e w a s sti l l ta l k i n g to h i m a n d h e h a d n t h ea rd th e l a st ten th i n g s th a t h a d com e ou t of h er m ou th . Aren t you m el ti n g i n th a t g et- u p ? Y ou re a si tti n g d u ck for h ea t exh a u sti on i f you th i n k you re g oi n g to w ea r th a t ou tfi t i n to ou r sch ool . J en n a ! Y ou a re g oi n g to h u rt h i s feel i n g s, V ere a d m on i sh ed . N ot a s m u ch a s h es h u rti n g m y eyes. We ca n t l et h i m g o i n l i k e th i s. N o m a tter h ow w h a ck y- cool , a n d Im a l l for th a t, w e ca n t l et h i m g o i n l i k e th i s! D u sti n ca u g h t V eres eye. Sh e w a s g ri n n i n g n ow . T h i s ti m e i t w a s h er g ood , h a p p y g ri n . D u sti n , d on t you l i sten to h er. Y ou ca n g o i n h ow you w a n t, b e w h o you w a n t to b e. I m ea n , w h o you ARE . V eres rel i eved sm i l e h a d g row n so l a rg e h e fl a sh ed h i s reta i n er sm i l e b a ck . V ere l a u g h ed ou t l ou d . J en n a seem ed to fi n d n on e of th i s fu n n y. C m on . H e w i l l b e mu rd ered on si g h t. mu G od . P oor g u y. T o D u sti n , sh e a d d ed , V ere i s n ot th e p erson to a d vi se you on w h a t to w ea r a rou n d h ere. T a k e m y su g g esti on a n d a t l ea st l ea ve th e p ock ety- vestyth i n g i n th e ca r. H eck , even th e p l a i d sh i rt. T a k e a l l th a t off. O h n o! Is th a t a secon d com p a ss on you r p a n ts? T i me to l a u n ch T HE WAL K, a n d T HE T AL K. D u sti n fa ced J en n a a n d b en t i n to a d eep b ow a s h e w ork ed u p h i s b est E n g l i sh a ccen t. My d ea r, l a d y, J en n a . D a re you offen d m e, or h a ve you j u stth p a i d m e th e me h i g h esth h comp l i m en t? com p I er w h a t? J en n a fl u sh ed . I d i d n t m ea n to offen d you i ts j u st H ol d ! D u sti n i n terru p ted a n d rose from h i s b ow , g ra tefu l to see h e h a d J en n a s fu l l a tten ti on . H e ri sk ed a g l a n ce a t V ere. Sh e h a d h er a rm s w ra p p ed a rou n d h er w a i st a n d w a s tryi n g n ot to l a u g h a g a i n . Im referri n g to you r com m en t a b ou t th e b a n d , D E V O . It i stth m y fa vori te. H e my con ti n u ed , If you k n ow th a t b a n d a t a l l , i t m a rk stth you th e m ost u n u su a l of a cq u a i n ta n ces. T h ere a re n ot m a n y ou r a g e w h o a re sssth o a d va n ced i n th ei r m u si ca l ta stth es. P l ea se, a l l ow m e, i n a d va n tth , to i n vi te you to b e m y d a te to p rom ? E r. N O ? J en n a d i d som e stra n g e b l i n k i n g th i n g a t V ere a s th ou g h th ey sh a red som e sort of secret l a n g u a g e. Is th i s a j ok e? Are you P RAN KIN G ME ? Am I b ei n g fi l m ed ri g h t n ow ? D u sti n n oted th a t V ere w a s tryi n g to i g n ore J en n a b eca u se sh e l ook ed a w a y. J en n a stom p ed h er foot j u st th en , p i ssed off a t b ei n g i g n ored .

Y ep . Secret g i rl l a n g u a g e. T i m e to fi n i sh th i s. H e took J en n a s h a n d a n d b rou g h t i t u p q u i ck l y a n d k i ssed th e b a ck of i t. It i stth a n op en i n vi ta ti on . J en n a ri p p ed h er h a n d b a ck . Ask m e to p rom a g a i n , a n d w e a re n ot fri en d s. D ea l ? D ea l . H e g ri n n ed , ton i n g d ow n th e l i sp . An d I w a s j u st k i d d i n g . Isn t h e fa n ta sti ca l l y a d ork a b l e? V ere p i p ed u p . D on t you see n ow w h y Ive a d op ted h i m ? Rea l l y. Im k eep i n g h i m forever. Wi th a l i ttl e m ore con vi n ci n g , h es g oi n g to j oi n th e d ra m a cl u b w i th u s. J en n a w a s b u si l y w i p i n g th e k i ss from th e b a ck of h er h a n d on to h er j ea n s. Worri ed h ed g on e too fa r, h e q u i ck l y b rou g h t i t d ow n a n otch m i n u s th e a ccen t. O h , a n d th e l i sp ca n fa d e i f I w ork h a rd a t i t. H e a d d ed , a l rea d y n oti n g th a t h e m i g h t forg et on th a t on ce i n a w h i l e. An d , I rea l l y d on t h a ve a n E n g l i sh a ccen t a t a l l , h e a d d ed , b ei n g d u m b on p u rp ose. O MG D u h ! J en n a cra ck ed u p . Y ou a re a g ood a ctor, th ou g h . D u sti n k n ew h ed w on h er over w h en h e sa w th a t J en n a ch a n g ed h er g l a re i n to a h a l f smi l e. sm i L u ck y m y b est fri en d th i n k s you a re a w esom e or Id sock you i n th e stom a ch for th a t h a n d k i ss. N o m ore sm ooch es Mr. E i g h ti es Rock . T h a t w a s fl i p p i n g over- th etop sta l k er g ross. An d n o m ore ta l k i n g l i k e you j u st step p ed ou t of a Ren a i ssa n ce fa i r. T h a t h a s g ot to stop , a s i n n ow . D u sti n sm i l ed . Ri g h t. G ot i t. Sorry. Wh en Im n ervou s I a l w a ys d o th a t. V ere b u rst ou t i n to a fi t of g i g g l es. Stop . Y ou re k i l l i n g m e. H e cou l d tel l V ere h a d a b ou t tw o m i l l i on m ore th i n g s to sa y, b u t w a s h ol d i n g b a ck . T h i s w a s a ctu a l l y k i n d of fu n ! H e cou l d n t w a i t to try ra n d om w ei rd n ess on th e n ext rou n d of p eop l e. T h ey tru d g ed u p a l on g si d ew a l k , h ea d i n g for th e sch ool . Wi th i n m i n u tes th ey w ere i n a crow d ed fron t cou rtya rd fu l l of h i g h sch ool teen a g ers. H e p u l l ed h i s h a t d ow n . P eop l e w ere l ook i n g a t h i m . T on s of sta ri n g eyes a l l sh ooti n g stra i g h t a t h i m . H e th ou g h t h e w ou l d b e u sed to b ei n g sta red a t. B u t th i s w a s w i l d . E veryon e w a s l ook i n g , b u t p reten d i n g N O T to l ook . It w a s th e fi rst ti m e h ed b een sta red a t m i n u s a n y a d m i ra ti on or a d ora ti on . Wh a t h e w a s g etti n g n ow w a s si m p l y b a d en erg y. H i s stom a ch rol l ed . Ma yb e h e sh ou l d h a ve ea ten m ore b rea k fa st. D u sti n m oved a more step cl oser to V ere a s h i s h ea rt ra te w en t cra zy. I d on t k n ow i f Im rea d y for th i s. H e sh ot h er a g l a n ce, tryi n g to k eep th e fea r ou t of h i s voi ce a n d h op ed h i s g l a sses h i d h i s exp ressi on . D on t w orry. T h ey a ren t l ook i n g a t you , th ey a re l ook i n g a t th e b oots, th e g l a sses, a n d th e fa ct th a t you a re h a n g i n g ou t w i th th e d ork i est g i rl i n th e w h ol e sch ool , me . It j u st i sn t d on e. Y ou l l see. D u sti n g a ve h er a sh a rp g l a n ce, b u t sh e a p p ea red com p l etel y u n p ertu rb ed . Wh y d o you a l w a ys sa y th a t stu ff a b ou t you rsel f? B eca u se i ts tru e, sh e a n sw ered si m p l y. T h e crow d forg otten , D u sti n s p a n i c sl i p p ed a w a y a s h e w a s d i stra cted b y V eres a tti tu d e. Wh y d i d sh e seem so com forta b l e b ra n d i n g h ersel f a n ou tca st? Its n ot.

Y ou re so a w esom e. Sh e a rch ed a fu n n y l ook a t h i m a n d sh ook h er h ea d . Y ou d on t rea l l y k n ow m e. N ot h ow th ey k n ow m e. Sa d l y, w h eth er you l i k e i t or n ot, I a m th e d ork i est g i rl i n th i s sch ool . Ive ea rn ed th e ti tl e. D u sti n op en ed h i s m ou th to l a u n ch a m a j or reb u tta l b u t V ere g ra b b ed on to h i s a rm . H er h a n d l ock ed l i k e a vi ce i n to h i s sh i rt a s sh e p a l ed . G rea t, sh e w h i sp ered . Kri sten H od j w i ck . Wea p on s rea d y a n d sh i el d s u p . T h i s g a m e i s a b ou t to g et seri ou s. V ere p a sted on th e ten se, fa k e sm i l e sh ed h a d on ea rl i er w i th J en n a . Wh a t g a m e? J en n a a sk ed . L i fe? V ere a n sw ered , a n d sh ot a n a p ol og eti c g l a n ce a t D u sti n for a l m ost b l ow i n g i t b y sa yi n g too m u ch . A sh ort b ru n ette a p p roa ch ed , fol l ow ed b y a g a n g of over d ressed , over ma d e- u p ma g i rl s. T h ey w ere cu rren tl y g i g g l i n g a n d w h i sp eri n g to ea ch oth er. O n e h a d th e a u d a ci ty to p oi n t d i rectl y a t D u sti n a n d l a u g h . Wel l , p erfect. Its w h a t I w a n ted . T h ey certa i n l y w eren t ru n n i n g u p screa m i n g a n d a sk i n g for a u tog ra p h s, so i t h a d to b e a g ood th i n g , ri g h t? D u sti n took a d eep b rea th . Rou n d tw o. L ets g o. H ey V ere. Wh os th e ta l l g u y w i th th e d a rk g l a sses? Kri sten a sk ed , h er eyes n ever l ea vi n g D u sti n . H er ton e h a d b een l ess th a n fl a tteri n g . Sh e w a s w ea ri n g a Her ch eerl ea d er ou tfi t, a n d h er h a i r w a s cu t i n to a p erfectl y sh a p ed u p si d e d ow n , ca rtoon - styl e tri a n g l e. D u sti n g a zed d ow n a t th e b ru n ette. Sh e w a sn t cu te or u g l y, b u t sta n d i n g n ext to V ere, Kri sten ca m e a cross to h i m a s p l a i n b ori n g . T h e g i rl h a d ta l en t th ou g h . Sh ed m a stered h ow to i g n ore V ere w h i l e ta l k i n g to h er a t th e sa m e ti me. m e. Sh e rem i n d ed h i m of a d ou b l e- ta l k i n g a l b u m p rod u cer or w orse, a stu d i o a ccou n ta n t. D u sti n recog n i zed h er n a m e from V eres i n ci d en t. Mi ss Kri sten H . w a s m ost p rob a b l y n ot h ere to w el com e h i m or p l a y n i ce. H i s n a m e i s D u sti n , V ere sa i d . D u sti n McH u g h . McHu D u sti n offered h i s h a n d for Kri sten to sh a k e, b u t th e g i rl crossed h er a rm s, rms, cl ea rl y n ot i n th e m ood to sh a k e h a n d s. mood H es n ew . My n ei g h b ors n ep h ew , V ere a d d ed . O oh . O u r n a m es a l m ostth rh ym e. D u sti n sa i d , d ra w i n g a su rp ri sed g l a n ce from yme. Kri sten . D i d V ere tea ch you h ow to d ress or someth i n g ? Kri sten a sk ed l ou d l y, a s sh e som eth took i n h i s w h ol e ou tfi t. T h e g i rl s b eh i n d h er l a u g h ed . D u sti n sh ot V ere, a l ook w orri ed h er feel i n g s w ou l d b e h u rt. V ere tu g g ed a t h er g i a n t sw ea tsh i rt a n d tossed h er b u n a s i f to sh ow sh e d i d n t ca re, w h i l e sh e g l a red d a g g ers a t Kri sten . D u sti n g a ve Kri sten th e sa m e l ow b ow h ed g i ven to J en n a , m i n u s th e h a n d k i ss a n d th e E n g l i sh a ccen t. A p l ea su re to m eet you . I d ressth m ysel f. B u t i f you w a n t meet to h el p m e...a n yti m e!

Kri sten H od j w i ck p u rsed h er l i p s; sh e d i d n ot even try to h i d e h er h orror a t h i s b ow , or a t w h a t h ed offered . T h i s w a s g oi n g to b e g ood . H ed d eci d ed to m i si n terp ret Kri sten s i n terest i n h i m a s fl i rta ti ou s. H e fl i rted ri g h t b a ck . Im from B a k ersT H H fi el d , C a l - I. F orn . I.A. H e w i n k ed a t h er. Kri sttth h en , i s i t? Kri sten m a d e a p erfect, b i tter l em on fa ce a n d rol l ed h er eyes. U h . Y ea h . Its Kri sten . Sh e fl i p p ed h er h a i r a n d con ti n u ed w i th a m ock i n g voi ce, I T H u g g esstT H you d on t m em ori ze th e n a m e. I on l y w a n ted to see V eres n ew b oyfri en d u p cl ose. D u sti n p reen ed i n fron t of Kri sten . O h . Sh es n ot m y g i rl fri en d . If I cou l d on l y b e stth o l u ck y. B u t ca n I g et you r n u m b er? H e stra i g h ten ed h i s vest a n d g a ve h er h i s reta i n er sm i l e. V ere i m m ed i a tel y sta rted to cou g h . D u sti n k n ew i t w ou l d n t b e l on g b efore sh e h a d th e g i g g l es a g a i n . H e forced h i m sel f n ot to l ook a t h er b eca u se h i s ow n l i p s w ere tw i tch i n g . In th e m ea n ti m e, Kri sten H od j w i ck h a d a ctu a l l y g a sp ed a t h i s q u esti on . So g ross. H er voi ce tu rn ed a ci d . D on t m i sta k e m y cu ri osi ty for som e k i n d of p i ck u p , b eca u se Ive d efi n i tel y seen en ou g h of you . E n ou g h for th e w h ol e yea r. Sh e tossed h er h a i r a g a i n . It w a s so b on e stra i g h t th a t i t d i d th i s i n sa n e l i ttl e fl i p th a t l ook ed j u st l i k e a sl a p i n th e fa ce. Y ep . Sh e h a d ta l en t. An oth er few yea rs a n d sh e cou l d a p p l y for a j ob a s a H ol l yw ood a ccou n ta n t. It Hol w a s a rel i ef Kri sten w a s m a k i n g a p oi n t to n ot l ook b a ck b eca u se D u sti n w a s g ri n n i n g from ea r to ea r. Wow . T ota l l y sn u b b ed . H e cou l d n t i ma g i n e th i s d i sg u i se w ork i n g a n y b etter. ma O h , b u t Kri sttth tten , w a i t! H e ca l l ed a fter h er, u n a b l e to resi st. Kri sten h el d u p h er h a n d to si l en ce h i m w i th ou t tu rn i n g b a ck a rou n d . T h i s g a i n ed h er a n oth er sol i d rou n d of g i g g l es from th e g i rl s w h o a w a i ted h er retu rn . T o th em , sh e w a s a n n ou n ci n g , I n ever th ou g h t th ere cou l d b e a m a l e- g eek versi on of V ere Roth , b u t I w a s w ron g . T h ey sa y everyon e h a s a p erfect m a tch som ew h ere on ea rth , a n d n ow Im g oi n g to h a ve to b el i eve i t." Sh e th rew a g l a n ce a t h er p osse. G i rl s, you sh ou l d g et a l ook a t th i s g u y u p cl ose. E w w . N ot h a p p en i n g , on e sa i d . Y ea h . Wel l ta k e you r w ord for i t, sn eered a n oth er. V ere a n d D u sti n d i ssol ved i n to l a u g h ter. J en n a , n ot u n d ersta n d i n g D u sti n a n d V eres a b sol u te g l ee, h a d crossed h er a rm s a s th ou g h sh e w ere h ol d i n g b a ck on th row i n g p u n ch es. H er ven om ou s sta re i n to Kri sten H od j w i ck s b a ck cou l d h a ve sta rted a fi re. D u sti n w a s g l a d to h a ve J en n a on th ei r tea m a n d w a tch ed h i s n ew a l l y u n - cl en ch h er fi sts. As i f sh e rea l i zed V ere w ou l d n ot a ssi st h er i n th i s con fron ta ti on , sh e sh ook h er h ea d l ook i n g som ew h a t d a zed , sh e ca l l ed a fter th e g i rl s, Y ea h . Wel l . Kri sten H od j w i ck , th e p erfect m a tch of you i s i s you r MO M . Kri sten tu rn ed b a ck a n d l a u g h ed . O oh . N i ce. L a st ti m e I h ea rd th a t on e, I w a s

i n th e th i rd g ra d e, d ork ! D a m n , J en n a w h i sp ered , so on l y th e th ree of th em cou l d h ea r. Kri sten s ri g h t. I so d eserve th a t. Wh o sa ys you r m om ? Im so l a m e. Sh e l ook ed so h el p l ess a n d m a d th a t D u sti n ch u ck l ed . Y ou re a w esom e, l i k e V ere p rom i sed . V eres l a u g h ter sta rted u p a l l over a g a i n , h er l a rg e b row n eyes tw i n k l i n g p u re h a p p i n ess a t th em . J en n a g l ow ered a t h er. Wh a t i s w ron g w i th you ? Y ou ve g on e m en ta l . T o D u sti n , sh e a d d ed , V eres u su a l l y i n ch a rg e of excel l en t com eb a ck s w h en sh es n ot d el i ri ou s. T h ey a re ob vi ou sl y n ot m y stron g p oi n t. V ere. Stop l a u g h i n g . Sorry. O n ce a fi t sta rts, i ts h a rd to stop . V ere step p ed i n b etw een h i m a n d J en n a , a n d b u m p ed h i s u p p er a rm w i th h er sh ou l d er. H er eyes w ere sti l l fi l l ed w i th m i rth . Sh e g i g g l ed on e l a st ti m e, a n d h e fel t l i k e th e h ol es h ed b een ca rryi n g on h i s h ea rt h a d som eh ow j u st b een fi l l ed i n w i th h er fri en d sh i p . Wi th h er...j u st h er... Weve d on e i t B G F , h e sa i d softl y. O h yea h . Weve d on e i t, J en n a q u i p p ed , sti l l n ot u n d ersta n d i n g a s th ey h ea d ed for th e d oor. Weve sea l ed you r fa te. Sh es ri g h t. I h op e you w eren t exp ecti n g to ma k e oth er fri en d s b esi d es th e tw o ma of u s, V ere a d d ed . D u sti n took a d eep b rea th a n d sm i l ed a t h i s n ew l y form ed g a n g . H e fel t...sl i g h tl y...a m a zi n g . Wh y w ou l d I n eed to d o th a t? Im g ood w i th you tw o. B u t on th e fl i p si d e, I cou l d b e too m u ch of a l on g - term soci a l b u rd en . N o h a rd feel i n g s i f you d eci d e to cu t a n d ru n a fter tod a y. J en n a fol d ed h er a rm s a cross h er ch est. We ca n d eci d e th a t l a ter. An d i f you try to d u m p u s, w el l sta l k you or som eth i n g . I l i k e you a l i ttl e or I l i k e th e com p a sses so you re stu ck ! A l ou d el ectron i c b eep cu t th rou g h th e a i r. D u sti n fl i n ch ed a n d g l a n ced n ervou sl y a t V ere. F i rst b el l . We h a ve ten m i n u tes to g et to cl a ss, V ere exp l a i n ed . D u sti n sm i l ed a n d p u l l ed h i s l i p s u p a b ove h i s reta i n er i n rep l y. V ere l a u g h ed a g a i n a n d rol l ed h er eyes. J en n a g ri m a ced . I su p p ose th eres n o w a y you ca n ya n k th a t reta i n er a n d on l y w ea r i t a t h om e? sh e a sk ed , h er exp ressi on h op efu l . H ey n ow , i t i ssth h h h n ew tech n ol og y. T h e d en ti ssth h sa ys a l l m y teeth tth s w i l l sssep a ra te i f I d on t k eep i t i n . B u t ou r eyes cou l d sep a ra te i f you d on t ta k e i t ou t J en n a , ca n you g i ve h i m a b rea k ? H es on l y j u st m et you . Y ou ca n w ork on h i s Hes fa sh i on l a ter, V ere sa i d ch eeri l y. F ol l ow m e, D u sti n . Il l ta k e you u p to th e me, offi ce.

23: invisible Dustin

D u sti n sta red a t h i s reg i stra ti on p a ck et. V ere a n d J en n a h a d l on g si n ce l eft h i m a l on e a t th e fron t offi ce w i th a g oa t- i sh w om a n ca l l ed Mrs. F erri ter. Sh e w a s n ow l ea d i n g h i m a l on g . E a ch of h er step s sou n d ed l i k e h ooves, cl a ck , cl a ck , cl a ck i ty- cl a ck i n g a l l th e w a y to a l on g ta b l e i n th e b a ck room. Sh e h a n d ed h i m a h u g e p i l e of stra n g e, sch ool sa fety w a i ver forms to fi l l ou t. H e a l so h a d a stu d en t h a n d b ook , a reg i stra ti on form a n d a b ook l et th a t h a d yel l ow sti ck y n otes a l l over i t. Mrs. F erri ter h a d tol d h i m th e sti ck y n otes d esi g n a ted w h i ch cl a sses h a d b een ma rk ed fu l l , a n d th a t h e w a s n ot to si g n u p for a n y of th ose. T h ere w ere tw o oth er l a te- sta rt stu d en ts fi l l i n g ou t th ei r p a p erw ork , b u t a fter on l y a cu rsory g l a n ce, th ey h a d p osi ti vel y i g n ored h i m. m. E xcel l en t si g n of su ccess. Mrs. F erri ter h a d d i rected h i m to ch oose som eth i n g th ey ca l l ed Ad va n ced someth Pl a cemen t cou rses for h i s core ma th , sci en ce, l i tera tu re, a n d h i story cl a sses. Hi s g ra d es a n d test scores th a t h a d b een sen t over a l l ow ed for th a t, w h a tever th a t Hi m ea n t. He d u ti fu l l y ch ose T ri g . II, P h ysi cs, E n g l i sh L i tera tu re, a n d Med i eva l mea H i story, a l l from u n d er th e AP ca teg ory. Hi D u sti n l et ou t a b i g , n oi sy si g h on p u rp ose, a n d q u i ck l y l ook ed a t th e g u y si tti n g n ext to h i m . m. T h e g u y d i d n t l ook u p . T h e g i rl h ed d u b b ed p erma n en tl y- a n n oyed - g i rl sh ot h i m a g l a re from a cross th e ta b l e. Ama zi n g ! A fl ood of l a u g h ter su rg ed i n to D u sti n s ch est b u t h e ma n a g ed to h ol d i t i n . ma T h i s n ew teen - i n vi si b i l i ty fa ctor h a d to b e th e b est feel i n g i n th e w orl d ! H e ta p p ed h i s p en on to th e ta b l e a n d tested h i s d ork i est w h i stl e a s h e tu rn ed b a ck to h i s forms. Wh en h e l ook ed over h i s ch oi ces of el ecti ves, d ra ma w a s th e on l y a va i l a b l e op ti on . V ere w ou l d b e h a p p y a t l ea st. B esi d es, h e su re w a sn t g oi n g to ta k e a n y of th e P .E . cl a sses. Sh ort sl eeves a n d l ock er rooms w ou l d n ot w ork . room s E xcu se m e. Y ou , w i th th e u g l y vest. Stop th e w h i stl i n g b i t, p erma n en tl yme. a n n oyed - g i rl ord ered . Wh en h e l ook ed u p a t h er a secon d ti me, sh e p u l l ed a fa ce a n d rol l ed h er eyes w h i l e tossi n g h i s p a n ts a sn eer. Poi n t for th e ca n va s! T h e g u y n ext to h i m h a d fi n i sh ed h i s p i l e of p a p erw ork a n d seemed to b e op en l y seem ed a ssessi n g h i s ou tfi t w i th g ri ma ces too. D u sti n tri ed a g a i n . T h ssh th ese form s a re a b i g p a i n , h u h ? T h e g u y ra i sed on e eyeb row i n w h a t l ook ed l i k e a b sol u te scorn . He l ea n ed b a ck He i n h i s ch a i r a n d g a ve a l i ttl e sn ort a n d sh ook h i s h ea d w h en h e took i n D u sti n s b oots. Wh a t a re you ? Some k i n d of i n b red ? h e a sk ed , fi n a l l y.

D u sti n stop p ed w h i stl i n g . It w a s h i s tu rn n ot to a n sw er. E ven th ou g h i t w a s a l m ost i m p ossi b l e to d o h e d rop p ed h i s sm i l e, a n d tu rn ed most a w a y, a cti n g a l l sa d . H e g l a n ced a g a i n a t p erma n en tl y- a n n oyed - g i rl b u t w a s m et a g a i n w i th h er He h osti l e, cl osed fa ce. C h ri st. T h ese k i d s h a ve zero sen se of h u mor. H i s i n i ti a l sen se of el a ti on fl ed , l ea vi n g w h a t? Hi Wa s h e su d d en l y emb a rra ssed ? F rea k ed ou t? Su p rem el y u n com forta b l e? comforta Y es. B u t, h e a l so fel t p retty g ood , con si d eri n g . H e su ck ed i n a d eep b rea th , i m a g i n i n g He V eres h a p p y rea cti on to th i s n ew s. D u sti n McHu g h h a d i t m a d e. N o on e w a n ted a McH u p i ece of h i m. T h i s h i g h sch ool sch ed u l e w a s ea sy com p a red to h i s u su a l 20 h ou r d a ys a n d n i g h ts. N o on e took p h otos or ra n d om l y g ra b b ed h i m ei th er. H el l , th ese oml Hel k i d s d i d n t even w a n t to b e n ea r h i m . H i s h ea rt tw i sted a l i ttl e, th i n k i n g of h i s m. fa n s. H i s b a n d , record i n g son g s i n N Y C ri g h t n ow . Hi Ma yb e th i s w a sn t th e b est feel i n g i n th e w orl d . H e i ma g i n ed en teri n g a cl a ssroom fu l l of k i d s j u st l i k e th ese tw o i n a few , sh ort He m a m i n u tes. T h ey cou l d n t a l l b e th i s fl i p p i n g ru d e. C ou l d th ey? H e zon ed ou t a n d sta red a t th e form i n fron t of h i m a n d ci rcl ed a d eep g roove He w i th h i s b a l l p oi n t p en a rou n d a n d a rou n d th e w ord s th a t sa i d D ra m a 300/ 400 J r./ Sr. on l y. T h e on l y cou rse i n th e b ook l et for u p p er g ra d es. V ere w ou l d h a ve si g n ed u p for th i s sa m e cl a ss. B eca u se i f everyon e w a s g oi n g to trea t h i m l i k e me i n vi si b l e tra sh , h e n eed ed to refu el w i th h i s b esti e , a n d soon . Pl ea se. Pl ea se. Pl ea se. Wh a ts th a t son g l i n e? If you re l oved b y j u st on e th en you ca n t b e rej ected ? N o...th a ts n ot ri g h t...a n d w h o si n g s i t? B esi d es I sh ou l d sw i tch i t to: If you l ove j u st on e b u t sh e d oesn t k n ow i t... Y ou n g m a n . Mr. McHu g h . McH u C l a ck . C l a ck ety. C l a ck . Mrs. F erri ters fa ce l oom ed over h i s sh ou l d er a s a cl ou d of ch ea p p erfu m e a ssa u l ted h i s sen ses. Wh en D u sti n l ook ed u p , Mrs. F erri ters fa ce h a d tu rn ed even m ore g oa t l i k e. D i d h er b ea d y eyes seem sort of d i sa p p rovi n g or i s i t th e h a i rs on h er ch i n th a t a re frea k i n g me ou t? P ri n ci p a l Sl oa n w ou l d l i k e a w ord w i th you a b ou t you r fi l e. D u sti n s h ea rt sa n k i n to h i s stom a ch . He sca n n ed h er fa ce for a cl u e a s to th e He m ea n i n g b eh i n d h er w ord s. Ma yb e sh e k n ew . Ma yb e th ey a l l k n ew w h o h e w a s. Pl ea se. Pl ea se. D on t l et h er k n ow . Mrs. F erri ter scoop ed u p h i s p a p erw ork . Y ou tw o d on e? Sh e j erk ed h er h ea d a t th e oth er k i d s. T h ey q u i ck l y g a th ered u p th ei r th i n g s. G ood . Al l of you fol l ow m e ou t. Sh e w a ved a mea ty h a n d a t D u sti n . Y ou . H ea d tw o d oors sou th . C orn er m ea offi ce. After you re d on e, Il l h a ve you r cl a ss sch ed u l e p ri n ted .

** Mr. McH u g h , p l ea se com e i n . Sh u t th e d oor. P ri n ci p a l Sl oa n s stern , d i sa p p rovi n g voi ce ca u g h t h i m b y su rp ri se a s h e stood i n th e h a l l w a y. D u sti n en tered th e offi ce a n d g l a n ced w a ri l y a t th e m a n si tti n g b eh i n d a h u g e oa k d esk . T h e p ri n ci p a l l ook ed to b e ol d er th a n ti m e. H e h a d g ol d w i re- ri m m ed me. He med g l a sses, sp orted th e m ost u n b el i eva b l e b ei g e p ol yester sh i rt h i g h l i g h ted b y a n el ectri c b l u e ti e. P ri n ci p a l Sl oa n h a d a fi l e op en . H e d i d n t l ook u p a s h e stu d i ed i ts con ten ts. C om e cl oser, son . Wh a t d o you sa y? D u sti n s h ea rt ra ced d ou b l e ti m e. Wh a t sh ou l d I sa y? Si l en ce w a s a l w a ys h i s p referred ch oi ce w h en p resen ted w i th d a n g erou s p eop l e, b u t i n th i s ca se, h e op en ed w i th : E r n i ce to m eet you , si r? D u sti n sh i fted h i s feet, h i s h ea rt p ou n d i n g i n h i s ch est. D i d th i s g u y k n ow w h o h e w a s or n ot? H e th ou g h t b a ck to T h u rsd a y i n th e a i rp ort. Wh a t h a d Ma rti n a n d h i s m om sa i d a b ou t th e sch ool d i stri ct? Wa s th i s th e p erson w h od d on e th e fa vor? D u sti n scou red h i s b ra i n b u t cou l d n t rem em b er. remem Wh y h a d n t th ey ema i l ed h i m a t l ea st some k i n d of remi n d er a b ou t a l l th i s cra p ? I d on t k n ow w h a t you r d ea l i s, D u sti n McH u g h , b u t you r fi l e ca m e d ow n to m e from p retty h i g h u p . T h e on l y oth er ti me w e h a d a n yth i n g th i s u n u su a l a n d th i s me h u sh - h u sh w a s w h en on e k i d s fa m i l y w a s i n th e w i tn ess p rotecti on p rog ra m b a ck m i n n i n ety- seven . D u sti n op en ed h i s m ou th to sa y h e w a s n ot a fed era l w i tn ess b u t th e g u y h el d u p h i s h a n d a n d stop p ed h i m . I d on t w a n t to k n ow . G et i t? F or you r sa fety, a n d th e sa fety of th e sch ool , Im n ot a l l ow ed to a sk . So d on t tel l m e. My con cern s l i e i n oth er a rea s. T h e on l y i n form a ti on Ive b een p ri vy to i s you r p en ch a n t for va n d a l i sm a n d reck l ess d ri vi n g . O h a n d p erson a l en d a n g erm en t. I a l so h a ve a n ote h ere a b ou t you r p ossi b l e d ep ressi on ? If you a re d ep ressed , D u sti n , w e d o h a ve cou n sel i n g a va i l a b l e. As for th e oth er stu ff, I n eed to w a rn you th a t i t w i l l n ot b e h a p p en i n g h ere. So. Are you ? Are you cu rren tl y d ep ressed ? N o si r, D u sti n a l m ost ch ok ed on th e w ord s. Wi l l you b e req u i ri n g a n y cou n sel i n g a t th i s ti m e? Y ou r fi l e sa ys you re l i vi n g w i th you r g rea t a u n t a s g u a rd i a n . Il l ca l l h er to l et h er k n ow w eve h a d th i s con versa ti on . I h a ve to retu rn th i s form to th e d i stri ct th i s m orn i n g to sh ow th a t w e ta l k ed . D u sti n b rea th ed a si g h of rel i ef. H e h a d n o cl u e h ow Ma rti n h a d m a n a g ed to h i d e h i s i d en ti ty b u t h e w a s, a t th i s m om en t, tru l y g ra tefu l for h i s a g en ts omen a b i l i ti es. So i s th a t a d efi n i te n o for cou n sel i n g ? h e a sk ed a g a i n . I h a d a th era p i st a t m y...ol d p l a ce. H e tol d m e I on l y n eed ed a th era p i st i f I He me w a n ted on e. I d on t. Il l refu se to g o i f a n yon e tri es to m a k e m e. D u sti n h a ted th a t h e h a d to j u sti fy h i msel f to th i s g u y, b u t i t h a d to b e b etter th a n b ei n g fou n d m sel ou t. I ca n h on estl y sa y to you th a t Im sta rti n g to rea l i ze th a t si n ce Ive com e to come C ol ora d o, Ive n ever b een h a p p i er. Rea l l y. G ood . G ood . L ets h op e i t sta ys th a t w a y. L et m e k n ow i f you n eed a n yth i n g .

T h e p ri n ci p a l w a s b u si l y fi l l i n g ou t a n ora n g e form w i th th e n a m e D u sti n McH u g h typ ed i n a l l ca p s a t th e top . T h e oth er sh en a n i g a n s w i l l n ot b e tol era ted . McHu D o you h a ve th a t u n d er con trol ? I d o, si r. T h e Roth fa m i l y i s h el p i n g m e ou t. T h e k i d s, b roth er a n d si ster, w i l l b e d ri vi n g me to u h , to, h e u sed Mrs. Roth s w ord s, h ere a n d to a l l sch ool me fu n cti on s. C h a rl i e Roth ? Rea l l y. In teresti n g . T h e p ri n ci p a l scra tch ed h i s ea r a n d w rote m ore on th e b ottom of th e form a s h e b l a b b ed on , C h a rl i es a d a rn g ood footb a l l p l a yer. T h a t k i d s g ot h i s h ea d p retty mu ch on stra i g h t. H op e to w ork h i m ou t a mu fi n e sch ol a rsh i p th i s yea r. D i d n t k n ow h e h a d a si ster. V ere. H i s si sters n a m e i s V ere. V ere Roth . Sh es a j u n i or. F or som e rea son i t me b oth ered D u sti n th a t th e p ri n ci p a l d i d n t k n ow V eres n a m e. P ri n ci p a l Sl oa n h a d n t h ea rd a w ord h ed sa i d . Al l ri g h t. So l on g a s w ere cl ea r, McH u g h . McHu Were cl ea r. T h e p ri n ci p a l p u t d ow n h i s p en a n d d i rectl y l ook ed a t D u sti n for th e fi rst ti m e. Y ou re a ta l l on e. B u t you d on t l ook to b e very sp orts ori en ted . Il l tel l you th ou g h , ou r b a sk etb a l l tea m i s a l w a ys l ook i n g for D ra m a ! D u sti n cou l d n t h el p b u t i n terru p t. H e cou l d h a rd l y b el i eve th e p ri n ci p a l h a d b ou g h t i n to h i s d ork fa ctor. T h e g u y w a s a tota l tool . Im g oi n g to j oi n th e d ra ma cl u b , si r. H e fl a sh ed h i s reta i n er, w h i ch ea rn ed h i m th e exp ected ma a n d h op ed for d i sd a i n fu l sq u i n t. D u sti n g ri n n ed even w i d er a n d h a d th e u rg e to l a u g h b eca u se h i s n ew p ow er to h orri fy p eop l e w a s b eyon d a w esom e. Y es. Y es. D ra m a . T h e p ri n ci p a l si g h ed a n d l ook ed a w a y a s th ou g h h e cou l d n t ma sta n d to l ook a t D u sti n s sm i l e. H e seem ed to l ose a l l i n terest i n D u sti n a n d g l a n ced a t h i s w a tch . D on t w a ste a n y m ore ti m e, son . Hea d ou t. Y ou sh ou l d b e H ea a b l e to m a k e i t to secon d p eri od .

24: drama class just got better VERE

Seven th p eri od . L a st cl a ss of th e d a y. V ere ch eck ed h er p h on e for th e ti me. T en m i n u tes ea rl y. D ra m a cl a ss, fol l ow ed b y D ra ma C l u b . ma Mrs. V a n D eWi rth , fol l ow ed b y more Mrs. V a n D eWi rth . V eres a l l - ti me fa vori te top i c, comb i n ed w i th h er most fa vori te tea ch er. me m ost P u re p erfecti on . T h i s yea r, V ere mea n t to g o for sta g e d i rector, or l i g h ti n g ma ster. As a n u p p ercl a ssma n , sh ed h a ve a b etter ch a n ce th i s yea r a t g etti n g some rea l ssm a resp on si b i l i ti es b a ck sta g e. V ere p u l l ed op en th e a u d i tori u m d oors. Sh e l oved h ow i t smel l ed i n h ere, som e d u st, some mu st, a n d a l l th e rest p u re m a g i c. T h i s p a rt of P a l m er D i vi d e H i g h h a d ma mer b een a rou n d si n ce 1967. T h e th ea ter sti l l b oa sted th e ori g i n a l red vel vet sea ts, n ow cru sh ed a n d w orn i n to a fa d ed p i n k col or. T h ey w ere sti l l stu rd y w i th m eta l b a ck s a n d b ottom s a n d V ere l oved h ow th e cru n ch y sp ri n g s i n th e sea ts sou n d ed w h en ottoms you fi rst sa t i n th em. T h e fl oors w ere con crete excep t for th e sta g e w h i ch w a s ma d e u p of a l i g h tma col ored p i n e. T od a y, th e h u g e, h ea vy red cu rta i n s h u n g op en , exp osi n g th e sta g e th a t n ow h el d a ton of stu d en ts a l l w a i ti n g for cl a ss to sta rt. Wh y h a d sh e th ou g h t sh e w ou l d b e th e on l y on e w h o w ou l d w a n t to come i n h ere ea rl y? com e T h e sch ool fu n d i n g h a d cu t Mrs. V a n D eWi rth s h ou rs b a ck . T o comp en sa te, com p th eyd comb i n ed th e j u n i or a n d sen i or d ra m a cl a sses i n to on e l a rg er cl a ss. B eca u se ma of th e si ze, th eyd b een i n stru cted to m eet h ere i n stea d of i n Mrs. V a n D eWi rth s cl a ssroom. V eres con fi d en ce w a vered w h en sh e sa w h ow m a n y p eop l e w ere si tti n g crossma l eg g ed or sp ra w l ed a rou n d on th e sta g e fl oor. H ow w ou l d sh e sta n d ou t i n a cl a ss How th i s si ze? V ere sl i p p ed si l en tl y i n to th e b a ck ed g e of th e crow d a n d sa t on th e fl oor. T h ere h a d to b e a t l ea st forty p eop l e h ere a l rea d y w i th m ore tra i l i n g i n th rou g h th e si d e more d oors. Her stoma ch g row l ed . Sh e ru mma g ed i n h er b a ck p a ck , sea rch i n g for sn a ck s. H er stom a H ey, V ere. A fa mi l i a r l ow b a ri ton e ru mb l ed a t h er from a b ove. Sh e sta rtl ed , p u l l ed h er h ea d ou t of h er b a ck p a ck , a n d ch eck ed h er b u n a s sh e stru g g l ed to sw a l l ow th e w h ol e p retzel sti ck sh ed j u st sh oved i n to h er mou th . m ou Sh e tw i sted a n d l ook ed u p . Wa y, w a y u p . Her g a ze tra vel ed p a st a p a i r of ta n n ed l eg s i n su n - fa d ed , k h a k i sh orts. T h en i t tra versed a n i m p ossi b l y w h i te sh i rt a n d a p erfectl y scu l p ted col l a rb on e a n d ch i n . Her g a ze h a d ma d e i t a l l th e w a y to a p a i r H er of p erfect g reen eyes w i th mi d n i g h t b l a ck l a sh es. T h en sh e d i ed . U h . Hey, C u rti s, sh e g a sp ed , w a y too q u i ck l y.

T h e p retzel sti ck w a s n ow su ffoca ti n g th e b a ck of h er th roa t w i th d ry d u st a n d sti n g i n g sa l t. It took m e a w h i l e to fi n d you i n th i s crow d , h e sa i d . Sh ou l d h a ve k n ow n to ch eck th e d a rk corn ers of th e room fi rst. H e smi l ed . Y ea h . C orn ers. Sh e took a d eep b rea th a n d w ork ed to sw a l l ow th e l u m p th a t n ow b l ock ed h er p retzel from g oi n g d ow n . Are you l ost? T h i s i s rea l l y fa r from th e g ym , sh e sa i d , fi n a l l y. H er on l y sol a ce w a s th a t h er h ea d w a sn t stu ck i n a sh i rt th i s ti me. Sh e w i p ed h er Her m e. m ou th , w on d eri n g i f sh ed b l ow n a n y food b i ts a t h i m on a cci d en t. D on t I k n ow i t. C u rti s Wi sh ford g ri n n ed d ow n , crossi n g h i s a rm s. A m ove th a t fu l l y sh ow ed off h i s n i ce b i cep s. H i s g ri n n i n g , d i mp l ed p erfect fa ce th rea ten ed to m a k e V ere d i e a l l over a g a i n . ( If Hi mp th a t w a s p ossi b l e w h en sh e w a s a l rea d y d ea d .) D ea d a n d g a p i n g a t h i m l i k e a n i d i ot. Hel p . Hel p . Someon e h el p me th i n k of someth i n g p erfect to sa y. C ri ck ets. C ri ck ets. C ri ck ets. Someon e h el p . Ive b een h yp n oti zed . B y cri ck ets! C u rti ss j a w m oved stea d i l y a s h e ch om p ed on a p i ece of g u m a s th ou g h h e h a d h i s ow n rh yth m . m. B ri g h t, n eon - yel l ow g u m . It b ou n ced a rou n d h i s m ou th , tw o ch ew s to th e ri g h t, on e to th e l eft a n d b a ck . C ra ck . Sn a p . An d ch ew . G rea t. Wh o sta red a t g u m? D ea d p eop l e. T h a ts w h o. U m . C h a rl i e n ever com es i n h ere so... Im n ot l ook i n g for C h a rl i e. Mi n d i f I si t? H er b row s w en t so h i g h sh e fel t th em a l most sh oot off th e top of h er foreh ea d . Her m ost B u t sh e m a n a g ed a n od . H e d rop p ed a n oteb ook n ext to h er b a ck p a ck a n d sa t. As i n ri g h t n ext to h er. He I si g n ed u p for th i s cl a ss on a w h i m , h e sa i d . Y ou d i d ? Wa s th i s rea l l y h a p p en i n g ? C ou l d sh e h a n d l e th i s? O b vi ou sl y N O T . C ome on V ere. Y ou p ra cti ced a l l w eek en d . Y ou ve g ot i t. Sh e took a d eep b rea th a n d k i ck ed h er b ra i n i n to g ea r. Y ou l l l i k e i t. I l ove th i s cl a ss. He w a s l ook i n g stra i g h t i n to h er eyes b u t sh e fel t too i l l to h ol d h i s g a ze, so sh e g l a n ced a w a y a n d p oi n ted a t th e a u d i en ce sea ts. I l ove th i s a u d i tori u m , a n d Mrs. V a n D eWi rth . O MG . I th i n k I q u a k e- yod el ed th a t en ti re sen ten ce. Pl ea se d on t l et h i m sa y a n yth i n g . Pl ea se.... I k n ow you d o. He stretch ed h i s l eg s ou t a n d l ea n ed b a ck . Y ou d o? sh e a sk ed , comp l etel y d i stra cted b y th e fa ct th a t C u rti s Wi sh ford smel l ed l i k e sp i cy, w a rm sw ea t. H e mu st h a ve j u st w ork ed ou t. H e w a s a l w a ys mu He w ork i n g ou t or a b ou t to w ork ou t. It w a sn t a b a d smel l . B u t ma yb e i t w a sn t a g rea t smel l ei th er.

Ha . Wa i t ti l l I tel l J en n a th i s on e. Y ea h . Y ou ta l k a b ou t d ra m a a l l th e ti m e w h en Im over for d i n n ers a n d stu ff. Sh e g a p ed a t h i s l on g m u scu l a r l eg s stretch ed ou t i n fron t of b oth of th em . D a rk em. h a i r covered h i s ca l ves a n d w h a t sh e cou l d see of h i s th i g h s. V ere h a d h er l eg s tu ck ed cri sscross u n d er h er l on g sk i rt. H er sk i n n y smooth l eg s sm ooth w ou l d l ook w ei rd n ext to h i s b u m p ed a n d b ru i sed footb a l l - h u g e sh i n s, w ou l d n t th ey? C u rti s Wi sh ford a l w a ys seem ed so com forta b l e i n h i s ow n b od y. H ow cou l d sh e g et som e of h i s con fi d en ce to ru b off on h er? Keep ta l k i n g to h i m. Y ou ca n d o th i s. So...d o you k n ow w h a t el se I l i k e? Sh e m a n a g ed a n d sh ock ed even h ersel f w i th h er n ext m ove: sh e sm i l ed . Im h op i n g I d o. H e sm i l ed b a ck , w i th w h a t l ook ed l i k e a ca l m, i n terested a n d m, fl i rty sm i l e! Wa s th i s con versa ti on w ork i n g so w el l b eca u se th e sta g e l i g h ts w ere on l y h a l f u p ? Ma yb e i t w a s th e l on g w eek en d of p ra cti ce sh ed h a d w i th C h a rl i e a n d D u sti n , or ma yb e, sh e rea l l y w a s tru l y d ea d . E i th er w a y, V ere w a s i n con trol of h ersel f i n fron t of C u rti s for th e fi rst ti m e i n me yea rs ! Sh e cou l d n t b el i eve i t. Sh e h a d n t even sta rted to b l u sh . O h , th a n k you , D u sti n McHu g h ! C u rti s w en t on , I si g n ed u p for D ra m a b eca u se C h a rl i e tol d m e i t w ou l d b e th e me b est p l a ce to tra ck you d ow n on ce a d a y so w e cou l d h a n g ou t. Wh a t? So m u ch for con trol . H er ch eek s w en t from zero to tw o b i l l i on on th e p i n k tra ck er i n l ess th a n on e secon d . T h a t h a d to b e a record . Y ou h ea rd me. I w a s th i n k i n g w e cou l d h a n g ou t a b i t. m e. Sh e ch eck ed h er b u n a g a i n a n d focu sed on g etti n g a i r. Sh e p l a ced h er h a n d s fl a t on th e sta g e fl oor a n d w on d ered i f th e vortex crea ted b y h er em p ty l u n g s w ou l d even tu a l l y su ck h er th rou g h th e sta g e a n d i n to th e orch estra p i t b el ow . B rea th e, V ere, b rea th e. D on t p u t h i m on a p ed esta l . Wh a t d o you m ea n b y h a n g ou t, exa ctl y? sh e sq u ea k ed . T h a n k fu l l y, C u rti s seem ed n ot to n oti ce h er u p set. H ed b een tra ci n g a sm a l l sma k n ot i n th e w ood w i th h i s fi n g er th e w h ol e ti m e a n d h a d n t l ook ed u p . me Wa i t. D i d C u rti s seem a l i ttl e n ervou s? I mea n , I d on t k n ow . Ive j u st h a d th e u rg e to h a n g ou t w i th you . I tri ed to m ea m en ti on i t l a st w eek , b u t H ow i e m essed u p m y m oj o- m a g i c. Im so b u sy a fter sch ool w i th footb a l l , a n d you re so...so sh y a rou n d me. C u rti s p a u sed h i s h a n d m e. a n d l ook ed u p . L ook ed u p a n d ri g h t a t h er! G ood G od . Wh y d o you h a ve to b e so g org eou s? V ere cl osed h er m ou th fa st b eca u se i t h a d op en ed rea l l y fa r b y th en . H e ra n h i s h a n d th rou g h h i s h a i r. I w a s h op i n g you d l i k e th e i d ea . D o you mind? Is C h a rl i e p u tti n g you u p to th i s or someth i n g ? Sh e sh ot h i m a su sp i ci ou s som eth frow n . Sh e w ou l d h a ve to p l a y th i s off a s fu n n y u n ti l sh e cou l d g et a h a n d l e on h i s l evel of seri ou sn ess. I j u st w a n t you to k n ow , C h a rl i es fl a t b rok e so w h a tever h e

offered you , h e h a s to p a y m e tw o h u n d red b u ck s fi rst. me C u rti s l a u g h ed . N o on es b eh i n d th i s b u t m e. C h a rl i e on l y g a ve m e h i s b l essi n g , i f th a t cou n ts. I k i n d of w i sh Id h a d th e cou ra g e to d o th i s l a st yea r. Rea l l y. Ive h a d a cru sh on you for a l on g ti m e. me. V ere m a d e su re h er voi ce w a s d ry a n d over- sk ep ti ca l . Rea l l y? Sh e ra i sed h er ma eyeb row s a n d d ou b l e cri n k l ed h er foreh ea d w h i l e sh e l evel ed h i m w i th h er d on tm ess- w i th - m e sta re. Y ou re b l u sh i n g , V ere, so ei th er you l i k e th e i d ea , or you h a te i t. Wh i ch i s i t? V ere ri sk ed a l on g er l ook i n to C u rti ss eyes. T ru l y, th i s d i d n ot a p p ea r to b e a j ok e. V ere. Sa y someth i n g ! C a n t. C ri ck ets a re b a ck . Wh en h er si l en ce stretch ed i n to a n ob vi ou s p rob l em , C u rti s g l a n ced d ow n a n d fi d d l ed w i th th e ed g e of h i s n oteb ook . If you a ren t i n to i t, i n to m e I m ea n , Im d rop p i n g th i s cl a ss. N o b i g g i e. N o! sh e g a sp ed , h i s w ord s b ri n g i n g h er ou t of i t. I l i k e th e i d ea ! I m ea n i ts g ood ...a g rea t i d ea . An d cool . It w i l l b e rea l l y cool , you k n ow ...to j u st h a n g ou t on ce a d a y...i n h ere. It seem s l i k e a sa fe p l a ce to d o th a t. N ot l i k e I n eed to b e sa fe from you . H e l a u g h ed , h i s eyes sm i l i n g w a rm l y a t h er. O h , I w ou l d n t sa y th a t, on ce I rml sta k e m y cl a i m , my g i rl s a re n ever sa fe. H e g a ve h er a stra n g e si d ew a ys l ook a s i f m, h e m i g h t reg ret w h a t h ed sa i d to h er, or reg ret w h a t sh ed sa i d . mi D i d I h ea r th a t ri g h t? Wh a t d i d h e mea n b y my g i rl s? An d w h y th e p l u ra l ? Stop . Stop over th i n k i n g th i s momen t. Y ou ve w a i ted for th i s for so l on g . D on t over a n a l yze. An d stop g a w k i n g a t h i m l i k e h es th e Sta tu e of L i b erty a n d you j u st g ot off a b oa t to Ameri ca . Sh e w i l l ed h i s l i p s to m ove, to sa y a n yth i n g , to rescu e h er. Wh en th ey d i d n t, sh e cou l d n t stop h er m ou th from motori n g - on a secon d ti m e. As for m e b ei n g i n to m otori you , w el l , you d h a ve to b e i n a com a or b l i n d to n ot n oti ce th a t Ive h a d a cru sh ri g h t b a ck a t you . An d si n ce I w a s si x. Y ou k n ew th a t. H i s eyes op en ed w i th h i s ow n su rp ri se. Wel l ...I...w a sn t su re a n d ... Sh e d i d n t l et h i m fi n i sh . Heck , everyon e k n ow s th a t. Wh a t I m ea n i s i f I H eck h a ven t sa i d i t ri g h t or cl ea rl y th en offi ci a l l y yes . Its a g rea t i d ea . Id l i k e...Id l ove th e ch a n ce to k n ow you b etter. H ere...i n h ere a n d ...everyw h ere...you k n ow ? Wh y i n th e w orl d d i d you j u st a d mi t to a l l th a t? In h ere a n d E V E RY WHE RE ? L ets h op e HE d oesn t overa n a l yze th a t. U G H. AWKWARD . AWKWARD . AWKWARD . H er reca l l h a d retu rn ed , a n d sh e rep l a yed th e w h ol e scen e fa st- forw a rd i n h er mind. Ugh. Mi g h t h a ve b een w a y l ess ob vi ou s to j u st to ri p ou t you r h ea rt. Sti ck i t on a p l a te. How a b ou t sh ove i n a cou p l e of ta ck s a n d p i n i t u n d er h i s sh oe? T h i s g u y n ow

h a s fu l l p ow er to cru sh you . Sh e g l a n ced u p th rou g h h er l a sh es. H e w a s si m p l y b l i n k i n g a t h er a n d ch ew i n g h i s yel l ow g u m . C u rti s sw a l l ow ed h a rd , a n d b rou g h t h i s h a n d u p to strok e h i s ch i n . H i s sexy, h ot g u y th i n k i n g p ose a l l b u t d i d h er i n . H i s g a ze sea rch ed h er fa ce, a n d sh e a cted a s i f sh e d i d n t n oti ce. D on t l ook u p a g a i n . J u st d on t. B u t d i d h e sw a l l ow th a t g u m? Sh e d esp era tel y w a n ted to fi d g et or b etter, ru n . Som eh ow sh e h el d sti l l . If C u rti s w a s n ot g oi n g to resp on d to w h a t sh ed sa i d , w el l , sh e w a sn t g oi n g to sa y a n oth er w ord . H er fi re en g i n e red , a l l over b od y b l u sh w a s d oi n g a fi n e j ob a t screa m i n g h er sh a m e. Sh e p reten d ed to sta re even h a rd er a t h er l a p b u t h er g a ze tra vel ed from h i s k n ee to h i s p erfectl y m u scl ed footb a l l th i g h . H ow cou l d sh e n ot l ook th a t over? It w a s tw i ce a s w i d e a s h ers a n d h a d n ever b een th i s cl ose to h er b efore. E ven h i s k n ees w ere g org eou s. V ere forced h er g a ze a w a y a n d fa k ed i n terest i n h er ow n k n ees. V ere sh u t h er eyes for a q u i ck secon d a n d op en ed th em , b u t i t d i d n t h el p . C u rti s sti l l h a d n t sa i d a n yth i n g a n d m ost p rob a b l y h e w a sn t g oi n g to sa y a n yth i n g . T h e si l en ce h a d stretch ed to th e p oi n t th a t th ere w a s n o w a y sh e w ou l d recover from th i s m om en t. E ver. E ver. E ver. An d th en , th e m ost a m a zi n g th i n g h a p p en ed . most C u rti s Wi sh ford , sen i or sta r q u a rterb a ck , a n d th e m ost p erfect of a l l g u ys, rea ch ed ou t a n d tu rn ed h er ch i n tow a rd h i m . T h a t w a s w h en everyon e a n d everyth i n g i n th e en ti re a u d i tori u m j u st d i sa p p ea red . T h e n oi se, th e stu d en ts m i l l i n g a b ou t, Mrs. V a n D eWi rth d ow n sta g e, a l l of i t fa d ed to b l a ck . Sh e a n d C u rti s b eca m e th e on l y tw o p eop l e si tti n g cen ter sta g e. Sh e l ook ed ri g h t i n to h i s b ea u ti fu l g reen eyes a n d sh e fel t p retty m u ch j u st fi n e. N o b od y sh a k es. N o fi sted h a n d s w a i ti n g to k n ock h i m fl a t, a n d h er h ea ted ch eek s sta rted to cool ! L et th e record sh ow , th i s i s h a p p en i n g i n fron t of everyon e! B oth of u s a re sti l l con sci ou s, a n d th ere i s zero b l ood . Al so, zero emerg en cy veh i cl es h a ve b een ca l l ed to th i s momen t! Y AY ! H e sm i l ed a n d tw ea k ed h er n ose. Y ou sa i d i t p erfectl y, a n d i t w a s j u st w h a t I He w a n ted to h ea r. Si n ce you w ere so h on est, Il l l a y i t a l l ou t on th e l i n e. Me, ta k i n g d ra m a , i s m y l a m e a ttem p t to l et you k n ow th e sa m e. Ive b een i n to you a l l a l on g , too. An d w el l b efore you k n ock ed m e ou t. Y ou d i d ? Y ou h a ve? Y ou a re? Rea l l y? Sh e ru b b ed h er n ose, h ed p u l l ed i t p retty h a rd . How em b a rra ssi n g . T h i s h a d to b e som e k i n d of h a l l u ci n a ti on . H ow some H e n od d ed , h i s exp ressi on sti l l h ol d i n g a t si n cere. H e ta p p ed th e ti p of h er n ose He a secon d ti m e w i th h i s m ost p erfect, oversi zed fi n g er. We ca n sta rt sl ow . F ri en d s. H a n g i n g ou t. N o p ressu re. P erfect. Sl ow . Sl ow i s p erfect. L i k e you ! Il l n eed you to sh ow m e th e rop es i n th i s cl a ss. Im a l so h op i n g you ca n k eep a

secret for m e. I k eep l ots of secrets. Im g ood a t i t. V ere sw a l l ow ed a n d m a n a g ed a h a l f sm i l e, ma th i n k i n g su d d en l y of D u sti n . H e g a ve h er h i s a l l - Am eri ca n g ri n a n d w i n k ed . Rea l l y. T h en Il l tra d e on e of m y secrets for on e of you rs. Ma yb e. Y ou fi rst, sh e ch a l l en g ed , a n d WIN KE D B AC K! O MG . T h i s i s fl i rti n g . T h i s i s ME fl i rti n g w i th C u rti s Wi sh ford . An d Im p retty su re th i s i s C u rti s Wi sh ford fl i rti n g w i th me! C u rti s Wi sh ford l ea n ed i n . H i s b u b b l e g u m b rea th m oved th e w i sp s of h a i r th a t covered h er ea r. Sh e sta red a t h i s l i p s, b u t n ot i n a k i ss sort of w a y sh e w a s w a i ti n g for h i m to ch ew . J eez. I th i n k h e d i d sw a l l ow th a t g u m! Im sca red to d ea th of l ook i n g l i k e a tota l fool i n h ere, h e sa i d . V ere l ea n ed b a ck a n d l ook ed d i rectl y i n to h i s eyes. Sh e cou l d feel h er ch eek s a n d th e top s of h er ea rs ti n g l i n g h ot a g a i n , b u t d i d n t ca re. H er h ea rt th rea ten ed to b u rst ou t of h er ch est i n th i rty d i fferen t d i recti on s. Ag a i n , th i s fel t n oth i n g l i k e on e of h er a n xi ety m om en ts! T h i s feel i n g h a d to b e comi n g from b u tterfl i es. T h a t or sh ed sw a l l ow ed a ti n y com i g ren a d e a n d i t h a d exp l od ed . N ow you . O n e secret, h e w h i sp ered , k eep i n g h i s fa ce cl ose h i s eyes sca n n i n g h er g a ze. Im sca red to d ea th th i s m omen t m i g h t b e a d rea m , sh e w h i sp ered b a ck . om en Its n ot. C u rti s g ri n n ed , h i s exp ressi on sort of exp ecta n t. H e g l a n ced over h er He sh ou l d er a n d m a d e a fa ce. H m m . D rea m or n i g h tm a re...for m e. I h a te h a vi n g to com p ete for you r a tten ti on . H a . As i f you ever w ou l d . V ere b l i n k ed a t h i m . T h e w orl d cra sh ed b a ck i n so Ha fa st i t d i sori en ted h er. C u rti s tu rn ed a n d m oti on ed to th e fa r en d of th e sta g e. Y ou r en tou ra g e h a s a rri ved . I sh ou l d h a ve k n ow n th ey w ou l d b e i n h ere. Wh y d i d I th i n k I w ou l d h a ve you a l l to m ysel f? D u sti n McH u g h h a d en tered fron t a n d cen ter d oi n g th e w a l k . V ere cou l d m a k e ou t J en n a s l i g h t b l on d e h ea d b ob b i n g ri g h t b eh i n d . D u sti n ca rved a p a th ri g h t th rou g h th e cen ter of th e k i d s si tti n g on sta g e. It w a s l i k e th e p a rti n g of th e red sea a s p eop l e m oved a w a y from h i m . C ri n g ed a w a y from h i m , a ctu a l l y. Avoi d i n g a l l eye con ta ct a n d everyth i n g ! H e g reeted ea ch a n d every p erson w h o a cci d en tl y g a ve h i m h a l f a g l a n ce u si n g h i s n ew p l a sti c a n d meta l d ork smi l e, a n d a l ou d : H ey. Im D u ssttth h i n . m eta sm i Pri cel ess. F rom th e w a y most k i d s w ere a cti n g , V ere cou l d tel l th e d i sg u i se w a s w ork i n g m ost b etter th a n fi n e. J en n a , ob l i vi ou s a l w a ys to oth er p eop l es scorn , a n d to th e fa ct th a t sh e w a s h a n g i n g w i th T HE Hu n ter Ken n ed y , sk i p p ed a l on g , ch a tteri n g a w a y h a p p i l y. Aw w . T h ey mu st h a ve b on d ed . C h a rl i e tol d m e a l l a b ou t th e n ew k i d . H ea rd h es a m en a ce. As for J en n a Ri l ey, Hea

w h en w i l l sh e g i ve u p th ose g oofy b ra i d s? V ere g l a n ced si d ew a ys a t C u rti s. Wh a t d i d h e mea n ? Wh y w ou l d h e sa y su ch a th i n g ? I l ove th ose b ra i d s. An d D u sti n s a w esom e. Y ou l l see. Sh e d efen d ed h er fri en d s, w a vi n g so th ey w ou l d see h er. Sh e cou l d n t w a i t to g et D u sti n a n d J en n a a l on e so sh e cou l d tel l th em everyth i n g C u rti s h a d sa i d to h er! Wi th cl a ss a b ou t to sta rt, sh e h a d to g et th ei r a tten ti on . D u sti n . J en n a ! O ver h ere! Sh e w a ved h er a rm s. D u sti n n od d ed , h el d u p h i s i n d ex fi n g er for h er to w a i t, a n d th en p oi n ted tow a rd Mrs. V a n D eWi rth . Wh en sh e a ck n ow l ed g ed h i m w i th h er b est eye rol l , h e cou n tered w i th th e reta i n er fl a sh . V ere cou l d n t h el p b u t g i g g l e. Sh i t. D i d you see th a t sm i l e. C h a rl i e a l so m en ti on ed h es h i d eou s. C u rti s g roa n ed . Y ea h . P oor g u y, V ere sa i d , tryi n g to sou n d som b er a s sh e p i ctu red D u sti n s rea l sm i l e. Sh e w a n ted to l a u g h ou t l ou d . H es su p er n i ce th ou g h . An d N a n s n ep h ew Hes so w eve g ot to i n cl u d e h i m , sh e a d d ed g l eefu l l y. Wh a t el se d i d C h a rl i e sa y? N on e of u s ca n m ess w i th h i m b eca u se you r b roth er feel s sorry for h i m . C om e on ! Were g ood fri en d s a l rea d y. H es n ot th a t b a d . C u rti s g ri m a ced . Y es h e i s th a t b a d . L ook a t h i m . T h e d u d es l u ck y you a n d ma C h a rl i e h a ve h i m u n d er g u a rd b eca u se th eres som eth i n g a b ou t h i m. Som eth i n g m. th a t sort of m a k es m e w a n t to k i ck h i s a ss. me V ere frow n ed . I d i d n t k n ow you h a d su ch a w ei rd sen se of h u m or. I d on t, C u rti s sa i d a s h e l ook ed a w a y from D u sti n a n d tra p p ed h er i n a sea of h i s g reen - eyed h ea ven . Won d er w h a t h es d oi n g i n h ere? Ma yb e h e si g n ed u p for th i s cl a ss! V ere k n ew h er voi ce sou n d ed too exci ted , b u t sh e cou l d n t h el p i t. If h e w ere g oi n g to b e i n h ere, th en h ed b e a rou n d to h el p k eep h er ca l m i f sh e n eed ed h i m . D u sti n h a d g on e over w i th J en n a i n tow to g reet Mrs. V a n D eWi rth w h o ch eck ed h er l i st a n d n od d ed . C u rti s si g h ed . L ook s l i k e h e d i d . D u sti n w a s sh a k i n g Mrs. V a n D eWi rth s h a n d w i l d l y. T h e p oor l a d y l ook ed a l i ttl e sk etch ed ou t b eca u se of th a t m ove. V ere g i g g l ed a g a i n . H ow sh e w i sh ed sh e cou l d h ea r w h a t D u sti n w a s sa yi n g . H es g oi n g for tea ch ers p et. D oes h e h a ve to b e so g oofy a n d fri en d l y? I g u ess i ts j u st h i s p erson a l i ty. Wh a ts h i s d ea l ? D oes h e a ct? V ere g l a n ced a t C u rti s. H i s exp ressi on seem ed m i l d en ou g h b u t sh e w on d ered w h y h e sou n d ed so a n n oyed . N ot su re, V ere eva d ed . H e tol d m e h e h a tes d ra m a , a n d th i n g s l i k e d ra m a cl u b so i t i s a su rp ri se to see h i m . Is i t n ow , C u rti s sa i d w i th a n u n rea d a b l e l ook . H e b ru sh ed th e si d e of h i s i n d ex fi n g er a cross h er l eft ch eek . Wel l , m a yb e h e h a s th e sa m e i d ea I h a ve. V eres stom a ch d i d a fl i p . Im p ossi b l e. Were j u st fri en d s. An d b esi d es. Sh e tossed D u sti n a g l a n ce. H es g ot n o ch a n ce com p a red to you .

Aw w . Y ou re sw eet. C u rti s sm i l ed . V ere sm i l ed b a ck . Sh e tri ed to con cen tra te on C u rti s b u t sh e cou l d n t stop h ersel f from tra ck i n g D u sti n s p rog ress. C u rti s tu g g ed a t on e of h er esca p ed b i ts of h a i r a n d frow n ed w h en sh e scooted to th e si d e so sh e cou l d see D u sti n b etter. T h ere w a s n o w a y to exp l a i n to th e n ow scow l i n g C u rti s th a t sh e j u st h a d to w a tch h er p rotg e d o h i s n erd w a l k a g a i n . Som ed a y sh e w ou l d b e a b l e to tel l i t a l l to h i m . Som ed a y th ey w ou l d l a u g h a b ou t th i s. C u rti s w a s a l m ost a cti n g l i k e h e w a s j ea l ou s. Ima g i n e. An d i m a g i n e sh e d i d : H om ecom i n g , ch eeri n g a t footb a l l g a mes, Wi n ter F orm a l , m es, som ew h ere i n th ere h er fi rst k i ss, a n d of cou rse...i f i t a l l w en t w el l , P rom ! J en n a a n d I w i l l b e ea ti n g ch i p s b efore a l l sch ool d a n ces a fter a l l . Il l ma k e C u rti s fi n d h er d a tes, or I w on t g o! V ere h u g g ed h ersel f. Ma yb e sh e sh ou l d ca l m d ow n . Sh e sti l l h a d to som eh ow con vi n ce h i m to rea l l y l i k e h er fi rst. It w a s a rock y roa d tra versi n g th e fri en d s sta g e. T h ere w a s sti l l th e h u g e ch a n ce th e i n ci d en t w ou l d sn ea k u p a g a i n . H e cou l d ch a n g e h i s m i n d a b ou t th i s. Sh e h a d to fi g u re ou t a w a y to m a k e h i m rea l l y l i k e h er, a s i n for rea l . L i k e a g i rl fri en d . An d on e w h o w ou l d l a st for m ore th a n h i s u su a l tw o- m on th tri a l p eri od . T h e w h ol e i d ea w a s k i n d of m a k i n g h er h ea d h u rt. In th e m ea n ti m e, sh e j u st h a d to w a tch D u sti n . H ow cou l d sh e n ot? Sh e h a d h er B G F to th a n k for everyth i n g sh ed b een a b l e to sa y to C u rti s tod a y. H er h ea rt b u rst w i th p ri d e for h ersel f a n d for D u sti n s su ccess. Sh e cou l d tel l D u sti n w a s l ook i n g d i rectl y a t h er a s h e crossed th e rest of th e sta g e. B eca u se of th e l ow l i g h ti n g h i s g l a sses w ere on l y a l i g h t g rey ti n t. Sh e cou l d see h i s eyes tw i n k l i n g b eh i n d th e g l a ss w i th th ei r sh a red secret. H e seem ed to b e a l m ost cra ck i n g u p . V ere b ea m ed a t h i m , w on d eri n g i f sh ed ever fel t th i s h a p p y. A++ w i th b on u s extra cred i t for b oth of th em. Sh e tu rn ed h er su n n i est sm i l e b a ck on to C u rti s, m ostl y to ch eck i f h e w a s rea l l y sti l l si tti n g th ere. J eez. He i s. C ri sscross a p p l esa u ce a n d p op p i n g i n a fresh n ew p i ece of th a t n eon yel l ow g u m! I w i l l h a ve to tel l h i m i ts n ot a g ood i d ea to sw a l l ow th e stu ff. D u sti n cl a m b ered u p to th em . H i s w ork b oots m a d e m ore n oi se on th e sta g e th a n a n el ep h a n t sta m p ed e. H e cl u m p ed w a y too cl ose a n d stood th ere a cti n g a l l h el p l ess a n d con fu sed . H e h el d a l l h i s stu ff i n a d i sorg a n i zed l u m p i n fron t of h i m . J en n a fol l ow ed cl ose b eh i n d , sq u eezi n g i n n ext to V ere. Sh e d a sh ed l ook tow a rd C u rti s a n d b u g g ed ou t h er eyes w h en sh e rea l i zed w h o V ere h a d b een si tti n g w i th th i s w h ol e ti m e. Sh e m et V eres g a ze w i th th e si l en t w h a t- th e- h eck ! l ook . V ere p rom p tl y fl i ck ed h er su b tl e, h a l f- eye- rol l p l u s th e q u i ck l eft- si d ed g ri n . T ra n sl a ti on : I k n ow . An d O H.MY .G O D ! D u sti n d rop p ed a l l h i s stu ff i n th e cen ter of th ei r sm a l l ci rcl e a n d took th e sp ot

on th e oth er si d e of V ere cl osi n g u p th e sp a ce b etw een h er a n d C u rti s. Y ou m u st b e C u rtti sth Wi tsth ford , h e sa i d . V eres tol d m e a l l a b ou t you . V ere g a sp ed a n d h a d to b i te h er l i p . G od . D i d D u sti n n ot k n ow w h en to q u i t? Sh e a l m ost exp l od ed i n to a g i g g l e a tta ck . Sh e h el d i t tog eth er l on g en ou g h to recover a n d w a tch a s C u rti s th rew D u sti n a d i sg u sted l ook . Sh e cou l d n t even cou l d b l a m e th e g u y. C u rti s h a d b een b u ri ed D u sti n s l oose p a p ers a n d T ou g h Mou n ta i n w ei rd n ess. It w a s a s i f D u sti n h a d d rop p ed everyth i n g on top of C u rti s on p u rp ose. C u rti s sh oved D u sti n s b a ck p a ck off h i s l eg s. Wel l , C h a rl i es tol d m e a l l a b ou t you . An d a p p a ren tl y, h e w a sn t l yi n g , C u rti s sa i d , sh ooti n g D u sti n a cryp ti c, sn i d e l a u g h . O h ! T h a n k sssth h . C h a rl i estth b een stth o cool . V ere b i t b a ck a n oth er h u g e b el l y l a u g h , b eca u se sh ed ca u g h t D u sti n s g a ze th rou g h h i s l en ses. Sh e cou l d tel l h e w a s w on d eri n g w h a t C h a rl i e h a d sa i d a b ou t h i m , exa ctl y. D u sti n w a s a b sol u tel y g l ori ou s ri g h t n ow . Sol i d i fyi n g h i s p erm a n en t, p u b l i cl yp l a yed d ork - sta tu s, a l l w h i l e g ri n n i n g l i k e a fool . H e scooted a w a y from C u rti s on h i s k n ees, m u tteri n g Sorry, so sorry, to everyon e a rou n d h i m a s h e col l ected h i s th i n g s. Sh e cou l d tel l b y h i s voi ce th a t D u sti n w a s a l so tryi n g n ot to l a u g h . C u rti s ca p tu red V eres g a ze b y tu g g i n g on h er a rm a n d p u l l i n g h er b a ck i n n ext to h i m . H e l ea n ed i n too, scooti n g a s cl ose a s h e cou l d a n d h i t h er w i th h i s g org eou s sm i l e. F org etti n g a b ou t D u sti n , sh e su p p ressed a si g h a n d sm i l ed b a ck i n to h i s eyes. Y es!

25: BGF is better than nothing Dustin

F rom: n yj u i ce77@ya h oo.com T o: coj u i ce99@ya h oo.com Su b j ect: Ha n g i n th ere. G oi n g on on e fu l l w eek w i th ou t you a n d reg retti n g ever l etti n g you b oa rd th a t p l a n e. Sorry for th e d el a yed con ta ct on my p a rt. Its b een n u ts. As for g etti n g you ou t, i ts i n th e w ork s. C a n t seem to g et a n a p p oi n tmen t w i th th e j u d g e. N ot so ea sy to tra ck h i m d ow n from th e N Y si d e. O n ce th e b a n d s settl ed Il l h ea d b a ck to L A to l ock i t d ow n . I h op ed you r mom w ou l d b e more h el p . C h eers, Ma rti n
He th rew th e p h on e on to h i s n i g h t sta n d i n d i sg u st. He N o w a y i n h el l w a s h e g oi n g to ema i l Ma rti n b a ck . T h a t b a sta rd n eed ed to ca l l him. He sp ra n g u p from th e b ed a n d p u l l ed a p a rt h i s cu rta i n s to ch eck for V eres ca r. He Sh ed p rom i sed to come ta k e h i m h i k i n g . Ap p a ren tl y, th ere w a s a p l a ce tu ck ed romi i n to a n ei g h b orh ood cl ose b y w i th a tra i l V ere w a s d yi n g to sh ow h i m . m. O n e th a t h a d a mon op ol y on cool - sh a p ed rock s . m on Actu a l l y, sh ed tou ted th e n ei g h b orh ood a s h a vi n g , th e b est, most a w esome, m ost stock p i l e of h ea rt- sh a p ed rock s i n th e w h ol e w orl d ! He th ou g h t of h er w i d e g ri n a s sh ed g on e on a n d on a b ou t th e rock s, w h i l e h ed He on l y h a l f- l i sten ed , w on d eri n g h ow m a n y n ei g h b orh ood s i n C ol ora d o b oa sted th ei r ow n h i k i n g tra i l s. D i d th e rea l - esta te d evel op ers n ot u n d ersta n d th e op en sp a ces w ere p erfectl y, g ood , sa l ea b l e l ots? D ou b l e for th e l ot th a t ow n s th e h ea rt- sh a p ed rock mi n e. mi He l a u g h ed q u i etl y to h i msel f. T h i s p l a ce w a s so stra n g e comp a red to L os He An g el es, N ew Y ork , P a ri s, th e w h ol e, rea l w orl d . O f cou rse h e cou l d n t tel l h er h e d i d n t w a n t to g o. B eca u se, a fter h er d escri p ti on s a n d d esp i te th e fa ct h ed h a ve to ta k e a n oth er l on g h i k e h e rea l l y w a n ted to see V ere sk i p p i n g a rou n d , fl i p p i n g ou t, a n d g u sh i n g over rock s. Wh o w ou l d n t w a n t to b e th ere for th a t? He cra ck ed th e w i n d ow a few i n ch es so h e cou l d h ea r h er h on k w h en sh e sh ow ed . He F l op p i n g b a ck d ow n on h i s b ed , h e si g h ed , con tem p l a ti n g h ow q u i ck l y h i s d a ys h ere h a d p a ssed . T h e ema i l from Ma rti n h a d fel t l i k e a h a rd sl a p i n th e fa ce. It remi n d ed h i m of h i s rea l l i fe. Hi s ol d l i fe. Hi Hed a l most forg otten everyth i n g i n j u st a few sh ort d a ys. H ed m ost

H ed even forg otten h i m sel f. C om p l etel y. Hed An d Im g oi n g to sta y forg otten . Ri g h t n ow , I d on t w a n t to b e a n yth i n g , or a n yon e el se, oth er th a n a k i d w h os w a i ti n g for h i s b est fri en d . T h a ts i t. An d th a ts me. H e a l so a d mi tted h e l i k ed sch ool . Mi l l i n g a rou n d th e l u n ch room a n d th e sch ool He mi cou rtya rd p a ck ed w i th h u n d red s a n d h u n d red s of k i d s k i d s w h o d i d n t screa m or sw a rm a rou n d h i m w a s k i n d of cool . T h e cl a sses w i th th e d esk s l i n ed u p , fu l l of m ore k i d s h a d a l so b een a n ovel ty. D ra m a cl a ss w a s n ow h i s top fa vori te. ma N ot b eca u se h e l i k ed w a tch i n g th e scen es a n d th e sk i ts; b u t b eca u se h e l oved w a tch i n g V ere L O V E h er d ra m a cl a ss. T h e a u d i tori u m w a s ob vi ou sl y a d ru g for h er. T h e b a ck sta g e a rea seem ed a p l a ce w h ere sh e cou l d l et h ersel f sh i n e w i th comp l ete con fi d en ce. J u st l i k e th e l i g h ts sh e l oved p l a ci n g on sta g e to m a k e th i n g s b ri g h ter, th e w h ol e en vi ron m en t l i t V ere i n th e sa m e w a y. In si d e a n d ou t. O f cou rse, th i s fa ct m a d e h er even m ore b ea u ti fu l ma more th a n sh e n orm a l l y w a s. T o h i m, a n yh ow . B u n , b a g g y sh orts, a n d th ose b i g b row n eyes a n d a l l . T h e g i rl h a d sta rted to stu n h i m stu p i d w i th a si m p l e sm i l e, or on e of h er l i ttl e g l a res. An d every si n g l e d a y. smi Wh i l e sh e h u n g ou t, l on g i n g for C u rti s to n oti ce h er more. H e g ri ma ced a t th a t th ou g h t. If on l y V ere w ere sk i p p i n g i n to d ra m a cl a ss h er eyes He ma sp a rk l i n g th e ed g es of h er ch eek s a l l fl u sh ed p i n k l ook i n g a rou n d for on e g l i m p se of h i m . H e su re a s h el l w ou l d n t ma k e h er w on d er. If h e cou l d tra d e p l a ces w i th C u rti s, He ma h e w ou l d d o everyth i n g i n h i s p ow er to m a k e h er h i s. F orever. B u t h e w a sn t C u rti s. H e w a s th e l a m e B G F . An d i t w a s w ork i n g w el l for b oth of th ei r p u rp oses. It w a sn t th a t V ere d i d n t seem h a p p y to h a ve h i m n ea r a t a l l ti m es. H eck , sh e seem ed to w a n t to h a n g w i th Heck h i m m ore a n d m ore. B u t i n a l l th e w ron g w a ys. If on l y sh ed w a n t me i n th e ri g h t w a y. B u t d o I w a n t th a t? Rea l l y? H e l et ou t a l on g , a n n oyed si g h . He Its n ot l i k e sh es g oi n g to sw a p cru sh es on C u rti s a n d p u b l i cl y h ol d h a n d s w i th me i n my ca n va s p a n ts. Soci a l su i ci d e w a s n ever h er p l a n . C u rti s Wi sh ford i s h er p l a n .... H e tri ed to i m a g i n e a scen a ri o i n h i s oth er l i fe. Wa l k i n g a rou n d L A w i th V ere, He i n trod u ci n g h er to th e b a n d , h i s en tou ra g e. Sh ow i n g h er h i s m on strou sl y h u g e, b u t emp ty h ou se a n d h e b rok e ou t i n a sw ea t. Hel l n o. Pl u s, th a t p l a ce w ou l d su ck th e l i fe ou t of h er eyes. O n ce sh e k n ew everyth i n g a b ou t ou r fa mi l y, a b ou t me...sh e si mp l y w ou l d n t w a n t to fi t th ere. T h e stu p i d B G F sta tu s i s a l l Im ever g oi n g to g et. B esi d es, w h o w ou l d I b e to V ere b a ck i n C a l i forn i a ? T h e sa me p erson I a m to h er h ere i n C ol ora d o: N ot. C u rti s. Sh es k i n d of ma d e

th a t cl ea r th i s p a st w eek , a l on g w i th tel l i n g me every secon d of h er l i fe story. Her cu te, h i l a ri ou s l i fe story... L i sten i n g for V eres l i ttl e sn i p p ets of h er p a st a n d h er u l tra - n orm a l fa m i l y, h a d b ecom e p a rt of h i s d a i l y rou ti n e. H i s secret fu n , b u t i n crea si n g l y, h i s p ri va te tortu re th e m ore h e fou n d ou t a b ou t h er. B eca u se Im sta rti n g to a d ore every l i ttl e i n sa n e th i n g th a t sh e d oes. T h e g i rl ca n ma k e p i e from scra tch . An d sh e comes over to h a n g ou t w i th Au n t N a n so th ey ca n w a tch T V a n d k n i t? KN IT . Sh es a ctu a l l y ma k i n g me a h a t! Wh o d oes th a t k i n d of g ra n n y stu ff? T h e cu test g i rl i n th e w orl d , th a ts w h o. H e k n ew for a fa ct th a t V eres op i n i on of d ra m a cl a ss h a d a l so sk yrock eted th i s yea r. V ere h a d tol d h i m th i s a g a i n on l y h ou rs b efore on th e ri d e h om e. Wh y? H e g a ve th e cei l i n g fa n a cyn i ca l l i ttl e sm i l e. B eca u se V ere tel l s h er b esti e everyth i n g . As m u ch a s h e l oved to w a tch h er sm i l e a n d b e h a p p y, h e w a s sta rti n g to g et d ow n to h i s core th a t th ere w a s a p ossi b i l i ty th i s B G F th i n g cou l d even tu a l l y cru sh h i m. C ru sh h i s h ea rt a n yh ow , a s V eres rel a ti on sh i p w i th Mr. J erk - ford m. g row s stron g er w h i l e h es forced to w a tch . An d i t w a s h a p p en i n g . Sl ow l y, a n d su rel y, ri g h t b efore h i s very eyes. C u rti s w a s g row i n g m ore en ch a n ted w i th V ere every secon d . How cou l d h e n ot? T o a d d i n su l t to i n j u ry, D u sti n cou l d n t even sh ow th e k i d u p . Ra g e on th e g u i ta r, w ri te V ere a son g , a ct h i s a ssi g n ed p a rts h ow h e w a n ted to a ct th em , or even g o a fter a si n g i n g l ea d for th e m u si ca l . H e w a s a ctu a l l y fa i l i n g d ra m a b eca u se h ed sw orn h e h a d sta g e fri g h t a n d h a d refu sed to p erform th ree sk i ts i n a row . H e w a s stu ck . T ryi n g to n ot d ra w a tten ti on . N ot th a t i t m a ttered ! H e h a d l ess g a m e th a n a toa d . V ere trea ted h i m a s th ou g h sh e cou l d n t even remem b er h ed rem em ever b een a n yth i n g b u t D u sti n th e d ork , h er sl a ve- B G F . Worse, to d a te, V ere h a d tol d h i m every excru ci a ti n g d eta i l of h er MIN D i n tera cti on s w i th C u rti s. E veryth i n g . An d th en , sh ed b omb a rd ed h i m w i th g i rl y, b est- fri en d - q u esti on s om b l i k e: *Wh a t C u rti s h a d su rel y m ea n t w h en h e b l i n k ed th a t ti m e. *O r, i f sh e sh ou l d text h i m . *Wh a t sh e w ou l d text h i m i f sh e w ere b ra ve en ou g h . *O r w h y h a d n t C u rti s a sk ed for h er n u mb er yet a n d so m a yb e i t w a s mb ma i n a p p rop ri a te to text h i m . ( B eca u se sh ed stol en h i s n u mb er off C h a rl i es p h on e m. mb tw o yea rs a g o!) HE L L . It h a d sta rted ou t a s com i ca l , a n d h e w a s h a p p y to try a n d h el p h er i n terp ret comi C u rti ss m oves. B u t a fter a few d a ys of i t, th e w h ol e th i n g h a d sp u n ou t of con trol . moves. Mostl y b eca u se C u rti s h a d n o moves. B esi d es b ei n g a n a ss, th a t i s. B u t V ere n ever m oves. seem ed to g et th a t p a rt a b ou t th e g u y! H e w a s tota l l y w ron g for h er.

T od a y h a d b een a n ep i c exa m p l e. Sh e h a d b een a l l frea k ed ou t a t l u n ch b eca u se mp C u rti s a p p ea red to b e sp a ci n g ou t ri g h t i n fron t of h er. L i k e u n i n terested sp a ci n g ou t. Sh ed k ep t a sk i n g : D o you th i n k i ts a p ossi b l e B AD SIG N ? D o you th i n k i ts over b efore i t sta rted ? Are my ch a n ces ru i n ed ? H ed h a d to b i te th e i n si d e of h i s ch eek s. Mostl y so h e w ou l d n t sh ou t: T H E RAT B AST ARD WAS N O T SP AC IN G O U T . C U RT IS C AU G H T A B RA SHO T WHE N Y O U B E N T O V E R. Y O U P U T H IM IN A SH O WH E C O MA! In stea d , h ed m u ttered som e l a me, b esti e resp on se l i k e, Im su re i t w a s n oth i n g . m e, H e l i k es you , h e tota l l y, tota l l y, tota l l y d oes. Hel l . Sh ed p u t ME i n a coma . Wh o k n ew V ere Roth w ore a b u n ch of l a ce u n d er a l l th ose h ood i es? D a mn ...b u t, I l ove a g i rl i n some l a ce too... T o ru b sa l t i n th e w h ol e th i n g V ere g u sh ed con sta n tl y th a t h er g u y exp osu re a n d B G F s coa ch i n g ti p s w ere w ork i n g . H e cou l d n t esca p e th e fa ct th a t th i s w h ol e, u n fol d i n g n i g h tm a re w a s h i s d a m n fa u l t. H i s a n d C h a rl i es. H ed even a g reed w i th C h a rl i e th a t th i n g s cou l d n t b e b etter. V ere h a d com e ou t of h er sh el l th i s w eek , a n d C u rti s h a d ta k en n oti ce. Wa y, too m u ch n oti ce. Wh a tever. F i n e. Wh a tever th ey w a n ted . Im a sh ort ti mer. I h a ve n o ri g h t to b e a n n oyed . At l ea st n ot w i th V ere, C h a rl i e or even C u rti s. H e fl i p p ed over so h e cou l d p i ck u p h i s p h on e. Sta red a t i t u n ti l h i s h ea d sp u n . Sh ou l d h e l og b a ck i n a n d re- rea d Ma rti n s em a i l ? Sh ou l d h e j u st ca l l th e g u y? H e p u l l ed Ma rti n s cel l n u m b er u p i n h i s con ta cts. T h e over- b ri g h t screen l i t u p . Rea d y to g o. T a p i t. J u st ta p i t a n d ca l l . Ma rti n h a d sa i d n o d i rect ca l l s. J u st i n ca se. J u st i n ca se w h a t? H e sta red a t th e n u m b er on th e screen u n ti l i t w en t b l a ck . Wou l d on e ca l l b ri n g d ow n th e com m a n d o, p h on e- sn i ffi n g , p op sta r tra ck i n g , p ress? An d i f i t d i d , w ou l d th ey b e a b l e to l oca te h i m i n th i s G od - forsa k en tow n ? An d so w h a t i f th ey d i d ? Ma yb e cou l d l ea ve a q u i ck messa g e. B eg th e g u y to g i ve m essa h i m th e en d - d a te to a l l th i s m a d n ess. T h a t w a s a l l h e rea l l y n eed ed . So h e cou l d h a n d l e h i m sel f th e too- h u g e feel i n g s a rou n d th i s cru sh i f h e cou l d w ra p h i s h ea d a rou n d w h en i t a l l w ou l d stop , h ed feel ca l m er. mer. In stea d of m oti va ti n g h i m to d i a l , h i s h ea rt ti g h ten ed a t th a t th ou g h t. Y es, h i s cru sh w a s p a i n fu l , b u t i t w a s a l so th e b est feel i n g h ed ever fel t. An d h e cou l d n t i m a g i n e h ow em p ty h ed b e i f i t ever stop p ed . If Ma rti n ca l l ed h i m h om e, th en i t a l l w ou l d g o a w a y. In a n od d p a n i c, h e q u i ck l y d i a l ed V ere. H el l o? O HMY G O D D u sti n ! H er ch a tter i m m ed i a tel y m a d e h i m feel b etter. Im Her l a te. Wa tch i n g th i s a w esom e sh ow a b ou t h ow D a V i n ci mi g h t h a ve com m u n i ca ted esome mi w i th or p ossi b l y w a s a n a l i en . An d th e si g n s a re h i d d en i n h i s p a i n ti n g s! SO C O O L . Il l b e ri g h t over.

H e g ri n n ed . I ca n t w a i t to h ea r a b ou t i t. N ow h u rry u p . He Wh en h e h u n g u p , th e b a ttery fl a sh ed a w a rn i n g . H i s ch a rg e si g n a l tu rn ed from g reen to red , j u st a s h e h a d th e h u g e u rg e to ma k e Hi ma a secon d ca l l . T o d i a l h i s m om . H e cra ved th e sou n d of h er voi ce. E ven i f sh e w ere sti l l a n g ry a t h i m . An d th a t feel i n g sca red th e sh i t ou t of h i m w a y m ore th a n h i s cru sh on V ere Roth did. Wh a t i f h i s m om h a d n t forg i ven h i m yet? Wh a t i f sh e refu sed to ta l k to h i m sti l l ? H i s h ea rt i m p l od ed a t th e th ou g h t. N ot k n ow i n g fel t b etter th a n th e p ossi b i l i ty of th e tw o of th em n ever sp ea k i n g a g a i n . H e tossed h i s p h on e i n to th e d ra w er a l on g w i th h i s m om s l etter. H e h ea rd th e He p u tteri n g sou n d of V eres V W ou tsi d e. Wh a tever. Im n ot th e k i d w i th th e messed u p l i fe. Im D u sti n McHu g h , h a n g i n g a t h ome . A k i d w h o h i k es, a n d l oves d ra ma cl a ss, a n d i s n ow , offi ci a l l y, a n orp h a n w h o l i ves w i th h i s a u n t! An orp h a n w i th n o cel l p h on e, b eca u se Im n ot ch a rg i n g i t, or p i ck i n g th a t th i n g up again. If oth er p eop l e d i d n t l i k e th a t, th en th ey cou l d sh ow u p h ere i n C ol ora d o w i th th ei r i d ea s a b ou t w h o I a m a n d w h a t Im d oi n g . B u t for n ow , h e w a s g ood en ou g h w i th th i s, b eca u se i t w a s th e on l y th i n g th a t fel t g ood a n d rea l a n d ri g h t. H e p u l l ed i n a h u g e b rea th . He V ere h on k ed a n d tu rn ed u p h er ca r stereo. T o h i s su rp ri se, sh e w a s p l a yi n g ... G u a rd eRob e ? H e g ri n n ed , p op p ed i n h i s reta i n er, g ra b b ed h i s g l a sses, on e of h i s vests, a He tru ck er ca p a n d sh ot ou t i n to th e h a l l . G u a rd eRob e a n d V ere? Rea l l y? Sh ou l d b e a n i n teresti n g d ri ve.

26: heart shaped rocks VERE

O k a y. Sta rt l ook i n g . T h i s i s th e sp ot w h ere Ive fou n d th e b est stu ff. T h eyd d ri ven j u st ou tsi d e of Mon u men t to th e F a l con C a n yon O p en Sp a ce. V ere a n d D u sti n h a d b u sh - w h a ck ed on l y a sm a l l b i t b eh i n d th e p a rk i n g a rea , u n ti l rea ch i n g a d ri ed creek b ed th a t ra n p a ra l l el to th e m a i n tra i l . ma Y ou ca n a l so fi n d ma j or g ood p etri fi ed w ood h ere. It w a sh es ou t i n th e fl a sh fl ood s. He frow n ed a t th e cl ou d l ess sk y. F l a sh fl ood s? Sh ou l d w e b e sta n d i n g h ere a t He a l l . Wh a t i f i ts ra i n i n g u p on P i k es P ea k ? G ood q u esti on , n a tu re- sa fe- D u sti n . V ere took h i s sh ou l d ers a n d tu rn ed h i m to fa ce th e mou n ta i n i n q u esti on . N ot m ou on e cl ou d fl oa ted a n yw h ere n ea r th e p ea k . He took off h i s g l a sses a n d sh ot h er a n em b a rra ssed g ri n . F i n e. B u t w h a t a b ou t He emb th e p ossi b i l i ty of h u g e p a ck s of mou n ta i n l i on s a tta ck i n g u s from a l l th ese b u sh es. I d on t th i n k w e sh ou l d b e off tra i l . Stop l ook i n g a t th e b u sh es. E yes on th e sa n d . Its p erfectl y sa fe h ere. L ook for b u mp s of th e b row n sa n d ston e stu ff. It erod es i n to th ese a w esome i ron con creti on s. T ra i n you r eyes to sea rch ou t a n yth i n g th a t h a s th e a p p ea ra n ce of ma rb l es or su p er b a l l s covered i n sa n d . T h ey a re ea sy to step ri g h t over, a n d th eyre so Ama zi n g ? D u sti n l a u g h ed , sl ow i n g h i s p a ce to fa l l i n to step b esi d e h er. Im l ook i n g . T h ey a l l seem to l ook l i k e reg u l a r rock s to m e. me. N o...you l l see. Keep w a l k i n g , a n d sta ri n g d ow n a n d th ere! O MG . Its a h ea rt sh a p ed on e! Sh e j u mp ed forw a rd a n d p i ck ed u p a w h i te p i ece of q u a rtz. L ook . B ottom sh a p ed l i k e a l u m p y tri a n g l e. T op tw o d i sti n ct b u m p s con n ected b y sl i g h t v to mp m a k e a h ea rt! Sh e b ea med , h a n d i n g i t over. N ow th a t you ve seen on e, you l l ma sea rch for th ese forever. So a d d i cti ve. Hu n ter tu rn ed th e rock over i n h i s h a n d s. N o sh i t. It i s i n th e sh a p e of a h ea rt. Hu D i d you d ou b t me a b ou t th i s p l a ce? I h a ve h u n d red s of th ese i n a b ow l i n m y room. room . Ive n ever seen you r room. Is i t a l l ow ed ? h e a sk ed , tu rn i n g a w a y b efore sh e cou l d see i f h e w a s j ok i n g or si n cere. If you w a n t. Its k i n d of b a si c. P osters. J u n k . B u t i f you p l a n to com e u p , I n eed ten mi n u tes w a rn i n g to stra i g h ten u p . Wh y? D o you h a ve to ta k e d ow n a l l you r secret G u a rd eRob e p osters, a n d fra m ed p h otos of m e? me? Sh e p u n ch ed h i s a rm. N o. Ah . T oo b a d . He smi l ed , b u t for som e rea son h i s voi ce d i d n t seem a s l i g h t a s i t some u su a l l y w a s. Im p rou d of th e G u a rd eRob e p oster I h a ve i n th ere, sh e a d d ed . Wh a t?

Y ep . Stol e i t off th e b a ck of C h a rl i es cl oset d oor. T h e k i d h a s n o cl u e i ts mi n e mi n ow . I h a d to h a ve i t. Its a fri en d - l oya l ty th i n g . Sh e l eft off th e p a rt a b ou t h ow sh e l i k ed h a vi n g D u sti n s b l u e- b l u e- eyes sm i l i n g ou t a t h er. B u t, i n ca se you h a ven t n oti ced , Ive b ecome a b i t of n ew fa n g i rl . I k n ow I sa i d i t on th e ri d e over h ere, b u t I a m sorry I m a d e fu n of th e mu si c. Its rea l l y g ood . Aw esom e, a ctu a l l y! esome, H e sh ook h i s h ea d , h i s g a ze tota l l y u n rea d a b l e n ow . An d fa n g i rl to you , m ea n s He exa ctl y...w h a t? Are you tw eeti n g th em , sta l k i n g th em , F a ceb ook fri en d s w i th ea ch i n d i vi d u a l m em b er? H er tu rn to frow n . O h ...u h . I stol e a p oster? Ive h ea rd th e l a test a l b u m si x Her ti m es a n d I th i n k I on ce m et th e l ea d si n g er. Sh e sh ot h i m a l ook . Is th a t en ou g h ? N ot. E ven . C l ose. C a l l m e w h en you re u p for ma i l i n g p h otos of you rsel f. Il l h el p you ch ose w h i ch on e. Some g i rl s try to sen d on es m i n u s th ei r cl oth es. I w ou l d n t recom men d th a t. Y ea h . N ot g oi n g to h a p p en . Sh e p u n ch ed h i m a g a i n . Ha rd er. My D u sti n Ha McHu g h h a s a n u d i ty p h ob i a , sh e j ok ed . Won t sw i m . Sh ow ers i n h i s p l a i d sh i rts a l l b u tton ed u p ti g h t. H e l a u g h ed . T h a ts ri g h t I d o. Sh ow eri n g i n th e sh i rts sa ves l a u n d ry soa p . He H e h a n d ed b a ck th e rock b u t sh e sh ook h er h ea d , a l rea d y sca n n i n g th e g rou n d He for a n oth er. P ock et i t. Its you r fi rst. If w e k eep d oi n g th i s h i k e, you l l h a ve ton s b efore you g o h om e. ome. D on e w i th me a l rea d y? me V ere l ook ed u p , sta rtl ed a t h i s ten se ton e. Wh a t? N o. O f cou rse n ot. Its w h a t you w a n t, i sn t i t? T o g o h om e? Wh a t I w a n t i s H er p h on e b u zzed a g a i n st h er l eg to th e sou n d of tru m p ets sh ooti n g ou t of h er Her p ock et. Sh e fel t h er ch eek s fl a m e to p u rp l e. O HMY G O D . Its C U RT IS. Hes texted me. I set a sp eci a l ri n g ton e. An d m e. T h e tru m p ets sou n d ed a g a i n . V eres h ea rt soa red . F IN AL L Y ! H u n ter p u t h i s g l a sses b a ck on . Wh a t d i d h e sa y? Hu T h ey b oth g l a n ced a t th e screen tog eth er, a n d rea d : HE Y Sh e l ook ed a t D u sti n . T h i s i s seri ou s. Wh a t sh ou l d I sa y b a ck ? G et th e a d vi ce rol l i n g . H u rry. Hu D u sti n smi l ed . Y ou cou l d try, h ey b a ck ? H e sh ru g g ed . sm i V ere sh ot h i m a l ook . H ey, a l l a l on e? O r sh ou l d I text h ey a n d a d d a smi l ey? sm i O h m y G O D . G i rl , g i ve m e th e p h on e. We a re n ot d oi n g th i s. Its ti m e to l ock me som e of th i s d ea l d ow n . H e q u i ck l y typ ed : Hey. Y ou comi n g over ? He H ol y cow . Y ou d i d n t j u st d o th a t. V ere g ra b b ed h er p h on e b a ck . C u rti s texted b a ck : Y ea h . Y ou r B RO i n vi ted to sta y for d i n n er. D i d h e tel l you ? D u sti n sn orted . H e w ou l d b e i n i t for th e food fi rst. H e a l w a ys ea ts a t ou r h ou se. T h a ts sta n d a rd . V ere d efen d ed h i m, sh ooti n g m, D u sti n a g l a re. Wh a ts w ron g w i th you ?

Sorry. G u ess Im ti red . Sh e typ ed : Y ea h - see you th en i n to h er p h on e, a n d th en , w h en th e tru m p ets w en t off i n resp on se sh e tu rn ed a w a y so D u sti n cou l d n t see, a n d sh e typ ed som e more. m ore. V ere, I w a s k i d d i n g . Wh a t a re you sa yi n g to ea ch oth er? H es b ri n g i n g th e l a st su m m er p ea ch es from h i s m om s tree. I tol d h i m Id m a k e oms u s som e p ea ch mi l k sh a k es! Sh e b ea m ed . H ed l i k e th a t, d on t you th i n k ? mi H ed b e a fool i f h e d i d n t. H e sh ook h i s h ea d , k i ck i n g h i s feet rou g h l y i n to th e sa n d of th e d ry ri ver b ed . T h e rock s u su a l l y a ren t b u ri ed th a t d eep , sh e ca l l ed ou t a s h e m oved a w a y from h er. T h i s i s k i l l i n g m e. Wh y w on t h e text m e b a ck . L ook a t th i s! Ive fou n d on e! D u sti n h el d u p a sm a l l w h i te rock . V ere d a sh ed over a n d exa m i n ed th e rock . Y ep . O n e p erfect h ea rt. See? Aren t th ey j u st a m a zi n g T h e p h on e tru m p eted a g a i n . V ere l a u g h ed , b rea k i n g D u sti n s g a ze a s h e frow n ed a t h er p h on e. I g u ess I b etter ch a n g e th e ri n g ton e. Its b ru ta l . I k n ow . Stop g l a ri n g . Sh e op en ed h er setti n g s, sti l l l a u g h i n g , sw a p p ed ou t th e ri n g ton e, a n d rea d th e n ext text. H e w a n ts to k n ow i f you re comi n g to d i n n er? com i D u sti n ra i sed a b row . Sh e b ea m ed a t h i m . Y ou sh ou l d ! Y ou k n ow m y m om w ou l d n t m i n d . P ea ch m i l k sh a k es. Y ou r fa vori te. N o. Y ou su re? Sh e frow n ed , a g a i n w on d eri n g a t h i s ton e. Y ea h . H e took h er h a n d , p ressi n g th e l i ttl e h ea rt rock i n to h er p a l m b efore con ti n u i n g , Ive g ot h om ew ork a n d Im fi g h ti n g a stom a ch th i n g . C ra mp i n g u p mp a l l over. Sh e cl osed h er fi st over th e l i ttl e rock , ch ew i n g h er u p p er l i p w i th w orry. T h en w e sh ou l d g o? Wh y d i d n t you tel l m e? Its b een com i n g on a l l w eek . H e tu rn ed a w a y, b u t n ot b efore sh e sa w a rea l fl a sh of p a i n cross h i s fa ce. P oor you . Y ea h . Y ou l l w a n t to g et rea d y a n yh ow . So l ets g o.

27: what really happened Dustin

F rom: n yj u i ce77@ya h oo.com T o: coj u i ce99@ya h oo.com Su b j ect: Ha n g i n th ere. Hey Im typ i n g th i s on th e fl y. Wi sh I cou l d fi re you r i mp ostor. Hes tu rn ed i n to a h el l ra i ser. Afra i d i f I cu t h i m n ow h ed sp i l l ou r d ea l to th e p ress. L i ttl e sh i t. I g a ve h i m a ra i se a n d a cred i t ca rd to ca l m h i m d ow n . T h i s w h ol e th i n g s g i vi n g me a n u l cer. B efore sh e h u n g u p on me a g a i n , you r mom tol d me you re d oi n g ok . Im g l a d to h ea r th e u p d a tes, b u t ca n you tw o l a y off th e ch a t? T h e cel l p h on e b i l l sh ow s sh es ca l l ed C ol ora d o every d a y. Someti mes tw i ce. I th ou g h t I sa i d n o d i rect ca l l s. Ha d a n y ti me to w ri te some mu si c or l yri cs a t l ea st? E ma i l me a n yth i n g you ve g ot. Were sta rti n g on th e stock p i l ed stu ff soon b u t w i l l ru n ou t fa st. We n eed you . More th a n you k n ow . C on ti n u e to l a y l ow . N oth i n g s l ea k ed yet. I ca n t b el i eve i ts w ork i n g . An oth er w eek a n d Im b a ck i n L A. I SWE AR. I w i l l h a ve you p erma n en tl y h ome b y T h a n k sg i vi n g . E i th er th a t, or Il l h a ve a strok e. Si n ce you a p p ea r to b e ta l k i n g to you r moth er so mu ch ca n you con vi n ce h er to p l ea se ta k e my ca l l s a g a i n ? Its b een tw o d a ys of th e si l en t trea tmen t. I n eed to ta l k to h er. Wh a tever g a me you tw o a re p l a yi n g , Ive l ost my sen se of h u mor. Weve g ot con tra cts. T el l you r mom th a t. Weve g ot con tra cts a n d I d on t a p p reci a te you p l u s you r a u n t messi n g w i th me! Ma rti n WT F . Wh a t d i d h e mea n Mom h a d ca l l ed h ere? It h a d b een th ree d a ys a n d a w h ol e w eek en d si n ce Ma rti n s l a st ema i l . Si n ce th e n i g h t h e a n d V ere h a d g on e h i k i n g a n d sh e h a d m a d e p ea ch m i l k sh a k es ma mi for C u rti s . Ha n d m a d e, p rob a b l y h a n d cu t, fresh , p ea ch mi l k sh a k es th a t w ere n ot ma for h i m! Worse, h ed h a rd l y seen V ere or C h a rl i e th e w h ol e w eek en d . T h eyd g on e to th e footb a l l g a me Sa tu rd a y. Su n d a y, th ey tol d h i m th ey h a d som eth i n g to d o. me someth B oth of th em h a d b een a cti n g rea l l y stra n g e, too. Mea n i n g : th eyd w a n ted some ti me w i th ou t h i m . Most p rob a b l y so th ey cou l d sp en d i t w i th C u rti s . In w h a t fel t l i k e som e sort of con sol a ti on p ri ze, V ere h a d h a l f- p romi sed sh ed ta k e h i m b a ck to th e h i k e w i th th e rock s a g a i n th i s a ftern oon . After sh ed ma d e i t cl ea r h er ti me w i th h er b esti e n ow a l l d ep en d ed on C u rti ss ma sch ed u l e. J en n a h a d b een g ru mb l i n g a b ou t th a t si tu a ti on some tod a y too.

At l ea st h e w a sn t th e on l y on e su fferi n g . H e forced h i m sel f to th i n k a b ou t Ma rti n s em a i l . H i s m i n d h a d b een sp i n n i n g so He mi m u ch on V eres p rog ress w i th C u rti s, h ed a l l b u t forg otten a b ou t h i s sta n d i n . Wel l , i f th e fa k e H IM w a s w rea k i n g h a voc i n N ew Y ork , th en th i n g s w ere p rob a b l y rol l i n g a l on g j u st fi n e. H e mi ssed n on e of th a t scen e a t th i s p oi n t. H e He secretl y h op ed th e k i d w ou l d b e ca u g h t i n a h otel room w i th tw o h u n d red n a k ed stri p p ers, or th a t someon e w ou l d ca tch on th a t th e k i d w a s N O T H IM. Sh i t! L et th e p ress fry u s a l l . Ma rti n d eserved w h a t h e g ot for h i ri n g th a t g u y a n d com i n g u p w i th th i s i d i oti c comi plan! H e h a d n t b een a b l e to resi st ch eck i n g h i s p h on e. He ch a rg ed th e th i n g j u st He en ou g h to l oa d h i s em a i l s. B u t n ow h e j erk ed th e ch a rg er ou t of th e w a l l . H e w a s He p i ssed a t h i m sel f for n ot b ei n g stron g en ou g h to l ea ve th e p h on e a l on e. H e rol l ed over a n d ya n k ed op en th e top d ra w er of h i s n i g h t sta n d , ca tch i n g a He g l i m p se of th e b en t h a i r- col or b ox h ed b rou g h t from F a l con er, g l i n ti n g from th e b a ck of th e d ra w er. T h e w om a n on th e b ox smi l ed u p a t h i m a s u su a l . He fl i p p ed i t to b l ock ou t h er fa ce, tossed h i s p h on e i n th ere a g a i n a n d g ra b b ed ou t th e h a l f- u sed tu b e of sca r crea m from th e b a g Ma rti n h a d g i ven h i m a t th e a i rp ort. H e sq u i rted som e of th e b ri g h t g reen crea m on to h i s fi n g er a n d d u ti fu l l y ru b b ed He i t on ea ch w ri st a s h e su rveyed h i s sel f- i m p osed d a m a g e. ma A th i ck , a l most l u mi n ou s, l i g h t p i n k l i n e w a s sti l l very vi si b l e on ea ch w ri st. m ost Most of th e a n g ry red col or h a d d i sa p p ea red . T h e l i n es h a d d i mi n i sh ed i n w i d th mi b u t n ot mu ch . mu H e h a ted l ook i n g a t th em . Wa n ted th em to b e g on e. He em. So g on e. H e a d d ed a l i ttl e more crea m for g ood m ea su re a n d ru b b ed th a t i n a s w el l . N ot He mea on e ema i l from Royce a n d Ad a m ? em a N oth i n g . N oth i n g a t a l l . Hel l , even Some forw a rd ed j ok es, or th ose a d s th a t p romi sed to ma k e you r j u n k b i g g er w ou l d h a ve b een a w esome a t th i s p oi n t. An d T h a n k sg i vi n g w a s a l i feti me a w a y. Wh a t h a p p en ed to th i s mon th , or O ctob er, a t l ea st? T h eyd p romi sed i t w ou l d b e soon . T h a n k sg i vi n g w a s n ot soon . H e sa t on th e ed g e of th e b ed a n d rested h i s h ea d i n h i s h a n d s a s h e g l a red a t th e He n i g h t sta n d . H e resol ved to l ea ve th e stu p i d cel l p h on e d ea d n o m a tter w h a t, from n ow on . N o ob sessi ve ch eck i n g , n o ca l l i n g V ere th i s ti m e. N on e of th a t. H e n eed ed to b e a b l e to g o th rou g h th i s a l on e. He A soft k n ock i n g com b i n ed w i th Au n t N a n s voi ce ca m e from th e oth er si d e of h i s d oor. Are you i n th ere? Ive b een cl ea n i n g ou t th e l i n en cl oset a n d I h a ve som eth i n g H e j u m p ed off th e b ed a n d ya n k ed op en th e d oor. He H i s l i g h tn i n g fa st a p p ea ra n ce h a d sta rtl ed h er b eca u se sh ed j u m p ed b a ck . O h Hi g ood . T h ere you a re Ive g ot H e d i d n t g i ve h er a ch a n ce to fi n i sh . My m om h a s b een ca l l i n g you every d a y? He mom Sh e b l i n k ed b eh i n d h er g l a sses, sp ea k i n g over th e fol d s of a w h i te, d ow n

com forter. Y es. Sh e ca l l s. Som eti m es tw i ce. mes Wh a t th e h el l ? D u m b fou n d ed , D u sti n froze a n d cou l d on l y sta re d ow n a t h er. Au n t N a n sh i fted h er feet, a si g n th a t sh e n eed ed to si t d ow n , or th a t sh e w a s n ervou s. Sh e d i d n t w a n t you to k n ow . H e took th e com forter ou t of h er h a n d s a n d step p ed a si d e to l et h er p a ss i n to th e room . Sh e m oti on ed to th e com forter. T h a ts for you . In sp i te of th e l on g In d i a n su m mer w ere h a vi n g , i t i s g oi n g to sta rt to cool d ow n q u i te a b i t i n th e n i g h t. m er T h a ts i t? N ow w ere b a ck to ta l k i n g a b ou t th e w ea th er? I g u ess I sh ou l d cl a ri fy. D u sti n crossed th e room a n d tossed th e com forter on to h i s b ed a s h e w en t on , Wh a t th e h el l ? Wh a t th e h el l i s m y m om d oi n g ca l l i n g you every d a y? Wh a t my th e h el l d oes sh e ta l k a b ou t, a n d w h y th e h el l h a ven t you tol d m e? h e sa i d , h i s voi ce p u re i ce. Au n t N a n w i n ced a n d frow n ed a s sh e a l l b u t stom p ed h er sl i p p ers ri g h t u p to h i m . Il l th a n k you for n ot u si n g fou l l a n g u a g e i n th i s h ou se or sp ea k i n g to m e me l i k e th a t, you n g m a n . Sorry, h e sa i d , feel i n g b a d for m a k i n g h er u p set. Sh e n od d ed a n d sq u i n ted u p a t h i m , m a k i n g h er sm i l e l i n es sh ow d eep . It w a s m, i m p ossi b l e to sta y m a d a t th i s w om a n . Wh y sh ou l d h e? N on e of th i s w a s h er fa u l t. I d i d n t k n ow you r m om s ca l l s to m e w ere a n i ssu e. I th ou g h t you k n ew w e ta l k ed . Y ou r mom i m p l i ed a s m u ch . m om mp D u sti n s l et th e fi re d ra i n ou t of h i s voi ce. I h a ven t even h a d on e ca l l , n ot on e em a i l , or even a cra p p y text messa g e from m y mom , a n d sh es b een ca l l i n g you ema m essa m om every si n g l e d a y. N a n si g h ed . I d i d n t k n ow th a t. Sh es ca l l i n g to ch eck u p on you . T o see i f you a re ok a y. D ep ressed . Sa d . H ea d i n g for a rel a p se. An yth i n g l i k e th a t. I tel l h er d a i l y you a re fi n e a n d h a p p y so sh e ca n m a k e i t th rou g h h er ow n d a ys. H a ve you rea d th e l etter? N o. D on t you see? T h a t w om a n p l a ys g a m es. Sh es p l a yi n g m e w i th th a t l etter a n d I refu se to p l a y. Wh y h a ve w e n ever vi si ted you i n su ch a l on g ti m e i f you tw o me a re so cl ose? Y ou u sed to. I th i n k you ca m e ou t h ere a t l ea st tw i ce a yea r u n ti l you w ere si x. Sa d l y, i t seem s you d on t rem em b er b u t I d o. Y ou r m om i s very p rotecti ve of h er feel i n g s. Sh es a l w a ys b een a very p ri va te p erson . Its n ot h er styl e to ta l k a b ou t th i n g s th a t w ou l d b ri n g you p a i n . Wh a t h a p p en ed w i th you r d a d d yi n g ...b ri n g i n g h i m u p w ou l d h u rt you Im su re. Ma yb e n ot b ri n g i n g h i m u p a t a l l h a s b een w orse. Wh o k n ow s. H e g l a n ced a w a y from h er too k i n d eyes a s h i s th roa t th rea ten ed to sw el l u p . As a m om , sh es sh el tered you . Sh e a l so n ever l ets a n yon e i n to h er h ea d a b ou t om, you r fa th er u n l ess sh e tru sts th em comp l etel y. com p Ri g h t. T h a t w ou l d b e w h y sh e n ever ta l k s to m e th en . Im fi rst on h er u n tru stw orth y l i st. H e cou l d n t cover th e sa rca sti c ton e i n h i s voi ce. N o. Sh es p rotecti n g you . An d m e. H er ow n b rok en h ea rt, Im su re. H e fl i ck ed h er a n eye rol l . Y ou m u st b e w orth a l ot of m on ey i f sh es l ook i n g a fter you too. D o you h a ve h er i n you r w i l l or som eth i n g ? someth

E a sy. Y ou r m om b ou g h t th i s p l a ce for m e. If sh es i n my w i l l i ts on l y to g i ve my b a ck w h a t su p p ort I g a ve to h er a fter you r rea l fa th er d i ed . H ow ma n y yea rs a g o d i d sh e b u y th i s h ou se? H e h a d to k n ow . ma Si x. H e sh ru g g ed , forci n g a w a y th e l u m p i n h i s th roa t. If you th i n k a b ou t i t, th en d i d n t I rea l l y b u y th i s h ou se for you ? It w a s a l l m y m on ey, m y ti m e i n fron t of th e ca m era . Al l Mom s m on ey com es from m e. T h i s con versa ti on i s tota l l y i n a p p rop ri a te, b u t Il l h u m or you . Sh e sou n d ed sl i g h tl y p i ssed a g a i n . H e d i d n t b l a me h er; i t w a s a ru d e top i c. B u t m on ey w a s me a l w a ys ru d e, w a sn t i t? It w a s m y u n d ersta n d i n g th a t you r m om p u l l ed h er ow n sa l a ry. Sh es d ri ven h ersel f to th e b ri n k of exh a u sti on a s you r m a n a g er. U n ti l you cou l d a fford a l a rg er en tou ra g e sh e w ork ed 80 h ou rs a w eek or m ore. Y ou ca n t d en y th a t. N a n si g h ed a n d l ook ed d efl a ted . Y ou k n ow you a ren t b ei n g fa i r. Ma yb e. H e l ook ed a w a y. B u t l ets ta l k a b ou t fa i r. Wa s i t fa i r for h er to p u l l He th a t p u m p ed u p sa l a ry off m y b a ck ? I n ever a sk ed for m y ca reer. It j u st sort of h a p p en ed . Y ou n ever on ce tol d a n yon e you w a n ted to stop . I th ou g h t you l i k ed i t. D i d you w a n t to stop ? D o you n ow ? T h a t q u esti on fl oored h i m . I d on t k n ow . H e h a d n o i d ea h ow to a n sw er th a t. H e ra n h i s h a n d th rou g h h i s h a i r, d esp era tel y tryi n g to p rocess. I l i k e w h en p eop l e a re m oved b y m y m u si c. Ive n ever con si d ered stop p i n g a s a n op ti on . I ca n t l ea ve m y b a n d . T h eyre cou n ti n g on me. So a re Ma rti n a n d Mom . If I stop th en m e. h ow d o th ey g et p a i d ? Wh a t a b ou t th e oth er g u ys? T h eyl l fi n d som eth i n g el se to d o. T h ey w ere ok a y b efore you h i t i t b i g , th ey someth w i l l b e fi n e a fter. H e p a u sed a n d l ook ed sk ep ti ca l l y over a t h er. Wou l d th ey? I w on d er. H e k n ew for a fa ct th a t Ma rti n a n d h i s m om w ou l d cru m b l e i f h e stop p ed w ork i n g . T h ey d i d n t k n ow a n yth i n g el se b u t w ork i n g w i th h i m ei th er. An d Royce a n d Ad a m ...w ou l d th ey ca re? Y ou m u st n ot k n ow you r mom s w h ol e story. H a s sh e n ever tol d you h ow i t a l l m om sta rted ? Y ou w ork i n g i n stea d of h er? Y ou d on t rem em b er? N a n p u l l ed off h er g l a sses a n d ru b b ed h er eyes. Sh e p u t th em b a ck on a n d m et h i s g a ze. N o. Y ou r fa th er w h en h e d i ed , h e d i d n t l ea ve m u ch b eh i n d . Y ou h a d b eg g ed you r m om to b e on T V from th e ti m e you w ere a b l e to ta l k . So, on a w h i m sh e took you to a ta l en t a g en cy. T h ey si g n ed you , d i d h ea d sh ots th a t w ere sen t ou t th e sa m e d a y. It w a s on l y a m a tter of d a ys a n d p oof, you fi l m ed th a t cerea l com m erci a l . We w ere so p rou d of you . Y ea h . Ive h ea rd th e stori es. I on l y rem em b er ea ti n g th e cerea l . Mom n ever l et m e h a ve su g a r cerea l b efore th a t j ob . After, I cou l d su d d en l y h a ve w h a tever I w a n ted . B eca u se I p a i d for i t a l l , ri g h t? Sh e cou l d n t sa y n o. Ab sol u tel y n ot, N a n sn a p p ed . Its rea l l y h a rd to sa y n o to a k i d w h os fa th er h a s p a ssed a w a y. We a l l j u st w a n ted you to b e h a p p y so w e m essed th a t u p . Y ou r ca reer w a sn t a b ou t th e m on ey. N ot a t fi rst. It g a ve you b oth someth i n g b i g to d o som eth

so you cou l d sta y b u sy a n d forg et h ow m u ch you m i ssed you r d a d . H i s h ea rt tw i sted , a n d h e w h i sp ered , Wh en I th i n k of h i m ...I d on t remem b er Hi rem emb h i s fa ce, b u t I d o rem em b er h ow m u ch i t h u rt to h a ve h i m si m p l y th ere on e d a y a n d g on e th e n ext...j u st g on e. N a n n od d ed . Ima g i n e h ow you r m om fel t. Y ou r d a d w a s th e l ove of h er l i fe. Im a H e p i ctu red h i s m om i n a sp a ce h ed n ever con si d ered . T ri ed to th i n k h ow sh e He w ou l d h a ve b een , you n g er, h a p p y a n d com p l etel y i n l ove. H ow h e fel t for V ere ri g h t n ow fl oa ted th rou g h h i s mi n d . How mi T h ou g h th ey h a d on l y j u st m et a n d th ey w eren t even n ea r to b ei n g i n l ove h i s fri en d sh i p w i th h er w a s th e cl osest com p a ri son h e h a d . H e p l a yed i t forw a rd . P i ctu red th em yea rs tog eth er a n d h ow i t w ou l d feel i f V ere He su d d en l y d i ed . B u t i t w a s i m p ossi b l e to sta y w i th i t. T h e i n sta n t, sea ri n g p a i n i t ca u sed i n j u st th i n k i n g a b ou t V ere n ot b ei n g a rou n d a l m ost i m p l od ed h i s sou l . Sh i t, h e m u ttered , a s a w a ve of g oose b u m p s covered h i s a rm s a n d m oved d ow n h i s sp i n e. Mom m u st h a ve fel t so a l on e. T erri fi ed . mu N a n si g h ed . Sh e w a s l eft a l l a l on e w i th a l i ttl e b oy w h o th ou g h t sh e cou l d h a n d l e th i n g s. After, sh e cou l d n t b ea r to b e p a rted from you . An oth er d eci d i n g fa ctor i n a l l ow i n g you r ca reer. Y ou r j ob k ep t th e tw o of you tog eth er every m i n u te. B u t l a ter on ...sh e sh ou l d n t h a ve l eft i t u p to m e to ma k e a l l th e m on ey. I ma tota l l y fel t th a t p ressu re a s a k i d sti l l feel i t. Ma yb e. B u t th ere w a s n o w a y you r m om cou l d h a ve p red i cted you w ou l d m a k e th e k i n d of m on ey you m a d e so ea si l y b y h a m m i n g i t u p i n fron t of a ca m era . N ot w i th ou t p u tti n g you i n to fu l l ti m e sch ool or g etti n g you a n a n n y. N on e of u s w ere p rep a red for you r fa m e th ou g h or w h a t i t h a s d on e to you . H e k i ck ed h i s feet i n to th e ca rp et. F a m e h a sn t d on e a n yth i n g to m e. Its b een He g rea t. Its a l l h er. Sh e w on t even l et m e a p ol og i ze. Ag a i n . Sh es tryi n g to p rotect you . N a n sh ook h er h ea d . Its n ot m y p l a ce to d i scu ss a n y of th i s. N ot w i th ou t h er h ere to d efen d h ersel f. T o exp l a i n th e w h ol e story. B u t of cou rse. H e sn orted w i th d i sg u st. T h a t w om a n i s n ever h ere. D on t you g et th e p a ttern ? N ever h ere to exp l a i n a n d n ever h ere for m e, th a ts for d a m n su re. Y ou re tota l l y w ron g a b ou t h er. H e g ot u p a n d p a ced over to th e d esk to scoop u p h i s g l a sses a n d reta i n er a n d He p ock eted th em . A su rg e of a n g er, fru stra ti on , a n d u n exp l a i n a b l e d esol a ti on sh ot th rou g h h i m . As soon a s V ere sh ow ed , h e w a s b ol ti n g . If sh e sh ow ed ... Pl ea se. Pl ea se. Pl ea se. H i s l u n g s h a d g row n ti g h t from l a ck of a i r. H ed a l m ost forg otten th i s feel i n g . Hi Hed H e g l a n ced a g a i n ou t th e w i n d ow . T o h i s d i sa p p oi n tmen t th e w h i te V W w a s tm en n ow h ere i n si g h t to rescu e h i m . H e l et h i s a n g er su rfa ce. Mom u ses th e m on ey from m y ca reer so sh e ca n l i ve l i k e He th e frea k i n g , ch eck ed - ou t- on - l i fe , i ce q u een . Sh e m a k es fri en d s, l ets th em l ove h er, a n d th en d u m p s everyon e sh es ever m et. H e tu rn ed a w a y from th e w i n d ow a n d sh ot N a n a ch a l l en g i n g l ook th a t d a red h er He to d i sa g ree. N ow th a t Ive g row n to b e q u i te th e cra zy n u i sa n ce, sh es d u m p ed m e,

too. Sh es a fra i d you th i n k th a t. I ca n on l y vow i ts n ot h er i n ten t. O h rea l l y, th e w om a n h a s a n i n ten t . Reg a rd i n g m e? L et m e g u ess. Ru i n m y l i fe? me? N o? T h en sh e m u st i n ten d to ta k e a w a y th e on l y th i n g l eft th a t I l ove. My m u si c. mu Im so m a d a t h er. H ow ca n sh e ma k e me sta y h ere, g rou n d ed i n C ol ora d o l i k e ma me th i s? It su ck s. D on t you g et w h a t i ts l i k e for m e? I d on t even k n ow w h o i n th e h el l I a m a n ym ore. N a n g ri m a ced . Is i t so b a d , you b ei n g D u sti n ? H e d i d n t w a n t to h u rt h er feel i n g s. N o. Sa d l y, i ts a w esome. E veryon e trea ts esom e. th e n ew m e l i k e a p erson i n stea d of som e fra g i l e, m on ey- g en era ti n g frea k . Wh o w ou l d n t l i k e th a t? As for l i vi n g h ere, h e p a u sed a n d l ook ed a rou n d th e com forta b l e room a n d b a ck a t h i s g en tl e, l ovi n g a u n t. Its n i ce, p erfect, a n d so a re you . O k a y? Sh e sm i l ed . Sh e con ti n u ed i n th a t soft, fu l l of l ove voi ce sh ed u sed every d a y w i th h i m . Its p retty ob vi ou s to m e th eres a m a n ca u g h t u p i n si d e you a n d h es stru g g l i n g to b rea th e. L et m e g i ve you som e a d vi ce. G row n - u p m en , th ey ta l k . N ot a s m u ch a s w om en , b u t th ey ta l k . O p en s u p th e l u n g s. F i n e. C a n I tel l you w h a t h a p p en ed th a t n i g h t th en ? He w a s a fra i d to m eet h er He g a ze. Wh a t I d i d ? Al l of i t? Ive b een w a i ti n g for you to tel l m e. Its g ru esom e d eta i l s. I ca n t h a ve you b a w l i n g on m e. Sh e n od d ed . Il l try.

** H e stood , p u l l ed th e ch a i r over n ext to h i s a u n t a n d sa t on i t b a ck w a rd s for su p p ort. H e su ck ed i n a p a i n fu l b rea th . Wh en I w reck ed th e ca r i n to th e fron t d oor, h e p a u sed , Mom w a s u p sta i rs i g n ori n g m e a s u su a l . After w e fi g h t sh e ca n h a rd l y w a i t to ta k e h er n ext a n ti d ep ressa n t. D i d you k n ow th a t sh es on th ose? D oes th a t stu ff com e u p w h en sh e ca l l s you ? O r d o you j u st ta l k a b ou t th e w ea th er? N o. I k n ew a b ou t i t. Sh e g ets rea l l y sa d w h en you tw o fi g h t. T h e a n ti d ep ressa n ts, a s you k n ow , a re som eth i n g you r m om h a s n eed ed to fu n cti on ever si n ce you r fa th er d i ed . Y ea h . I k n ow . Weve ta l k ed a b ou t th em . T h e m ed i ca ti on rea l l y h el p s h er. Im med g l a d sh es ta k i n g th em . T h e a l tern a ti ve m i g h t b e m e, w i th zero p a ren ts, I th i n k . Y ou cou l d b e ri g h t. Sa d l y, d ep ressi on ru n s i n ou r fa m i l y. D u sti n rested h i s ch i n on h i s a rm a n d sh ot a su rp ri sed g l a n ce a t h i s a u n t. I d i d n t k n ow th a t. O n b oth si d es? N a n n od d ed . Y ou r m om 's sorry a b ou t sh i p p i n g you off to C ol ora d o, b u t th a t fa ct i s th e m a i n rea son sh e g ot so sca red . Sh e fel t sh e h a d n o oth er ch oi ce. Som ed a y you l l h a ve to b el i eve h er. Somed Som ed a y sh el l h a ve to tel l m e th a t exa ctl y , or I w on t b e a b l e to. H e m et Au n t He N a n s ca l m , q u i et g a ze. Sh e n od d ed a s th ou g h to a g ree. T el l m e w h a t h a p p en ed .

H e p u l l ed i n a n oth er b rea th . I d on t k n ow w h y I d i d w h a t I d i d . T o th i s d a y, I sti l l d on t h a ve a n a n sw er for w h y. Al l I k n ow i s Id sta rted feel i n g l ow . Rea l l y l ow . An d I fel t l i k e I h a d n o on e to ta l k to a b ou t i t. H el l , i ts n ot l i k e I w a n ted to a d m i t I w a s h a vi n g a p rob l em to a n yon e. I w a s em b a rra ssed a b ou t i t. Ma n y p eop l e a re. T h a ts h ow I ca m e u p w i th th e b ri l l i a n t p l a n to h a n d l e th i n g s mysel f. I sn u ck a m ysel few of m om s a n ti d ep ressa n ts th a t w eek . T h i n k i n g th ey w ou l d h el p m e feel b etter. L i k e Ad vi l d oes w h en I h a ve a h ea d a ch e. T h e b ottl e sa i d on e a d a y. So I took tw o. H u n ter. Im n ot g oi n g to l ectu re you a b ou t ta k i n g oth er p eop l es m ed i ca ti on s. med O b vi ou sl y you k n ow you w ere w ron g to d o th a t. An d th a t i t w a s d a n g erou s. H e sh ot h i s a u n t a ch a g ri n ed l ook . Y a th i n k ! Sa d l y, th a t w eek , i t m a d e p erfect ma sen se to m e. I fel t so d esp era te. Id ta k en tw o a d a y, for l i k e si x d a ys stra i g h t. In stea d of m a k i n g m e feel b etter, th eyd m a d e m e feel l i k e I w a s fl a t a s i n ca rd b oa rd fl a t tw o d i m en si on a l , i n si d e a n d ou t. I th ou g h t m a yb e I j u st n eed ed m ore. T o j u m p sta rt i t, or som eth i n g . T h a t n i g h t w h en i t a l l w en t d ow n , Id ta k en a w h ol e b u n ch , a n d a l l a t on ce. Ag a i n , m y b a d . B u t Ive p a i d for i t. H e d i d n t m eet h er g a ze th i s ti m e. Sh i t. Im sti l l so a sh a m ed ... D on t b e, sh e sa i d . G o on i f you ca n . I ca n . It a ctu a l l y feel s n i ce tel l i n g you a l l th i s. H e si g h ed . So, I w a i ted , l i k e a w h ol e h ou r for som eth i n g to feel d i fferen t i n si d e m e a fter I took th e l a st p i l l s. B u t me w h en n oth i n g h a p p en ed , I d eci d ed to th i n k of som eth i n g el se to p ep m e u p . T h a ts w h ere th e P orsch e ca m e i n to p l a y. Mom a n d I h a d j u st h a d a fi g h t. D on t even rem em b er a b ou t w h a t. Sh ed sa i d I cou l d n t l ea ve th e p rop erty. So Id sta rted remem d ri vi n g th e P orsch e a rou n d a n d a rou n d th e g a ted p a rk i n g a rea a rou n d th a t b i g fou n ta i n i n ou r p orti co? D o you k n ow i t? Ive seen p i ctu res. Its l ovel y. Wa s l ovel y. H e sh ook h i s h ea d . H u g e. T h e u p p er p a rt w a s a ctu a l l y som e sort of fa k e p ol y- m a rb l e. T h a n k G od , or i t m i g h t h a ve k i l l ed m e w h en i t fel l th rou g h th e roof of th e ca r. H e sh ot a n oth er em b a rra ssed g l a n ce a t h i s Au n t to see i f sh e w a s j u d g i n g h i m or scorn fu l . Sh e w a sn t. N ot a t a l l . O n l y sa d . H e w en t on , T h e fou n ta i n w a s fu n to corn er. An d th a ts w h a t I w a s d oi n g . C orn eri n g i t, a t l i k e th i rty- fi ve, forty m i l es p er h ou r. T i g h t, fa st tu rn s m a d e m y a d ren a l i n e p u m p . Arou n d a n d a rou n d u n ti l I h i t th e stu p i d th i n g . I w a s so su rp ri sed w h en Mom d i d n t com e ou tsi d e to see w h a t th e n oi se w a s, I sn a p p ed . T h a ts w h en I d rove th e w h ol e d a m n P orsch e u p th e step s a n d l od g ed i t i n th e fron t d oor. Y ou w ere rea l l y d ep ressed . I th i n k a t th a t mom en t, I w a s a n g ry. B u t yes, d ep ressed too. Id rea ch ed th i s m om sta te w h ere n oth i n g m a ttered a n y m ore. An d n oth i n g seem ed sh ock i n g l i k e d ri vi n g m y ca r th rou g h th e fron t d oor th a t i d ea h a d seem ed tota l l y l eg i t. Worse, seemed n oth i n g m a d e m e l a u g h a n ym ore. O r cry. T h e cl osest th i n g I ca n d escri b e to th e feel i n g I h a d th a t n i g h t i s th a t everyth i n g , a n d I m ea n everyth i n g , a l l of a su d d en , seem ed to b ore th e h el l ou t of m e.

D u sti n took i n a n oth er d eep b rea th a n d g l a n ced a g a i n a t Au n t N a n . Sh e w a s j u st l i sten i n g . Her fa ce sti l l h el d n o j u d g m en t. Sh e sa t th ere, si m p l y w a i ti n g for h i m to H er g o on . An d l ovi n g h i m , n o m a tter w h a t. H e cou l d tel l th a t for su re. H e sh ru g g ed . F i n e. Il l sa y i t a g a i n . I w a s d ep ressed . I w a n ted to stop feel i n g th e n oth i n g n ess th a t I cou l d n t sh a k e. He rol l ed h i s eyes a n d sh ook h i s h ea d . I He w a s so l ost. Sh e frow n ed . Sou n d s l i k e you w ere so a l on e. Y ea h . B u t stu b b orn , too. I sh ou l d h a ve tri ed to ta l k to m y m om . T el l h er h ow I om. w a s feel i n g . Ad mi t Id screw ed u p a n d ta k en a b u n ch of h er m ed i ca ti on s. B u t mi i n stea d , I d ra n k a l l th a t w i n e. I j u st w a n ted to sl eep . T h a ts h ow m om h a n d l es l i fe w h en i t frea k s h er ou t, so I th ou g h t Id g i ve i t a sh ot. B u t of cou rse I cou l d n t sl eep . An d , som eh ow , I en d ed u p cu tti n g m ysel f. N a n frow n ed . I ca n t b el i eve you w en t so fa r. Y ou r sca rs a re so h u g e. H e w i p ed a t h i s eyes. I k n ow . B u t n ot d eep . Scra tch es m ostl y." H e g a sp ed , a n d p a u sed . " Sh i t. I w a s w orri ed u n l oa d i n g a l l th i s w ou l d m a k e m e cry. I h a te cryi n g . H e sn i ffed b a ck som e tea rs. Au n t N a n p u t h er a rm a rou n d h i m . I w a s so h a p p y w h en I fou n d ou t th e w ou n d s you d i n fl i cted w eren t seri ou s, th a t you h a d stop p ed . Y es I stop p ed . B a rry, a l l of you , see w h a t I d i d a s th i s su i ci d e a ttem p t. B u t I d i d n t w a n t to d i e. I on l y w a n ted m y m om to h ea r m e. T o come fi n d m e. T o see com e th a t I w a s sa d . T o h el p m e, I g u ess. B u t I j u st d i d n t h a ve i t i n m e to tel l h er w h a t I n eed ed . An d fi n e, I g et n ow th a t sh e cou l d n t rea d m y m i n d . H e w i p ed h i s eyes a g a i n . B u t I d i d n t g et i t th en . Im so m a d a t m ysel f. Wh a t w a s w ron g w i th m e th a t I cou l d n t j u st tel l h er? T h a t I d i d n t h a ve th e ca p a ci ty to a sk h er for a n yth i n g . N o on e l i k es to a sk for h el p . Y ou a ren t a l on e i n th a t. H e sh ou t h er a g ra tefu l sm i l e. Ive l ea rn ed th e h a rd w a y th a t i ts i m p orta n t, h el l , even i f you h a ve to b eg . Sh e w en t on , Y ou n eed to forg i ve you rsel f. Ad m i t th e l i fe you w ere l i vi n g w a s n ot n orm a l . Y ou w ere so i sol a ted . Sou n d s l i k e you d i d n t h a ve a n y oth er fri en d s to ca l l . O r a n yon e a rou n d you th a t w ou l d ta k e th e ti m e to n oti ce h ow sa d you w ere. I ca n on l y i m a g i n e th e i n sen si ti ve resp on se you r a g en t w ou l d h a ve g i ven i f you d tol d h i m . Sh e sn orted , rol l i n g h er eyes. H u n ter b l i n k ed . Y ou k n ow Ma rti n ? Y ou r m om tel l s m e a b ou t h i m . Sh e l ook ed a w a y. Ma rti n w ou l d h a ve th ou g h t I w a s w h i n i n g , you 're ri g h t. B u t i ts h a rd n ot to b l a m e m ysel f. I k n ow a fter l i vi n g h ere, I w a s b eyon d l on el y b a ck a t h om e. T h a ts for su re. I sa t i n th a t k i tch en so l on g , a l l b y m ysel f. I j u st sta red a t m y ow n b l ood mysel a l l d ru n k a n d stu p i d k n ow i n g th e w h ol e ti m e Id m a d e yet a n oth er ep i c m i sta k e. B u t Id m a d e so m a n y. In stea d of d ea l i n g w i th i t l i k e I sh ou l d h a ve, I w ra p p ed u p m y a rm s i n k i tch en tow el s, a n d th en I cri ed u n ti l th e w i n e took over. I fel l a sl eep th ere l i k e th a t. D u sti n p u l l ed i n a sh a k y b rea th , h i s h ea rt feel i n g h ea vy b u t l i g h ter th a n i t h a d i n a l on g ti m e. me. O h . Au n t N a n sw a l l ow ed , sm ooth i n g th e b ed cover u n d er h er h a n d s. I th i n k th i s i s g oi n g to m a k e me cry a g a i n ri g h t n ow .

H e m oved ou t of h i s ch a i r a n d sa t n ext to h er on th e b ed to g i ve h er a q u i ck h u g . D on t you d a re. P l ea se. I w on t b e a b l e to ta k e you th rou g h th e rest of th i s story. An d I w a n t to. I n eed to fi n i sh . Sh e n od d ed a n d took i n a d eep b rea th , ob vi ou sl y tryi n g to k eep i t tog eth er. H e k ep t h i s voi ce l i g h t, h op i n g sh e w ou l d n t b l ow . H e ru sh ed to fi n i sh , w a n ti n g to m a k e h er u n d ersta n d h e, th i n g s, w ere d i fferen t n ow . D o you g et w h a t Im sa yi n g a b ou t a l l of i t? I d i d n t m ea n i t. D yi n g i s th e l a st th i n g on m y m i n d . B u t I h a ve to com e to term s w i th th e fa ct th a t for on e n i g h t I d a n ced w i th th e i d ea of k i l l i n g m ysel f. An d w a y too cl osel y. Y es. Y ou d i d . Sh e sn i ffed . Y ou sca red u s a l l so mu ch . mu H i s h ea rt tw i sted , a n d tea rs th rea ten ed to d row n h i m i n a w a terfa l l . Au n t N a n , p l ea se b el i eve m e. I ca n tel l you I w i l l n ever g o th a t rou te a g a i n . It sca red th e h el l ou t of m e too. Sh e l et ou t a d eep b rea th th a t sou n d ed rel i eved . Are you su re? H ow d o you k n ow ? Ive a t l ea st l ea rn ed th a t I h a ve th e p ow er to con trol m y ow n en erg y. Y ou k n ow , tu rn i t b a ck a rou n d w h en i t g ets too d a rk ? Sh e n od d ed . I d on 't u n d ersta n d . B efore, I d i d n t k n ow I cou l d b e th i s stron g . I k ep t w a i ti n g for oth ers to m a k e m e h a p p y. Wa i ti n g for th i n g s I b ou g h t to b ri n g h a p p i n ess. Al th ou g h , I sw ea r m y P orsch e d i d m a k e m e h a p p y for a w h i l e. H e sh ot N a n a sh eep i sh g ri n . Sort of... So h a p p y you d eci d ed to w reck i t? H el l yea h . B eca u se on th a t d a y, I fel t b etra yed b y m y ow n ca r. L i k e...h ow d a re th a t a w esom e veh i cl e n ot b e AB L E to m a k e m e h a p p y! At l ea st, n ow I u n d ersta n d I me w a s si m p l y a vi cti m of ma rk eti n g . O n l y I ca n m a k e m ysel f h a p p y. ma ma Au n t N a n g ri m a ced . Im su p p osed to b e extra - d a n ci n g - a rou n d ri g h t n ow , a ccord i n g to th e fresh - sm el l i n g l a u n d ry soa p I u se. B u t so fa r, th ese feet h a ven t even sta rted ta p p i n g . H e sm i l ed , h a p p y sh e seem ed to g et w h a t h e w a s sa yi n g . I h a d n o cl u e h ow m u ch I w a s tryi n g to p u l l m y h a p p i n ess off a l l th e w ron g sou rces. F or m e, w h en Im sa d i ts u su a l l y b eca u se Im off focu s. Im l etti n g oth ers h a ve m y p ow er. N ow , I th i n k a b ou t d oi n g th e b est I ca n . D oes th i s m a k e a n y sen se? I ca n t con trol oth ers, b u t I ca n con trol m ysel f a n d w h a t I p rod u ce- - w h a t I a l l ow i n si d e. H e ta p p ed h i s h ea d . Wh en I g o h om e, n o on e i s g oi n g to b oss m e a rou n d a n ym ore, ei th er. N ot u n l ess I w a n t to b e b ossed . Im g oi n g to l i ve l i fe on m y term s. O n l y d o, w ea r, si n g , a n d b e w h a t m a k es m e p rou d . O n l y h a n g ou t w i th p eop l e w h o a re th ere tru l y for m e. I d efi n i tel y w a sn t d oi n g th a t. I w a s Mom a n d Ma rti n s p u p p et. I k n ow th a t w a s p a rt of w h y I g ot so sa d . Im d on e w i th sa yi n g yes a l l th e ti m e. Sh e n od d ed . Wel l g ood . Si n ce Ive b een D u sti n , Ive l ea rn ed i f I w a n t to sta y u p h a p p y i t's on m e. Its n ot a l w a ys ea sy to d o esp eci a l l y w h en I'm stu ck l i vi n g l i fe a s a m eg a - d ork . F a l con er tri ed to tea ch m e th a t, b u t l i vi n g h ere h a s sh ow ed m e i ts com p l etel y tru e. I feel b a d a b ou t w h a t I d i d , b u t d esp i te th e ocea n s of cra p I sti l l n eed to cl ea n u p a n d d ea l w i th , Im h a p p y w i th m ysel f n ow . I'm rea d y to move on a n d m a k e th i n g s m ove

ri g h t. Sh e stood a l on g w i th h i m a n d h u g g ed h i m ti g h t. I'm g l a d you tol d m e a l l th i s. I l i k e k n ow i n g you 're ok a y. H e h u g g ed h er b a ck a n d step p ed a w a y. I a m . Wou l d you p l ea se tel l m y m om th i s i n form a ti on ? Im rea d y to g et b a ck to w ork . Im l ost h ere d oi n g cra zy th i n g s i n stea d of d oi n g w h a t I l ove. T h i n g s th a t m ea n n oth i n g ! T h i n g s th a t a re w a sti n g m y ti m e! Are you su re a b ou t th a t? Y ou seem to b e en j oyi n g a l ot h ere. Au n t N a n ! I h a ve to g o to a req u i red a p p oi n tm en t w i th a col l eg e cou n sel or n ext w eek . C ol l eg e. Me ? N a n s eyes w i d en ed . H a ve you th ou g h t a b ou t i t? Wh y w ou l d I n eed to g o th ere? I h a ve a p a yi n g j ob a l rea d y. I d on t k n ow . Y ou ca n b e on e of th e l u ck y on es. G o to col l eg e b eca u se you w a n t to l ea rn ? Ma yb e th ere a re oth er th i n g s you l on g to exp l ore b esi d es th e en terta i n m en t i n d u stry. C ol l eg e i s a b l a st. E ven m ore fu n th a n h i g h sch ool . T h ere i s n o w a y h i g h sch ool i s fu n , h e l i ed . Its a n od d form of tortu re from w h a t Ive seen . Wh y ca n t you l et g o for a w h i l e a n d try to j u st en j oy th e exp eri en ce. Sp en d th e yea r h ere l i k e you r m om w a n ts. Stop fi g h ti n g so h a rd to g o h om e. D u sti n l ook ed a t h er a n d b l i n k ed . L ook . I l ove you . B u t you h a ve to k n ow a s soon a s I h a ve m y ti ck et, Im ou t. I d on t w a n t to en j oy a n y of th i s! I j u st w a n t to b e free. T h i s i s m y w h ol e l i fe on h ol d . T h ere's n o w a y I m ea n to sp en d th e w h ol e sch ool yea r h ere! Y ou n eed to ca l l you r m om . Sh e sh ou l d h a ve ta l k ed to you a b ou t h er p l a n s a n d i d ea s a rou n d you sta yi n g h ere. T h eres a l ot m ore to th i s th a t you d on t u n d ersta n d . G o th rou g h th e l etter you r m om sen t for you to rea d , a t l ea st. H e m a rch ed over a n d took th e h i s m om s l etter ou t of th e d ra w er a n d h a n d ed i t to Au n t N a n . Sh e n eed s to com e h ere a n d sa y i t to m y fa ce. I refu se to rea d th i s u n l ess sh e a n d I a re i n th e sa m e resi d en ce. Ma yb e th a t w i l l g et h er to sen d for m e. Au n t N a n took th e en vel op e. Il l tel l h er. H e w a l k ed b a ck to th e w i n d ow a n d sa w V eres w h i te V W p a rk ed i n fron t of th e h ou se. It w on t b e l on g n ow . T h ey w i l l sta rt m i ssi n g th e m on ey soon . E i th er sh e or Ma rti n w i l l h a ve to g et m e ou t of h ere. Si m p l e a s th a t. O n l y from n ow on , Il l l et th em d o th e w ork . Sh e sh ook h er h ea d . Au n t N a n , Im ou t. V eres b een w a i ti n g th i s w h ol e ti m e. T h a n k s for l i sten i n g .

** As h e m a d e i t th rou g h h i s d oorw a y h e froze, com p l etel y ta k en b y su rp ri se. V ere w a s l ea n i n g a g a i n st th e w a l l j u st ou tsi d e h i s d oor, g a sp i n g for a i r. Sh e h a d h er a rm s a rou n d a g i a n t, l u m p y, n ew sp a p er- w ra p p ed p a ck a g e w i th a fl op p y b ow m a d e ou t of ora n g e k n i tted ya rn on top . Sh e l ook ed stra i g h t a t h i m a n d sh ook h er h ea d . H er eyes w ere l u m i n ou s, h u g e, a n d w ei g h ted w i th tea rs.

H i s stom a ch k n otted . H e rea l i zed sh e w a sn t g a sp i n g for a i r, sh e w a s fu l l - on He cryi n g , a n d h e k n ew w h y. Hel l . D i d you h ea r a l l of i t? H i s voi ce h a d com e ou t cl i p p ed . Y es. Sh e sob b ed . Al l of i t. H e fel t a s i f h ed b een p u n ch ed . H e h el d h i s b rea th , j u st i n ca se. H e w a s d esp era tel y a fra i d b rea th i n g w ou l d h u rt w orse th a n ever ri g h t n ow , a n d h e d i d n t w a n t to a ssoci a te th a t feel i n g w i th V ere. N ot h er. N ot ever. Im sorry. H er w ord s ca m e ou t i n a sn i ffl i n g ru sh . H er fa ce h a d l on g si n ce fl ood ed w i th col or. I...w a i ted ou tsi d e. An d w h en you d i d n t com e ou t, I th ou g h t Id d a sh u p . T h e fron t d oor w a s op en . I h a ve a p resen t for you . Its a th a n k - you p resen t. F or a l l you ve d on e to h el p me. Y ou k n ow , for th e B G F stu ff. T ea rs h a d m e. sta rted strea mi n g d ow n h er fa ce a n d h er voi ce sh ook , b u t sh e k ep t on , C h a rl i e mi l en t m e th e m on ey for h a l f. We d rove u p tog eth er to th e a n ti q u e sh op a n d b a ck . G ot i t on Su n d a y. Y ou sti l l n eed a n a m p . Sh e g a sp ed . H e th ou g h t i t w a s a g ood i d ea too. N ow th a t w ere a l l fri en d s. An d n ow th a t Im p ra cti ca l l y, tota l l y... cu red . We th i n k you n eed to h a ve th i s. T ea rs p ou red u n ch eck ed l i k e a ri ver n ow . H e d i d n t m ove or a n sw er. H e cou l d n t. V ere w h i sp ered th rou g h h er tea rs. I k n ow you sa i d you d i d n t w a n t i t, b u t I a l so k n ow you w ere l yi n g . Y ou l l h a ve to fi x i t u p oh , j eez. T a k e i t. Sh e l u rch ed forw a rd a n d sh oved th e p a ck a g e i n to h i s a rm s j u st a s Au n t N a n step p ed i n to th e h a l l w a y. Au n t N a n g a ve V ere a sa d , l i ttl e sm i l e. More secrets to a d d to you r m i x, V ere. C a n you m a n a g e to k eep tra ck of on e m ore? Its a l ot to a sk . E ven you r p a ren ts d on t k n ow th i s p ri va te stu ff. V ere w i p ed th e b a ck of h er h a n d a g a i n st h er n ose a n d sn i ffl ed l ou d l y. Y es. O f cou rse. I w on t, I w ou l d n t. Sh e sh ot h i m a d esp era te g l a n ce. Id n ever tel l . I u n d ersta n d . Im sorry a b ou t w h a t I d i d . Ab ou t w h a t you d i d to you rsel f. H er eyes cl osed for a q u i ck secon d . D u sti n u sed th a t m om en t to fi n a l l y m a n a g e a d eep a n d th a n k fu l l y, p a i n l ess b rea th . Wh en V ere reop en ed h er eyes, th e tea rs w ere sti l l p ou ri n g ou t, b u t sh e l ook ed ri g h t a t h i m for a secon d b efore h er fa ce fl u sh ed a secon d ti m e. Sh e d i d n t g l a n ce a w a y, i n stea d sh e con ti n u ed , h er g a ze ta n g l i n g w i th h i s a s h er voi ce rea ch ed a fra n ti c p i tch . N a n . D u sti n . P l ea se. I d i d n t m ea n to ea vesd rop b u t th en I cou l d n t stop l i sten i n g . Sh e sh i fted b a ck a n d forth from foot to foot, u n a b l e to d o h er u su a l p a ci n g th i n g i n th e ti g h t h a l l w a y. It w a s terri b l e of m e. I d on t k n ow w h y. I j u st stood h ere. I ca n t b el i eve w h a t you ve b een th rou g h . H er eyes m et h i s. Were a l l a b u n ch of k i n d erg a rtn ers com p a red to you , a ren t w e? Sh e took a l on g sh a k y b rea th a n d sh ook h er h ea d , h er exp ressi on h a d tu rn ed a l m ost a ccu sa tory. Y ou you ve b een so g en erou s. Al l th i s ti m e, h el p i n g m e w ork on m y l a m e, p u n y p rob l em s. Im su ch a sel fi sh b a b y. I

ca n t b el i eve h ow Ive b een a cti n g w i th you a b ou t m y stu p i d cru sh . L i k e i t w a s th e my m ost ep i c, i m p orta n t th i n g i n th e w h ol e w orl d . Wh i l e a l l th i s ti m e a l l th i s ti m e you ve h a d a l l th i s on you r m i n d ? Sh e fl u n g h er a rm s w i d e. V ere. Its ok a y, h e sta rted . Sh e ru sh ed on , Im sorry i f you d i d n t w a n t m e to k n ow . An d n ow Sh e b rok e ou t i n to a rou n d of rock i n g sob s. N ow I d o k n ow . I k n ow . An d th a ts th a t. I ca n t ta k e w h a t I d i d b a ck . I ca n t stop h ea ri n g you r story i n m y h ea d . I tota l l y, tota l l y, tota l l y, ea vesd rop p ed a n d Im so Stop . Stop ! h e sa i d , g l a n ci n g a t h i s a u n t. V ere su ck ed i n a b rea th a n d stop p ed ta l k i n g . B u t n ot cryi n g . V ere. Its ok a y. Its n ot th e en d of th e w orl d , N a n a d d ed . H i s ch est con stri cted , w a tch i n g th e tea rs rol l d ow n h er fa ce. H e k n ew sh e n eed ed h el p w h en sh e g ot a l l w ork ed u p . H e n ow fel t g u i l ty for n ot step p i n g i n soon er. Sh e w a s n ow tw o th ou sa n d ti m es w orse th a n sh ed b een u p a t th e ca b i n th a t fi rst w eek en d . H e w a s so m oved b y h er tea rs, h e w a s h a vi n g a h a rd ti m e fu n cti on i n g too. H e h a d to m a k e h er stop cryi n g . Ma k e h er feel b etter. B efore sh e b l a ck ed ou t or som eth i n g . An d sh e th i n k s sh es cu red ? G i rl cou l d n t b e more tra g i ca l l y, b ri g h t- red , a d ora b l e ri g h t n ow . V ere. Im n ot m a d , h e sta rted u p l ou d l y over h er ra g g ed b rea th i n g a n d sob b i n g . Its a ctu a l l y a rel i ef th a t you k n ow everyth i n g . Im th e sorry on e. Wh a t? sh e g a sp ed ou t. D on t you see? Im sorry th a t n ow , i n you r eyes H e p a u sed , a l m ost l osi n g most h i m sel f i n th e w i d e b row n d ep th s of h er p u re em p a th y b efore con ti n u i n g i n a m u ch softer voi ce, I h a te th a t you w i l l th i n k Im w a y m ore m essed u p th a n you th ou g h t I w a s yesterd a y. Sh e g a sp ed . I h ea rd w h a t you sa i d . Y ou a ren t m essed u p a t a l l . If a n yth i n g , you sou n d m ore evol ved a n d ok a y th a n a n yon e I k n ow . Y ou re rea d y to g o on ta l k sh ow s, a n d sp ea k to k i d s a t h i g h sch ool s! H e sh ook h i s h ea d . N ot even cl ose. V ere w i p ed h er n ow p u ffy eyes a n d w et ch eek s w i th h er sl eeve a s sh e w en t on , If i t m a k es you feel b etter, I d on t th i n k you re som e sort of sp oi l ed , p a rty- b oy a n y m ore. T h a ts w h a t I th ou g h t a b ou t you yesterd a y. I a ctu a l l y resp ect you n ow , sh e fi n i sh ed w i th a d ou b l e sn u ffl e. H er b od y sh ook a s i t took i n m ore a i r. Sh e sh ot h i m a g u i l ty g l a n ce. U m . N o. Wa i t! Wa s th ere a n en d to h er cu ten ess? Wa i ti n g . I resp ected you som e yesterd a y too, ok a y? Im j u st u p set...so Im ta l k i n g cra zy. Y ou k n ow h ow I a m .... Sh e w i p ed h er fa ce a g a i n st h er sh ou l d er. N op e. D efi n i tel y n o en d to i t. Y es. I k n ow h ow you a re. A sm a l l ch u ck l e esca p ed , a n d h e l et h i m sel f b rea th e fu l l y. H i s l u n g s fi l l ed w i th a h ea d y m i x of fl ow ers, sa l tw a ter a n d h er. mi H e h a d th e u rg e to ta k e h er fa ce i n to h i s h a n d s a n d w i p e a w a y th e tea rs sti l l

th rea ten i n g to p ou r ou t of h er eyes. H e w a s a l so d esp era te to p l a n t a k i ss on ea ch of h er ru b y- red ch eek s, a n d th en h er l i p s. L u ck i l y, th e g i a n t p a ck a g e i n h i s a rm s sa ved h i m from m a k i n g a fool ou t of h i m sel f i n fron t of h er a n d h i s Au n t N a n . T h e fa ct th a t sh ed b rou g h t h i m a p resen t th i s p resen t ! D a mn , h ow sh e k n ow s me. An d d a mn h ow I l ove h er for i t. Wa y too mu ch . It w a s en ou g h to a l m ost u n d o h i m i n to a n oth er rou n d of a w k w a rd tea rs h i m sel f. H e tri ed to ya n k h i s m i n d a n d h i s h ea rt b a ck from h er, g a i n i n g con trol w i th a l on g si g h . T ea si n g i s i n ord er h ere. B etter to h a ve h er sp i tti n g ma d th a n l ook i n g so d eep l y i n to my eyes ri g h t n ow . An d i f sh e d oesn t stop ch ew i n g th a t d a mn u p p er l i p ... N ow you l l stop b u g g i n g m e a b ou t th e l on g sl eeves on m y sh i rts. Y ou k n ow ? E ven w h en i ts h ot? H e sm i l ed . Sh e l ock ed g a zes w i th h i m a n d g a sp ed . Sh e seem ed to p u l l h i m d i rectl y i n to h er sou l , a n d th en sn a p p ed h i m b a ck ou t l i k e a ru b b er b a n d . Sh e b u rst i n to a n ew fl ood of sob b i n g , a n d tore d ow n th e sta i rs n ot on ce l ook i n g b a ck . H er sob s g rew l ou d er th e fa rth er a w a y sh e ra n . T h e fron t d oor sl a m m ed a n d th e V W sta rted u p ou tsi d e. H e cou l d h ea r h er d ri ve exa ctl y on e h ou se over, cu t th e en g i n e, sl a m h er ca r d oor, a n d d o th e sa m e w i th h er ow n fron t d oor. Sob b i n g th e en ti re ti m e. H e l ook ed h el p l essl y a t Au n t N a n , w h o d i d n t seem to b e sh ock ed b y V eres h a sty retrea t. An y ti p s on w h a t g row n m en d o i n th i s si tu a ti on ? Sh e sh ru g g ed a n d g a ve h i m a sm a l l sm i l e. Wa i t for h er to com e b a ck . Sh e w i l l . In th e m ea n ti m e, op en th a t th i n g . Sh e g estu red tow a rd th e l u m p y p a ck a g e i n h i s h a n d s. Im d yi n g of cu ri osi ty. I d on t h a ve to. I k n ow w h a t i t i s. H i s h ea rt ra ced a n d fi l l ed u p w i th a n u n exp l a i n a b l e feel i n g of g ra ti tu d e a n d exci tem en t. H e tested th e w ei g h t a n d g en tl e cu rves of V eres b a d l y w ra p p ed p resen t. Its a g u i ta r. Sh es b ou g h t m e a n a m a zi n g , ol d g u i ta r.

28: more favors and WTF? Dustin

T o: n yj u i ce99@ya h oo.com F rom: coj u i ce99@ya h oo.com Su b j ect: WT F ? Wh ere a re you ? Ma rti n : T h ere b etter b e a g ood excu se for th i s zero- commu n i ca ti on b u l l . T o b e fa i r, I th ou g h t Id tel l you th i s w i l l b e my l a st ema i l . T h i s ti me, for rea l . WHY ? 1. Im p i ssed , a n d , 2. I h a ve mi d terms on th e h ori zon . G E T IT B AST ARD ? MID T E RMS mea n s Ive b een h ere too l on g . If you w a n t me, sh ow u p or ca l l me d i rectl y b eca u se Im D O N E ch eck i n g my cel l p h on e l i k e you r l i ttl e sl a ve. If you ca re, Ive g ot a n ew son g w ork ed ou t. B een p ra cti ci n g my a ss off u p h ere on a n ol d g u i ta r w h i l e h i d i n g i n my room. I th i n k i ts ti me G u a rd eRob e b ra n ch ed ou t i n to th e l ove son g a ren a . Work i n g i n A Mi n or. Wou l d sen d you th e ch ord s i f you d i d n t su ck so mu ch . Im th i n k i n g sl ow . Ad d i n g cel l o. Ma j or l ove b a l l a d . IL L T RAD E Y O U T HIS SO N G F O R MY L IF E B AC K IN O RD E R. Y ou k n ow you w a n t i t. C h eers b a ck , you a ss. WT F ? D U ST IN ( a b ou t to l ose my sh i t) McHE L PMe
** Y ou . D ork B oy. D u sti n p u l l ed ou t of h i s l ock er, sta rtl ed to fi n d h i s b a ck su rrou n d ed b y semi sem i h osti l e footb a l l p l a yers. C h a rl i e step p ed forw a rd a n d tossed h i s fri en d s a n ea sy g ri n a s h e moved u p to sl a m D u sti n s l ock er sh u t. Ha rd . Ha C u rti s Wi sh ford step p ed forw a rd a s th ou g h to j oi n C h a rl i e, b u t C h a rl i e tossed h i m some si l en t comma n d execu ted b y p u sh i n g h i s ch i n tow a rd th e cei l i n g i n w h a t D u sti n h a d d u b b ed th e u n i versa l , Pa l mer Ri d g e Hi g h , j ock sa l u te . Il l ca tch you d u d es l a ter, C h a rl i e sa i d a n d l ook ed p oi n ted l y a t h i s p a ck of fri en d s. I n eed a w ord w i th V eres p et . C u rti s g ot th e m essa g e a n d retu rn ed th e j ock sa l u te w i th a cool - g u y n od of h i s messa ow n a n d sta l k ed a w a y w i th th e oth er g u ys. D u sti n cou l d tel l th e g u y w a s n ot p l ea sed to b e sh u t ou t of th e con versa ti on , b u t h ed a l rea d y l ea rn ed from b ei n g w i th C u rti s i n D ra m a cl a ss, th a t th e fool a voi d ed a n yth i n g th a t m i g h t ca u se a scen e. mi

Wh en th e tea m w a s ou t of h ea ri n g ra n g e, C h a rl i e l ea n ed on to h i s l eft sh ou l d er a g a i n st a cl osed l ock er to tu rn h i s b a ck to h i s retrea ti n g p a l s. Sorry a b ou t th e sl a m . Wou l d n t w a n t a n y of u s to g et ou t of ch a ra cter. D u sti n eyed h i m a n d d eci d ed to sta y si l en t. Wa i t to i f th i s d og mea n t to b a rk or b i te. m ea It h a d b een a si l en t ca r ri d e th a t m orn i n g b etw een a l l of th em , so h e w a s certa i n C h a rl i e w a s tw ea k ed a b ou t th a t. Wel l sta n d i n l i n e. Au n t N a n h a d sa i d V ere w ou l d come b a ck ta l k to me b u t so fa r sh e ca n t seem to l ook me i n th e fa ce. Wh y? Wh a t i n th e h el l d i d you d o to m y si ster yesterd a y? N oth i n g . Sh e g a ve m e th e g u i ta r. Sa i d you h el p ed h er b u y i t. N i ce g estu re b y th e w a y, com i n g from b oth of you . Au n t N a n s ta k i n g m e to g et a n a m p th i s a ftern oon . D u sti n l a yered on h i s b est si n cere sm i l e a n d w on d ered i f i t l ook ed si n cere w i th th e g i a n t reta i n er. H e h a d n t p ra cti ced th i s l ook i n th e m i rror yet. It sort of seem ed l i k e V ere h a d b een cryi n g . H er fa ce w a s a l l p u ffed u p . D o you k n ow a n yth i n g a b ou t th a t? D on t a l l g i rl s cry a b ou t everyth i n g ? Move off m y l ock er d u d e. I n eed to g et on e m ore b ook . C h a rl i e ob l i g ed a n d l ea n ed on th e n ext row . D u sti n q u i ck l y re- op en ed h i s l ock er. H e w a s rel i eved h e cou l d n ow h i d e h i s fa ce b eh i n d th e op en d oor. V ere h a rd l y ever cri es. T o top i t off sh e b l a b b ed a b ou t you a l l n i g h t l on g a t d i n n er. O n a n d on a b ou t h ow frea k i n g n i ce you a re. T h en sh e p l a yed G u a rd eRob e on h er comp u ter sp ea k ers a l l n i g h t l on g . An d n ot on e fl i p p i n g w ord a b ou t h er a n d C u rti s a t a l l . It w a s over- th e- top stra n g e. Sh e w a s a m ood y p sych o. Y ou su re you d on t k n ow w h y? N ot a cl u e. Ma yb e sh e a n d C u rti s h a d a fi g h t? H e eva d ed . Im b u m med sh e He m ed th i n k s Im n i ce , th ou g h . I h op e th a t l a b el d oesn t g et a rou n d sch ool . D u sti n rol l ed h i s eyes a t C h a rl i e, even th ou g h h e w a s secretl y el a ted . L ook . I g u ess i t j u st m a d e h er rea l l y h a p p y to g i ve me th a t g u i ta r or som eth i n g . Sh e d i d seem a me l i ttl e ch ok ed u p w h en sh e h a n d ed i t over. C h a rl i e n od d ed . Sh e w ou l d g et a l l sa p p y a b ou t th a t. Ag a i n , d ou b l e cool of you g u ys to th i n k of i t. Its a g ood on e b y th e w a y. I l ove i t. Im p sych ed to b e p l a yi n g a g a i n . T h a n k s. C h a rl i e sm i l ed , a p p ea ri n g to rel a x a s th ou g h h ed b ou g h t i n to D u sti n s d en i a l s. T ota l l y h er i d ea . I on l y a g reed b eca u se of p erson a l rea son s. It w ou l d b e a tra g ed y i f certa i n m u si ca l ta l en ts, i n m y fa vori te b a n d , g ot ou t of p ra cti ce or someth i n g . som eth D on t m a k e m e w i n k a t you . Y ou k n ow w h a t Im sa yi n g . D u sti n h a d to l a u g h . Y ea h . P l ea se d on t w i n k , h e sa i d , m ovi n g d eep er i n to h i s l ock er w h en C h a rl i e l a u g h ed , d ra w i n g th e a tten ti on of a few on l ook ers. D u sti n sp ok e to C h a rl i e from b eh i n d h i s l ock er d oor. An yth i n g el se? Y ea h . An oth er fa vor. A h u g e fa vor. Sh oot. D u sti n p a u sed . C a n you k eep J en n a Ri l ey a w a y from V ere a n d C u rti s i n d ra m a cl a ss? F or th a t m a tter, m a k e you rsel f sca rce. My m a n C u rti s sa ys h e h a sn t h a d a ch a n ce to b e

a l on e i n th e crow d w i th V ere th a n k s to you tw o sta l k ers. D u sti n sw a l l ow ed . Su re. Il l see w h a t I ca n d o. G ood . I a l so n eed you to come to th e l a k e for th e w eek en d . Im su re you d on t com e h a ve a n y p l a n s for L a b or D a y, d o you ? My m om i n vi ted you th rou g h V ere l a st n i g h t. Im su re sh el l tel l you , b u t i n ca se sh e d oesn t, con si d er you rsel f tol d . An d con si d er you rsel f g oi n g for m ore J en n a Ri l ey d u ty. Wh a t? C h a rl i e g ri n n ed . We a l w a ys i n vi te ou r fri en d s a l on g for on e l a st b l a st a n d to h el p w i th th e ca b i n w i n ter sh u t d ow n . T h a t m ea n s th e d rea d ed J en n a w i l l fron t a n d cen ter. Ive ob vi ou sl y i n vi ted C u rti s. Wel l h ea d u p a fter th e footb a l l scri m m a g e Sa tu rd a y a ftern oon . Sa d l y, you l l h a ve to h a n g w i th m y p a ren ts a n d th e mm g i g g l e- tw i n s for th e ri d e u p a n d a l l d a y Sa tu rd a y u n ti l w e g et th ere. Im u sed to th em. D u sti n s stom a ch g ru m b l ed a s h e i m a g i n ed th e ca b i n a n d em . Mrs. Roth s cook i n g . As l on g a s you r m om s i n ch a rg e of th e ea ts. Im i n . D oes sh e p a ck ca r sn a ck s? Ag a i n , th e p oi n t for you com i n g a l on g i s n ot to g org e you rsel f a n d h a ve cook i n g comi l esson s w i th m y m om . Im h op i n g you w i l l crea te a su ffi ci en t d i stra cti on . Y ou om. k n ow , en ou g h to occu p y J en n a . D u d e. Y ou a re n ot su g g esti n g th a t I l i k e...try to h i t on h er? H el l n o! T h a t g i rl i s a tota l frea k . F or G od s sa k e. I ca n t even i m a g i n e fl i rti n g w i th h er. H e sh u d d ered com i ca l l y a n d w ri n k l ed h i s fa ce i n to a h orri fi ed exp ressi on . Im th i n k i n g m ore a l on g th e l i n es of a n erd - fi l l ed , U n o/ C h ess tou rn a m en t or som eth i n g ? Wh a tever sh es i n to th ese d a ys. J u st k eep h er en g a g ed a n d d i stra cted so V ere ca n h a ve a ch a n ce to d o some h i k es, h a n g ou t a s i n som e AL O N E mi n u s Y O U T WO a n d w i th C u rti s. mi U g h . Wh y ca n t you d o th e J en n a ch ore? Y ou k n ow h er b etter. C h a rl i e b l i n k ed . H i s fa ce p a l ed . If I try to d i stra ct J en n a for th a t mu ch ti m e sh e Hi mu w i l l g et w ei rd i d ea s a b ou t m e l i k i n g h er. I d o n ot n eed a sta l k er, th a n k s. P l u s m y p a ren ts th ey a l w a ys h i n t a t me a b ou t g oi n g ou t w i th h er. Ima g i n e. H e me He sh u d d ered a g a i n a n d l ook ed D u sti n u p a n d d ow n . D ou b tfu l you r a tten ti on s w i l l g et h er h ea rtb ea t u p on e n otch . Y ou , l ook i n g l i k e th a t , k eep s you sa fe en ou g h . G rea t. Is th a t stth u p p osed to m a k e m e feel l i k e a w i n n er? B eca u sstth th a t me h u rtttsh m y feel i n g ssth . D u sti n smi l ed a n d p u l l ed a fa ce a t C h a rl i e. sm i C h a rl i e cra ck ed u p a g a i n . H ey. Y ou re th e on e w h o b eg g ed to l ose you r m oj o. U se you r l a m en ess for g ood d eed s. F i n e. Hel l . Wh a tever you a n d V ere w a n t. H el T h i s i s m a k e or b rea k w eek en d for V eres ch a n ces w i th C u rti s. T h e g u y d oesn t h a ve a l on g a tten ti on sp a n , i f you k n ow w h a t I m ea n . D u sti n g ri tted h i s teeth , fu l l y h a ti n g C u rti s Wi sh ford a s C h a rl i e w en t on , T h e ch eerl ea d ers h a ve a l rea d y m a rk ed C u rti s a s a j u i cy, si n g l e, si tti n g d u ck . T h eyve b een sn i ffi n g a rou n d . O n e g i rl th rew h ersel f a t h i m i n th e l ock er room l a st w eek . I w on t b l a m e h i m i f h e d eci d es on ea si er g a m e. Some of th ose ch i ck s a re w a y h ot. Som e Im th i n k i n g a b ou t g etti n g m y ow n ch eerl ea d er g i rl fri en d soon . Its h omecomi n g om ecom i h ook u p ti me. H e w i n k ed a t D u sti n a l on g w i th a g l oa ti n g smi rk . m e. sm i D u sti n h a d th e u rg e to d eck C h a rl i e ri g h t th en , b u t k n ew h e w a s on l y w i sh i n g h e

cou l d p u n ch th e sh i t ou t of C u rti s. How cou l d C h a rl i e w a n t h i s ow n si ster to d a te su ch a tool ? An d w h o w ou l d n t h a ve a l on g a tten ti on sp a n w h ere V ere w a s con cern ed ? Wh a tever. Wh a tever ma d e V ere h a p p y, n o ma tter h ow mu ch i t h u rt. So, w ere u n d erstood ? H e si g h ed a n d n od d ed . Y ou k n ow Il l d o w h a ts ri g h t for th e si tu a ti on . C h a rl i e g ri n n ed a n d b rea ch ed a l l p op u l a ri ty ru l es b y p a tti n g D u sti n s d ork y, p l a i d - covered sh ou l d er. D u d e. I th a n k you . Y ou re tru l y rea l . Am I?

29: dreams come true VERE

Wh a t d o you sa y, V ere? C u rti s a sk ed . H mm ? V ere sea rch ed th e sta g e for D u sti n a n d J en n a . T h ey w ere tota l l y l a te. Sh e w a n ted to ca tch D u sti n a l on e to a p ol og i ze a n d a sk h i m i f h ed l i k ed th e g u i ta r. Sh e w i sh ed sh ed g on e b a ck l a st n i g h t on ce sh ed ca l med d ow n , b u t sh e w a s j u st too emb a rra ssed a b ou t w h a t sh ed d on e. An d th en w h en th ey w ere i n th e ca r em b tog eth er th i s morn i n g , sh ed b otch ed h er ch a n ces b eca u se sh e fel t l i k e cryi n g a l l over a g a i n w h en sh e sa w h i s fa ce. B esi d es, w h a t cou l d th ey h a ve sa i d i n fron t of C h a rl i e? So w i l l you ? Wh a t? sh e a sk ed . C u rti s w a s on h er l eft, i d l y ta p p i n g a fi n g er a g a i n st h er k n ee. H ed d on e th a t Hed every d a y i n cl a ss, b u t tod a y h ed u p p ed h i s moves. m oves. A few mi n u tes a g o h ed d ra w n sma l l d el i g h tfu l ci rcl es a l l over h er k n ee. It h a d g i ven h er a w esome g oose b u mp s, b u t n ow h ed sw i tch ed b a ck to th i s en d l ess, a n n oyi n g ta p p i n g . Sh e cou l d n t con cen tra te, on l y sh e h a d n o cl u e w h a t sh e w a s tryi n g to con cen tra te on Wh ere a re th ose g u ys? N ot l i k e th em to b e ta rd y. V ere, Im tryi n g to a sk you ou t. Sh e sl a mm ed h er h a n d on top of h i s to stop th e ta p p i n g moti on , a n d th en tri ed to mmed m a k e i t l ook a s th ou g h sh ed mea n t to h ol d h i s h a n d i n stea d . ma As i f sh e w ou l d j u st rea ch ou t a n d h ol d C u rti ss h a n d i n p u b l i c? Her h ea rt fl u ttered a t th e th ou g h t, b eca u se i t w a s exa ctl y w h a t sh ed d on e! T h ey w ere n ow h ol d i n g h a n d s, a l l b eca u se of h er. O r th a t stu p i d ta p p i n g ... C u rti s smi l ed , h i s exp ressi on sort of g oofy n ow . It w a s on e sh ed g row n to recog n i ze a s th e con fi d en t, I- k n ow - you - l ove- me- fa ce . Sh ed l i k ed i t l a st w eek , b u t for some rea son , tod a y, i t w a s p l a yi n g i n to h er od d som e m ood . Sh e g l a n ced a rou n d a g a i n for h er fri en d s. T h ey w ou l d b e a b l e to k n ock h er mood b a d a tti tu d e b a ck i n to a g ood p l a ce. C u rti ss exp ressi on sh i fted i n to a h a l f g l ow er. Im g oi n g to sa y i t on e m ore ti m e, sp a cey. Im a sk i n g you to h omecomi n g . T h e d a n ce? Wi l l you g o w i th m e to me h om ecomi n g ? H omecomi n g ? ! om ecomi D rea m come tru e. D rea m come tru e! Im g oi n g to a sch ool d a n ce, fi n a l l y. An d w i th a sen i or. AN D WIT H C U RT IS. Pi n ch ME . Its i n tw o w eek s. Sa y you l l g o. Y ou mea n i t? sh e a sk ed , sta l l i n g a n d p i n ch i n g h er ow n a rm j u st i n ca se th i s m i g h t b e a d rea m. mi

Y es! I ca n t w a i t to see you i n som e ti g h t l i ttl e d ress, h eel s, a n d w i th ou t th e b u n ! He sm i l ed over a t h er. Wi l l you fi n a l l y w ea r you r h a i r d ow n for m e? Y es. Y es! Sh e b ea m ed a t h i m . O f cou rse. Id l ove- l ove- l ove to g o w i th you . T h i s i s g oi n g to b e a m a zi n g ! Y es! I l ove- l ove- l ove th a t you sa i d yes! h e sa i d , m i mi ck i n g h er u si n g th i s com i ca l , mi sl i g h tl y creep y, b a b y- ta l k voi ce. Sh e smi l ed . B eca u se h e w a s a l i ttl e fu n n y...sort of... V ere rea ch ed u p to ch eck h er b u n , b u t stop p ed h a l fw a y, feel i n g w ei rd a b ou t i t, a n d tu ck ed h er h a n d b a ck i n to h i s. C u rti s i sn t ou t of l i n e for b ri n g i n g u p my h a i r, i s h e? An d Id w a n ted on e of th ose d resses w i th a fl ow i n g A- l i n e sk i rt. B u t I g u ess I ca n l ook for a stra w - w ra p p er- ti g h t d ress i n stea d . B u t...n o... V ere. D o N O T over- th i n k th i s. C u rti s Wi sh ford a sk ed you to Homecomi n g ! B E HAPPY . Its a n ob vi ou s fa ct th a t h er cu rren t h a i rstyl e w a s...u n i q u e a n d p ossi b l y n ot d a n ce w orth y. An d th e stra w - w ra p p er- ti g h t d resses w ere rea l l y i n . Ma yb e h e k n ow s fa sh i on a n d l i k es to ta l k a b ou t i t. Sh e w a s j u st g etti n g to k n ow h i m on th i s l evel . It w ou l d ta k e ti m e b efore th ey u n d erstood w h a t th e oth er on e mea n t . C a n you d a n ce? sh e a sk ed , tryi n g to j ok e. Am on g oth er th i n g s. H e g a ve h er h a n d a h ea rty, a l most p a i n fu l sq u eeze. Wh en Amon sh e l ook ed u p h e h a d th a t k n ow i n g smi l e on h i s fa ce a g a i n a n d th i s ti m e h e a d d ed sm i me a wink. Sh e smi l ed b a ck b u t d rop p ed h i s h a n d . N o n eed for h er to h a ve b rok en fi n g ers u n ti l d a n ce n i g h t, p l u s h i s h a n d w a s too w a rm . Sw ea ty a l m ost. V ere su d d en l y reg retted th a t sh ed tol d C u rti s h ow m u ch sh e rea l l y l i k ed h i m mu th a t fi rst d a y. T h a n k fu l l y, h ed sa i d th e sa m e th i n g s b a ck to h er so i t sh ou l d n t b e a n y b i g d ea l . B u t n ow , th i n k i n g a b ou t i t, sh e w i sh ed sh e cou l d h a ve a d o- over. Sh e w ou l d h a ve w a i ted to sa y a l l th a t stu ff, b eca u se th en , h e mi g h t h a ve w a i ted to i n ven t th a t w ei rd su re th i n g sm i l e. An d h eck , m a yb e h e h a d n t i n ven ted i t. Ma yb e h e smi l ed j u st l i k e th a t to a l l of sm i h i s oth er d a n ce d a tes. Sh e l a u g h ed a t h er th ou g h ts. Wh a t w a s th e b i g d ea l ? Sh e w a s h i s su re th i n g . An d p rou d of i t, w a sn t sh e? Sh ed b een w a i ti n g p ra cti ca l l y h er w h ol e l i fe for h i m to a sk h er ou t, so w h y cou l d n t sh e j u st b e h a p p y a b ou t i t n ow th a t h er m omen t h a d mom en fi n a l l y a rri ved ? B u t, d rea m s com i n g tru e sh ou l d n ot ma k e you feel th i s cra n k y. Sh e m u st b e ti red . It w i l l b e cool , u h , a n d fu n to see you a l l d ressed u p too, sh e a d d ed l a m el y. V ere h ea rd th e sou n d of J en n a s l a u g h ter ech o a cross th e sta g e. Sh e l ook ed over a n d sp otted J en n a b y th e d oor. Sh e n ever sa t over th ere. As i n n ever! T h a t si d e of th e sta g e w a s rel eg a ted for fresh m en ! men

An oth er rou n d of l a u g h ter d rew h er g a ze to D u sti n w h o sa t ri g h t b esi d e J en n a . H e a p p ea red to b e en terta i n i n g th e en ti re g rou p , i n cl u d i n g Mrs. V a n D eWi rth w i th som e of h i s a n ti cs. Wh a t i n th e h eck a re th ey d oi n g ? L ook s l i k e I g et to h a ve you a l l to m ysel f tod a y. Ma yb e th eyl l sta y over th ere for th e w h ol e sem ester. C u rti s m oved h i s b a ck p a ck a n d h ers to on e si d e. H e scooted cl oser a n d l ow ered h i s voi ce. I h op e I g et some ch a n ces to b e a l on e w i th you a t th e ca b i n th i s som e w eek en d . Mi g h t b e a g ood h a b i t to sta rt u p , you a n d m e, b ei n g a l on e . C u rti s rea ch ed over a n d d rew a cou p l e l i ttl e ci rcl es on h er k n ee a g a i n . V ere sm i l ed a t th a t a n d su ck ed i n a b rea th . H ed g i ven h er sh i vers. Sh e h a d g oose b u m p s a l l over n ow . Y ea h , sh e w h i sp ered . Al on e seem s fu n , sh e a d d ed h er h ea rt fi l l i n g w i th d ou b t. C u rti s m oved h i s h a n d h i g h er a n d sh i fted i t on to h er i n n er th i g h . V ere th ou g h t sh e m i g h t d i e. H er h ea rt h a d d on e so m a n y fl i p s i n th e p a st few secon d s sh e ma w on d ered i f sh e w a s h a vi n g a h ea rt a tta ck . Ma yb e th a ts w h y sh e a l so fel t k i n d of p a n i ck y a n d stra n g e a n d , rea l l y emb a rra ssed a l l of a su d d en . Wa s a n yon e w a tch i n g em b th em ? Sh e b l u sh ed , b u t d i d n t ca re, b eca u se i t w a s th e fi rst ti m e sh ed b l u sh ed i n fron t me of C u rti s for d a ys. An d i n th i s ca se i t i s tota l l y a p p rop ri a te! U m ...m a yb e l i k e th i s room i s too crow d ed to b e d oi n g th a t? Sh e l ook ed d eep i n to C u rti ss g ra ss g reen eyes. Wh y d i d i t seem a s th ou g h h e som eh ow sort of someh en j oyed h er d i scomfort? scom fort? Rel a x, V ere. Im n ot g oi n g to b i te you , h e mu rm u red a s h e scooted cl oser. H i s mu sl ow l y ci rcl i n g fi n g er d i d n ot on ce m i ss a tu rn on h er th i g h . T h i s i s w h y, l i k e I sa i d , w e n eed to sp en d more ti m e a l on e. m ore Y ea h . I a g ree. Sh e g l a n ced a t h i s g org eou s l i p s a n d w on d ered w h a t i t w ou l d fi n a l l y b e l i k e to k i ss h i m for rea l . H er h ea rt ru sh ed i n to h er th roa t, a n d h er m i n d fl ed to p a n i c. Ki ss h i m? Ki ss h i m? KISS HIM? I ca n t. I si mp l y C AN T . Wh a t i f I fl i p a n d k n ock h i m ou t a g a i n or someth i n g ? Aa a h ! T h ere w a s n o w a y sh e cou l d tru st h ersel f to try tou ch i n g h er l i p s to h i s. Sh e k n ew d eep i n si d e sh e w a s tru l y sti l l a n a w k w a rd m ess w h ere h e w a s con cern ed , esp eci a l l y on th e k i ssi n g fron t. J u st th i n k i n g a b ou t i t, a n d th e stu p i d i n ci d en t h a d h er sh a k i n g . O n e step a t a ti me, V ere. D on t th i n k a b ou t k i ssi n g yet. J u st sta y cool a n d en j oy th e g oose b u mp s. Y ou l i k e th ose... G ooseb u mp s, g etti n g a sk ed to h omecomi n g a n d ci rcl es on my th i g h : A++ Ki ssi n g , l a ter. O n e test a t a ti me. Im p a ssi n g w el l en ou g h tod a y. Sh e p u l l ed h er g a ze from h i s fa ce a n d con cen tra ted i n stea d on th e sh ort th i ck w a ves th a t m a d e u p h i s p erfectl y cu t si d eb u rn s. C u rti s h a d a m a zi n g h a i r. ma Al most a s n i ce a s D u sti n s... Sh e sw a l l ow ed a n od d l u m p i n h er th roa t a n d m oved on e p erfect b l a ck cu rl off mp C u rti ss foreh ea d . It stu ck to h er fi n g er. Sh e h a d to w ork for a secon d to u n ta n g l e i t w i th ou t h u rti n g h i m . Sorry, sh e a d d ed w h en sh e fa i l ed , a n d h ed w i n ced . m.

T h e l a u g h ter from a cross th e sta g e h a d rea ch ed a n ew l evel of h i l a ri ty. T h ey b oth l ook ed over to see D u sti n a n d J en n a p erform i n g som e od d m i m e- typ e d a n ce. E ven Mrs. V a n D eWi rth w a s i n on th e fu n . V ere w i sh ed sh e cou l d h ea r th em b e p a rt of i t. T h e cu rl sh ed m oved d rop p ed b a ck d ow n . I so d on t mi ss th ose tw o ri g h t n ow , C u rti s sa i d resu m i n g h i s ci rcl es on h er mi mi oth er k n ee. Sh e g l a n ced on e l a st ti m e over a t h er fri en d s a n d th en b a ck a t h er h om ecom i n g me d a te a n d smi l ed . N ei th er d o I, sh e l i ed . sm i

30: lake swimming Dustin

D u sti n McH u g h h a d l a n d ed b a ck i n h ea ven . McHu Mrs. Roth s food h ea ven . He fel t ri g h t a t h ome b a ck i n th e Roth fa m i l y ca b i n . L i k e h e rea l l y b el on g ed He mi h ere. T h eyd g i ven h i m h i s ol d room. Au n t N a n sa i d sh e w a s sta yi n g b eh i n d to room . ca tch u p on cu tti n g b a ck h er g a rd en , b u t h e k n ew sh e p rob a b l y w a n ted a w eek en d of p ea ce w i th ou t a b u n ch of teen a g ers i n h er h ou se. D u sti n h a d j u st g org ed h i msel f on Mrs. Roth s fa m ou s j a l a p e o, roa sted g reen mou ch i l i , crea m ch eese a n d scra mb l ed - eg g b a g el s. So d a m n g ood , a n d sa ti sfyi n g . Mostl y b eca u se Mrs. Roth h a d l eft a n ote on th e p l a te. J u st for h i m. m. F or ou r d ea r, D u sti n . E a t u p . F resh j u i ce i n th e fri d g e. Hed p ock eted th e l i ttl e sl i p of p a p er a n d d on e exa ctl y a s i n stru cted , ea ti n g u n ti l H ed h i s stoma ch h u rt. Hea ven . D efi n i tel y. Hea ven . An d Mrs. Roth i s my rea l l i ve a n g el . T h eyd a l l a rri ved l a te l a st n i g h t. J en n a a n d V ere most p rob a b l y h a d g on e to th e l a k e for a sw i m. It w a s a l l th eyd ta l k ed a b ou t on th e ri d e u p . T h a t i s, b efore J en n a Ri l ey, w h o h a d ta k en th e cen ter sea t, h a d fa l l en a sl eep a l l over h i s l a p . Sh ed d rool ed on h i m for th e l a st h ou r of th e tri p . At l ea st i t h a d a mu sed V ere w h od g i g g l ed a b ou t i t every fi ve mi n u tes. mi G i rl h a d th e sw eetest l a u g h . He a ssu med Mr. a n d Mrs. Roth h a d l on g g on e on a h i k e, d oi n g w h a t th ey ca l l ed He m ed a fou rteen er . V ere h a d exp l a i n ed th e term mea n t a h i k e th a t i n vol ved a p ea k a t ( or h i g h er th a n ) 14,000 feet. D u sti n h a d op ted ou t, sw ea ri n g h e n eed ed extra sl eep . C h a rl i e a n d th e p erfect C u rti s, h a d a l so b eg g ed off th e h i k e, a n d w ere sti l l sl eep i n g u p sta i rs. Hed tri ed to rea d on th e covered p orch b u t th e l a te morn i n g su n h a d tu rn ed i t i n to a sa u n a . He w i sh ed h ed b rou g h t a l on g h i s g u i ta r, b u t h ed l eft i t a t h om e. He d i d n t w a n t C u rti s or J en n a to k n ow h e cou l d p l a y th a t w el l , a n d w h en h e He h a d th a t b ea u ti fu l ol d Stra t i n h i s h a n d s h e cou l d n t resi st si mp l y p l a yi n g i t w el l . mp After p a ci n g a rou n d i n si d e for a g ood h a l f h ou r, h e d a sh ed u p to h i s room a n d p u t on th e sw i m tru n k s C h a rl i e h a d l en t h i m l a st ti m e. H e d eci d ed to w a l k a l on g th e l a k e l oop to sea rch for J en n a a n d V ere. An d ma yb e sw i m or q u i ck l y cool off. ma Ma yb e. It d i d n t ta k e h i m l on g to l oca te th e p a th V ere h a d sh ow n h i m th a t fi rst w eek en d . Wi th i n mi n u tes h ed ma d e i t to th e sh orel i n e of th e l i ttl e j ew el l ook i n g l a k e. He sca n n ed a h ea d a n d ch eck ed ou t th e emp ty d ock . He em p Perfect. Im a l on e. He ma d e h i s w a y over to i t, p u l l ed off h i s p l a i d sh i rt, t- sh i rt, k i ck ed off h i s He

sh oes, a n d sta red d ow n a t th e w a ter ri p p l i n g i n th e b reeze. Ma yb e sw i mmi n g i sn t su ch a g ood i d ea . Ma yb e su n screen fi rst. H e tu ck ed h i s reta i n er a n d g l a sses i n to h i s d i sca rd ed sh i rt, a n d g ra b b ed u p h i s He b ottl e of su n screen , sl a th eri n g som e on a s h e con temp l a ted th e d a rk w a ter a g a i n . some H e h a ted th a t h e cou l d n t see th e b ottom. Wi th a p ool , h e cou l d a l w a ys see th e ottom . b ottom . B u t th i s...h el l ... H e w a tch ed a s a stri n g y w a ter p l a n t a n d som e d ry, b row n l ea ves d ri fted a cross th e He su rfa ce u n ti l th ey sl i d w h i sp er q u i et u n d er th e d ock . C reep y. H e sh u d d ered a n d l ook ed a cross to th e oth er si d e. In th e d i sta n ce a l a rg e fi sh , a He trou t p ossi b l y, fl u n g i tsel f ou t of th e w a ter a n d fl i p p ed b efore i t sp l a sh ed b a ck d ow n . D ou b l e creep y! N o w a y a m I g oi n g i n ...n o w a y! A m ovemen t a n d a fl a sh of col or ca u g h t h i s eye to th e l eft of th e d ock b eh i n d a movemen l a rg e scru b oa k . H e ca u g h t h i s b rea th . He T h e l a k e, th e d ock , th e m ou n ta i n s i n th e d i sta n ce, a l l tw i sted i n to a g ra yi sh b l u r, mou b l a sti n g ou t of focu s excep t for th e si g h t of V ere w h o a p p ea red to b e sou n d a sl eep stretch ed ou t on th e h i d d en fl a t rock th a t j u tted i n to th e l a k e. H er g i a n t sw ea tsh i rt h a d b een tu rn ed i n to a p i l l ow . H er h a i r, u n b ou n d , tu m b l ed Her w i l d l y a cross th e rock a n d a l l a rou n d h er. He h a d th e stra n g est d j vu sen sa ti on . Ha ve I d rea med th i s? O r IS th i s th e d rea m? H e sh ook h i s h ea d sl i g h tl y i n a n a ttem p t to ri g h t h i s th ou g h ts, ri g h t th e u n i verse He th a t n ow sp u n b en ea th h i s feet. How cou l d V ere j u st b e h ere a l on e? Wa s th a t sa fe? Wh ere w a s J en n a ? D i d th e g i rl n ot fea r b ei n g h i t w i th a fl yi n g fi sh ? H i s cl a ri ty sl i p p ed a g a i n , a s h i s g a ze moved over th e rest of h er. Hi Hel l . T h i s w a s n ot th e fa sh i on d i sa ster, on e- p i ece- n i g h tm a re sw i m su i t h ed exp ected V ere to ow n . Sh e w a s w ea ri n g a d a rk red b i k i n i ! A very sm a l l , very fa sh i on a b l e, i m p ossi b l y sexy, d a rk red b i k i n i . H e a te u p th e si g h t of h er. Sh e w a s g org eou s i n i t. H e w a s d yi n g to g et a cl oser He g l i m p se a t w h a t l ook ed l i k e a p erfect, d efi n i tel y ova l sh a p ed , tu ck ed - i n , su p er cu te b el l y b u tton i n h er fl a t, ta n stom a ch ! stoma H er b i k i n i b ottom s ti ed i n a b ow on ea ch si d e. Her T h ey stretch ed p erfectl y over h er h i p s a s th ou g h th e su i t h a d b een cu stom m a d e j u st for h er. He n oted h er l on g , sl i m l eg s d i d n t l ook a t a l l g a w k y l i k e th i s. N op e. N ot i n th i s ou tfi t. Is a b i k i n i a n ou tfi t? Hel l . H e fel t a l l of h i s b l ood ru sh i n to h i s sw i m tru n k s. He H e p u sh ed b a ck th e su d d en feel i n g of g u i l t for h i s u n con trol l a b l e a ttra cti on to He h er. Wh o cou l d b l a me h i m ? H ow cou l d th e si g h t of h er, or a n y g i rl for th a t m a tter, sp ra w l ed ou t i n a b i k i n i How

n ot g et h i m a l l w ork ed u p ? H e w a s a g u y, ri g h t? An d sh e w a s a g i rl . A b ea u ti fu l He g i rl i n a b i k i n i . An d h e h a d n t seen th a t i n a very l on g ti m e. Sa d l y, sh e w a s n ot j u st a n y g i rl . He h a d n o ri g h t to th i n k a b ou t h er l i k e th i s. H e He h a d to remem b er th a t, b u t h ow ? rem em Sh ed a l rea d y exp l od ed h i s h ea rt l a st w eek w i th th e g u i ta r g i ft a n d n ow sh ed j u st b l ow n h i s m i n d b y si m p l y ta k i n g a n a p ! D i d sh e n ot u n d ersta n d th e l i ttl e p u ff of a i r from h er sw eet l i ttl e m ou th h a d j u st mou sh a ttered h i m i n to ten m i l l i on p i eces of d esp era te l on g i n g ? Y ou l ook l i k e a g a p i n g fool ri g h t n ow . G et you r sh i t tog eth er. H e l ook ed a rou n d . Wh o ca res. T h e g i rl of my d rea ms i s th e on l y on e a rou n d a n d sh es a sl eep , n ot w a tch i n g me. An d i ts n ot a s th ou g h Im g oi n g to h a ve th e ch a n ce to see h er l i k e th i s a g a i n . Il l l ook my fi l l , a n d th en a d d th e memory to my l i st of tortu rou s th i n g s I ca n n ever exp l ore fu rth er a b ou t V ere Roth . An d b e d on e. H e g l a n ced a rou n d a g a i n , b u t th en b a ck a t V ere. D u d e. Y ou n eed to w a l k a w a y. Ri g h t n ow . Wa l k th e h el l ou t of h ere. L et h er sl eep i n p ea ce... T h e su d d en si m u l ta n eou s th rob b i n g th a t h a d sta rted u p i n h i s h ea d , com b i n ed mu w i th w h a t w a s a l rea d y h a p p en i n g d ow n i n h i s sw i m tru n k s, m u st h a ve rob b ed h i m mu of h a l f h i s b ra i n . O n e more mi n u te. J u st a ti n y b i t l on g er... Sh e si g h ed i n h er sl eep , a sou n d w h i ch stol e a w a y h i s a b i l i ty to m ove on e m ore i n ch . He n eed ed a momen t to g a th er h i s...con trol . B u t d a mn h er b i k i n i top ...a n d d a mn me for b ei n g a w ea k l i n g ...a n d d a mn th a t b i k i n i top AG AIN ...a n d h ow sh e fi l l s i t u p l i k e th a t. Wh o k n ew ? If a b ea r, or a b u ffa l o, or a m ou n ta i n l i on h a d tra m p l ed ou t of th e w ood s j u st mp th en , h e w ou l d n ot b e a b l e to ru n or even a ttem p t to sa ve V ere. H e w a s th e on e He w h o n eed ed sa vi n g n ow . He sw a l l ow ed a n d cra n ed h i s h ea d forw a rd a n d sw a l l ow ed He a g a i n . T h i s w a s m a d n ess. H e w a s fu l l on og l i n g h er l i k e a creep y sta l k er n ow a n d h e cou l d n t w ou l d n t stop . B u t h er sk i n ... H ed on l y ever seen h er fa ce a n d n eck , m a yb e som e a rm s, a n d k n eeca p s, b u t th i s th i s g i rl w i th th i s sk i n , a l l l a i d ou t b ei n g k i ssed b y th e su n . P l u s every si n g l e, crea my cu rve of h er? An d a l l i n on e g l a n ce? my A stra n d of h er g ol d en - b row n h a i r ca u g h t i n th e b reeze a n d settl ed i tsel f a cross h er ch est b efore i t w h i p p ed u p a n d ca u g h t a g a i n st h er l i p s. L i p s th a t h a ve n ever b een k i ssed . Rememb er th a t, d u d e. Rememb er th a t. H i s ow n rea l i ty ca m e cra sh i n g b a ck a rou n d h i m . T h e fa cts w ere th a t h e w a s m i l l i on s of m i l es a w a y from ever b ei n g a b l e to m a k e con ta ct, or d eserve th e k i n d of sw eetn ess th a t ma d e u p V ere Roth . ma H e forced h i m sel f to l ook a w a y.

H e k n ew , w i th ou t a d ou b t th a t h e w a n ted h er, b u t i t w a sn t h i s u su a l u n d ersta n d a b l e, p h ysi ca l k i n d of w a n t. H e w a n ted w h a t h e cou l d n t h a ve. H e w a n ted h er to b e h i s, a s i n , h i s g i rl fri en d . H e w a n ted th e ri g h t to l ove h er. He H e th ou g h t b a ck to w h a t sh ed sa i d to h i m on th i s very d ock . H ow i t w a s a l l su p p osed to b e ea sy a n d si m p l e a n d fu l l of b u tterfl i es. H ed m ock ed h er th en , b u t n ow h e a d m i tted th e tru th . H ed fel t th e d a m n b u tterfl i es from th e fi rst m om en t h ed seen h er. omen So, fi n e. T h ey d i d exi st for h i m a n d i n h u g e a m ou n ts. As for th e ea sy p a rt. T h a t d i d n ot. N ot for h i s l i fe, a n d n ot for h i m. H e g l a n ced b a ck over a t h er a n d sh ook h i s m. h ea d . C ou l d h e ever tel l h er j u st h ow d eep l y h ed fa l l en for h er? Wa s h e a d mi tti n g mi h e w a s fu l l - on i n l ove w i th h er? An d , i f th i s w a s l ove, h e n eed ed to stop i t. It w a s b a d en ou g h th a t h ed a l m ost seri ou sl y k i ssed h er i n fron t of Au n t N a n most w h en sh ed h a n d ed h i m th e g u i ta r; b u t n ow h e h a d th i s feel i n g th a t h i s h ea rt m i g h t i m p l od e. E xp l od e. Wh a tever. Peop l e d i d n t j u st fa l l i n l ove i n a cou p l e of w eek s, d i d th ey? D el ete th e i d ea of l ove from you r h ea d . Sh e l oves C u rti s. Y ou tw o a re fri en d s th a ts i t. G et over i t a n d b e h a p p y you g et to k n ow th i s g i rl a t a l l . Y ou d ra th er h a ve a h er for a fri en d a t th e en d of th i s th a n n oth i n g . N oth i n g , h e k n ew for a fa ct, w a s n ever w orth i t. B u t d a mn ... H e w a n ted to k i ss h er u p p er l i p fi rst. T h e on e sh e d rove h i m cra zy w i th every d a y w h en sh e ch ew ed on i t. An d th en h ed k i ss h er b ottom on e, b eca u se th a t p oor l i p w a s sorel y l a ck i n g i n h i s a tten ti on . An d th en a g a i n , a fter a l on g w h i l e of m ore k i ssi n g , h ed m a k e h er l a u g h , k i ss th e more g i g g l es ri g h t off h er m ou th . After th a t, h ed see i f h e cou l d try to con vi n ce h er to ta k e th a t b i k i n i top off a n d ...m a yb e... ...ma Ma yb e w h a t? Y ou a ss. Sh ed fl i p ou t. T a k e you r frea k fa n ta sy a n d w a l k a w a y. As h e tu rn ed , tota l l y sh a k en n ow , h e a cci d en tl y d rop p ed h i s b ottl e of su n screen . T h e b ottl e th w a n g - k a th u mp ed , a s l ou d a s a m eta l d ru m , rol l i n g a cross th e d ock , th w a n g - k a th u mp i n g th e w h ol e w a y. V ere sti rred a n d l ock ed g a zes w i th h i m . Ka rma . H ed b een si l l y to th i n k h e cou l d h ea d ou t a fter tu rn i n g i n to a n i n secu re, sta l k i n g a ss, sp orti n g a g i a n t w ood y w h i l e og l i n g a n i n n ocen t, u n su sp ecti n g g i rl ! Hel l n o. N ow h e h a d to p a y. In stea d of sh ock , fea r, or su rp ri se, V ere si m p l y sa t h a l fw a y u p on h er el b ow , sh a d ed h er sl eep y b row n eyes, ya w n ed , sm i l ed , a n d sa i d , Hey. Y a y! Y ou re h ere. smi H ey. H e tri ed n ot to g roa n ou t l ou d . H e w a s n ow i n tru e, p h ysi ca l p a i n . Worse, sh e w a s a b ou t to n oti ce w h y! B eca u se sh ed j u st d ou b l ed th e p rob l em i n h i s sw i m tru n k s w i th h er b ea u ti fu l sm i l e. smi Hel l ! T h ou g h t you w ere too ch i ck en to try th i s, sh e a d d ed . H er voi ce h a d ca m e ou t me

a l l ra sp y- sexy. H er eyes w ere h ea vy w i th sl eep . A l en g th of h a i r sl i d over h er sh ou l d er, cu rl i n g a rou n d h er ta n n ed h i p s! T a n g l i n g i n to th e l i ttl e red b i k i n i b ow s! B eyon d h ot. Sh i t! H e k n ew h e w a s g oi n g to d i e, or a t l ea st g o to h el l for ea ch a n d every on e of th e He si x- th ou sa n d , tw i sted th ou g h ts b ou n ci n g th rou g h h i s b ra i n ri g h t n ow . H e cou l d n t a n sw er h er. O n l y b l i n k l i k e a fool . He Mu st h a ve fa l l en a sl eep . I n eed to sw i tch si d es or Im g oi n g to g et b u rn ed . Sh e fl i p p ed over to h er stom a ch , tota l l y a t ea se i n fron t of h i m a n d u n a w a re of h i s extrem e d i scomfort. scom fort. Wh i l e sh e settl ed h er h ea d on h er a rm s, a n d fou n d h i s g a ze a g a i n , som e of h er h a i r sl i d off th e rock a n d sp rea d l i k e a fa n of fl oa ti n g cu rl s j u st u n d er th e su rfa ce of th e w a ter. Sh e l ook ed l i k e a rea l , l i ve m erm a i d ! merm T h e rem a i n i n g m a ss of h a i r b i l l ow ed a rou n d h er sh ou l d ers a n d tra i l ed d ow n h er b a ck , th e en d s of i t resti n g j u st a b ove h er w a i st w h ere h i s fi n g ers l on g ed to tou ch . Wh a t? sh e a sk ed , p rob a b l y ra m p i n g i n to th e fa ct th a t h e h a d n t u ttered on e w ord . Its so h ot, i sn t i t? Ka rma w a s u n b el i eva b l y cru el . Q u i ck l y, w i th ou t a secon d th ou g h t, h e took a h u g e b rea th a n d j u m p ed i n to th e l a k e. H e l et h i m sel f si n k sl ow l y u n d er th e su rfa ce. He T h e cool d a rk w a ter ca l m ed h i m i n si d e a n d ou t. P l a n ts, fi sh a n d oth er l a k e crea tu res w ere n o l on g er fri g h ten i n g to h i m a t a l l . H e p u sh ed every ou n ce of b rea th ou t of h i s l u n g s a n d op en ed h i s eyes. E n j oyi n g He th e si l en ce u n d er th e w a ter, h e w a tch ed a s h i s a i r b u b b l es w ob b l ed u p , p op p i n g a t th e su rfa ce. H e n oted th e b ri g h t, C ol ora d o- b l u e sk y a b ove a s h e con tem p l a ted h i s n ew He p h ob i a s: g n om e g i rl s, m erm a i d s a n d i m p ossi b l e l ove. As i f on cu e, V ere d ove i n to th e w a ter, g ra b b ed h i s a rm , a n d ya n k ed h i m u p .

31: guy language VERE

U G H! V ere sh ou ted , tryi n g to ca tch h er b rea th . Wh y d o g u ys a l w a ys h ol d th ei r sti n k i n g b rea th u n d er w a ter for a s l on g a s p ossi b l e? C h a rl i e d oes i t! My d a d d oes i t! E very g u y Ive ever k n ow n d oes i t! G u ys su ck w h en th ey sw i m. m . Sh e a n d D u sti n w ere trea d i n g w a ter fa ci n g ea ch oth er. Sh e p u sh ed h er h ea vy, w et h a i r off h er fa ce. Sh e h a d n t h a d ti me to b u n i t b efore j u mp i n g i n w h en D u sti n me mp d i d n t su rfa ce i n w h a t sh e d eemed a n a p p rop ri a te ti m e for h i m to come u p . me com e Its w h a t g u ys d o. Wh a t ca n I sa y? D u sti n l a u g h ed , b u t i t w a sn t h i s u su a l , ea sy l a u g h . It sou n d ed forced . N ot fu n n y. Sh e g l ow ered , sca n n i n g h i s fa ce to see i f h e w a s ok a y. Sh e w a s rel i eved w h en h e a d d ed h i s u su a l i mp i sh g ri n , b u t rea l i zed h e w a sn t w ea ri n g th e mp reta i n er or th e g l a sses. How sh ed forg otten h ow sh ed mi ssed h i s rea l smi l e a n d h i s rea l over- th e- top H ow mi sm i b ea u ti fu l fa ce ou tsi d e of th e u g l y h a ts h e w ore. Sh e fel t so com forta b l e a rou n d comforta h i m . Wh en h a d sh e b eg u n to ta k e h i s a m a zi n g l ook s for g ra n ted ? O r...h a d sh e? m. B eca u se ri g h t n ow h e w a s so a ma zi n g l y stu n n i n g w i th d rop s of w a ter a l l over h i m, sh e w a s p retty su re sh e w a sn t ta k i n g i t for g ra n ted . So h es b ea u ti fu l . So I n oti ce. So w h a t? I ca n t tu rn off my eyes, ri g h t? F i rst ti me to h ol d my b rea th i n a l a k e th ou g h . Hi s voi ce sou n d ed m ore n orma l Hi orm a th a t ti me. Ha d sh e i ma g i n ed th e ten si on i n i t? I w a sn t u n d er th ere th a t l on g , h e Ha a d d ed . Sh e cu p p ed h er h a n d , fi l l ed i t w i th w a ter a n d sp l a sh ed h i m. Y ou w ere too. I b et m. you k n ew i t frea k ed me ou t. Sh e sp l a sh ed h i m a g a i n , th i s ti me h a rd er to sh ow sh e me w a s seri ou s a b ou t th e frea k ed ou t p a rt. Hi s eyes su d d en l y stru ck h er a s b l u er th a n sh e rememb ered . Ma yb e i t w a s th e sk y, Hi remem b refl ecti n g i n to th e l a k e w i th th e b ri g h t su n ? O r ma yb e i t w a s b eca u se h e seemed to b e l ook i n g rea l l y d eep l y i n to h er eyes. Sh e sw a m cl oser a n d sca n n ed h i s en ti re fa ce a g a i n . Y ou r h a i r seem s to b e l i g h ten i n g u p a b i t a l l over. Y ou mi g h t w a n t to re- col or i t soon , b efore you r roots g row ou t? sh e sa i d fi n a l l y, w h en sh e rea l i zed sh ed sta red too l on g a l l over a g a i n . Y ea h . Its on my l i st. Ive b een h i d i n g i t n on stop . D on t w orry. He sh ook ou t h i s w et h a i r. V ere w a s cl ose en ou g h to rea ch over a n d move on e l on g , w et stra n d ou t of h i s m ove eyes. I cou l d tri m i t a g a i n , sh e sa i d a b sen tl y. Wa i t. H e sm i l ed . Y ou re g oi n g to h a ve to rep ea t th a t move i n on e secon d . Im He smi n ot th e b est sw i mm er...so I n eed my h a n d s to k eep me fl oa ti n g . He sh ook ou t h i s mmer...so h a i r a g a i n , d el i b era tel y sp ra yi n g h er fa ce w i th th e w a ter from h i s h a i r. Sh e l a u g h ed , a n d ob l i g i n g l y moved th e w a yw a rd p i ece of d a rk b row n h a i r a g a i n . Sh e l i k ed h ow i t sta yed p u t, j u st w h ere sh e set i t.

T h a n k s. Wh eres you r si d ek i ck ? h e a sk ed . J en n a s w i th my p a ren ts. Sh e w a n ted to b a g on e m ore b i g p ea k for th e sea son . V ere sh ook h er h ea d , u n a b l e n ot to k eep stu d yi n g th e a n g l es a n d p l a n es of h i s fa ce, remem b eri n g th e fi rst ti m e sh ed ever seen h i m . m. Sh e fi g u red i t w a s a d a rn g ood th i n g J en n a h a d d eci d ed to g o on th e h i k e w i th h er p a ren ts b eca u se, d u h a n d h ol y cow . T h ere w a s n o d i sg u i si n g th i s g u y i n th i s l a k e. Worse, b efore D u sti n h a d j u m p ed i n , V eres g a ze h a d b een stu ck on h i s a w a rd w i n n i n g si x- p a ck l i k e a sta ri n g w ei rd o. D i n g - d i n g i ty- d i n g ! An d th e fi rst p ri ze g oes to Mr. WO W! D i d you see th a t d i ve off th e d ock ? Sh e h a d a l so n ot mi ssed h i s p erfect, mu scu l a r, b i cep s, a n d sh ou l d ers. An d mi mu l eg s...a n d a l l of h i m! m! Stu p i d a ssets! J eez. E n cou ra g i n g th i s g u y th row on a su i t a n d sw i m h a d b een a very b a d i d ea . J en n a w ou l d h a ve ta g g ed a l l of th a t m u scu l a r p erfecti on ri g h t a w a y. Sh e w ou l d h a ve sta rted a sk i n g q u esti on s. Sh e w ou l d h a ve fl u n g h ersel f a t h i m . O r w orse! Meg a - b u l l et d od g ed . V ere tri ed to era se th e i m a g e of h i s p erfect a ssets from h er m i n d a s sh e ta u n ted ma h i m b y sw i mm i n g a rou n d i n a ci rcl e u si n g h er b est si d e strok e. H e sp u n a l on g w i th h er, k eep i n g h i s sh ou l d ers u n d er th e w a ter, b u t tu rn i n g He a l on g w i th h er strok es, fa ci n g h er th e w h ol e ti m e. H i s g a ze w a s p en si ve. An me. Hi exp ressi on sh ed n ever seen b efore, a n d sh e th ou g h t sh ed seen th em a l l . Sh e w on d ered i f h e w a s g oi n g to b ri n g u p h er cryi n g a tta ck a n d l a m e ea vesd rop p i n g . T h ey sti l l h a d n t ta l k ed a b ou t i t yet, so sh e k n ew i t w a s i n evi ta b l e. D oes h i s l ook mea n : Aw k w a rd con versa ti on comes n ext? H op i n g to a voi d i t, sh e sp l a sh ed h i m w i th a b i g a rc of w a ter, a n d p a d d l ed Hop b a ck w a rd s a w a y from h i m . H i s b row s sh ot u p . O h . O h you w a n t to p l a y th a t, d o you ? Hi Y ep . B eca u se th a t , V ere cou l d h a n d l e w a y b etter th a n h ow h er h ea rt fel t w h en sh e th ou g h t a b ou t h i m b ei n g sa d for so l on g w i th ou t a n y fri en d s. Sh e a d d ed , B u t b ew a re. T a n g l e w i th me, you l l l ose. Ive b een tra i n ed b y C h a rl i e a t th i s sp ort. Sh e tu rn ed q u i ck l y a n d h i t th e su rfa ce of th e l a k e w i th a p erfect h a n d - to- w a ter sl a m . Sh e g ot h i s h ea d , d ea d on , w i th ton s of sp ra y. O h ...n o you d i d n t! H e sw a m a fter h er a n d sp l a sh ed h er b a ck , h a rd . V ere reta l i a ted w i th h er ep i c, tw o h a n d ed w a ter fl ood . Ha ! H a H e cou g h ed , ch ok ed a n d cou l d n t g et ou t of i t.Y ou w a n t to h ol d you r b rea th so He l on g , w h y d on t you sta rt a g a i n n ow ? sh e tea sed , l etti n g th e g u y ca tch h i s b rea th a s sh e ch a n g ed p osi ti on s for h er g ra n d fi n a l e. Wh i l e h e w i p ed w a ter ou t of h i s fa ce, V ere l a i d h er en ti re a rm fl a t a g a i n st th e w a ter a n d h el d i t ri g i d , d i g g i n g i t j u st i n to th e w a ters su rfa ce to crea te a p erfect, m i n i - ti d a l w a ve. It rose u p a b ou t th ree feet a n d a ced h i m ri g h t i n th e m ou th , ca u si n g h i m to ch ok e a l l over a g a i n . H e l ook ed so su rp ri sed a s h e w i p ed h i s fa ce a secon d ti m e sh e cou l d n t h el p b u t He g i g g l e. Wh a t? D i d n t th i n k I h a d i t i n m e? Sh e g i g g l ed a g a i n . Y ou rea d y for me?

a n oth er? Sta rt h ol d i n g you r b rea th , ci ty b oy. F u n w a ter fi g h t: A++ D u sti n ra i sed h i s eyeb row s h i g h , b u t i n stea d of reta l i a ti n g a s sh ed exp ected , h e su ck ed i n a d eep b rea th a n d d rop p ed b a ck d ow n u n d er th e d a rk w a ter. F i n e. I ca n w a i t. He w i l l n ot g et to me tw i ce. D on t cou n t, V ere. D on t l et h i m w i n . How ma n y secon d s h a s i t b een ? Sh e p a d d l ed over to w h ere h ed d i sa p p ea red a n d p eered a rou n d l ook i n g for a fl a sh of sw i m tru n k s or p a l e sk i n u n d er th e su rfa ce. N oth i n g . Y ou j erk . C om e u p , sh e ca l l ed i n to th e w a ter. Wa s h e h ea d i n g tow a rd h er i n a su rp ri se, d u n k a tta ck from b eh i n d ? If so, b ri n g i t. C h a rl i e i n ven ted th a t g a me, a n d sh e b ea t h i m a t i t every ti m e. m e, Sh e d ove d ow n a s d eep a s sh e cou l d to m eet h i m h ea d on , b u t a g a i n , h e w a sn t meet th ere. Wh y d i d th i s a l w a ys h a ve to frea k h er ou t so b a d l y? Sh e resu rfa ced a n d g l ow ered . D u sti n McH u g h , i f you th i n k you re sca ri n g m e...w el l you a re. Y ou w i n . O k a y? Y O U WIN ! sh e sh ou ted . V eres g a ze sea rch ed fu rth er ou t i n to th e l a k e to b e su re h e h a d n t su rfa ced som ew h ere ou t of rea ch . D u sti n ! V eres h ea rt p i ck ed u p i ts p a ce a s p a n i c set i n . Sh e took i n a s m u ch a i r mu a s sh e p ossi b l y cou l d a n d w en t u n d er a g a i n . T h i s ti me, sh e sw a m i n a l on g , d eep m e, ci rcl e. H er h a n d s rea ch ed th rou g h th e w a ter i n every d i recti on b u t ca m e i n to Her con ta ct w i th on l y w a ter. Her l u n g s fel t a s th ou g h th eyd b u rst, b u t sh e sta yed H er d ow n , h er eyes w i d e op en i n th e m u rk y w a ter, l ook i n g for a n y si g n of h i m. mu m. L a rg e, very w a rm a rm s ci rcl ed h er w a i st from b eh i n d . Sh e k n ew i t w a s h i m, sa fe rms m, a n d sou n d , a n d p rob a b l y th i n k i n g th i s w a s a l l very fu n n y. Sh e w en t l i m p w i th rel i ef a n d l et h i m p u l l h er u p . Sh e g a sp ed i n a h u g e b rea th of a i r a s sh e b rok e th e su rfa ce a n d tu rn ed to k i l l him. H e d i d n ot d rop h i s a rm s w h en sh e g ri p p ed d esp era tel y on to h i s forea rm s for rms su p p ort, trea d i n g w a ter a l on g w i th h i m . m. Wea k sw i m m er, m y a ss. Y ou su ck ! mm Y ou tol d m e to sta rt h ol d i n g m y b rea th , so I on l y d i d w h a t you a sk ed . H i s g a ze w a s b ri g h t a n d u n rea d a b l e. H e rem a i n ed si l en t, a n d sh e fel t sw a l l ow ed u p for a m om en t i n to th e i n ten si ty of h i s g a ze. C ou l d n t you h ea r m e ca l l i n g ? Wh a t i n th e h el l w ere you tryi n g to d o? Ki l l you rsel f? Sh e g l a n ced d ow n a n d rea l i zed h er h a n d s w ere over th e sca rs on h i s w ri sts. Sh e g a sp ed a n d l ook ed u p i n to h i s fa ce, i m m ed i a tel y reg retti n g w h a t sh ed sa i d so l i g h tl y. Sh e cou l d tel l from th e l ook on h i s fa ce, h e th ou g h t sh e w a s rea cti n g b a d l y to h i s sca rs. Sh e fel t h i m try to tw i st h i s w ri sts a w a y from h er. N o! H er voi ce q u a k ed . P l ea se. Wa i t. Sh e h el d on to h i s w ri sts extra ti g h t. Her Wh a t w a s sh e su p p osed to sa y to h i m a fter sh ed screw ed u p so b a d l y, a g a i n ? Sh e took a d eep b rea th . Im sorry. I d i d n t m ea n to sa y th a t. I d i d n t. Y ou k n ow I a l w a ys ta l k too q u i ck l y a n d w h en I g a sp ed i t w a s n ot b eca u se of you , i t w a s

b eca u se of m e a l w a ys b ei n g so stu p i d . An d so... H er th roa t w a s cl osi n g u p , a n d sh e stop p ed trea d i n g w a ter. H i s h a n d s w ere g en tl e, a n d su rp ri si n g l y w a rm on th e si d es of h er w a i st. T ea rs h a d fi l l ed u p ea ch of h er l i m b s. Sh e cou l d h a rd l y m ove. V ere. D on t. H i s voi ce w a s too l ow . T oo soft. Wa ter, ru sh i n g over ston es a s sh e Hi sen sed h e, too, w a s h ol d i n g b a ck tea rs. D on t sa y you re sorry for m e. I k n ow w h a t you m ea n t. Its ok a y. J u st p l ea se d on t cry a g a i n . N ot a b ou t m e, n ot a b ou t mea th e d a m n sca rs I p u t on m ysel f. Im n ot. T h ey b oth k n ew i t w a s a l i e. V ere l et h i m fl oa t h er w ei g h t fu l l y. H e sw a m th em a l i ttl e tow a rd sh ore u n ti l th ey cou l d tou ch b ottom , b u t d i d n t l et h er g o. Sh e cou l d n t l ook u p a t h i s fa ce, so i n stea d , sh e p u l l ed h i s a rm s off h er w a i st a n d b rou g h t th em n ea r th e su rfa ce a n d k ep t th em th ere j u st u n d er th e w a ter. Sh e l et h er fi n g ers tra ce th e j a g g ed l i n es crossi n g b a ck a n d forth . H e d i d n t p u l l th em a w a y, b u t sh e cou l d feel h i m trem b l e a t h er tou ch es. It fel t n i ce to k n ow h e tru sted h er w i th th i s. Wi th th i s p a rt of h i m . Sh e fi n a l l y sp ok e, h er fi n g ers sti l l on th e w i d est p a rt of h i s sca rs. Im g l a d you d i d n t su cceed a t th i s or even com e cl ose. I ca n t i m a g i n e n ot k n ow i n g you . Sh e sn i ffed b a ck a fl ood of tea rs, a n d w h i sp ered , Si n ce I overh ea rd you r story Ive h a ve th i s terri b l e fl a sh of h ow i t mi g h t h a ve g on e. I k eep th i n k i n g of you n ot b ei n g j u st n ot b ei n g i n th e w orl d . An d th a ts w h y I h a ven t b een a b l e to ta l k to you a b ou t i t. I ca n t i m a g i n e i t, a n d w h en I d o... G od . I k i n d of fl i p ou t. I ca n t i m a g i n e i t ei th er. H i s voi ce fl oa ted softl y over h er h ea d , setti n g off a sh i ver d ow n th e b a ck of h er n eck . H e w en t on , Mostl y b eca u se I w ou l d h a ve n ever m et you . I d on t w a n t to sou n d l i k e a sa p p y d ork , b u t I rea l l y w a n t you to k n ow h ow m u ch you ve m ea n t to m e. Sh e l ook ed u p th en , h er eyes sti l l h ea vy w i th u n sh ed tea rs. H i s fa ce w a s so si n cere. I l ove b ei n g fri en d s w i th you , too. So m u ch ... Y ea h ...I k n ow . It m a k es m e h a p p y w h en you re h a p p y. H e l ook ed a w a y a n d took on e of h er h a n d s to l a ce h i s fi n g ers th rou g h h ers. T h ey w ere p a l m to p a l m . H e d i d th e sa m e w i th th e oth er. H e g a ve h er h a n d s a l i ttl e sq u eeze a n d i t fel t n i ce, p erfect. Sh e cou l d sw ea r sh e fel t h i s p u l se con n ecti n g w i th h ers th rou g h th ei r p a l m s. P oor you . Y ou r p oor mom . T h a t w h ol e n i g h t sou n d s l i k e i t w a s tota l ch a os. m om. Y ea h . I w i sh I cou l d ta k e i t a l l b a ck . My m om on l y ca m e i n to th e l i vi n g room h ou rs l a ter. My l a m e- a ss su i ci d e a ttem p t w a s n ow h ere cl ose to n i ck i n g a n a rtery, b u t I g u ess th ere w a s a l ot of b l ood on th e fl oor. I d on t rem em b er i t cl ea rl y. Sh e k ep t h er h a n d s w i th h i s, b u t tu rn ed h i s w ri sts to fa ce h er a g a i n . Sh e w a n ted h i m to k n ow to feel th a t h e d i d n t n eed to h i d e th em a w a y from h er. Wh a t d o you rem em b er? I on l y rem em b er my m om s su p er p i ssed - off voi ce, yel l i n g d ow n th e h a l l . Sh ed my fou n d th e ca r stu ck th rou g h th e fron t d oor. Sh e w a s i n th e m i d d l e of screa m i n g som eth i n g a b ou t h ow I w a s n ever g oi n g to d ri ve a g a i n . An d h ow I w a s g oi n g to

h a ve to cl ea n u p th e m ess Id m a d e w i th ou t h er h el p th i s ti m e. Sou n d s l i k e th e sta n d a rd m om - typ e sp eech . Sh e sh ou l d h a ve g rou n d ed you for mom l i fe. V ere met h i s g a ze. m et Sh e d i d . Rem em b er? He fl a sh ed h er a l ook th a t w a s h a l f sm i l e, h a l f g ri m a ce. He My m om s voi ce th a t n i g h t m a d e a p erm a n en t i m p ressi on i n m y b ra i n . Its l i k e I mp ca n t forg et on e w ord or h ow sh e sou n d ed . I ca n i m a g i n e. Were you very d ru n k ? H e sh ru g g ed . I g u ess. I sp i l l ed m ost of th e secon d b ottl e of w i n e, th a n k fu l l y. O r He Id h a ve b een sl eep i n g i n m y ow n vom i t. At l ea st I d i d n t si n k a s l ow a s th a t. I k eep tel l i n g m ysel f th ere m u st b e a cou p l e of n otch es l ow er on th a t l a d d er th a n th e p l a ce I l a n d ed th a t n i g h t. Im a l so u si n g th ose i m a g i n a ry ru n g s a s a rem i n d er th a t th ere a re p eop l e w a y m ore b a d off th a n I a m . P eop l e w i th so m a n y m ore sca rs th a n m i n e to b ea r. D ep ressi on s th a t a ren t a s ea sy to g et ou t of. My mom , sh e h a s to m om ta k e m ed i ca ti on to h a n d l e h er d ep ressi on every d a y. Wh y? E ver si n ce m y d a d d i ed , sh es b een on i t a n d i t rea l l y w ork s for h er. N a n tol d m e d ep ressi on ru n s i n ou r fa m i l y. Im l u ck y, a ctu a l l y. L u ck y I k n ow a b ou t i t n ow , a n d th a t I ca n tra ck i t i f i t com es b a ck . H i s b l u e g a ze b u rn ed i n to h ers. L u ck y th a t Im a l i ve too, of cou rse. V ere fel t l i k e h i s eyes h a d j u st p u l l ed h er d eep i n to h i s h ea rt. H e w a s su ch a com p l i ca ted , l on el y p erson , yet h ed seem ed to h a ve l et h er i n , a n d i t fel t g rea t to seemed b e th ere. Sh e sw a l l ow ed a sm a l l l u m p creep i n g u p h er th roa t. I ca n h el p you tra ck i t. mp C h eck i n w i th you every si n g l e w eek . Y ou seem to b e j u st fi n e n ow . T o m e, a n yh ow . Y ea h , w el l . I a m fi n e n ow . H e sm i l ed . Im h a p p y th a t som eon e b esi d es m e a n d He m y over- p a i d th era p i st h a s rea ch ed th e sa m e con cl u si on th ou g h . B u t i t d oesn t era se w h a t w en t d ow n th a t n i g h t. N o. It d oesn t. B u t th a t i s over. Al l b u t th e p a rt b etw een m e a n d m y m om i s over. Sh e a n d I a re sti l l so mom d i scon n ected . B u t n ot forever? Ma yb e. Wh en sh e fi n a l l y fi g u red ou t w h a t Id d on e, sh e ca l l ed Ma rti n . H e ca me me i n a n d h a n d l ed everyth i n g . H e a l so h a d th e cra sh ed ca r sn u ck ou t b efore su n ri se, a n d a n ew d oor i n sta l l ed b y 10 AM th e n ext d a y. T h e rest of i t w a s so w h a ck ed . My m om h a d h er ow n frea k i n g tea m of d octors a t m y b otch ed su i ci d e/ n ervou s b rea k d ow n even t! Ma rti n ord ered p ri va te d octors to com e to th e h ou se to eva l u a te m e, b u t i t w a s m y Mom w h o n eed ed th e m ost h el p ! V ere si g h ed . Mom s...a re m om s. I g u ess i t m a k es sen se. My m om w ou l d a ct th e sa m e. H e sh ru g g ed . B eca u se I w a sn t cri ti ca l , b eyon d n eed i n g som e sti tch es, th ey He m om a n d Ma rti n sen t m e to th e resi d en ti a l h om e th e n ext n i g h t. I w a s th ere for si x w eek s b efore com i n g h ere. G od . I ca n t i ma g i n e b ei n g a w a y from my Mom for so l on g , b u t Im g l a d you ma my w en t. G l a d th ey h el p ed you .

T h ey d i d . A l ot. My th era p i st...h e w a s a w esom e. T a u g h t me so m u ch . If on l y Id me k n ow n to a sk to see som eon e b efore I g ot so d ep ressed . D on t l ook b a ck a n d w h a t you cou l d h a ve d on e. Y ou d i d n t k n ow , a n d n ow you d o. Sh e ti g h ten ed h er g ri p on h i s a rm s. H a ve you ta l k ed a b ou t i t w i th you r m om ? N op e. H e sh ook h i s h ea d a n d sh ot h er a w ry l ook i n g sm i l e. T h e l a st ti m e I sa w h er I m ea n b efore sh e n a i l ed m e to th e w a l l a n d th en d u m p ed m e a t th e mp a i rp ort a tea m of Ma rti n s p a i d - off- to- b e- si l en t d octors w ere g i vi n g h er w i th some sort of va l i u m . G et i t? I sti l l h a ven t d i g ested th a t scen e. Al l th e oth ers, Ive som e b een a b l e to p rocess. B u t th a t on e...I d on t k n ow w h ere to p u t i t, you k n ow ? O r h er. Wh ere d o I p u t my m om a fter a n i g h t l i k e th a t? After sh es forced m e to com e my h ere a g a i n st m y w i l l . F or th a t m a tter, w h ere a m I su p p osed to p u t m ysel f? J u st b e w h ere you a re. Ri g h t n ow . B e i n th i s m om en t on l y. T h a ts a l l th a t rea l l y cou n ts. D on t you th i n k ? Y ou re h ere, a n d you re sw i m mi n g w i th m e. mi H e sm i l ed , b u t d i d n t a n sw er. Sh e sm i l ed b a ck . E veryth i n g el se d on t l et i t ma tter. Sh e sm i l ed w i d er, tryi n g ma to con vi n ce h i m . H ersel f. Al l th e w h i l e h er h ea rt a ch ed for h i m . It w i l l a l l sort m. i tsel f ou t. O n e b rea th a t a ti m e. Its a l l w e ca n con trol , h u h ? H e g en tl y ti g h ten ed h i s h ol d on h er h a n d s a g a i n .T h a ts th e secret, i sn t i t? B a rry sa i d th e sa m e. O n e m om en t a t a ti m e. If I k eep i t th ere, th en i t a l l seem s ea sy. I omen k n ow i f I th i n k a b ou t th e d a ys a n d d a ys a h ea d , a n d d ea l i n g w i th m y m om , a n d my mom my fu tu re th a ts cu rren tl y on e g i a n t q u esti on m a rk , th en I k n ow Im i n th e w ron g p l a ce. Wh y? H ow d o you k n ow th a t? H e sm i l ed softl y d ow n a t h er. B eca u se i ts exa ctl y h ow I w a s th i n k i n g th e n i g h t I cu t m ysel f. V ere l ook ed u p a t h i m , a n d fea r sl a m m ed i n to h er ch est. H e w a s a t th a t mom en t so b ea u ti fu l a n d so forl orn sh e cou l d n t h ol d h i s g a ze. m om Sh e sta red a t th ei r i n tertw i n ed h a n d s a n d sl ow l y u n h ook ed h ers from h i s, b ri n g i n g h i s sca rs a l l th e w a y a b ove th e w a ter i n to th e su n l i g h t. Sw ea r. Sw ea r to m e you w i l l n ever try i t a g a i n . I sw ea r. I w on t even h ol d m y b rea th i n fron t of you a s l on g a s you p rom i se to n ever w orry a b ou t m e l i k e th i s a g a i n . H ow ca n you b e su re you w on t g o b a ck th ere? Sh e p u sh ed b a ck th e u rg e to How screa m a t h i m to m a k e h i m p romi se, a n d p romi se, a n d p romi se! H e tri ed to p u l l h i s a rm s a w a y a g a i n , b u t sh e h el d on fa st, sta ri n g a t h i s sca rs. H e b u m p ed h i s foreh ea d g en tl y a g a i n st th e top of h er foreh ea d , a n d w h i sp ered , B eca u se n ow ...I l i k e p ea ch m i l k sh a k es a n d th e m ost a w esome , i cy- col d w el l w a ter. Wh a t? Sh e l ook ed u p . H e n od d ed . Y ou h ea rd m e. Ive a l so on l y j u st b eg u n sea rch i n g th e w orl d for ri d i cu l ou s, h ea rt sh a p ed rock s. An d Ive sta rted col l ecti n g a n ti q u e g u i ta rs. Ive g ot stu ff to d o, g i rl . T on s of a w esom e a n d a m a zi n g m om en ts to w a l k th rou g h . Ive g ot th i s m om en t w i th you , a n d th e n ext. O h , h ere i t com es a l rea d y a n d th e n ext! H e sm i l ed . See? Ive g ot i t d ow n .

Sh e l a u g h ed , sm i l i n g u p a t h i m . G ood . O k a y. G ood . H i s g a ze p u l l ed h er i n a g a i n . Sh e fel t h i s h u rt, b u t sh e a l so sa w w a rmth a n d ca l m rm th i n si d e th e cl ea r d ep th s. H e w a sn t l yi n g a b ou t b ei n g ok a y. H e w en t on , i n th e sa m e l ow , h a p p y voi ce, B esi d es, Ive sw orn i t to you , l i ttl e b esti e . An d I k eep m y p rom i ses. N ever a g a i n . O n l y th ese stu p i d sca rs rem a i n of th e w h ol e d ea l . Sa d l y, Il l h a ve th em forever. Rel i ef took over. T h e sca rs a ren t stu p i d . T h eyre a p a rt of you r p a st. So w h a t? E veryon e h a s sca rs, th ey j u st a ren t a s vi si b l e a s you rs. T ru e, h e sa i d , n ot sou n d i n g con vi n ced . Sh e i m p u l si vel y p u l l ed on e of h i s w ri sts to h er l i p s a n d p l a n ted a g en tl e k i ss th ere, a n d th en sh e d i d th e sa m e to th e oth er. T h ere. See? Al l b etter. Were b oth com p l etel y cu red . B eca u se sh e p rom i sed th a t sh e w ou l d n t cry a l l over h i m l i k e sh e h a d th e oth er romi d a y, sh e d u n k ed h ersel f ou t of h i s a rms a n d sw a m a w a y. Wh en sh e su rfa ced a b ou t rm s ten feet over sh e d i d n t l ook b a ck , i n stea d sh e tu rn ed a n d sw a m tow a rd th e d ock . O h ...h el p . C h a rl i e w ere sta n d i n g i n h i s sw i m tru n k s a t th e fa r ed g e of th e d ock , a rm s crossed . C u rti s w a s com i n g a rou n d th e b en d i n th e p a th . T h a n k fu l l y, h e w a s sti l l comi q u i te a few ya rd s b eh i n d h er b roth er. Ha d C h a rl i e seen th em? Wh y d i d sh e k i ss h i s w ri sts l i k e th a t? It w a s p rob a b l y su ch a w ron g th i n g to d o. B u t i t h a d fel t so ri g h t... Wh a t h a ve you tw o b een u p to? C h a rl i e ca l l ed ou t. Sh e cou l d tel l b y h i s voi ce th a t h e w a s tryi n g to n ot sou n d su p er p i ssed . O h , h e sa w u s. B u t th ey h a d n t b een d oi n g a n yth i n g . So h e cou l d j u st ch i l l . T h ere w a s n oth i n g for h i m to b e p i ssed off a b ou t. Sw i m m i n g . Wh a t d oes i t l ook l i k e? V ere cl i m b ed ou t of th e w a ter. mi I d on t k n ow ? Wh a t d oes i t l ook l i k e? C h a rl i e crossed th e l en g th of th e d ock i n tw o secon d s a n d sp ok e so on l y sh e cou l d h ea r. D i d th a t b a sta rd mess w i th you or m ess som eth i n g ? I th ou g h t I sa w you tw o a l l b u t cra p ! V ere, a re you cryi n g ? D on t b e ri d i cu l ou s. We w ere sw i m mi n g . G oofi n g off, th a ts a l l . Im n ot cryi n g . mi Im w et a n d I h a d m y eyes op en u n d er th e w a ter. B u l l . Y ou re m a j or cryi n g , h e w h i sp ered . C h a rl i e. D on t. Its n ot w h a t you th i n k . Y ou d on t u n d ersta n d , sh e w h i sp ered b a ck . C u rti s l u m b ered u p on th e d ock a t h i s ow n p a ce, a n d i n terru p ted th em w i th a l on g l ow w h i stl e th a t p a i n fu l l y p i erced V eres th ou g h ts. In sta n t h ea d a ch e. Wh y i s h e so l ou d ? L ook w h a t V eres b een h i d i n g . H el l o h otn ess! C a n you w a l k th a t b i k i n i a l i ttl e cl oser? C u rti s sw a g g ered forw a rd m a k i n g th a t l i ttl e, creep y sm i l e. H ed seem ed to m i ss th e fa ct th e sh e w a s l osi n g i t ri g h t n ow a n d th a t sh e C h a rl i e w ere a b ou t to h a ve a h u g e fi g h t. T h e g u y seem ed to m i ss a l ot.

Sh e fi g u red i t w a s a g ood th i n g i n th i s ca se. C u rti s w h i stl ed a g a i n . Wh oa . V ere, you re k i l l i n g m e i n th a t sexy, red su i t. Sh e sh ot C u rti s a n em b a rra ssed sm i l e. T h e w h ol e si tu a ti on , esp eci a l l y C h a rl i e a cti n g so stra n g el y, h a d sta rted a n i ce frea k a tta ck of b l u sh i n g . O h ...yea h ...u m ...th a n k s. V ere w i p ed a t h er eyes a s a few m ore ra n d om tea rs tri ed to esca p e. C u rti s sti l l d i d n t seem to n oti ce a n y of h er u p set. In stea d h e j u st a n d sta red a n d sta red . It m a d e h er feel rea l l y n ervou s, l i k e sh e w a s n a k ed or som eth i n g . V ere a voi d ed b oth h i s g a ze a n d C h a rl i es a s sh e g l a n ced a rou n d for som eth i n g to cover h ersel f. D u sti n s tow el w a s ri g h t a t h er feet so sh e q u i ck l y g ra b b ed i t a n d p u t i t on . Wh y d i d sh e h a ve to n oti ce h ow sa fe i t m a d e h er feel ? An d for th a t m a tter h ow g rea t i t sm el l ed ? D u sti n s scen t fl oa ted a l l a rou n d h er sk i n , b a k i n g i n to h er p ores from th e su n h ea ted tow el . As sh e w ra p p ed u p , sh e rea l i zed D u sti n s p l a i d sh i rt w a s a t h er feet. Worse, h i s reta i n er a n d g l a sses h a d fa l l en ou t. T h i s w a s n ot a t a l l g ood . Sh e h a d to g et th e stu ff to h i m . H ere D u sti n , sh e ca l l ed ou t, h er voi ce u rg en t. H ed sw u m u p to th e d ock b u t Hed h a d rem a i n ed q u i et. T h a n k fu l l y h ed k ep t h i s fa ce h i d d en n ext to th e d ock . Sh e h a n d ed th em d ow n . T h a n k s. D u sti n h a d th e g l a sses a n d reta i n er b a ck on i n l ess th a n on e secon d . V ere d i d n ot m i ss h i s l ook of w orri ed p a n i c. Mi n d i f I b orrow you r tow el ? Sh e k ep t h er b a ck to h er b roth er a n d C u rti s, p reten d i n g to m a k e con versa ti on , a s sh e sh oved on h i s ca p . H er voi ce w a s sti l l a l i ttl e sh a k y b u t sh e th ou g h t i t sou n d ed ca su a l en ou g h . Sh e sh ot a g l a n ce a t C u rti s. H a d h e seen D u sti n s fa ce cl ea rl y? P rob a b l y n ot. H e w a s ch eck i n g ou t h er l eg s a n d b u tt. G l a d l y, D u sti n a n sw ered w i th a ti g h t sm i l e. B u t ca n you g ra b m e you rssth h . smi O ff th a t rock ? H e j erk ed h i s h ea d tow a rd th e tow el on th e rock w h ere sh ed b een sl eep i n g . V ere b l u sh ed a g a i n a n d g l a n ced n ervou sl y b a ck a t C u rti s. Sh ed p l a stered on h er ow n ti g h t sm i l e. Su re. H a n g ti g h t. C u rti s h a d th a t stu p i d , w ol fi sh g ri n on h i s fa ce. As sh e d a sh ed p a st, h e sh ot h er a wink. V ere fou g h t to i g n ore a l l th ree of th em . H a rd to d o w h en sh e fel t a s i f th ey w ere a l l b u rn i n g h ol es i n h er for d i fferen t rea son s. Sh e w h i p p ed over to th e rock a n d b a ck a s fa st a s sh e cou l d a n d h el d th e tow el u p , sh ooti n g D u sti n a h u rry- u p l ook . T ryi n g to k eep C u rti s a tten ti on , sh e fl i p p ed h er h a i r to on e si d e a n d p reten d ed to sq u eeze ou t th e w a ter i n h er p on yta i l so sh e cou l d h el p h i d e D u sti n a s h e fi rst ca m e ou t of th e w a ter. G l i m p si n g th e sca rs on D u sti n s w ri sts a s h e q u i ck l y b u tton ed th e p l a i d sh i rt, sh e m a n a g ed to g et con trol of a n ew fl ood of tea rs a n d h er overa cti ve h ea rtb ea ts. H e seem ed to u n d ersta n d h er stress, a n d so m oved a s q u i ck l y a s h e cou l d . B efore h e w a s fu l l y u p ri g h t, sh ed th row n th e tow el over h i s si x p a ck . H e sm i l ed h i s th a n k s, w ork i n g to b u ry h i m sel f i n h i s tow el a n d d i sg u i se.

V ere took a secon d to a d j u st D u sti n s tow el so h i s p erfect sh ou l d ers a n d col l a rb on es w ere h i d d en w h ere h e h a d n t b een a b l e to b u tton h i s sh i rt yet. Sh e l ook ed n ervou sl y a t C h a rl i e w h o h a d n ot on ce stop p ed sh ooti n g d ea th g l a res a t D u sti n . V ere tri ed to d i stra ct C u ti ss a tten ti on off of D u sti n . Sh e h op p ed d ow n a n d h ea d ed b a ck over to h er su n b a th i n g rock a g a i n . Sh e g ra b b ed h er p on yta i l h ol d er a n d h er a b a n d on ed h ood i e. Wi th i n secon d s sh e h a d h er h a i r b ou n d u p i n to h er b u n a n d sh e fel t m u ch b etter. C u rti ss eyes h a d n ever on ce l eft h er. T h a n k G O D h e k i n d of l i k es m e. Aw w . V ere. Keep th a t p retty h a i r d ow n . Are you d on e sw i m m i n g ? C u rti s w h i n ed , h i s voi ce cu t l i g h tn i n g b ol ts i n to h er h ea d a ch e. C h a rl i e a n d I w ere j u st g oi n g i n . Id h op ed you , a t l ea st, w ou l d sta y a n d w a tch u s? I Il l h a n g ou t w i th you g u ys, b u t Im d on e sw i m m i n g . Wel l , Im h ea d i n g b a ck , tota l l y d on e. D u sti n sh ru g g ed , h i s voi ce sou n d ed od d a g a i n , p rob a b l y j u st n ervou s a b ou t g etti n g ca u g h t w i th ou t h i s d i sg u i se. H e g a th ered u p h i s su n screen . V ere cou l d see h e w a s ca refu l to k eep h i s w ri sts tu rn ed i n w a rd . If on l y sh e cou l d h el p h i m d o th e b u tton s... Y ea h , you re d on e , C h a rl i es ton e w a s m en a ci n g . Y ou re frea k i n g su p er- d on e. Y ou tw o- fa ced j erk ! C a re to cl a ri fy w h a t you m ea n , you p om p ou s, ri d i cu l ou s, a ss . D u sti n retu rn ed C h a rl i es g l ow er. O h Il l cl a ri fy. C h a rl i e m oved i n a n d p u n ch ed D u sti n ri g h t i n th e fa ce. D u sti n s h ea d w h i p p ed b a ck a n d h i s g l a sses w en t fl yi n g . H e p l a ced h i s h a n d s over h i s exp osed eyes, tu rn i n g h i s fa ce a w a y from C u rti s. C h a rl i e! V ere screa m ed . Stop ! Sh e scra m b l ed b a ck to th e d ock . Ra ci n g to scoop u p D u sti n s g l a sses to h a n d th em b a ck to h i m . O n e of th e l en ses h a d cra ck ed m. i n to a su n b u rst from th e i m p a ct. D u sti n q u i ck l y p u t th em b a ck on . V ere h a d sw a l l ow ed h er h ea rt. Wh y d i d you h i t h i m ? H e k n ow s w h y. Wh a tever. I d o n ot. D u sti n ru b b ed h i s ch i n . D u d e, C u rti s sa i d . Wh a ts th e d ea l ? Wh y d i d you h i t h i m ? D u sti n fa ced C h a rl i e. H e l ook ed p i ssed , b u t th a n k fu l l y i t d i d n t a p p ea r h e w a s g oi n g to p u n ch C h a rl i e or a tta ck h i m b a ck . H e si g h ed b efore h e sp ok e w h i l e h e stra i g h ten ed h i s ca p w i th h i s free h a n d . N oth i n g . N oth i n g s g oi n g on . Y ou re tota l l y ou t of l i n e, C h a rl i e. I tol d you . Sh es n ot m y typ e. At a l l . N E V E R. Were fri en d s. J U ST F RIE N D S. V ere g a sp ed . Wh a t? T h i s i s a b ou t m e a n d D u sti n ? Sh e fel t a s th ou g h a l l th e w i n d h a d b een k n ock ed ou t of h er b y D u sti n s w ord s. H er h ea rt cl en ch ed i n to a n i m p ossi b l y ti g h t b a l l a n d n ow sh e cou l d n t d i scern i f th e feel i n g ca m e from C h a rl i e p u n ch i n g D u sti n or D u sti n s cl a i m , yet a g a i n , th a t sh e w a sn t h i s typ e. H er sti l l sp i n n i n g , sh e p l a ced h ersel f b etw een C h a rl i e a n d D u sti n j u st to m a k e su re n o m ore p u n ch es w en t fl yi n g . C h a rl i e. Y ou ve l ost you r m i n d . An d D u sti n w h a tever . As i f I cou l d ca re l ess th a t Im n ot you r typ e. I l i k e C u rti s. Sh e sh ot h i m a g l a re. N o n eed for h i m to k n ow h ow d eep l y h ed h u rt h er feel i n g s. Im

rea l l y sorry, C u rti s. I d on t w a n t you to th i n k a n yth i n g s off. B eca u se i ts n ot. Wh a t? C u rti s w a s frow n i n g a n d p ossi b l y tryi n g to see d ow n th e fron t of h er tow el ! H el l yes, you l i k e m e esp eci a l l y over th i s d u m b a ss. An d g ood th a t you re fi n a l l y sa yi n g i t ou t l ou d ! C h a rl i e sti l l h a d h i s h a n d fi sted a s th ou g h h ed l i k e to h i t D u sti n a g a i n . I j u st w a n ted u s a l l to b e cl ea r. T h a ts a l l . C u rti s fi n a l l y seem ed to b e ra mp i n g i n , a n d m oved h i s g a ze from V ere to D u sti n . mp V ere, i f th i s d ork m a d e a p l a y for you a n d ri g h t u n d er m y ow n n ose, Il l b e th e on e ta k i n g th e n ext p u n ch ou tta h i m , th a n k you very m u ch . G ood m a n , C u rti s. C h a rl i e sm i l ed a t h i s fri en d . I th i n k i ts settl ed n ow . Y ou tw o l oser, N ea n d erth a l s! D u sti n s m y fri en d . L i k e h e sa i d . T h a ts a l l ! We w ere sw i m m i n g . If you tw o ca n t h a n d l e u s b ei n g fri en d s, th en you ca n j u st b oth k i ss off. N oth i n g s g oi n g on b esi d es th a t. V ere cou l d n t m a k e eye con ta ct w i th D u sti n . ma N oth i n g s g oi n g on b esi d es I j u st k i ssed h i s w ri sts l i k e a frea k . G od . Wh y d i d you d o th a t, V ere? G ood . B eca u se i f th ere w ere som eth i n g , ou r fri en d D u sti n w ou l d b e so fi n i sh ed . Y ou k n ow w h a t I m ea n . D on t you , b u d d y ? C h a rl i e a n d D u sti n h a d n ot on ce b rok en ea ch oth ers g a ze. E a t sh i t, b u d d y, D u sti n m u ttered . V ere fi n a l l y rea l i zed C h a rl i e w a s b l a ta n tl y th rea ten i n g to b l ow D u sti n s cover ri g h t i n fron t of C u rti s. An d for w h a t? H e w a s a cti n g a s th ou g h h ed ca u g h t th em tota l l y m a k i n g ou t or som eth i n g . An d so? If th ey h a d b een m a k i n g ou t, so w h a t! It w a s h er ch oi ce w h om sh e m a d e ou t w i th . C h a rl i e w a s n ot th e k i ss p ol i ce! Sh e a l m ost h a d to l a u g h a t th e d i recti on of h er th ou g h ts. T h i s w h ol e th i n g w a s m a k i n g a l l of th em cra zy. T h a t h a d to b e i t. C h a rl i e. Y ou j u st b etter a p ol og i ze ri g h t n ow , or Im tel l i n g m om . Ma yb e I w a n t you to tel l m om , V ere. Wh a t th e H E L L ? N o. Y O U , C h a rl i e. WHAT T HE HE L L ? Y O U ? Ap ol og i ze. C h a rl i e soften ed h i s ton e a n d sp ok e to D u sti n w i th h i s teeth cl en ch ed a n d h i s voi ce d ri p p i n g w i th sa rca sti c ven om . Im sorry I p u n ch ed you , d u d e. I th ou g h t I sa w som eth i n g th a t a p p a ren tl y I d i d n t see. Y ou d on t b l a m e m e, d o you , fri en d ? I b et you g et , th a t i f p osi ti on s w ere reversed , you d h a ve d on e th e sa m e. V ere w a s too sh ock ed to sp ea k . C h a rl i e h a d n ever a cted l i k e th i s, a t l ea st n ot i n fron t of h er b efore. Wh y d i d h e sou n d so m ea n ? Sh e k n ew sh ed som eh ow crossed over i n to g u y- l a n d . An d sh e su re d i d n t sp ea k th e l a n g u a g e h ere. Wh a t D u sti n sa i d n ext sh ock ed h er m ore. N o. I d on t b l a me you . L ets h op e th i s me i s rea l l y th e l a st ti m e w e h a ve to b ri n g th i s u p . D u sti n ru b b ed a w a y th e d rop of b l ood th a t h a d form ed on h i s l i p , a n d d rop p ed h i s h a n d . H i s voi ce d i d n t h ol d a n y a n g er, a n d for som e rea son , sh e g ot th e i m p ressi on mp D u sti n w a s sort of resi g n ed a b ou t som eth i n g a l l of a su d d en . Sh e g l a n ced a t C u rti s w h od tu rn ed i n to som e sort of C h a rl i e- cop yi n g , stu tteri n g rob ot. Sorry C u rti s, Im too a n n oyed w i th m y b roth er to h a n g ou t. Il l see you b a ck a t th e ca b i n . V ere sh oved h a rd a t C h a rl i es ch est a n d h e step p ed b a ck . H e w ou l d n t m eet h er g a ze. G ood .

H op efu l l y h e w a s g ood a n d em b a rra ssed for a cti n g l i k e su ch a frea k . V ere b u m p ed D u sti n w i th h er sh ou l d er. T h a n k fu l l y, h e seem ed to u n d ersta n d . As i f h ed a w a k en ed from som e stra n g e tra n ce, h e h op p ed off th e d ock a n d w a l k ed a h ea d of h er a l on g th e tra i l l ea d i n g b a ck to th e ca b i n . Sh e fol l ow ed i n si l en ce. T h ere w a s n oth i n g to sa y.

32: love, hate, heaven and hell Dustin

D u sti n cou l d n t b el i eve h ow q u i ck l y h i s h ea ven h a d tu rn ed i n to a b sol u te h el l . Hed su rvi ved th e a ftern oon l ou n g e a rou n d ti me, p reten d i n g to n a p i n th e su n H ed on th e p orch w i th everyon e el se. An d p reten d i n g n oth i n g h a d ch a n g ed or w a s w ron g . B u t everyth i n g h a d ch a n g ed ! E veryth i n g w a s n ow b eyon d tw i sted a n d w ron g ! Hed ma d e i t th rou g h th e l i e th eyd tol d Mrs. Roth a b ou t h i s g l a sses b rea k i n g on H ed a rock . L u ck i l y, C h a rl i es fi st h a d con n ected w i th h i s j a w , so th ere w a sn t mu ch of a b ru i se from th e p u n ch . He even su ffered th rou g h J en n a h el p i n g h i m secu re th e cra ck ed cen ter of h i s g l a sses w i th a fa t ma ss of w h i te d u ct ta p e w h i l e everyon e ( excep t V ere) l a u g h ed a t th e ri d i cu l ou s n erd i er, n erd - effect. D u sti n h a d su rvi ved th e tri p to Mr. Roth s w ork sh op a l on g w i th C h a rl i e a n d C u rti s. Hel p ed cl ea n i t ou t. Hel p ed p u t u p th e d eck ch a i rs, ca n oe, oa rs, a n d b a rb ecu e for th e w i n ter w i th ou t a n oth er fi g h t. B u t n ow , w i th th e su n comp l etel y com p d ow n , Mr. Roth stok i n g u p th e l a st fi re i n th e m oss- rock fi rep l a ce, a n d th e d a m n mossd u ct ta p e i tch i n g th e b ri d g e of h i s n ose, D u sti n w a s fa l l i n g a p a rt. T h eyd g a th ered b a ck i n th e l i vi n g room. Some sp ra w l ed on th e soft cou ch es, room . som e on th e b ra i d ed ru g , to d i g est th e m ost d el i ci ou s d i n n er h ed ever ea ten . T h ey some w ere a l l n ow w a i ti n g for Mrs. Roth s fa mou s red - vel vet ca k e to cool . m ou Hed rep l a yed V eres soft l i p s on h i s w ri sts so ma n y ti mes, a n d h e sti l l cou l d n t H ed stop p i ctu ri n g i t. Hed a l so re- a n a l yzed every si n g l e secon d of h er w h i l e h e a n d C h a rl i e h a d fou g h t on th e d ock . Her exp ressi on s h a d fa l l en off h er fa ce l i k e p eta l s ri p p ed from a fl ow er. T h ere w a s h er i n i ti a l sh ock from th e p u n ch C h a rl i e h a d p l a n ted on h i m . T h en th a t a d ora b l e fl a sh of tru e con cern w h en sh ed h a n d ed h i m b a ck h i s b rok en g l a sses. Sh ed h a d so mu ch a n g er a t C h a rl i e, fol l ow ed b y h er ob vi ou s fru stra ti on w i th th e w h ol e scen e. B u t w h a t h a d a n g u i sh ed h i m th e most a s h e w en t over th i n g s, w a s th e fl a sh of h er m ost exp ressi on ri g h t a fter h ed cl a i med yet a g a i n sh e w a s n ot h i s typ e. F or a momen t h er eyes h a d tol d h i m , w i th ou t a d ou b t, sh ed b el i eved a n d m, a ccep ted w h a t h ed sa i d a s a ru l e. If h e cou l d on l y b e free to tel l h er th e d a m n tru th . Sh e d eserved to k n ow a n d to b el i eve , sh e w a s th e m ost b ea u ti fu l g i rl i n th e w h ol e w orl d . In si d e a n d ou t. He w a n ted to th row h i s b ook a cross th e room i n fru stra ti on . H i s a rms ti n g l ed He w i th th e mem ory of h ol d i n g V ere i n th e w a ter. He on l y w a n ted to h ol d h er a g a i n m emory n ow . Hel l . Wh a t h a d ma d e th e g i rl k i ss my w ri sts l i k e th a t? C ou l d sh e p ossi b l y h a ve feel i n g s for me too? If sh e a d mi tted th a t sh e d i d , w ou l d I tel l h er th e tru th ? T el l h er Im i n l ove w i th h er? Wh a t w ou l d b e th e p oi n t? I cou l d on l y offer h er a fl i n g u n ti l I l ea ve.

U n a ccep ta b l e. An d i n a p p rop ri a te. Id n ever a sk th a t of h er. N ever. An d sh e d oesn t w a n t me, a n yh ow . H e si g h ed i n p u re torm en t a n d fl i ck ed a g l a re a t C h a rl i e. He T h e k i d retu rn ed i t w i th ou t h i d i n g h i s a n g er on e b i t. H ow l on g h a d th e g u y b een g l a ri n g a t h i m l i k e th a t? How Resi g n ed , h e sta red b a ck d ow n a t h i s b ook . An y a ttemp ts a t a d eep er con n ecti on w i th V ere w ou l d b rea k th e ru l es h ed a ccep ted a s p a rt of th i s g a me. O n e of th ose m e. ru l es w a s to n ot h u rt or mess w i th V eres h ea rt or sou l . An y a ttem p ts to a p p roa ch h er on th e l evel h i s h ea rt cra ved w ou l d h a rm h er even tu a l l y. C u rti s Wi sh ford , h i s h a i r sti l l d a m p from th e sh ow er h ed ta k en b efore d i n n er, h a d scooted u p n ext to V ere w h o rested w i th h er b a ck to th e fi re. D u sti n g l a red a t C u rti s th rou g h h i s cra ck ed l en s. Wi th th e red a n d g ol d fi rel i g h t refl ecti n g on th e g u ys h a i r, D u sti n cou l d n t h el p b u t vi su a l i ze tw o, b l a ck d evi l h orn s g row i n g ou t of th e top of h i s g i a n t h ea d . Al l th e sl i m y j erk n eed ed w a s a p i tch fork a n d ta i l to com p l ete h i s l ook . my D oes on e el se n oti ce th e si mi l a ri ty? As i f to p rove h i s th ou g h ts w ere d ea d on , C u rti s g ra b b ed V eres h a n d i n a p ossessi ve g estu re, a n d sh ot D u sti n a sm i rk th a t of cou rse, n o on e el se sp otted . D u sti n l ook ed a w a y from th em . Wh a tever. If th i s i s h el l , th en of cou rse th e g i rl I l ove i s d a ti n g th e d evi l . B E C AU SE IT S HE L L . Mr. Roth . T h e D evi l i s h ol d i n g you r d a u g h ters h a n d . N ow w ou l d b e a g rea t ti me to step u p a n d w h a ck th e k i d w i th you r fi re p ok er. Wh en n oth i n g h a p p en ed , D u sti n j u st sl ou ch ed l ow er i n to h i s b ook . C u rti ss voi ce sl i ced th rou g h th e room . Wh a t d o you sa y, sw eet V ere. Are you u p for a m oon l i g h t w a l k b y th e l a k e? He w a s ob vi ou sl y tryi n g to b e a l l su a ve a n d He w h i sp ery, b u t to D u sti n h e sou n d ed l i k e a m eg a p h on e. T h e g u y h a d n o fi n esse. D u sti n j u st h a d to l ook u p a g a i n . D a mn . V eres ch eek s h a d tu rn ed th a t cu te sh a d e of p i n k h e l i k ed so m u ch . Su re, C u rti s. Sou n d s a w esom e, sh e a n sw ered . D u sti n sl a m med h i s b ook sh u t, d ra w i n g a n oth er h u g e g l a re from C h a rl i e. B ri n g i t d u mb a ss. G o a h ea d a n d p u n ch me ri g h t h ere, b u t I a m SO g oi n g on a n i g h t h i k e ri g h t n ow . Hel l yes I a m. C a n I com e? Ive n ever seen th e l a k e a t n i g h t, D u sti n sa i d q u i ck l y. O h . I w a n t to g o too, J en n a p i p ed i n . I cou l d u se a w a l k . Im d yi n g of C h i ck en Al fred o overl oa d . Sh e seem ed to m el t ou t of th e cou ch a s sh e stood , a n d seemed p a tted h er stom a ch . Mrs. Roth , th i s w eek en d h a s m a d e m e a b i t ch u b b y. Mrs. Roth sm i l ed . D u sti n g ri n n ed d ou b l e- w i d e a t J en n a . G o J en n a . I l ove you ri g h t n ow . H e l ock ed g a zes w i th C h a rl i e, k n ow i n g w h a t th e k i d w a n ted . H e exp ected h i m to He con vi n ce J en n a to sta y a w a y from C u rti s a n d V ere. B u t a fter w h a t h a p p en ed on th e d ock , C h a rl i e sh ou l d k n ow b etter. Al l fa vors a re off, d u mb a ss. D o you r ow n d i rty w ork .

H e fi n g ered th e sore sp ot a l on g h i s j a w , w on d eri n g b ri efl y i f h e a n d C h a rl i e w ere even fri en d s a n ym ore. Were w e ever? T h e w h ol e th i n g fel t too w ei rd . If C u rti s n eed ed to m a k e a m ove on V ere, h e w ou l d h a ve to u p h i s g a me a l l b y h i m sel f. me D u sti n s th ou g h ts rock eted h i m to h i s feet. C h a rl i e, you com i n g ? h e ta u n ted . A d i rect ch a l l en g e sm ol d ered from C h a rl i es g a ze. N ot a ch a n ce. Y ou tw o cou p l es sh ou l d g o. Id feel l i k e a fi fth w h eel . J en n a g a ve D u sti n a stra n g e, a l m ost a p ol og eti c l ook . U h ...D u sti n ....I D u sti n g ri m a ced . T ou ch C h a rl i e. D u sti n sp ok e u p fa st to i n terru p t J en n a , If w ere ta l k i n g a b ou t cou p l es , th en I sh ou l d b e th e on e to sta y. H e p a u sed , retu rn i n g C h a rl i es ch a l l en g e w i th a sm a l l sm i l e. Wh a t? Wh y? J en n a a sk ed . J en n a , C h a rl i es g ot a cru sh on you . He tol d m e a l l a b ou t i t. I d on t w a n t to g et He on h i s b a d si d e for step p i n g ou t on a w a l k w i th a g i rl h e con si d ers h i s terri tory. WH AT ? C h a rl i e j u m p ed u p . D u sti n w en t on , Y ou tw o sh ou l d g o. Wi th C u rti s a n d V ere. C h a rl i e fi sted h i s h a n d s a n d took on e step tow a rd D u sti n . D u sti n fi sted h i s h a n d s b a ck . B ri n g i t. J u st b ri n g i t. I a m so rea d y to p ou n d someon e ri g h t n ow . Mr. Roth p u t d ow n h i s i P a d . Wel l , w ow . If th i s i sn t n ew s! H e smi l ed a t a l l of sm i th em . C h a rl i e, i f you even sta rt u p a n yth i n g , V ere sh ou ted , sta ri n g a t h er b roth ers fi sts. Wel l . N ow you ve d on e i t, J en n a sa i d . D on e w h a t? V ere a sk ed . D u sti n sm i rk ed a t C h a rl i e, b u t i t w a sn t from th e h ea rt. T h i s w h ol e th i n g w a s ou t of con trol . Wh y cou l d n t h e j u st step b a ck a n d n ot ca re? V ere w a n ts to b e w i th C u rti s. H e sh ou l d j u st l et i t h a p p en . An d n ow p oor J en n a m i g h t g et h u rt b eca u se h e cou l d n t stop m a k i n g u p fa k e stori es a b ou t fa k e l i ves! Mrs. Roth sa ved everyth i n g w h en sh e i n terru p ted , C h a rl i e, n o n eed to b e em b a rra ssed . H ow sw eet. D a d a n d I a l w a ys su sp ected i t. H a ve you a sk ed J en n a to emb How h om ecom i n g ? V eres m ou th h a d d rop p ed w i d e op en . C h a rl i e J en n a , i s th i s even tru e? It w a s so l i k e V ere to b el i eve stu ff l i k e th i s. G i rl w a s too g u l l i b l e. H e sea rch ed th e b a ck of h i s m i n d for a w a y to p l a y i t off a n d fi x w h a t h ed mi sta rted w i th ou t a n y of th i s i m p a cti n g J en n a s feel i n g s. J en n a d i d n t g i ve h i m a ch a n ce. Sh e sp ok e u p a g a i n , Wh oa . O k a y n ow ...j u st h ol d u p . Sh e h el d u p h er h a n d a n d p oi n ted a t C h a rl i e. Y ou ca n j u st si t b a ck d ow n a n d u n cu rl th ose fi sts Mr. T estosteron e. F i rst. D u sti n a n d I a re j u st fri en d s. Sh e sm i l ed a t D u sti n , a n d w en t on , Mr. a n d Mrs. Roth , Im su re you re h a p p y a b ou t th i s fi n a l l y com i n g ou t i n th e op en , b u t C h a rl i e a n d I a re N O T g oi n g to

h a p p en . Its n o secret C h a rl i e h ol d s a ca n d l e for me. H e a l w a ys h a s, b u t th ere i s n o m e. w a y I w ou l d g o to h om ecom i n g w i th h i m . E ven i f h e b eg g ed . Wh a t th e...g a h ? C h a rl i e sta m m ered . D u sti n s ch i n h i t th e fl oor. As for trek k i n g a rou n d th e l a k e a s a cou p l e ? Im j u st n ot su re. Sh e fl i p p ed h er ever p resen t, l on g b l on d e b ra i d s b a ck b eh i n d h er a n d reg a rd ed C h a rl i e sol em n l y. O h ? Wh y? Mrs. Roth a sk ed , g l a n ci n g a t h er h u sb a n d . Wh a t? V ere a n d D u sti n a sk ed a t th e sa m e ti m e. Y ea h . Wh a t a re you ta l k i n g a b ou t, J en n a ? C h a rl i e m a n a g ed to stra n g l e ou t. J en n a h el d u p h er h a n d a g a i n a n d tu rn ed h er a tten ti on to th e a d u l t Roth s. Mrs. Roth , n o d i sresp ect m ea n t to you r son , b u t I mea n to m a rry C h a rl i e Roth som e m ea d a y. If h e ta k es me to h om ecom i n g , I th i n k i ts j u st too soon . It w ou l d m ess u p my me my p l a n s. I d on t h a ve h i m on m y d a ti n g ca l en d a r u n ti l a fter col l eg e. my C h a rl i e d rop p ed b a ck on to th e cou ch . H i s exp ressi on h a d g on e w i l d a s th ou g h h e w a n ted to ru n ou t of th e room . H i s w i d e op en m ou th m i rrored D u sti n s, on l y m ore so. It h a d fa l l en op en so w i d e b a ts cou l d fl y i n to i t. J en n a , seri ou sl y. Y ou a re th e most m essed u p p erson Ive ever m et a n d a n d I m ost w h a t th e h el l C h a rl i e ch ok ed . It w a s a d esp era te a ttem p t to p l a y th i s off, a n d i t h a d fa i l ed . T h e g u y w a s tryi n g very h a rd to a ct cool , b u t h ed b l ow n th a t a b ou t tw o g a p i n g mi n u tes a g o. mi D u sti n n oted w i th ch eer th a t C h a rl i e w a s a cti n g exa ctl y l i k e V ere. H i s stu tteri n g w a s h i l a ri ou s, a n d th e k i d s fa ce h a d tu rn ed a sh ow - stop p i n g b eet red . Wel l w h o k n ew ? D u sti n m u rm u red j u st l ou d en ou g h for everyon e to h ea r. P eop l e sa y th eres a mu fi n e l i n e b etw een l ove a n d h a te. H m m m . In teresti n g . H e l a u g h ed . mm He Mrs. Roth seem ed to b e h ol d i n g b a ck h er ow n l a u g h s. Wel l , J en n a , I su p p ose i ts g ood to w a i t. If you th i n k i ts b est. C h a rl i e sp u ttered a n d fl a i l ed h i s a rm s from a cross th e room . Y ou h a ve g ot to b e k i d d i n g . Mom. Ive g ot n o cru sh on J en n a . An d , sh es th e l a st p erson on th i s en ti re ea rth Id ever ch oose to m a rry, l et a l on e ta k e to H O ME C O MIN G . G O D , SAV E ME ! J en n a si g h ed a s th ou g h sh e cou l d ca re l ess w h a t C h a rl i e h a d to sa y a b ou t i t, a n d con ti n u ed , C h a rl i e, i t i sn t th e g u y th a t d oes th e ch oosi n g . An d Ive ch osen you . Mom . V ere. Ma k e h er stop , C h a rl i e m oa n ed . H i s fa ce h a d tu rn ed even red d er. Mom. moa D u d e. Y ou re l ook i n g l i k e sp i cy- red - h ot ca n d y. C u rti s l a u g h ed too. I b et you d o l i k e h er! D u sti n tossed a g l a ce a t V ere, w on d eri n g i f sh ed k n ow n a b ou t th i s, b u t sh e a p p ea red a s su rp ri sed a s everyon e el se. Sta ti sti ca l l y C h a rl i e, J en n a a n n ou n ced , w i th a b sol u te ca l m , th e g u y u su a l l y d oes th e ASKIN G w i th th e ri n g . E ven tu a l l y, you w i l l h a ve to step u p . So, yea h ." Sh e sh ru g g ed . "E ven th ou g h you a sk ed , Im n ot g oi n g to h om ecom i n g w i th you . I h op e th a t d oesn t h u rt you r feel i n g s. I d i d n t a sk you to AN Y d a n ce! Wh a t th e h el l ? Ma yb e p rom , b u t l ets see h ow i t g oes. Sh e b l i n k ed .

V ere g i g g l ed a n d l ock ed eyes w i th D u sti n w h o w a s h a vi n g h i s ow n d i ffi cu l ti es k eep i n g m ore l a u g h ter i n ch eck . C u rti s l a u g h ed l ou d er. C a l l th e cop s. D a d , g i ve m e you r ca r k eys. Im d ri vi n g ou t of h ere, C h a rl i e cri ed . Y ou re so fu n n y, J en n a l a u g h ed . Its on e of th e rea son s I d o l i k e h i m , sh e a d d ed , tu rn i n g to Mr. Roth . A sen se of h u m or i s so i m p orta n t. Sh e sm i l ed . H ow d i d you com e u p w i th th i s g i rl s ch oose i d ea ? Mr. Roth a sk ed . O n e of l a st yea rs soci a l exp eri m en ts. Ive su rveyed a b ou t tw o h u n d red p a ren ts. T h ei r m a rri a g es en d ed i n T h e B i g D i f th e m a n w a s th e on e w h o ch ose th e g i rl . Its ma p ra cti ca l l y a sci en ti fi c fa ct th a t th e g u ys d on t k n ow h ow to sel ect a q u a l i ty, l a sti n g ma te. Al l you h a ve to d o i s com p a re b a ck sea son s of T h e B a ch el or a g a i n st ma comp T h e B a ch el orette . E very ti m e th e g u y ch ooses, th e cou p l e b om b s! Mr. a n d Mrs. Roth b u rst ou t l a u g h i n g a l on g w i th V ere, C u rti s, a n d D u sti n . Mr. Roth n od d ed a t C h a rl i e. Sh es ri g h t, son . Y ou r m om p i ck ed m e, a n d I d i d th e a sk i n g . T h ere cou l d b e som eth i n g to th i s. Y ou m i g h t a s w el l fol d . B eg h er to recon si d er th e h om ecom i n g th i n g . G od . D on t en cou ra g e h er! C h a rl i e sh ou ted . I su p p ose I cou l d w a l k b y th e l a k e w i th you , C h a rl i e, a s l on g a s you d on t m i sta k e i t for a d a te or d o a n yth i n g u n tow a rd . J en n a ti l ted h er h ea d to th e si d e a n d b l i n k ed a t h i m . An yth i n g u n tow a rd ? U n tow a rd ? C ra p . I d on t even k n ow w h a t th a t m ea n s! T h i s i s w h y I a m n ot d a ti n g you u n ti l a fter col l eg e. Y ou r voca b u l a ry i s yea rs b eh i n d m i n e. T h e sen se of h u m or i s g ood , b u t you r tem p er i s j u st too...l oose ca n n on . Im sort of w a i ti n g for you to ca tch u p , h ere. J en n a ta p p ed h er foreh ea d a n d g a i n ed a n oth er rou n d of l a u g h ter from everyon e i n th e room . C h a rl i e p u sh ed h i s h a i r b a ck w i th b oth h a n d s. V ere, ca l l h er off, or I sw ea r Im g oi n g to D on t b e a l l i n su l ted , J en n a con ti n u ed , Id l i k e th e i n si d e to ma tch th e ma ou tsi d e. Sh e b l u sh ed sl i g h tl y th en . If you mu st k n ow , I fi n d you so b ea u ti fu l on mu th e ou tsi d e, C h a rl i e. N o on es cu ter. B a h fa h - w h a t ? C h a rl i e stu ttered . Restra i n i n g ord er. I n eed a restra i n i n g O RD E R! D oes n o on e see th a t sh es sca ry? J en n a l a u g h ed , n ot offen d ed . O k a y. Il l w a l k b y th e l a k e w i th you . J u st d on t try to h ol d m y h a n d . D u sti n a l m ost fel t sorry for th e d u d e. H ed n ow tu rn ed even red d er th a n V eres red d est! I th i n k th i sssth i stth ssstth oo sw eet, D u sti n a d d ed , u n a b l e to resi st ru b b i n g som e sa l t i n to th i s on e. L ettth ss g o! Mr. Roth p u t th e g ra te over th e fi rep l a ce a n d ca m e to h i s son s rescu e. Y ou you n g sters h a ve j u st i n sp i red u s b oth to ch a p eron e you . L ets a l l ta k e a w a l k b y th e l a k e, sh a l l w e? C h a rl i e, you l ook a s th ou g h you n eed som e a i r. B on u s! G ood i d ea , D a d . V ere seem ed to b rea th e a si g h of rel i ef, p rob a b l y a ssu m i n g i f h er p a ren ts w ere a l on g , h e a n d C h a rl i e cou l d n t b ea t th e sh i t ou t of ea ch oth er again.

D u sti n h op ed th e sa m e th i n g . C u rti s d i d n ot l ook exa ctl y p l ea sed w i th th e si tu a ti on , b u t seem ed to b e seemed fol l ow i n g a l on g , tw o step s b eh i n d th e con versa ti on . Wi th n o fi g h t, or p erson a l i ty, a s u su a l . T h e sl ow b i t w a s th e on l y th i n g D u sti n l i k ed a b ou t C u rti s. As D u sti n p a ssed C h a rl i e on h i s w a y a cross th e l i vi n g room , C h a rl i e sen t h i m a l ook th a t cou l d h a ve tu rn ed h i m to ston e. C h a rl i e, u n l i k e C u rti s, w a s a t l ea st a va l i d , th i n k i n g op p on en t. T h e g u ys exp ressi on cu rren tl y p rom i sed a b sol u te reven g e. D u sti n g ri n n ed , u n a b l e to h i d e h i s d el i g h t. At l ea st Im n o l on g er en teri n g h el l a l on e. H e sp ok e l ow so on l y C h a rl i e cou l d h ea r, Wh a t? Aren t you g l a d you ve b een p i ck ed to m a rry? Sh ou l d b e a rel i ef, d u d e. N ow you ca n focu s on oth er th i n g s. D u sti n si d estep p ed C h a rl i es u p tu rn ed foot a t th e l a st secon d , a n d h op p ed over i t w i th a n oth er g ri n . Wh oa . Wa tch th e feet, b u d . I ca n t stth eeeeee very w el l ou t of th tth eesese cra ck ed g l a sses, rememb er ? C h a rl i e sta l k ed a w a y, h i s sh ou l d ers so ri g i d h e l ook ed a b ou t to sn a p . G ood . N ow w e b oth feel j u st a b ou t th e sa me. L i k e k i l l i n g someon e, b u t w e ca n t. Mrs. Roth h ol l ered from th e k i tch en . P a ss th i s w a y b efore h ea d i n g ou t. T h e ca k e i s frosted , sl i ced a n d rea d y to w a l k . D u sti n sw a l l ow ed a th i rd g ri n a s h e fol l ow ed C h a rl i e i n to th e k i tch en . Mrs. Roth h a n d ed ea ch of th em h u g e sl i ces of w a rm ca k e. D u sti n b i t i n to h i s, rol l i n g h i s eyes b a ck i n p u re b l i ss. At l ea st h el l h a s g rea t ea ts.

33: holding his attention VERE

V ere. Wh a ts ea ti n g you ? C ome ou t of i t. Y ou h a ven t sp ok en for th i rty m i n u tes. Ive h a d en ou g h si l en t scen ery. T a l k to me. Ma yb e I ca n h el p , D u sti n sa i d . m e. V ere si g h ed a n d fl exed h er sh ou l d ers b a ck i n to th e d ri vers sea t. Sh e stretch ed h er a rm s stra i g h t a g a i n st th e steeri n g w h eel a n d w i g g l ed h er fi n g ers. Sorry. Im d i stra cted . J u st a few more mi n u tes. Sh h h . Mom...p l ea se , J en n a mu m b l ed from th e b a ck m ore mb sea t b efore sh e fel l a sl eep a g a i n . D u sti n tu rn ed to l ook i n th e b a ck sea t. I l ove J en n a Ri l ey. Sh es h i l a ri ou s. An d th e cool est fri en d ever, h u h ? Sh es p erfect, even a sl eep , V ere a g reed , eyei n g h er fri en d i n th e mi rror. Sh es mi h a d ca r n a rcol ep sy si n ce w e w ere l i ttl e. Sh e u sed to fa l l a sl eep on th e sch ool b u s every si n g l e d a y i n mi d d l e sch ool . Y ou d i d n t h a ve to ta k e me d ow n ea rl y, you k n ow ? I cou l d h a ve g otten th e g l a sses fi xed tomorrow w i th Au n t N a n . It w ou l d h a ve b een a p erfect excu se to tom orrow d i tch sch ool . I k n ow , b u t I w a n ted to g et ou t of th ere. I j u st cou l d n t fa ce C h a rl i e. Im sti l l so m a d a t h i m . I k i n d of w on d er i f I messed everyth i n g u p w i th C u rti s yesterd a y. ma m. E veryth i n g feel s a l l ...a w k w a rd . Y a th i n k ? Ima g i n e h ow I feel w i th th i s w h i te ta p e b etw een m y eyes. D ou b l e my a w k w a rd . He p u l l ed off h i s g l a sses a n d ru b b ed th e b ri d g e of h i s n ose. An oth er h ou r a n d th i s ta p e w ou l d g i ve me a ra sh . V ere ma d e su re to cen sor h er w ord s j u st i n ca se J en n a h ea rd th em. G od . I'm so sorry. Sa d l y, I th i n k ou r h a sty retrea t w i l l m ess u p th i n g s more w i th C u rti s a n d mess m e. He w i l l p rob a b l y fi g u re Im n ot th a t i n to h i m . me. m. Ma yb e you a ren t th a t i n to h i m? Sh e l a u g h ed b u t k ep t h er eyes on th e roa d . Hel l o. Y es I a m. Its j u st th a t C u rti s m. m a k es me rea l l y n ervou s a n d j i ttery. Its h a rd to h a n g a rou n d w i th h i m for l on g ma stretch es. Sort of ti res me ou t b eca u se Im so w orri ed h e w i l l , a l l of a su d d en , n ot l i k e me. D o you k n ow w h a t I mea n ? Y ea h . I g u ess. D u sti n w a s sp i n n i n g h i s g l a sses i n h i s h a n d s, b u t h a d tu rn ed h i s fa ce b a ck tow a rd th e w i n d ow . T h ey w ere a l m ost d ow n th e h i l l a n d i n to th e ou tsk i rts of Ma n i tou Sp ri n g s, th e most sm a l l tow n th a t l ed i n to th e l a rg er exp a n se of C ol ora d o Sp ri n g s. D u sti n . I h a ve a fa vor to a sk . Y ou ca n sa y n o , b eca u se you ve a l rea d y h el p ed m e so m u ch Sh oot. An yth i n g . C ou l d you h el p me...l i k e p i ck a h omecom i n g d ress, a s i n T HE RIG H T omecomi HE HT h om ecomi n g d ress? An d , i n th e mea n ti me, w h i l e Im w a i ti n g for h om ecom i n g ....I omecom sort of w a n t to d o a ma k eover. I th i n k i f I l ook p retti er th en C u rti s w on t g et b ored w i th m e. I d on t k n ow . I j u st w a n t to w ow h i m , k eep h i s a tten ti on . T h e me. m, d a n ce i s tw o w eek s a w a y. Si n ce you k n ow so m u ch a b ou t fa sh i on , a n d w h a ts h ot, mu

d o you m i n d g i vi n g m e a d d i ti on a l p oi n ters? An d m a yb e tod a y? At th e m a l l ? D u sti n sn orted a n d crossed h i s a rms. rm s. D o you th i n k I ca n t d o i t? L i k e I d on t h a ve en ou g h to w ork w i th ? H er h ea rt b ea t ti g h tl y a g a i n st h er ch est. Sh e h op ed h e w ou l d b e h on est w i th h er a b ou t th i s. D u sti n sn orted a g a i n a n d l ook ed over. It seem ed a s th ou g h h e w a n ted to sa y som eth i n g el se b u t h e took a d eep b rea th a n d sh ook h i s h ea d i n stea d . Y ou sel l you rsel f so sh ort. Y ou w ow a n d k eep th e a tten ti on of everyon e you m eet. D on t meet. you k n ow th a t? Y ea h . B u t Im ti red of sca ri n g p eop l e. Im d on e b ei n g w ow eccen tri c a n d j u st w a n t to b e m a i n strea m . Sh e took on e h a n d off th e steeri n g w h eel a n d p u sh ed a t h er h a i r. I th i n k th e b u n h a s g ot to g o. Y ou a re so stu b b orn . I l ove th a t b u n . Its b eyon d p erfect. Its you r tra d em a rk . H i s eyes tra i l ed u p to i t a n d h e smi l ed . I ca n 't i m a g i n e you w i th ou t i t. sm i Wel l , you re th e on l y on e. T h a n k s for a l w a ys b ei n g so n i ce. I d on t k n ow h ow I su rvi ved a d a y i n m y l i fe w i th ou t you a s a fri en d . Sh e sh ook h er h ea d a n d tu rn ed off th e freew a y a n d on to Aca d em y B ou l eva rd , a b u sy si x- l a n e roa d . Stop ca l l i n g m e th a t. Im n ot th a t n i ce . An d th a t w ord sets m e off. It su ck s. Ma k es m e w a n t to b rea k th i n g s. F i g u re ou t w a ys to p rove I'm n ot n i ce. O k a y. Mea n i e. Wh a tever. Sh e l a u g h ed . After w e d rop off you r g l a sses i t w i l l p rob a b l y ta k e a cou p l e of h ou rs b efore w e ca n p i ck th em u p . So ca n you p l ea se h el p me, l i k e tod a y? N ow ? P i ck a cool l ook i n g d ress w i th me, a t l ea st? m e, H e l et ou t a l on g si g h . Il l h el p you d o a n yth i n g . An yth i n g a t a l l , V ere. He Wh a tever i t w i l l ta k e to m a k e you h a p p y. Y ou on l y h a ve to a sk . If i ts C u rti s you w a n t, w el l you l l g et h i m . Heck , you ve a l rea d y g ot h i m , b u t you j u st d on t b el i eve i t. H i s voi ce h a d g row n q u i et a s h i s eyes sca n n ed h er fa ce. Hi Y ea h ri g h t. C u rti s ca n h a ve a n y g i rl h e w a n ts a t ou r sch ool . Y ou th i n k th a t, b u t i ts n ot tru e. B esi d es h es m a k i n g i t p retty ob vi ou s th a t h es ma a fter you . D u sti n g l a n ced a g a i n i n to th e b a ck sea t a t J en n a . Y ou h el p ed m e w i th , you k n ow . He tu g g ed a t h i s p l a i d sh i rt. I w ou l d l ove b e a b l e to p a y you b a ck . My m om , sh es rea l l y fa sh i on a b l e. Its on e of th e few th i n g s w e ta l k a b ou t w i th ou t fi g h ti n g . Il l h a ve n o p rob l em ch oosi n g a g ood d ress for you ...a n d som e some oth er stu ff. Y a y! V ere p u l l ed th e ca r to a stop l i g h t, w a i ti n g h er tu rn to m a n eu ver th e ca r i n to th e C h a p el H i l l s Ma l l p a rk i n g l ot. Wh a ts sh e l i k e, you r m om ? Y ou n ever Hi ta l k a b ou t h er I mea n h ow sh e i s a s a p erson ? Sh es b ea u ti fu l . D u sti n sh ru g g ed . B u t i s sh e n i ce? Wh a t h ob b i es d oes sh e h a ve? T h a t w ord a g a i n ? H e g ri m a ced . L i k e I sa i d , w e d on t rea l l y g et a l on g . I w ou l d n t k n ow a b ou t h er h ob b i es. We h a ven t even sp ok en si n ce Ive b een h ere. Wow . Wh y? I d on t k n ow . D u sti n s ra w ton e m a d e h er h ea rt tw i st. My m om w ou l d j u st a b ou t d i e i f w e d i d n t ta l k for a w eek or l on g er. I b et you r m om i s sa d . Rea l l y sa d a b ou t i t. Ma yb e. B u t so w a s I. Y ou sa i d w a s ! Are you n ot sa d a n ymore?

I th ou g h t w ed covered th a t top i c w h i l e sw i m m i n g . V ere p u l l ed i n to a p a rk i n g sp ot a n d k i l l ed th e en g i n e. N ei th er m a d e a m ove to ma g et ou t of th e ca r. Y ea h . I k n ow . I k n ow . Sh e fel t h er fa ce fl u sh sl i g h tl y w h en sh e cou l d n t u n d ersta n d h i s d a rk en ed exp ressi on . Pl ea se d on t b ri n g u p th e a w k w a rd w ri st k i ssi n g . Pl ea se... Y ou sh ou l d ca l l h er. Sh e j u mp ed b a ck i n to ch a tteri n g , to g et th em off th e mp l a k e top i c. Ma yb e you m i ss h er? Y ea h . Ma yb e. D u sti n p u l l ed off h i s ca p a n d ra n h i s h a n d th rou g h h i s h a i r. Su re i s h ot d ow n h ere. T h i s In d i a n su m mer stu ff i s w ei rd . I th ou g h t i t w a s m er su p p osed to sn ow i n C ol ora d o. C O U G H . C O U G H . D on e ta l k i n g a b ou t m y m om . Sh e l a u g h ed . O k a y. I h ea r you . Sh e rea ch ed over a n d tu g g ed a th i ck stra n d a t th e top of h i s h ea d . Y ou h a ve g ot to d a rk en you r h a i r a g a i n , sh e w h i sp ered . Wi th th a t ca p off I ca n see m i l es a n d m i l es of very p retty b l on d h i g h l i g h ts com i n g th rou g h . T el l m e th ey a ren t n a tu ra l . T h ey a re. J ea l ou s a g a i n ? Y ou ta k e w h a t you h a ve for g ra n ted . Y es, Im j ea l ou s. T h e w h ol e w orl d i s j ea l ou s. Its u n fa i r h ow n a tu ra l l y a ttra cti ve you tu rn ed ou t. Id g o on , b u t I ca n t h a ve you a l l p u ffed u p w i th you rsel f a g a i n . Sh u t u p . An d you , so, ta k e w h a t you h a ve a n d u n d er p l a y i t. Y ou k n ow you r ow n l i st of a ssets i s a m i l e l on g . mi Y ea h ...yea h ...I h a ve a few . H er ea rs sta rted b u rn i n g . Ma yb e. Sort of. B u t i ts Her h a rd to b u i l d u p my con fi d en ce a fter h i d i n g everyth i n g a l l th ese yea rs b eh i n d m y my red ch eek s. H e n od d ed , seem i n g to u n d ersta n d . T ru st m e, i t w on t ta k e m u ch to k n ock d ow n th a t l a st w a l l of h ood i es you h i d e b eh i n d . Its a l l th ere, V ere. Y ou l l see. B y th e en d of tod a y w el l h a ve i t h a n d l ed . V ere g l a n ced i n th e rea r vi ew m i rror. T h a n k fu l l y J en n a s l eg s h a d n t m oved a n mi i n ch , a n d sh ed sta rted to sn ore. V ere rea l i zed sh e sh ou l d n t h a ve men ti on ed h i s m en h a i r d ye. Sh e p u t h er fi n g er over h er m ou th a n d m a d e a fa ce a t D u sti n to sh ow sh ed j u st screw ed u p . H e l a u g h ed , g l a n ced b eh i n d h i m a n d p u t th e ca p b a ck on . Itth h h cool . Sh es sou n d a sth l eeeep . H e p a sted on h i s g i a n t d ork sm i l e, a n d sh e g i g g l ed . So...a n yh ow . H e p a u sed , h i s eyes sti l l d a rk a n d u n rea d a b l e, d ri fted over h er He fa ce a g a i n . T h i s C u rti s...b ei n g you r b oyfri en d . Its rea l l y g oi n g to m a k e you h a p p y? Its tru l y w h a t you w a n t, w i th ou t a n y d ou b ts? H er tu m m y fl u ttered . If i t w ork s. Y E S! An d of cou rse I h a ve d ou b ts. L i k e, I w a n t mm to k n ow th a t h es su re a b ou t m e. F or th e l on g term. T h a ts rea l l y i m p orta n t. I term . d on t w a n t b e l i k e th ose oth er g i rl s h e on l y d a tes sh ort term. I w a n t th e fa i ry ta l e term . rom a n ce. Ri g h t n ow , I th i n k h es si m p l y cu ri ou s, b u t n ot com m i tted . T h a ts sta n d a rd , ri g h t? H e a n d I...w ere j u st sta rti n g ou t. G etti n g to k n ow ea ch oth er w a y b etter... Y ea h . It w i l l w ork ou t. H m m . H e su rveyed h er h a i r, frow n i n g . Wh i l e w ere mm h ere, w h a t d o you sa y to m e d ra g g i n g you to on e of th e sa l on s? B u t I g et to tel l

th em w h a t to d o. H er h ea rt cl en ch ed . C u t m y h a i r? Ma yb e... N ot m u ch sh orter. A tri m . T o crea te som e m ovem en t a t you r ch eek b on es a n d ch i n - l i n e, fra m e you r fa ce? A few h i g h l i g h ts of you r ow n a rou n d you r crow n a rea ? U g h . Wh a ts m y ch i n - l i n e? I d on t w a n t a n y m ovem en t th ere. D o I? Wi l l i t h el p my m e? Sh ou l d I tru st you ? D u sti n i g n ored h er q u esti on s, b ea m i n g a s th ou g h h e n ow h a d a h u g e p l a n . We ca n h a ve th em d o you r eyeb row s too a n d a cl a ssi c F ren ch m a n i cu re. T h a t sh ou l d l a st w el l ti l l you w ou l d h a ve to re- d o th em for th e d a n ce. My m om sw ea rs th e F ren ch g oes w i th everyth i n g . U h . Y ou rea l l y d o k n ow som e ra n d om stu ff, d on t you ? Il l a g ree to everyth i n g b u t th e n a i l s. I h a te th e sm el l of n a i l p ol i sh . Wh a tever. N ot th e n a i l s th en , l i ttl e h i p p i e . If you a re g oi n g to p u l l th i s off th ou g h , you l l w a n t a few oth er ou tfi ts to g et you a l l th e w a y to d a n ce d a y. O k a y, yea h ...g ood i d ea . B u t you w on t fi x th i n g s w i th C u rti s w i th ou tfi ts a l on e. I k n ow ...b u t a t l ea st I'm tryi n g . Y ou l l h a ve to a t l ea st ca l l or text h i m ton i g h t. Som eth i n g sh ort a n d sw eet w i th th e h i n t of a p rom i se. T h en , you l l w a l k i n a n d sta g g er i n h i s eyeb a l l s a t h i s romi l ock er tom orrow . It w on t ta k e h i m l on g to forg et th a t you d i tch ed h i m tod a y tomorrow w h en Im th rou g h w i th you . O h p l ea se. Y ou a ren t a m a g i ci a n . ma J u st w a i t. I a m . If som e oth er l u ck y g u y h a sn t stol en you a w a y, C u rti s w i l l b e some l ock i n g th i s w h ol e g i rl fri en d b i t d ow n i n a ma tter of d a ys. Wel l m a k e you so ma i rresi sti b l e h el l b e sca red to l ose you . T h en you l l b e set a n d h a p p y for th e w h ol e yea r u n ti l you w i se u p a n d d u m p h i m , h e a d d ed . mp H a . H a . As IF ! B u t...I...m y b u d g et i s ti g h t. Were g oi n g to h a ve to sh op sm a rt. Im n ot h el p i n g you u n l ess you a g ree th e w h ol e m a k eover th i n g i s on m e. Sort of a th a n k - you for a l l you ve d on e for m e. A g i ft. P a yb a ck for th e g u i ta r you a n d C h a rl i e sh ou l d n t h a ve b ou g h t for m e. Ma yb e... T a k e i t a n d l ove i t. I d i d . I rea l l y d o l ove i t b y th e w a y. Y ou k n ow I d o. H i s exp ressi on soften ed . Ive b een w ri ti n g som e n ew son g s. Sh e sm i l ed . Ma yb e you ca n p l a y som e for m e? smi Su re. Ma yb e. I a ccep t you r offer, b u t d on t g o over th e top , ok a y? Il l w a n t to p a y you b a ck even tu a l l y, or I w on t b e a b l e to l i ve w i th mysel f. Ma k eovers a re exp en si ve. m ysel Ive g ot i t covered . D on t w orry a b ou t i t. Ma k eover? D i d someon e sa y m a k eover? J en n a sa t u p stra i g h t i n th e b a ck sea t. som eon Are w e g i vi n g D u sti n a m a k eover? H e so n eed s on e! D u d e, I g et to h el p ! ma V ere fel t h er smi l e g row ten se. H op efu l l y sh e h a d n t h ea rd th em ta l k i n g a b ou t sm i Hop D u sti n s d i sg u i se. N ot h i m. Me. D u sti n sh oved h i s g l a sses b a ck on , tw i sted i n h i s sea t a n d b rok e ou t th e reta i n er sm i l e. J en n a Ri l ey, you d o i n stth u l t m e. Im th e m a k eover k i n g . I h a ve a n u n cl e i n L os An g el es w h os a stth tyl i st . An d m y m om , sh es q u i te th e fa sh i on m a ven ,

stth oo Ive offered to h el p ou r V ere. J en n a ru b b ed h er eyes a n d b l i n k ed , fi n a l l y l ook i n g a rou n d . Are w e a t th e m a l l ? V ere sh ook h er h ea d . G rea t. Y ea h , sl eep yh ea d . Wa i ti n g for you to w a k e u p . Wi l l you m a k e m e over too? O f cou rse. N ow com e on , Im ti red of l ook i n g a t you tw o th rou g h th ese d u m b , cra ck ed g l a sses.

34: creating my own demise Dustin

G ood G od , D u sti n mu ttered u n d er h i s b rea th a s h e l ook ed a t V eres a n d J en n a s tra n sform a ti on s. T h ey w ere si tti n g si d e b y si d e i n th e sa l on ch a i rs. T h e sforma styl i st w a s j u st fi n i sh i n g J en n a s b l ow - ou t. V ere seemed stu n n ed . Her eyes w ere w i d e, fa ci n g th e mi rror. Her b row h a d n ot mi on ce l ost i ts w orri ed l ook i n g crea ses a s sh e sta red a t h er refl ecti on . He step p ed b a ck , fa rth er ou t of si g h t, w on d eri n g w h a t i n th e h el l h e h a d d on e? He C u rti s Wi sh ford s a tten ti on sp a n w a s a b ou t to g et very, very l on g . L on g on V ere Roth . He si g h ed , resi g n ed . Ma yb e i t w a s for th e b est. He Hed ou td on e h i msel f w i th th i s d ea l . H e h op ed V ere a n d C u rti s fel l ma d l y i n l ove H ed w i th ea ch oth er a n d j u st l eft h i m a l on e a fter th i s. Hel l . He h a d n o i d ea h ow to ta l k to h er. T h e g i rl h ed g row n to k n ow h a d com p l etel y He d i sa p p ea red , a n d i t w a s h i s fa u l t! T h i s V ere l ook ed tw en ty- fi ve a n d yet, sti l l si xteen a l l a t th e sa me ti me. Sh e w a s so b ea u ti fu l si tti n g th ere l ook i n g w orri ed a n d so u n b el i eva b l y g org eou s th a t D u sti n s h ea rt w ren ch ed . J eez. Hel p . T h ere i s n o w a y Im g oi n g to sch ool l ook i n g l i k e th i s, V ere sq u ea k ed to J en n a . Wh y? Y ou l ook l i k e a g ol d en , g l ow i n g Ma l i b u B a rb i e d ol l , J en n a sa i d . T h ose h i g h l i g h ts a re so cool . Im th e on e w h o l ook s l i k e a n ew sca ster. Wh y d i d I g o for th e F ren ch l ook ? I th ou g h t F ren ch mea n t E u ro- sexy b u t I d on t th i n k Im rea d y m ea for th e b i g ci ty. It w i l l ta k e ti l l su mmer to g row b a ck my a p p roa ch a b l e, An n e of m mer my G reen G a b l es l en g th . Sh e tu g g ed a t th e en d s of h er n ow , sh ou l d er l en g th h a i r. I h op e I ca n sti l l b ra i d i t. V ere sh i fted i n h er sea t. Sh ou l d I sm a ck you for ca l l i n g me a B a rb i e? An d you l ook a ma zi n g , J en n a . L ook . Y ou r ch eek b on es a re so p erfect n ow . T h e b a n g s sh ow off th e a n g l e of you r eyes. Y ou re stu n n i n g , a n d i ts tota l l y l on g en ou g h for you r b ra i d s. O k a y, fi n e. Im a d ora b l e, i ts tru e. Sh e p u l l ed a fa ce. An d B a rb i e i s b ea u ti fu l , th rou g h a n d th rou g h . It w a s comp l i m en t, h on est. J en n a w i g g l ed h er eyeb row s. men Y ou h a ve to a d m i t, th e w a xed b row s a re a w esome. We l ook l i k e w e h a ve fa i ry mi w i n g s. Wh o k n ew a l l th e mod el s i n th e m a g a zi n es d i d th i s? I a l w a ys th ou g h t th ey ma j u st h a d sp eci a l , mod el eyes. I th ou g h t i t w a s th e extra , th i ck en i n g - eyesh a d ow a n d g ob s of p erfectl y a p p l i ed col or th a t ma d e th ei r eyes so cool ! Id n ever ma d e th e ma w a xi n g con n ecti on . Im a d d i cted to th i s l ook . Al l p i ctu res n eed a fra me, th e styl i st sa i d . Y E S, th ey d o. Il l b e b a ck h ere w i th m y tw en ty b u ck s j u st a s soon a s th ese b a b i es try to g row b a ck i n . N o w on d er p eop l e g row u p a n d g et rea l j ob s. Its to p a y for th e eyeb row s a n d h a i rcu ts. L ook a t u s!

V ere tu rn ed h er h ea d to th e si d e, fl u ttered h er l a sh es a n d w i g g l ed h er b row s i m i ta ti n g J en n a i n th e m i rror. Y ea h . Ri g h t? E yeb row s: A++! V ere sa i d , ca tch i n g mi si g h t of D u sti n s refl ecti on . Sh e g a ve h i m a n a ccu si n g l ook . H ow l on g h a ve you b een sta n d i n g th ere w a tch i n g u s b e va i n a n d ri d i cu l ou s? D u sti n ca me forw a rd , h i s h a n d s h ea vy w i th sh op p i n g b a g s. L on g en ou g h . L i k e w h a t you see, h u h ? He h a d to force h i m sel f to k eep h i s fa ce i m p a ssi ve. At l ea st He th e voi ce com i n g from th i s b ea u ti fu l w om a n s mou th sou n d ed l i k e V eres. comi Wh a t d o you th i n k ? V ere g a ve h i m a w orri ed g l a n ce. L ove or h a te? Ha te. Ha te. Ha te. D u sti n fa l tered . H e w i sh ed h e cou l d sh ou t h i s feel i n g s ou t to h er. B u t a l so u n d ersta n d i n g th i s l i ttl e m a k e over w ou l d sen d h er fa rth er a w a y from h i m th a n h e cou l d h a ve ever i m a g i n ed sh e w ou l d g o. An d tomorrow , a t sch ool , sh e w ou l d g o fa r. H e h a d to l et h er, a n d th ou g h i t h u rt, th i s w a s th e on l y p rop er cou rse for b oth He of th em . V ere. I l ove i t. Its j u st w h a t you w a n ted , a n d i t fi ts you p erfectl y. T ry to g et u sed to i t. Like I will. V ere smi l ed a t h i s refl ecti on a s h e con ti n u ed , T h i s w i l l stop C u rti s i n h i s tra ck s. sm i T h eres g oi n g to b e a fu l l on l i n e- u p for you tw o tom orrow . Itl l b e a b l ood b a th . Y ou tw o a re so b ea u ti fu l ri g h t n ow . H ed i n cl u d ed J en n a i n th a t sta tem en t, b u t h i s eyes h a d n ever l eft V eres. J en n a l a u g h ed . O h d o I w i sh , a n d th a n k s! V ere d i d n t sa y a n yth i n g , b u t D u sti n n oti ced th e w orri ed crea se h a d l eft h er foreh ea d . T h a t w a s a n sw er en ou g h . Sh e b el i eved h i m , a n d th a t a l on e p u t a b a n d a i d on h i s a ch i n g h ea rt. Wh a ts i n th e b a g s, sh op p er? J en n a a sk ed . Wh a t d o you th i n k I d i d w i th m y ti m e a n d you r cl oth i n g si zes? I fi xed you r me w a rd rob es. Al l th a ts for u s ? D i d you rob a b a n k ? J en n a g ri n n ed . D u sti n cou l d tel l V ere w a s n ot p l ea sed . L ook i n g d ow n a t th e h u g e m ess of b a g s h e rea l i zed h ed p rob a b l y j u st d ra w n a l ot of a tten ti on to h i m sel f w i th th i s d ea l . msel G u ys from B a k ersfi el d mi g h t n ot h a ve th i s m u ch ch a n g e to sp a re. Y es. I rob b ed mi a b a n k . O f cou rse n ot. I h a ve a a tru st fu n d g oi n g to w a ste, h e sa i d u si n g th e ca refree b ra va d o h ed l ea rn ed from V ere. I d eci d ed I d i d n t w a n t to a rg u e w i th you tw o over w h o w a s p a yi n g for w h a t, n or d i d I w a n t to d i scu ss fa sh i on or ta stes, b eca u se I a m th e b oss of th i s ma k eover. In si d e th ese b a g s you w i l l fi n d you r fu tu res a s p op u l a r b ea u ti es. D ow n to a h om ecom i n g d ress for ea ch of you . Wow ! Y a y! J en n a cl a p p ed h er h a n d s. V ere ch ew ed on h er l i p a n d ti l ted h er h ea d to th e si d e. D u sti n . T h i s i s too m u ch . J en n a sp u n h er ch a i r a rou n d a n d a rou n d w i th u n d i sg u i sed g l ee u n ti l th e styl i st stop p ed h er. T h i s i s a w esom e. I l ove you , D a d d y Wa rb u ck s! B u t Im n ot g oi n g to h om ecom i n g , rem em b er? An yth i n g you d on t l i k e, ta k e i t b a ck . T h e recei p ts a re a l l th ere.

D u sti n m et V eres trou b l ed g a ze a n d rea l i zed h e h a d to g et ou t of h ere. T h e styl i st h a d fi n i sh ed sp ra yi n g V ere w i th a fog of sp ra y- g el . H i s th ou g h ts d ra i n ed ou t of h i m l i k e w a ter. H e su ck ed i n a d eep b rea th a n d j u st h a d to stop a n d sta re a l l over a g a i n . T h a t sh ou l d d o i t for b oth of th em , th e styl i st sa i d . Sh e h a n d ed h i m a recei p t. em, Al so to a voi d a rg u m en ts, h ed p a i d ea rl i er on h i s w a y ou t to th e sh op s. Il l g et m y m om to p a y you b a ck for most of th i s, D u sti n . Sh es b een offeri n g to mom m ost d o th i s w i th m e for yea rs. V ere stood a n d p eel ed off th e styl i sts ca p e a n d p l a ced i t on th e ch a i r. Y ea h , m e too. I w a s d u e for a h a i rcu t, J en n a a d d ed . me Wh a tever, D u sti n m a n a g ed to sou n d cool a n d col l ected b u t h e w a s d esp era tel y a w a re h i s b ra i n w a s a b ou t to sh u t d ow n . V eres g l ori ou s h a i r, a b ou t fou r i n ch es sh orter n ow , a n d cu t to fra m e h er fa ce, sl i d a cross h er b a ck a n d sh ou l d ers i n a d ry w a terfa l l of sp a rk l i n g g ol d h i g h l i g h ts. T h e styl i st h a d n t a d d ed a l ot of col or, j u st en ou g h to m a k e V eres b row n eyes sta n d ou t a n d sh ow off th e g reen sp eck s h i d d en i n th ei r d ep th s. T h ey w ere d efi n i tel y n ot h i d d en n ow . Hel l . H e si g h ed a n d p u l l ed i n a b rea th of n a i l s. He th ou g h t h e cou l d h a n d l e b ei n g He n ea r V ere a n d q u i etl y a d m i re h er from a fa r. B u t w i th h er l ook i n g l i k e th i s a n d w a sti n g i t a l l on C u rti s, th e fri en d th i n g w a s g oi n g to b e i m p ossi b l e. mp H i s h ea rt h u rt, everyth i n g h u rt. T h i s h a d g on e too fa r. H e d i d n t th i n k h e cou l d h a n g ou t w i th h er a n y m ore, n ot w i th ou t ca u si n g a scen e or m a k i n g a fool ou t of h i m sel f. H i s l u n g s ti g h ten ed a s th ou g h th eyd tu rn ed i n to a su ffoca ti n g b ra ce. V ere, u n a w a re of h i s terri b l e d i sq u i et, g ot ou t h er h a i r ti es a n d q u i ck l y p u l l ed th e g l ow i n g , h i g h l i g h ted ma ss b a ck i n to h er b u n . T h ere. Sh e si g h ed w i th ma a p p a ren t rel i ef a n d tu rn ed to fa ce h i m w i th a sm i l e. T h a t feel s b etter. G ood G od ! D u sti n a cci d en tl y sa i d th a t ou t l ou d . It cou l d n t b e h el p ed . T h e h i g h l i g h ts strea k ed a cross h er crow n a n d h er n ew l y sh a p ed , a rch i n g eyeb row s en h a n ced h er u su a l p i xi e l ook to over- th e- top g org eou s! H er b u n w a s n o l on g er a w i l d a n d ou t of b a l a n ce cl u ster cl u m p . T h i s stu n n i n g , m a d e- over b u n h a d i n sta n tl y fra m ed h er fa ce w i th w i sp s of h a i r th a t w ere n ow too sh ort to g et ca u g h t i n th e ru b b er b a n d s. A few l on g er, soft l ook i n g ten d ri l s h a d d rop p ed ou t, a n d n ow cu rl ed softl y a g a i n st th e b a ck of h er n eck . Wow , J en n a ech oed h i s th ou g h ts. V ere. Y ou ca n t even h i d e i n you r b u n a n ym ore. N ow you l ook j u st l i k e a Pri n cess B a rb i e. ymore. V ere tu rn ed b a ck to th e m i rror a s th ou g h to a n a l yze w h a t th eyd sa i d . D u sti n m ou rn ed th e l oss of h i s cu te, b l u sh i n g g n ome g i rl a n d h er m i ssi n g om e tu m b l ew eed top p er. T h ere w a s n o w a y D u sti n w ou l d b e a t sch ool tom orrow to w a tch h er d eb u t. H ed tomorrow Hed j u st d evel op ed a h u g e ca se of th e h ea rtb rea k fl u . J en n a j u m p ed ou t of h er ch a i r. N ow sh ow m e w h a ts i n th ose b a g s. Im d yi n g . Sta y b a ck . J u st sta y b a ck ! D u sti n a l m ost l a u g h ed b eca u se h ed m ea n t th ose w ord s for V ere w h o w a sn t even l ook i n g a t h i m , or m ovi n g . m,

H e fi g u red h e w a s on l y secon d s from l osi n g h i s m i n d . V ere tu rn ed to h i m , su rp ri sed . D u sti n l ook ed a w a y q u i ck l y a n d g estu red to th e b a g s to cover h i s ou tb u rst. U h . Y ou tw o w i l l h a ve to ch eck ou t th e l oot on you r ow n . Im d on e w i th th e ma l l . I ma h a ve to g et b a ck for som e stu ff. Ive ca l l ed N a n . Sh es m eeti n g m e ou t fron t i n me l i k e...fi ve m i n u tes, h e l i ed . Sh i t. Its g oi n g to ta k e h er forever to d ri ve d ow n h ere. Y ou g u ys w i l l h a ve to fi n i sh u p w i th ou t m e. Sorry, sh ou l d h a ve w a rn ed you , h e a d d ed . V ere ra i sed h er n ow , p erfectl y d i stra cti n g b row a s th ou g h sh e sen sed someth i n g som eth w a s off. Wel l i t i s w a y off! So! Wa y! O F F . O h . It d oes feel l i k e w eve b een h ere for h ou rs, sh e sa i d . T h ree h ou rs a n d fou rteen m i n u tes, to b e exa ct, h e ch ok ed ou t, h ea rt ra ci n g . Sh i t. Wh y d i d I sa y th a t? I sou n d l i k e Im g oi n g cra zy. O h . Wh a tever. I a m. O n e m ore th i n g a b ou t th e d resses, h e tri ed to cover. In ca se I forg et. H e more He cou l d n t d ra g h i s g a ze a w a y from V eres. Wh a t? J en n a a sk ed , a s sh e j u m p ed u p a n d d ow n i n fron t of th e b a g s. O MG . D resses! D u sti n b rok e V eres g a ze a n d forced h i s eyes to sta y on J en n a . T h e crea m col ored d ress, I u h p i ck ed i t for V ere. Its g oi n g to m a k e h er eyes g l ow . T h e sea - g reen on e i s you rs, J en n a . It sh ou l d d o th e sa m e, h e a d d ed , sw a l l ow i n g th e l u m p i n h i s th roa t. H e cou l d n t u n d ersta n d J en n a s rep l y. Sh ed d i ved sq u ea l i n g i n to on e of th e d ep a rtm en t store b a g s. rtmen H e d i d n t h a ve to l ook u p to k n ow V ere h a d h ea rd , th ou g h . Wh o ca res? H e fel t l i k e a n u tter fool . A fool i n l ove. Hel l , th a ts w h a t I a m. A fool i n l ove, w i th n o ri d e h ome. T h e l u m p retu rn ed to h i s th roa t. F or th e fi rst ti me i n a l on g ti m e h e n oti ced h ed me forg otten to b rea th e. Wi th ou t a n oth er w ord h e ra i sed a si l en t h a n d to th em a n d sta l k ed ou t of th e sa l on .

** Wh en D u sti n fi n a l l y m a d e i t h om e th ree h ou rs l a ter, h e sp en t th e even i n g a l on e i n h i s room cl ea n i n g u p . H e d eci d ed to ch eck h i s p h on e, b u t th e d ra w er to h i s n i g h t sta n d w a s j a m m ed . T h e n ow cru m p l ed , ca rd b oa rd h a i r- col or b ox a n d h i s ol d p l a n e ti ck ets from L AX to D E N w ere th e cu l p ri ts b l ock i n g h i s en try. H e h a d p ress to d ow n a n d tea r th e b ox i n h a l f to u n - w ed g e th e d ra w er. Sta ri n g a t th e sh red d ed m od el s fa ce i n th e b ottom of h i s tra sh ca n , h e rea d th e w ord s: b l a ck Ita l i a n coffee to h i m sel f a s h e ra n h i s fi n g ers th rou g h h i s h a i r.

H e h a d n t h a d h i s ow n h a i r col ored a t th e sa l on b eca u se h e d i d n t w a n t J en n a to He q u esti on w h y h e n eed ed to d o th a t. Ma yb e tom orrow , h ed a sk Au n t N a n to g o g et h i m a n ew b ox of th i s j u n k . H e cou l d col or i t a g a i n h i m sel f i n th e b a th room a n d b e rea d y to g o b y T u esd a y. Ma yb e. B u t m ore th a n a n yth i n g , h e si m p l y d i d n t w a n t to d ye h i s h a i r a n ym ore. more T h e on l y th i n g l eft i n th e d ra w er w a s h i s on ce b el oved cel l p h on e. H e p l u g g ed i t i n to th e w a l l a n d w a i ted for i t to g et en ou g h j u i ce to p ow er u p . H e He sn orted w h en h e n oti ced h i s em a i l b ox a n d th e a l erts th a t tol d h i m h e n ow h a d over 32 n ew text m essa g es a n d em a i l s com b i n ed . At a g l a n ce i t l ook ed a s th ou g h a l l of th em h a d b een sen t b y Ma rti n over th e w eek en d . H e w a s n ot g oi n g to rea d a n y of h i s su ck - u p , fa k e b u l l sh i t. In stea d , h e d i d w h a t He Ma rti n h a d a sk ed h i m n ot to d o. H e ca l l ed h i s m oth ers n u m b er d i rectl y. It w a s ti m e. He H er voi ce m a i l cl i ck ed on w i th ou t on e ri n g . H e h a d n t exp ected h er to a n sw er. Her H i s m oth er w a s a ca l l - screen i n g q u een . In stea d of h a n g i n g u p , h e l i sten ed l i k e a sta rvi n g p erson to th e b u ttery, ra sp y sou n d of h i s m om s p ol i te voi ce m a i l messa g e.: H i . Y ou ve rea ch ed Mol l y m essa Ken n ed y. P l ea se l ea ve a messa g e a n d Il l g et b a ck to you ri g h t a w a y. m essa Wh en th e p h on e b eep ed h e sp ok e w i th ou t th i n k i n g , U h . Mom . Its m e. Im d oi n g a l l ri g h t. Won d eri n g h ow you a re. I i f you h a ve a n y ti m e Id su re l i k e i t i f you ca m e ou t h ere. It w ou l d b e cool , you k n ow , to see you . N a n w ou l d l ove i t a n d I m i ss you . I w a n t to see you . T o ta l k , fa ce- to- fa ce. I w a n t to you k n ow th a t Im sorry. Sorry a b ou t everyth i n g a n d th a t I k n ow you a re, too. Wh en h e fi n i sh ed , h e h u n g u p a n d u n p l u g g ed th e p h on e q u i ck l y. It w a s tem p ti n g to g et i n to th e ema i l s a n d text m essa g es, b u t h e d i d n t w a n t to feel w orse th a n h e em a a l rea d y d i d . H e k n ew som eh ow , a l l th a t u n rea d cra p w ou l d a d d to h i s a n g st. Wh a tever w a s i n th ere h a d com e too l a te. At th i s p oi n t h e tru l y d i d n t ca re a b ou t a n yth i n g from h i s ol d w orl d b esi d es, fi xi n g th i n g s b etw een h i m a n d h i s m om a n d g etti n g on w i th h i s l i fe. O n h i s term s. terms. T om orrow h ed d el ete a l l of i t w i th ou t op en i n g even on e. H e p l a ced th e p h on e b a ck a n d g ra b b ed u p h i s g u i ta r. H e fl i p p ed th e a m p to l ow He vol u m e, a n d p l a yed , ma k i n g u p yet a n oth er sa d , sw eet, son g th a t h e d i d n t w ri te ma d ow n . H e cou l d n t. He T h i s on e, l i k e a l l th e oth ers, w a s a b ou t V ere a n d h ow sh e l ook ed tod a y, yesterd a y, a n d th e fi rst ti me h e sa w h er. me H ow sh e m a d e h i m feel . How T h e l yri cs fl ow ed i n to h i m a s ea si l y a s ra i n fa l l i n g from th e sk y. It w a s som e of th e b est stu ff h ed ever p u t tog eth er. H e tri ed to ta l k h i m sel f ou t of h i s feel i n g s, th e p a i n i n h i s h ea rt, a n d i g n ore th e w ord l ove a l tog eth er. B u t a s h e p l a yed a n d p l a yed , l etti n g th e som b er ton es of th e g u i ta r fi l l th e room , h e sa n g everyth i n g h e w a sn t b ra ve en ou g h to u tter i n w ord s. T o h i m sel f, to h i s m om a n d to h i s sou l . H e l et h i s fi n g ers w a n d er th e stri n g s, a n d a l l ow ed h i s h ea rt to soa r a l l th e w a y to He l ovi n g V ere h ow h e w a sn t a l l ow ed to l ove h er fa ce to fa ce. It w a sn t en ou g h , i t

w ou l d n ever b e en ou g h . B u t i t w a s som eth i n g . Wh en h i s room g rew d a rk , h e k n ew h ed fa i l ed m i sera b l y on ce a g a i n a t form u l a ti n g a p l a n on h ow to fi x everyth i n g . Hi s stom a ch ru m b l ed so h e fi n a l l y H i stoma g ot u p a n d w en t d ow n to j oi n Au n t N a n for d i n n er. H e w ou l d w a i t u n ti l a fter th ey a te to b ri n g u p h ow h e th ou g h t h e w a sn t feel i n g so g ood . H ed si t w i th Au n t N a n a n d w a tch h er fa vori te h om e ma k eover sh ow . ma H ed m en ti on h ow h e fel t sort of sw ea ty a n d d i zzy. H ed th en g o u p sta i rs too ea rl y for b ed . H ed h a ve i t a l l set u p , so w h en h e d i d n t g o to sch ool tom orrow m orn i n g , Au n t N a n w ou l d b el i eve h i m w h en h e tol d h er th a t h e w a s si ck a n d u n a b l e to l ea ve h i s b ed . It w a sn t th a t h e w a s a cti n g l i k e a sore l oser. T h a t w a sn t i t. H e d i d feel si ck , b eca u se h i s h ea rt h a d cru m p l ed i n to a b a l l h ou rs a g o. An even t, h e w a s n ow certa i n , h a d ca u sed th e th i n g to stop b ea ti n g a l l tog eth er. F or rea l . Its n ot g oi n g to fa d e a w a y b y morn i n g th a ts for su re! An d i ts n ot g oi n g to g et b etter w a tch i n g V ere g o a fter a n oth er g u y. It w i l l ta k e some d a mn ti me. A d a mn , l on g ti me. Wi th me, si ck . In b ed .

35: party pointers needed VERE

V ere p el ted u p th e sta i rs. Sh e h a d ten mi n u tes to b ru sh h er teeth a n d l oca te on e mi g i a n t b a l l of cou ra g e. D u sti n w a s comi n g over i n ten to h op efu l l y h el p h er w i th h er l a test g u y com i exp osu re coa ch i n g sessi on . T h i s l esson , i f D u sti n even a g reed to i t, w a s g oi n g to b e a d oozy. It w a s th e m ost i mp orta n t on e of a l l . most T h a n k G O D Mom a n d D a d a re ou t p l a yi n g a ten n i s tou rn a men t th i s a ftern oon . Sh e stop p ed i n fron t of th e mi rror a n d g u l p ed a s sh e rea ch ed for th e tooth b ru sh . D i d sh e rea l l y h a ve th e cou ra g e to d o th i s? Sh e d i d . It w a s j u st D u sti n . Her D u sti n McHu g h . Sh e sh ou l d n t b e n ervou s to a sk h i m a n yth i n g . H ed sa i d exa ctl y th a t Hed si n ce th ei r fri en d sh i p sta rted . Ask me a n yth i n g , V ere , h ed sa i d . An d sh e k n ew h ed mea n t i t. Hed h el p ed h er w i th everyth i n g el se a l on g th e w a y, w h y n ot th i s? If on l y sh ed h a d more ti me to ta l k to h i m a b ou t h er cra zy p l a n . B u t sh e h a d n t seen h i m a l l w eek . Wi th th e p a rty sh ed b een i n vi ted to ( a l on g w i th C u rti s a n d everyon e w h o w a s a n yon e ) l oomi n g i n j u st a few h ou rs sh ed h i t th e n ow - or- n ever p oi n t! D u sti n h a d mi ssed sch ool Mon d a y, T u esd a y, a n d Wed n esd a y. E a rl y i n th e w eek mi sh ed ca l l ed over to N a n s p l a ce. D u sti n h a d tol d h er h e w a s too si ck to see h er. O rd ered h er n ot to come over. Sh ed tri ed on ce, b u t N a n sa i d h e w ou l d n t even g et ou t of b ed . O n T h u rsd a y, D u sti n w a s a t sch ool , b u t every ti m e sh e ca u g h t si g h t of h i m , h e seem ed to b e w a n d eri n g off i n th e op p osi te d i recti on . Sh e cou l d sw ea r th e g u y h a d g row n d ea f or som eth i n g . someth T h e sa me th i n g h a d h a p p en ed F ri d a y. Sh e fi g u red h e w a s settl i n g b a ck i n to h i s cl a sses. C a tch i n g u p on mi ssed w ork . P l u s h ed sta rted ma k i n g oth er fri en d s b esi d es h er. A p oi n t h ed ma d e w h en sh e fi n a l l y ca u g h t u p to h i m F ri d a y a ftern oon a n d h ed tol d h er h e w a s g oi n g to th e movi es w i th oth er fri en d s. m ovi It sti l l stu n g a l i ttl e th a t h e h a d n t a sk ed h er to com e a l on g too, b eca u se a l m ost a n en ti re w eek h a d p a ssed si n ce th eyd h u n g ou t. So mu ch for th em b ei n g su ch mu b est fri en d s, a fter a l l . V ere rea ch ed for th e d en ta l fl oss. As sh e w ork ed th e fl oss i n to ea ch tooth , sh e a d m i tted th a t sh e w a s p a rtl y to b l a me for som e of i t. Sh ed h a d su ch a g ood w eek . me some T h ei r ma k e- overs h a d ca u sed q u i te a sti r. V ere a n d J en n a b oth fel t a s th ou g h th eyd en tered a n oth er w orl d . D u sti n h a d su re k n ow n h i s stu ff. T h eyd b een fl ood ed w i th so m u ch a tten ti on th a t V ere h a d a cted l i k e a k i d i n a ca n d y store, fl i rti n g a n d op en l y ch a tti n g w i th so m a n y d i fferen t g u ys sh e n ever w ou l d h a ve sp ok en to b efore. It w a s fu n to b e so... n oti ced . So a w esome to b el i eve i n h ersel f a n d h a ve rea l con fi d en ce! B y th e en d of th e w eek , esp eci a l l y F ri d a y a ftern oon , V ere h a d j u st w a n ted to p u l l

on C h a rl i es ol d sw ea tsh i rt, cl a m p h er h a i r i n to a b u n , a n d retu rn to h er form er i n vi si b l e l i fe. Wh i ch i s exa ctl y w h a t sh ed d on e a l l l a st n i g h t a n d th i s l on g , Sa tu rd a y m orn i n g . It h a d b een en ou g h to rej u ven a te h er, a n d w i th th e p a rty l oom i n g sh ed sta rted to p a n i c. Sh e th ou g h t a b ou t ton i g h t a n d h er w eek w i th C u rti s. Si n ce Mon d a y, C u rti s h a d g on e sort of cra zy on h er. Sh ed l oved th a t h e l i k ed h er n ew l ook . T h ere w a s n o q u esti on l eft i n h er m i n d th a t th e g u y d i d n t h a ve eyes mi on l y for h er. T o h a ve th a t sol i d i fi ed fel t g rea t. H ed sh ow ered h er w i th a tten ti on a n d comp l i m en ts. H ed a l so sta k ed h i s cl a i m b y g l ow eri n g a t a n y g u y w h om h e th ou g h t m i g h t b e fl i rti n g w i th h er. T h a t p a rt h a d b een a d rea m com e tru e. O n l y, th e d rea m w a s n ot w h a t sh ed i m a g i n ed i t w ou l d b e. Al l th a t cu te k n ee ta p p i n g a n d th e ci rcl es h e m a d e on h er l eg s, a n d th ose smol d eri n g stra n g e l ook s h a d esca l a ted a b i t too m u ch for V eres l i k i n g . T o th e p oi n t i t h a d sta rted to ma k e ma h er feel creep y j u st th i n k i n g a b ou t i t. Ab ou t h i m . m. Sh e a ssu m ed i t w a s n erves a n d a n ti ci p a ti on for th e n ext l evel . H ow em b a rra ssi n g med th a t h er n ext l evel w a s on l y k i ssi n g . E veryon e el se w a s w a y p a st th a t so sh e h a d n o i d ea w h y sh e w ou l d even b e a fra i d . It w a sn t a s i f h e w ere tryi n g to g rop e u p h er sh i rt or a n yth i n g . Hed b een a g en tl em a n . An a n n oyi n g , l ou d on e th a t ma d e i t H ed ma cl ea r w h a t h e w a n ted , b u t sti l l . Ma yb e h er n ervou sn ess w a s a n n oyi n g h i m ri g h t b a ck . E i th er w a y, sh e cou l d n t sh a k e a n ew feel i n g sh e h a d a b ou t C u rti s. A feel i n g sh e cou l d n t even d efi n e. T h i s feel i n g k ep t m a k i n g h er h ea rt ra ce every ti m e h e w a s n ea r, b u t n ot i n a g ood w a y. Sh ed sort of h a d th e u rg e to a ctu a l l y d i tch d ra m a cl a ss. Wh o d i tch ed cl a ss b eca u se sh e w a s a b ou t to g o to th e n ext l evel w i th th e b oy of th ei r d rea m s? It w a s n ot l i k e h er to even con si d er th a t. As th e w eek w ore on , th e u rg e to d i tch d ra m a cl a ss h a d g row n . C u rti s seem ed to h a ve tu rn ed i n to a n octop u s. H e h a d He g row n extra h a n d s, a n d th ey w ere a l w a ys on h er. An d w h i l e th ey w ere i n fron t of everyon e! Sh e w ou l d h a ve to ta l k to h i m a b ou t th e P D A th i n g , soon . Al l of h i s tou ch i n g a n d og l i n g a n d d efl ecti n g th ose d a rn h a n d s h a d p l a yed a m a j or p a rt i n w h y sh ed fel t so exh a u sted . Sh e fi g u red sh e w ou l d h a ve to g et u sed to th ose h a n d s on som e l evel i f sh e w a s g oi n g to b e h i s rea l g i rl fri en d . An d sh e d i d w a n t to b e th a t, b u t on l y i f h e cou l d ton e i t d ow n . Sh ed b een i n vi ted to si t w i th C u rti s a t th e p op u l a r j ock s a n d g i rl fri en d s of j ock s ta b l e i n th e l u n ch room . J en n a h a d b een i n cl u d ed , too! V eres b l u sh i n g a n d sh y a tta ck s seem ed to b e q u i ck l y b ecomi n g a b a d m em ory. ecom i Sh e h a d n t tu rn ed red i n d a ys! T o top i t a l l off, Kri sten Hod j w i ck h a d b een so n i ce th em a l l w eek th a t i t h a d H od k i n d of sta rted frea k i n g V ere ou t even m ore. Kri sten h a d even i n vi ted V ere to th e Sa tu rd a y p a rty sh ed b een p l a n n i n g . At h er h ou se. As i n ton i g h t. As i n a t Kri sten Hod j w i ck s h ou se! U n b el i eva b l e!

V ere h a d n t h u n g ou t w i th i n a fi ve- m i l e ra d i u s of Kri sten si n ce th e d a y of th e mi i n ci d en t. T on i g h t w a s g oi n g to b e so stra n g e, b u t w on d erfu l . B eca u se i t mea n s everyth i n g i s i n th e p a st! An d th a t Ive g ot a fu tu re! F i n a l l y. C u rti s a n d C h a rl i e h a d a g reed to meet th em th ere. Kri sten s h ou se w a s on l y on e m eet cu l - d e- sa c over. C h a rl i e w ou l d h a ve th e ca r so h e a n d C u rti s cou l d ma k e i t b a ck ma from som e l a te a ftern oon scri m m a g e i n ti m e, a n d sh e a n d J en n a w ou l d w a l k to th e me, p a rty a n d d ri ve h om e tog eth er. ome T h i n g s h a d b een p retty stra n g e b etw een J en n a a n d C h a rl i e ever si n ce J en n a s ma rri a g e sp eech u p a t th e ca b i n . T od a y h a d b een th e fi rst d a y C h a rl i e a n d J en n a h a d g on e from d ea d si l en ce a t sch ool to sp ea k i n g a l i ttl e . Ma yb e i t w a s a l l g oi n g to b l ow over a n d g o b a ck to n orm a l b etw een a l l of th em . Sh e h op ed so. Sh e w a n ted everyth i n g to j u st feel n orm a l , even b etw een h ersel f orma a n d C u rti s. Sh e h a d fi ve h ou rs a n d tw en ty- tw o m i n u tes to g et h ersel f tog eth er. It w a s a n u n sp ok en ru l e th a t g oi n g to th i s footb a l l p a rty a n d m eeti n g C u rti s th ere w ou l d m a k e or b rea k th ei r i d en ti ty a s a rea l , l i ve p u b l i c cou p l e. T on i g h t, sh e exp ected a t l ea st on ce, to k i ss C u rti s. T o sta k e h er ow n cl a i m , on h er ow n g u y! How cool w ou l d th a t b e? T h e fa ct th a t h ed b e ta k i n g h er to h om ecom i n g th e fol l ow i n g w eek en d w a s n ot en ou g h to ma k e th ei r rel a ti on sh i p sol i d l y n oted . T h e k i ss, i n fron t of everyon e, ma w ou l d g et th em b oth F a ceb ook offi ci a l . Wh i ch th ey sti l l w ere n ot ! B eca u se sh e refu sed to sen d h i m th e rel a ti on sh i p req u est fi rst, a n d so fa r, h e h a d n t sen t on e to h er. U G H Wh y? Ma yb e h e w a s w a i ti n g for ton i g h t too. B eca u se of th ei r p a st, b eca u se of th e i n ci d en t, everyon e w ou l d b e w a tch i n g . D ou b l e w a tch i n g to see i f sh ed m ess u p . V ere sw a l l ow ed . H er h ea rt ra ced i n p a n i c a t th e th ou g h t. T h i s i s w h y sh ed ca l l ed D u sti n to com e over. Sh ed d eci d ed sh e n eed ed to h a ve som e sort of i n su ra n ce a g a i n st h er fl a i l i n g , k i ssi n g p a st so sh e w ou l d n t m a k e a n i d i ot ou t of h ersel f i n fron t of th e en ti re w orl d a g a i n . Sh e h a d to p ra cti ce fi rst. G et som e exp osu re. An d sh e mea n t to b eg D u sti n to h el p h er. m ea V ere g i g g l ed n ervou sl y a t th e th ou g h t. Sh e g i g g l ed a g a i n . Wh o el se cou l d sh e a sk or tru st en ou g h w i th th i s? H op efu l l y h e w ou l d a g ree. H e k n ew everyth i n g a b ou t h er. H e w ou l d tota l l y u n d ersta n d h er req u est. N o on e m a d e h er feel sa fer, or p u t h er so a t ea se w i th stra n g e, comp l i ca ted g u y i ssu es. com p An d th a ts exa ctl y w h a t k i ssi n g w a s. Stra n g e, a n d com p l i ca ted . Wi th D u sti n , th i s top i c w ou l d seem si m p l e. mp V ere si g h ed a t th e ma d n ess of i t a l l a n d w a l k ed i n to h er b ed room . Sh e sa t on th e ma ed g e of h er b ed , l i sten i n g for th e d oorb el l . Sh e sw a l l ow ed a n oth er n ervou s g i g g l e a s sh e l ook ed a t h er h a n d s. Sh e p ra yed d ow n to h er toes th a t sh e w ou l d g et th rou g h on e k i ss w i th ou t sen d i n g h er p oor, B G F to th e em erg en cy room. room .

36: just one peck Dustin

Ki ss you ? Y ou w a n t me to k i ss you ? D u sti n p u l l ed off h i s g l a sses a n d a l l b u t ch ok ed on th e g reen a p p l e b i te n ow l od g ed i n th e b a ck of h i s th roa t. He cou g h ed a n d p a ced th e en ti re l en g th of th e Roth b a sem en t fa m i l y room, w ork i n g to semen d i sl od g e th e ch u n k of a p p l e. Wh en i t b rok e free, h e k ep t h i s fa ce comp l etel y stra i g h t a n d tu rn ed to fa ce V ere. I th ou g h t you sa i d th i s w a s som eth i n g i m p orta n t. He w a s g ra tefu l for th e a p p l es cri sp , ta rt j u i ce b eca u se h i s en ti re m ou th h a d He mou g on e sa n d - d ry. He sa i d n oth i n g fu rth er, k ep t ch ew i n g , p ok er fa ce on overd ri ve, a n d w a i ted for h er to con ti n u e. Wh y i n th e h el l d i d I a g ree to come over h ere? Sh ed seemed so ea rn est on th e p h on e. Sh ed sa i d p l ea se, a n d I ca n t resi st h er w h en sh e sa ys th a t. An d d a mn , b u t I w a n ted to see h er. So b a d l y. T h a ts w h y. Hed fa l l en for th e, I j u st n eed a l i ttl e h el p , i t w on t ta k e l on g , l i n e. H ed sw orn H ed to sta y a w a y from V ere b u t h ere h e w a s. U n d oi n g a l l of th e h a rd w ork h ed d on e to try a n d g et over h er. V eres ch eek s w ere b ri g h t red . He cou l d tel l sh e k n ew i t w a s a n u tterl y i n sa n e req u est, b u t h er g a ze h el d ea rn est a n d h op efu l . T oo d a mn h op efu l . Hel l n o, l i ttl e fri en d . I ca n t p l a y w i th you a n ymore. It i s i mp orta n t. Ki ssi n g i s rea l l y i mp orta n t. Im a p roven fa i l u re a t i t. I j u st w a n t to b e su re I h a ve i t u n d er con trol b efore ton i g h t. D u sti n tri ed to rema i n ca l m. He took a n oth er g i a n t b i te of a p p l e. He h a d to k eep He th i s l i g h t. Sh e cou l d n t b e seri ou s. I sh ou l d h a ve k n ow n som eth i n g w a s u p w h en you sh ooed C h a rl i e ou t of h ere. D on t you feel b a d l yi n g to you r ow n b roth er? V ere b l i n k ed a t h i m a s th ou g h sta rtl ed . I d i d n ot l i e. I tol d h i m w e w ere g oi n g to g o over some p oi n ters on h ow to g et th rou g h th i s p a rty. T h a t i s tru e. T h e p a rt som e a b ou t h ow I d i d n t w a n t h i m sta ri n g a t m e a n d m a k i n g m e feel a l l em b a rra ssed i s me emb a l so tru e. So, I d i d n t l i e. I n eed p oi n ters, k i ssi n g p oi n ters, a n d p a rty p oi n ters b i g ti me. An d b esi d es, h e n eed s to g et rea d y for h i s Sa tu rd a y scri mma g e. m ma Ive b een to a ton of p a rti es, I a m h a p p y to g i ve p oi n ters a b ou t th a t, b u t you ve b l ow n a fu se w i th th e k i ssi n g req u est. L et i t g o. If you w a n t some coa ch i n g on th e ob vi ou s stu ff w e ca n d o th a t, b u t on l y th a t, ok a y? O b vi ou s stu ff. O k a y. Sh e b rea th ed ou t, n od d i n g comi ca l l y. O b vi ou sl y b eyon d com i n ervou s. L i k e w h a t d o you mea n ? F i rst. D on t g et d ru n k . D on t smok e a n yth i n g . D u h . Wh a t a re you , my d a d ? T h a ts ea sy. I d on t d ri n k . We a ren t even tw en tyon e. I seri ou sl y d ou b t a n yon e w i l l b e d ri n k i n g a t th e H od j w i ck h ou se. An d w h o sm ok es ci g a rettes a n y more? So g ross. D u sti n sh ook h i s h ea d . Y ou a re so b a ck w a rd s. I w a sn t ta l k i n g a b ou t ci g a rettes,

a n d i f you tru l y b el i eve n o on e w i l l b e d ri n k i n g a t a h i g h sch ool p a rty on a Sa tu rd a y n i g h t th en you a re too m u ch of a b a b y to even l ea ve you r ow n h ou se. O k a y. Y ou d on t h a ve to b e so cra n k y, sh e sh ru g g ed . Wel l , a t l ea st I h op e th ere w on t b e d ri n k i n g . How s th a t? C l u el ess. N a ve, l i k e you , h e a n sw ered . Hed feel on e th ou sa n d ti m es b etter i f H ed h e cou l d j u st con vi n ce h er n ot to g o to th i s p a rty. It w a s w orth a sh ot, so h e con ti n u ed , If you d on t w a n t to b e d ru n k , a voi d a l l b evera g es th a t ta ste a n d l ook l i k e fru i t j u i ce or th a t a re too g ood to b e rea l . T h ey cou l d b e sp i k ed . T h e fa ct th a t you d on t even k n ow th i s stu ff m a k es m e recom men d a g a i n , th a t you d on t g o. V ere fol d ed h er a rms a cross h er ch est. H er ch eek s h a d sw i tch ed col or a b i t a n d g l ow ed a l i g h ter p i n k . D u sti n cou l d tel l i t w a s from a n g er th i s ti m e, n ot a b l u sh . O h Im g oi n g , b u ster. So, m a yb e I a m n a ve. F i n e. Its m y fi rst p a rty. I h a ve to l ea rn someh ow . Id ra th er ma som eh you j u st tel l m e so I d on t m a k e a n y l a m e, h u m i l i a ti n g , mi sta k es. Wh a t el se i s on mi you r ob vi ou s l i st? D u sti n s m i n d sp u n . At l ea st th i s con versa ti on seem ed to m a k e h er forg et th e fa ct mi th a t sh ed j u st req u ested h e k i ss h er. Worse, sh ed a sk ed h i m to k i ss h er i n th e sa m e ton e th a t sh e w ou l d a sk to b orrow a p en ! H er w ord s rock eted a rou n d h i s sk u l l so l ou d l y h e l ost h i s tra i n of th ou g h t, Her p l a yi n g th em over: I w a s w on d eri n g i f you w ou l d k i ss me. Y ou k n ow ? J u st on e ti me for p ra cti ce b efore I k i ss someon e rea l . Wh a t i n th e h el l h a d sh e mea n t b y th a t someon e rea l ? Rea l l y? D u sti n scou red h i s th ou g h ts for a few m ore ob vi ou s p a rty ru l es, a n d h op ed sh e more cou l d n t d etect th a t h e w a s a b ou t to frea k ou t. H m m, h e fron ted . Y ou sh ou l d n ever l ea ve a d ri n k u n a tten d ed . T a k e i t w i th mm , you to th e b a th room. If you forg et, th en p i tch w h a ts l eft, a n d sta rt a n ew on e. I room . m ea n i t. D o th a t every si n g l e ti m e. Al so, a l on g th a t sa me top i c, m a k e su re you me a l w a ys g et you r ow n d ri n k s. N ever, n ever, a ccep t a d ri n k from som eon e you d on t comp l etel y tru st, a n d even th en g et you r ow n d ri n k s. Wow . P a ra n oi d m u ch ? Ma yb e th ese ru l es a re j u st for th e b i g ci ty. V ere mu scru n ch ed u p h er n ose. Sh e d i stra cted l y p u l l ed tw o h a i r b a n d s ou t of h er p ock et a n d w ou n d h er u n b ou n d h a i r u p i n to h er b u n . H e h a d n t seen th e b u n a l l w eek . T h u rsd a y a n d F ri d a y, w h en h ed b een a voi d i n g He h er, h ed n oti ced sh ed w orn h er h a i r d ow n every secon d . P rob a b l y for C u rti s. D u sti n sh ook h i s h ea d , a m a zed th a t sh e cou l d sti l l feel so com forta b l e a rou n d h i m w h en h e cou l d h a rd l y l ook a t h er w i th ou t h i s sk i n w a n ti n g to ca tch fi re. Y ou rea l l y sh ou l d b e w a tch i n g m ore n i g h tl y n ew s. E veryth i n g Im tel l i n g you a p p l i es m ore to th e su b u rb s a n d sm a l l tow n s th a n to th e ci ti es. T h i s stu ff i s b a si c. H ow ca n you n ot k n ow i t? I d on t k n ow . J u st tel l m e a l l of i t, a n d p l ea se d on t forg et th e w h y , p a rt. Y ou k n ow I h a ve to k n ow w h y. H er ri g h t h a n d fl oa ted u p i n th a t u n con sci ou s m a n n er h e l oved a s sh e d i d a fi n a l Her ch eck of h er b u n . G od , h ow Ive mi ssed h er fa ce. Her voi ce....T h e d a mn , cu te b u n . D u sti n h a d th ou g h t crea ti n g a n en ti re w eek of d i sta n ce b etw een th em w ou l d h a ve

cu rb ed som e of h i s feel i n g s for h er, b u t i t h a d n t. H i s cra vi n g for h a n g i n g a rou n d Hi V ere seem ed to h a ve d ou b l ed . H e sta red a t th e soft l i n e of h er n eck a n d w a tch ed a s th e fresh l y cu t w i sp s of h a i r d a n ced a rou n d h er b row . H e vow ed to k eep h i s voi ce stea d y a n d sa rca sti c. N o n eed for h er to k n ow h er p ow er over h i m .Y ou k eep you r d ri n k w i th you b eca u se, i n fa n t , i ts p retty ea sy to sl i p d ru g s or a n yth i n g a t a l l i n to som eon es d ri n k . It h a p p en s a l l th e ti m e. T h e g i rl s g et su p er d ru n k , ca ta ton i c, w h a tever, d ep en d i n g on th e d ru g of ch oi ce, a n d w el l ...you k n ow th e rest. V ere ra i sed h er eyeb row s u p h i g h . O k a y. G ot i t. Keep m y d ri n k w i th m e. C h eck . An yth i n g el se on th a t l evel th a t I sh ou l d k n ow ? H e took a n oth er b i te of h i s a p p l e, ch ew i n g i t w h i l e h e con temp l a ted w h a t to sa y tem p to h er n ext. N ever fol l ow a g u y u p sta i rs to w h ere th e b ed room s a re l oca ted u n l ess you a re rooms fu l l y p rep a red to test ou t th e b ed s, or see oth er p eop l e testi n g th e b ed s. As i f I w ou l d . Y ou m i g h t. T h e ca j ol i n g g u y l i n es sou n d l i k e th i s: Hey i ts so n oi sy d ow n h ere, l ets g o fi n d a room w h ere w e ca n ta l k . Rea l l y? T h a ts a l i n e? I g u ess I w ou l d b e tem p ted i f a g u y I l i k ed sa i d th a t to temp m e. D u sti n l a u g h ed . Y ou esp eci a l l y w ou l d fa l l for th a t on e, Mi ss C h a tty. G u ys k n ow g i rl s l ove to ta l k . T een a g e g u ys w h o h a ve h a d a cou p l e of b eers a t a p a rty, even th e sob er on es, d on t rea l l y ever w a n t to ta l k . G et i t? E ver . J eez. I g et i t. Its n ot on l y th e u p sta i rs room s th a t a re d a n g erou s. Sta y ou t of d en s, l a u n d ry rooms room s, b a ck p orch es a n d p a rk ed ca rs. O k a y? O k a y. G ot i t. Sta y i n th e crow d , a voi d a l l q u i et room s, cl u tch m y d ri n k , a n d d on t tru st a n yon e. V ere g i g g l ed . T h e sou n d of h er sw eet l a u g h m a d e h i s h ea rt ra ce u n con trol l a b l y. H e cou l d n t h el p b u t th row h er a sm a l l smi l e. He p i ctu red h er i n a g i a n t sw ea tsh i rt a n d b a g g y sm i He sh orts, cl u tch i n g a ca n of sod a a n d sh ooti n g fri g h ten ed d a g g ers a t everyon e i n th e room . Al l th e w h i l e, sh ed b e w on d eri n g w h y h a l f of th e footb a l l tea m seem ed to seemed b e d i zzy a n d a cti n g fu n n y. Wh en h e l ook ed a t h er, rea l l y l ook ed , h e k n ew th e con fi d en t b ea u ty i n fron t of h i m d i d n ot m a tch th e V ere h e w a s th i n k i n g a b ou t on e b i t. Sh e w ore a fresh w h i te b l ou se op en a t th e n eck . T h e cl a ssi c styl e sh ow ed off h er d el i ca te col l a rb on es, a n d h e cou l d n t ta k e h i s eyes off th e g en tl e p u l se b ea ti n g a t th e b a se of h er th roa t. A l a ce top p ed ca m i a l l b u t w i n k ed a t h i m n ea r w h ere sh ed stop p ed b u tton i n g th e b l ou se n ea r th e top . It w i n k ed a g a i n a s th ou g h to sh ow off h ow p erfectl y i t w a s a ccen ti n g th e cu rve of h er oh so p erfect... Hel l ! D u d e. Stop you rsel f. Sh es d oi n g you i n , ri g h t h ere. Ri g h t n ow . Sh es g oi n g to h a ve to fi g h t th e g u ys off h er ton i g h t. O th er g u ys. T HE l u ck y, b a sta rd , su ck a ss, O T HE R g u y! Sh i t. B u t h e cou l d n t seem to l ook a w a y u n ti l h e a d mi red th e rest of h er. H er sh ort, mi b l a ck sk i rt l ook ed h ot l i g h tl y fl a red every ti m e sh e moved . Som e see- th rou g h m oved fa b ri c a t th e h em sh ow ed off h er l on g , sl i m l eg s. Sh ed w orn h er b ra n d n ew b l a ck

fl a ts th a t m a tch ed too. T h e en ti re ou tfi t w a s a d ora b l e. N ot too d ressy, b u t i t sa i d ma sh e w a s d efi n i tel y g oi n g som ew h ere sp eci a l . T h e l ook h a d a l so b een ch osen b y h i m . T o h el p h er. He sh ook h i s h ea d , tryi n g to cl ea r i t. He T o h el p h er. Sti ck to th e ta sk . B e th i s g i rl s fri en d . Its w h a t sh e w a n ts... Y ou l ook g rea t, V ere, h e sa i d , h ea rt fi n a l l y si n cere. Y ou re si m p l y b ea u ti fu l , h e a d d ed b efore h e cou l d ca tch h i m sel f. Sh e b l u sh ed fi re red , a n d h e q u i ck l y tri ed to recover w i th w h a t h e h op ed w a s a b ored l ook i n g sh ru g , I m ea n , you w ere b ea u ti fu l b efore. I g u ess Im sa yi n g th a t I l ove h ow you p u t th e ou tfi t tog eth er. An d ton i g h t...a l l sh ou l d w ork ou t fi n e. Its g oi n g to b e w h a t you w a n t. P erfect. Im su re of i t. Its a l l b eca u se of you , sh e sa i d , h er ch eek s fa d ed to th a t a d ora b l e p i n k ti n t th a t a l w a ys ti g h ten ed h i s ch est. T h e h om ecom i n g d ress i s over th e top , b y th e omecomi w a y. D on t k n ow h ow Im g oi n g to w ea r i t n ext w eek en d w i th a stra i g h t fa ce. Wh a t d o you m ea n ? D u sti n w a s sl i g h tl y offen d ed . T h e d ress i s g org eou s. G org eou s yes, b u t i ts a l m ost too n i ce, too el eg a n t for m e. I d on t k n ow h ow I w i l l ever p u l l i t off. G i ve me a b rea k . T h eres n oth i n g you ca n t p u l l off. N oth i n g , h i s voi ce me cra ck ed . T h a n k s, sh e sa i d , h er g a ze m et h i s, fu l l of si n ceri ty a n d l ove. B u t h e cou l d tel l , i t w a s th e l a m e- a ss, su ck i n g , b est fri en d k i n d of l ove. meD a mn you , g i rl . D on t l ook a t me th a t w a y! U m . Y ou k n ow I cou l d n t h a ve m a d e i t th i s fa r w i th ou t you , sh e a d d ed . N ot even cl ose. Mh m m . H e covered a h ea rt- h ea vy si g h b y b i tti n g i n to h i s a p p l e a g a i n . T u rn i n g i t a n d m u n ch i n g i t a s i f h e w ere sta rvi n g , a n d th i s a p p l e m i g h t b e th e m ost i m p orta n t th i n g i n th e w orl d to h i m ri g h t n ow . H e g l a n ced d ow n a t h i s p l a i d sh i rt a n d cra p ca n va s p a n ts, n ot mi ssi n g th e i ron y mi of h i s ow n l a m e ou tfi t a n d cu rren t b a d a tti tu d e, n ext to V eres sh i n i n g p erfecti on . me H e w ou l d g i ve a n yth i n g to g o to th a t p a rty. T o try to m ess th e w h ol e n i g h t u p . H ow h e h a ted th e th ou g h t of C u rti s, even tou ch i n g h er. An d ton i g h t, i t seem ed a s i f V ere w a s g oi n g to l et h i m d o w a y m ore th a n th a t. D u sti n fi n i sh ed off h i s a p p l e a n d tossed th e core a cross th e room i n to a corn er ca n . B a sk et! H e g ri n n ed , b u t h i s ch eek s k i l l ed from th e effort. H e u p p ed i t to th e fa k e- reta i n er- su p er- sm i l e. O n l y, h e fel t a b i t stu p i d w h en sh e d i d n t g i g g l e l i k e sh e n orma l l y d i d . orm a H e rea l i zed h e h a d n t p u t h i s reta i n er b a ck i n yet. H e fi sh ed i n h i s p ock et for th e d a m n th i n g , g ra b b ed h i s g l a sses off th e si d e ta b l e a s h e con ti n u ed , An yh ow , g ood l u ck . Im l a te a n d ...stu ff, h e l i ed . G otta g et rea d y for g oi n g ...u h ...to m y ow n p l a ces. my H e m a d e h i s w a y tow a rd th e sta i rs, sh a k i n g h i s h ea d a t h i s l a m en ess. N o w a i t. Wh a t a b ou t th e k i ssi n g th i n g . V eres voi ce sou n d ed so d esp era te. Y ou sa i d you d h el p . H e w a s n ot g oi n g to l ook a t h er fa ce. Y ou ca n h a n d l e th a t on you r ow n . L i k e I

sa i d , Im ou t. T h a ts j u st i t. I ca n t. I ca n t h a n d l e i t a n d you k n ow i t. J u st on e p eck , p l ea se. I h a ve to k n ow i f Im g oi n g to frea k . Wh a t i f I ca n t d o i t? Wh a t i f w h en th e ti m e com es I m ess i t a l l u p ? I h a ve to k n ow . H e sh ou l d h a ve k ep t w a l k i n g . He H e sh ou l d h a ve b ol ted u p th ose ta n , ca rp eted sta i rs l i k e h i s feet w ere on fi re. He In stea d , h e froze a n d tru l y con si d ered h er fi rst, a n d l a st req u est. If h e a g reed , h e w ou l d b e a n a b sol u te a ss. An d a n i d i ot. T h a t m u ch w a s ob vi ou s. B u t h ed b een a n a ss b efore, a n d a n i d i ot ever si n ce h e l et h i m sel f fa l l i n l ove w i th th i s a m a zi n g g i rl . Wh y stop th e stu p i d - tra i n n ow ? H i s h ea rt ra te sp ed u p . H e took off h i s b a l l ca p a n d d rop p ed h i s reta i n er a n d Hi g l a sses i n to i t. H i s g u t tw i sted w i th d ou b t. Worry. E xci tem en t. Sh e a sk ed me for th i s. SHE ASKE D ME ... Hel l , sh es b eg g i n g me. An d i ts h er fi rst k i ss. C on si d eri n g th e si tu a ti on ...i s th a t su ch a b a d th i n g to w a n t to b e a p a rt of? T o si mp l y w a n t to B E V ere Roth s fi rst k i ss? An d oh , h ow I w a n t i t. Her. H e k n ew V ere w el l en ou g h to u n d ersta n d sh ed g et a l l sa p p y a b ou t h er fi rst k i ss. He Ma yb e n ot tod a y b u t even tu a l l y. A fi rst k i ss w a s som eth i n g everyon e rem em b ered . Som eth i n g p ri cel ess. Sh ed th i n k a b ou t i t. P u l l ou t th e m emory a n d rea l i ze h e w a s con n ected to h er em ory h ea rt for a l l ti m e. E ven i f h e d i d n t d eserve th i s k i ss even i f i t w a s a k i ss stol en ou t from u n d er a n oth er g u y h e d i d n t ca re a n ym ore. H e k n ew h ed h a ve th i s on e, sp eci a l , foreverk i ss b etw een h i m a n d V ere. An d si n ce h e w a sn t g oi n g to g et a n yth i n g el se, i t w ou l d h a ve to b e en ou g h . A m em ory for h i m too. O n e th a t n oth i n g , a n d n o on e cou l d ever ta k e a w a y. It fel t w ron g , b u t so d a m n , ri g h t. H e vow ed to m a k e th i s k i ss a s g ood a s i t g ets. He

37: messing everything up: a++ VERE

D u sti n set h i s stu ff on th e sma l l ta b l e n ext to th e cou ch n ea r to w h ere sh ed b een sta n d i n g . V ere b l u sh ed fu ri ou sl y w h en h e a p p ea red to b e stu d yi n g h er a s th ou g h h e w a i ted for h er to ch a n g e h er mi n d . D a rn . So mu ch for k eep i n g my cool . I a m b eg g i n g a n extremel y a ttra cti ve g u y to k i ss me, a fter a l l . A b l u sh or tw o i s n ot ou t of ord er, even i f w e a re b est fri en d s. An d Im n ot ch a n g i n g my mi n d ! He ca n ma k e a n y fa ce h e w a n ts to try to d i scou ra g e me. I n eed th i s k i ss. Wow . Y ou r h a i r. Its a l most b l on d a g a i n , sh e sa i d . H i s h a i r h a d g row n ou t Hi som e, a n d w i th th e d a rk b row n ra p i d l y fa d i n g a w a y i t w a s th e exa ct col or of a some, l i on s ma n e. A stu n n i n g effect comb i n ed w i th h i s l a ser- b ea m eyes. Y ea h . I h a ven t h a d th e ch a n ce to d a rk en i t a g a i n . He sh ot h er sort of a p a i n ed l ook a n d crossed h i s a rms. L ets d on t ta l k a b ou t si l l y stu ff. L ets j u st d o th i s. How w ou l d you l i k e me to set u p th e k i ss? U h on th e l i p s i s g ood ? Y ou k n ow ...j u st a sta n d a rd k i ss. Sh e sh ru g g ed . J eez. T h i s i s more a w k w a rd th a n Id i ma g i n ed . Is h e h i d i n g a smi l e? If h e l a u g h s ri g h t n ow , I w i l l d i e. D u h . I fi g u red th a t. U g h . Wh a t d o you mea n , th en ? See? I ca n t d o th i s. Im a tota l mess. m ess. He frow n ed a n d sh ook h i s h ea d . I m ea n w el l h a ve to set th e sta g e. H ow w ou l d He you l i k e i t to b e? Si tti n g , sta n d i n g , i n si d e, ou tsi d e? Ha ve you p i ctu red h ow th i s i s Ha g oi n g to g o? V ere b l i n k ed . D o p eop l e th i n k i t th rou g h ? I th ou g h t i t w a s j u st su p p osed to h a p p en . G u ys ten d to p re- p l a n a g ood fi rst k i ss. It ma k es i t ea si er. Som e b a si c k i ss Some m om en ts a re ea sy to p red i ct. L i k e, a fter th e d a te i n th e ca r. O r, th e cl a ssi c teen T V mom sh ow en d i n g : b eh i n d th e footb a l l b l ea ch ers. O r, th e fa mou s ol d - sch ool on e: m ou k i ssi n g th e g i rl a t th e fron t d oor j u st b efore th e d a d tu rn s on th e l i g h t. Y ou k n ow . Y ou ve d on e th a t? P l a n n ed i t? Ki ssed g i rl s on a p orch ? Wel l , n ot me. Ive n ever a ctu a l l y h a d th e n eed to p l a n on e. U su a l l y, Im j u st a p p roa ch ed , or a tta ck ed . Wh a tever you w a n t to ca l l i t. B u t I ca n i ma g i n e th a t i f I w ere on th e g i rl fri en d tra ck , my fi rst k i ss w ou l d req u i re seri ou s p l a n n i n g . Id w a n t i t to b e comp l etel y u n forg etta b l e. O h . T h a ts n i ce. Its n i ce to k n ow g u ys a re so.. .n i ce. D on t sa y th a t. He g l ow ered , h i s g a ze u n rea d a b l e a n d d a rk . N i ce. N i ce. N i ce. Its so fu n to ta u n t you . V ere sm i l ed a s h e ma d e a n oth er fa ce. ma Sh e j u st h a d to l a u g h , a n d so d i d h e, fi n a l l y. Her b l u sh i n g h a d stop p ed . T h eyd retu rn ed to th ei r n orm a l b a n ter, g i vi n g h er H er orma cou ra g e to move forw a rd . O k a y. Wel l , si n ce you re th e g u y, a n d you sa y g u ys p l a n m ove

i t, th en , l ets j u st g o th rou g h a typ i ca l scen a ri o? Y ea h . Y ea h . I th i n k Ive g ot i t, b u t a t l ea st ch oose th e p reten d ti m i n g of i t a l l so I ca n ma k e th e rest u p . V ere p a ced n ervou sl y b eh i n d th e l en g th of th e cou ch fa ci n g th ei r b a sem en t en terta i n m en t cen ter. Sh e w a s h a vi n g a d i ffi cu l t ti me l ook i n g u p a t h i m , b eca u se me h e seem ed rea l l y ta l l a l l of a su d d en . O k a y. I ca n g i ve you a sta rti n g p oi n t. L ets seemed j u st sa y th i s w i l l b e a n en d of th e d a te typ e k i ss. I l i k e th e i d ea th a t i t w i l l b e d a rk . Y ou d eci d e from th ere. In th e p reten d ca r, or on th e p reten d fron t p orch ." H er ch eek s w ere b u rn i n g a s sh e w en t on , "B u t, a g a i n , a l w a ys d a rk . So w h en I tu rn a b u n ch of col ors h e w on t n oti ce so mu ch . Sh e sta l k ed a cross th e h u g e op en p a rt of th e room a n d fl i ck ed th e l i g h ts to l ow . Wh y w ou l d a n yon e ca re? Its so cu te w h en you b l u sh , D u sti n sa i d , fol l ow i n g h er a rou n d th e b a ck si d e of th e cou ch . It i s n ot. I l ook stu p i d , a n d i t g i ves m e fu rn a ce- fa ce. An d you set i t off a g a i n . T h i s w h ol e th i n g i s too em b a rra ssi n g . V ere p u sh ed h ersel f u p on to th e h i g h b a ck emb of th e cou ch a n d l et h er l eg s d a n g l e a s sh e k i ck ed h er feet i n to i t. Sh e sti l l h a d n ot b een a b l e to meet h i s g a ze. Ma yb e you re ri g h t," sh e m u ttered , mu k i ck i n g th e cou ch h a rd er. "I sh ou l d n t h a ve a sk ed you to d o th i s. Im sorry. G od . Is you r stoma ch sti l l a l l m essed u p ? I h a ven t seen you a l l w eek a n d n ow Im a cti n g i n sa n e a n d D on t ta l k you rsel f ou t of i t n ow , h e i n terru p ted . Il l w a l k you th rou g h i t, so i t w on t b e sca ry. D u sti n ca m e a n d stood i n fron t of h er. Sh e sti l l ed h er l eg s so sh e w ou l d n 't k i ck h i m . H e d i d n t seem so ta l l n ow th a t sh e w a s si tti n g u p h i g h er. He H i s k i n d , l ow voi ce h a d ca l m ed h er. Wh en sh e d a rted a g l a n ce a t h i s fa ce, h e Hi med seem ed so si n cere. O k a y, sh e m a n a g ed ."Wel l ...h ow d o w e p roceed ? " F i rst, l ets g o b a ck to i m a g i n i n g ou r p erfect d a te. Weve h a d a b l a st a t th e p a rty. We d a n ced a l i ttl e, b u t m ostl y h u n g ou t on th e crow d ed b a ck p a ti o, si tti n g off to on e si d e, h ol d i n g h a n d s a n d ta l k i n g . Hou rs of j u st you a n d m e, ta l k i n g a b ou t H ou a n yth i n g a n d everyth i n g u n ti l w e forg ot w e w ere even a t a p a rty. O h . Su re. I l ove th a t. I rea l l y d o. Sh e sm i l ed , l i k i n g th e w a y h i s eyes cri n k l ed on th e si d es w h en h e smi l ed b a ck . sm i D u sti n p i ck ed u p h er h a n d a n d tu rn ed i t over. He l et h i s fi n g ers sl i d e b etw een h ers a n d h el d i t exa ctl y h ow h e'd h el d i t w h en th ey'd b een sw i m m i n g i n th e l a k e. mm T h e si d e of h i s mou th g oi n g u p i n a l i ttl e g ri n . Wh a t d o you k n ow ? We ta l k ed so l on g th a t you r cu rfew sn u ck u p on u s. Wh a t ti m e w ou l d th a t b e? H i s voi ce h a d me som eh ow fl oa ted over h er a n d i n to h er. E l even . V ere sw a l l ow ed . Sh e cou l d p i ctu re th e m omen t. Sh e cl osed h er eyes for momen a secon d a n d b u i l t th e scen e. H e m a d e i t a l l sou n d so g rea t...b ei n g l ost i n a ma crow d ...h ol d i n g h a n d s l i k e th i s. An d h i s h a n d w a s so g en tl e. O k a y. He m et h er g a ze. L ets d o th i s. Its 10:52 P M. Ive d ri ven you h ome a n d He om e Ive b een h op i n g a l l n i g h t for th e ch a n ce to k i ss you on you r fron t p orch . G ood ? Sh e n od d ed . An d Im n ervou s. G od . Rea l l y n ervou s .

Sh e w en t on , B eca u se th e d a te w en t so w el l , a n d Im exp ecti n g th i s k i ss, ma yb e? ma L i k e Im h op i n g for on e. An d I w a n t you to a sk m e ou t a g a i n . Y ea h . Im n ervou s, too, a l i ttl e. H i s voi ce h a d d rop p ed . Its ou r fi rst k i ss, a fter a l l . H e rea ch ed over a n d smooth ed a w i sp of esca p ed h a i r b eh i n d h er ea r. sm ooth H er k n ees b u m p ed i n to h i m a n d sh e h a d to g ra b on to th e cou ch to k eep from mp top p l i n g b a ck w a rd s. I u h w on t h a ve th e b u n a t th e p a rty. V ere w ri n k l ed h er n ose, b u t w h en sh e g l a n ced u p h e w a s sta ri n g a t h er h a i r a n d h er h ea rt d i d a h u g e frea k i sh fl i p . Sh ou l d I ta k e i t ou t? I l ove th e b u n . L ea ve i t. T h a t d eta i l sh ou l d n t ma tter a n yw a y b eca u se a t th e en d ma of th e d a te, j u st b efore I k i ss you , I sh ou l d b e l ook i n g a t you r l i p s. O h G od . Hes sta ri n g a t my l i p s. Ri g h t. Il l w a tch for th a t. T h e l i p l ook i n g si g n . I th i n k Ive d on e th a t m ysel f on ce or tw i ce even . B u t i t n ever l ed to a k i ss. Il l try to p ra cti ce l on g i n g - l i p - l ook s i n th e m i rror a ton b efore I g o. H e l a u g h ed l ow a n d ra n a fi n g er a l on g th e top of h er m ou th . H i s tou ch sen t Hi sh i vers of sp a rk l es d ow n th e b a ck of h er n eck . Y ou h a ve h ea rt sh a p ed l i p s i n a h ea rt sh a p ed fa ce. H a s a n yon e ever tol d you ? T h i s on e th i s top l i p a l on e cou l d Ha d ri ve a g u y ou t of h i s m i n d ? N o. D on t b e si l l y. V ere fel t th e b l u sh ti n g l e d ow n to h er toes. Y ou re b rea k i n g m y con cen tra ti on . Sh ou l d I sta re a t you r l i p s th e w h ol e ti m e, or sh ou l d I cl ose m y eyes, or w h a t? Sh e w a s n ow offi ci a l l y frea k i n g ou t. V ere g ri p p ed th e top of th e cou ch even ti g h ter. Wh a t a re you d oi n g w i th you r h a n d s? Wh y a re th ey th ere? h e a sk ed , step p i n g b a ck sl i g h tl y. Im w orri ed I m i g h t d eck you . Im sort of off b a l a n ce a n d screa m i n g i n si d e, i f mi you m u st k n ow . H e smi l ed , h i s b ri g h t b l u e g a ze w a rm a n d , th a n k fu l l y, n ot j u d g i n g h er a t a l l . sm i T ry th i s. P u t you r h a n d s on m y sh ou l d ers, or a rou n d m y n eck . T h en you w on t b e a b l e to h u rt m e. J u st i n ca se you sta rt to fl a i l a rou n d . How i n th e w orl d ca n h e a p p ea r so rel a xed ? V ere p u l l ed i n a d eep b rea th . G ood i d ea . My h a n d s on h i s sh ou l d ers or n eck . G ot i t. Sh e l et g o of th e cou ch to rea ch for h i m b u t l ost h er b a l a n ce. H e step p ed i n cl oser a n d g en tl y p l a ced h i s a rm s a rou n d h er w a i st. H e stood b etw een h er k n ees, a n d fel t su d d en l y w a y too cl ose to h er. T h a n k s for n ot l a u g h i n g a t m e a g a i n . It h el p s. T h e ti n g l e i n V eres ch eek s h i t me d ou b l e h i g h . Sh e i g n ored i t a n d g ra b b ed a t h i s sh ou l d ers, tryi n g to k eep h er b a l a n ce w i th ou t l ook i n g too mu ch l i k e a d ork . D u sti n s sh ou l d ers w ere too w i d e mu for h er to fi n d a sta b l e g ri p so sh e h el d on to h i s u p p er a rm s i n stea d . H ow s th i s? How Sh e g l a n ced u p . Mu ch b etter. F or n ow . Sh e took a n oth er d eep b rea th a n d n od d ed . T h i s feel s ri g h t to me. Is i t feel i n g m e. ok a y for you ? Y ea h . Weve g ot th i s p a rt. H i s voi ce h a d tu rn ed h u sk y a n d h i s sm i l e som eh ow rea ch ed i n to h er sou l .

Stop th a t sm i l e. Y ou a re so a l w a ys sh ow i n g off w i th ou t you r reta i n er. An d you re so a l w a ys j ea l ou s of m y a ssets. N ow , w h ere w ere w e? V ere fel t so w ei rd j u st g ra b b i n g on to h i m l i k e th i s. Im h a n d s on a rm s, sta ri n g a t l i p s. Sh e g u l p ed . Y ou w ere sta ri n g a t my l i p s b a ck . An d I w a s w on d eri n g i f I my sh ou l d cl ose m y eyes. my V ere cou l d n t h el p b u t sta re a t h i s l i p s a l l over a g a i n , a n d h er h ea rt d i d a n oth er fl i p . T h ey w ere so fu l l , a n d g org eou s AN D L IP S a n d th ey w ere g oi n g to k i ss h er a n d sh e w a s a ctu a l l y l ook i n g forw a rd to i t. Pre- k i ss emb ra ce: A++ AN D O N E HU G E O MG . So...sh ou l d I? C l ose m y eyes, or n ot? D u sti n took i n a l on g b rea th a n d g l a n ced a t th e cei l i n g . Ri g h t. Sh ou l d you cl ose you r eyes? Y ou l l h a ve to d eci d e th a t a s I g o a l on g . Som e of k i ssi n g h a s to b e sp on ta n eou s. Are you rea d y? H e ti g h ten ed h i s a rm s a rou n d h er a n d sh e w a s overcom e w i th a stra n g e, terri b l e rms sh y a tta ck . Rea d y, h er voi ce w a vered . Wh en h e b rou g h t h i s fa ce cl ose to h ers sh e d rop p ed h er ch i n a n d sta red a t h er sh i rt. T h e k i ss d i d n t h a p p en . Worse, sh e cou l d n o l on g er l ook u p . Wel l , a t l ea st sh e h a d n t k n ock ed h i m ou t. An d a t l ea st sh e h a d n t com p l etel y fl i p p ed . F or th e m ost p a rt th i s w a s a tota l w i n b eca u se sh e w a sn t tu rn i n g p u rp l e or b l a b b i n g l i k e a fool . N oth i n g l i k e th a t. H e u n h ook ed on e of h i s h a n d s from a rou n d h er w a i st a n d tra i l ed h i s fi n g er d ow n h er ch eek u n ti l i t stop p ed a t h er ch i n . H e ti l ted h er fa ce b a ck u p u n ti l h i s g org eou s, l i g h t- b l u e g a ze met h ers. H i s fa ce w a s i n ch es from h ers n ow . m et T h e g u y w a s j u st too p erfectl y m a d e. ma Wh y d o I feel l i k e I ca n t b rea th e? Im su re th a ts n orma l . Im su re th a ts n orma l . J u st h ol d sti l l . D on t h i t h i m. T h i s i s a l l n orma l ... Sh e rem emb ered th a t C u rti s h a d d on e th i s m ove on h er on ce, b u t i t h a d n t a t a l l em b fel t th i s g en tl e. Her h ea rt h a d n t fel t a ch i n g i n si d e ei th er. H er B u t w h y d oes my h ea rt h u rt so b a d l y a l l of a su d d en ? Worse, d o my stu p i d eyes feel l i k e th ey a re g oi n g to w el l u p w i th tea rs ri g h t n ow ? V ere. H er n a me sou n d ed p erfect, rol l i n g off h i s w h i sp er. D o you h a ve a n y i d ea me h ow b ea u ti fu l you a re? Sh e sh ook h er h ea d . P l ea se d on t m a k e m e b l u sh . N ot n ow . Im tryi n g to b e rea l l y seri ou s. Y ou w e d on t h a ve to d o th i s, you k n ow , h e sa i d , h i s voi ce con cern ed , w h i l e h i s g a ze seem ed to sw eep h er eyes a s th ou g h h ed ca u g h t on sh e m i g h t b e sta rti n g to cry. H el l . We p rob a b l y sh ou l d n t... H e k n ew h er w a y too w el l . An d h e w a s too, d a rn , n i ce. If sh e cou l d n t k i ss th i s b ea u ti fu l , very n i ce a n d sa fe g u y, sh e w ou l d n ever b e a b l e to k i ss a n yon e. Sh e d ou b l ed h er resol ve. N o. I w a n t to. Its j u st w i l l you k i ss m e fi rst, l i k e, a l l th e w a y? I d on t k n ow w h a t to d o, ok a y? Su re. H e g a ve h i s h ea d a sl i g h t sh a k e b u t h i s sm i l e w a rm ed h er d ow n to h er toes. B u t...I w a n t you to k n ow th a t Im n ot su re w h a t to d o a n ym ore ei th er. N ot

w i th you . Sh e cou l d h ea r h i s u su a l sel f- d ep reca ti n g ton e on th e ed g e of h i s voi ce, b u t w a s too n ervou s to w on d er w h a t h ed m ea n t. It fel t ri g h t to cl ose h er eyes th en , so sh e d i d . Sh e w a n ted to h i d e from th e i n ten si ty of h i s g a ze. Sh e m a n a g ed to h ol d h er sea t on th e b a ck of th e cou ch , a n d sh e forced h ersel f to n ot d rop h er ch i n or tu rn a w a y. Sh e h op ed to h ea ven sh e d i d n t l ook too stu p i d a s sh e h a l f p u ck ered a n d w a i ted . H i s h a n d s, ever g en tl e, h a d moved u p si l en tl y u n d er h er ch i n , th en tou ch ed h er Hi m oved a l on g b oth ch eek s. Sh e i n sti n cti vel y l ea n ed forw a rd , a n d w h en h i s m ou th k i ssed on l y h er u p p er l i p fi rst, i t su rp ri sed h er. B u t i t fel t w a rm , sa fe, soft a n d so sw eet. Won d erfu l . rm, H e p ressed h i s l i p s h a rd er, l ow er. T a k i n g b oth of h er l i p s a g a i n st h i s w i th m ore He ten ta ti ve p ressu re. Sh e p ressed b a ck , a n d h e d eep en ed th e k i ss. Sp a rk l es sh ot stra i g h t ou t th e b a ck of h er n eck , d ow n to h er toes, a n d ri g h t ou t th e top of h er h ea d ! O MG . Im k i ssi n g a g u y. An d h e ta stes l i k e a fresh , G ra n n y Smi th a p p l e! An d i ts...mmm...feel s so...w ow ... H i s h a n d s l eft h er ch eek s a s h i s a rm s ca me fu l l y a rou n d h er i n a rea l em b ra ce, Hi me a n d h er a rm s w en t ea si l y a rou n d h i s b a ck . H i s b od y p ressed i n to h ers a n d th e sm el l of h i s a w esom e fresh - soa p sm el l su rrou n d ed h er w h i l e th ei r l i p s m oved g en tl y a n d sw eetl y tog eth er. It sen t h er over th e top of a n y p recon cei ved exp ecta ti on s. T h i s rock s. Ki ssi n g : N o g ra d e h i g h en ou g h . Si mp l y, fa n ta sti c! H er h ea rt d a n ced . B y n ow i t h a d p erform ed th ou sa n d s a n d th ou sa n d s of fl oa ti n g , Her b u tterfl y fl i p s. Ap p l es b eca m e h er n ew fa vori te food . H er a rm s w ere covered i n g oose b u m p s a n d th e b u tterfl i es moved to a fu l l ri ot a l l th rou g h h er stom a ch a n d mp m oved l u n g s. Sh e op en ed h er eyes a n d ri sk ed a g l a n ce a t h i s b ea u ti fu l l y scu l p ted fa ce, a n d th en sta red a t h i s h a l f sm i l i n g l i p s, w on d eri n g h ow som eth i n g a s si m p l e a s l i p s cou l d m a k e h er feel th i s a m a zi n g . ma Sh e sm i l ed u p a t h i m a n d m et h i s g a ze. H e p u l l ed b a ck sl i g h tl y a n d g a ve h er a stra n g e, w orri ed l ook . Wh a t? N ot g ood ? He Sh e d i d n t even ca re i f h e th ou g h t sh e w a s a tota l frea k . Her sm i l e tu rn ed i n to a H er w i d e g ri n . Sh e cou l d n ot h a ve stop p ed sm i l i n g for a n yth i n g a t th a t mom en t. m omen Wh a t? N o. It w a s p erfect. C a n w e d o a n oth er? J u st on e m ore to g et th e l i p p l a cem en t th i n g fi g u red ou t? N ot w a i ti n g for h i m to a n sw er, sh e l ea n ed i n a l l on h er ow n a n d p l a ced h er l i p s ri g h t b a ck on to h i s. Sh e op en ed h er m ou th a l i ttl e a n d p u sh ed ou t h er ton g u e a n d fl i ck ed i t a g a i n st h i s sm i l e. Ap p l e- fl a vored sm i l es! H e g a sp ed a n d sh e cou l d feel h i m g row ten se. He G od . Ma yb e th a t w a sn t d on e. Ma yb e sh e sh ou l d h a ve a sk ed fi rst.

Sh e p u l l ed h er ton g u e a w a y a n d tri ed th e reg u l a r k i ssi n g th i n g a g a i n . Sh ed so seen th i s a th ou sa n d ti m es on th e b i g screen , a n d n ow sh e w a s d oi n g i t. An d th a t a p p l e fl a vor w a s b eyon d a n yth i n g sh ed ever i m a g i n ed ! B on u s ti n g l es. N o w on d er a l l th a t fl a vored l i p g l oss j u n k fl ew off th e sh el ves. H e g roa n ed a n d fi n a l l y k i ssed h er b a ck . T h e m ovem en t of h i s l i p s w a s a b i t stron g er th i s ti m e. Sh e op en ed h er m ou th sl i g h tl y u n d er h i s g en tl e p ressu re to d o so. H i s ton g u e d a rted b etw een h er l i p s, sw i rl ed a rou n d h er m ou th a n d th en b a ck ou t. WO AO O H.... T h a t w a s so w ei rd , b u t n i ce! F ren ch k i ssi n g on k i ss n u mb er tw o! N ot b a d . Wh y h a d J en n a ca l l ed i t d i sg u sti n g l a st yea r? So...frea k i sh l y a w esome. F eel i n g cou ra g eou s, sh e d eci d ed to cop y h i s F ren ch k i ssi n g m ove to g i ve i t a try on h i m . Sh e ti l ted h er m ou th to th e si d e a n d l et h er ton g u e d a sh i n to h i s m ou th . H i s l i p s m oved so softl y a g a i n st h ers a n d h i s a rm s p u l l ed h er cl oser. Sh e h a d th i s sen sa ti on th ey w ere b oth a ctu a l l y b rea th i n g th e exa ct sa m e a i r a t th e sa m e ti m e. Its p ossi b l e Im a tota l k i ssi n g n a tu ra l ! It d i d n t ta k e l on g b efore V eres h ea d sp u n i n w i l d ci rcl es a l l over a g a i n . Sh e rel a xed , l etti n g h ersel f b e sw ep t a w a y. Sh e tu rn ed i n to w a ter, fi re, h ea t. A p erson sh ed n ever m et b efore. Sh e h el d on to met h i m a s ti g h tl y a s sh e cou l d b eca u se h er sp i n e h a d m el ted . V ere cou l d n t focu s on mel a n yth i n g sp eci fi c b eyon d th e a b sol u te p erfect feel i n g of b ei n g i n th ese exa ct a rm s, l ock ed i n th i s p erfect, en d l ess, k i ss w i th h i s w a rm , g en tl e h a n d s w ork i n g th ei r w a y u p h er w a i st, l i g h ti n g fi res w h erever th ey tou ch ed . T h ey k i ssed a n d k i ssed a n d k i ssed a n d k i ssed u n ti l th e room sp u n fa rth er ou t of focu s. U n ti l h e step p ed q u i ck l y a w a y, tu rn i n g h i s b a ck . G od . Im sorry, h e sa i d , a s h e ra n h i s h a n d th rou g h h i s h a i r. H e d i d n ot tu rn b a ck . I tota l l y l ost con trol . H i s b rea th i n g w a s a s rou g h a s h ers. V ere w a s g l a d h e w a sn t l ook i n g a t h er, b eca u se th e su d d en l oss of con ta ct a n d th e a b sol u te exp l osi on s g oi n g off i n h er mi n d ma d e h er top p l e b a ck w a rd s on to th e mi ma l en g th of th e cou ch . C l a ssi c . I d o n ot even ca re. Il l n ever ca re a b ou t a n yth i n g a g a i n ...I w i l l j u st l i e h ere forever n ot ca ri n g . Sh e sw u n g h er l eg s a rou n d stra i g h t a n d l a y th ere fl a t on h er b a ck a n d sta red , sti l l d i sori en ted , a t th e sl ow tu rn i n g cei l i n g fa n . Sh e h ea rd h i s voi ce a s th ou g h i t w a s com i n g from fa r a w a y. V ere. D i d I k n ock you over? Sh i t. Im so sorry! D i d I sca re you or a n yth i n g ? Sorry for w h a t? sh e b rea th ed ou t d rea m i l y, retu rn i n g to rea l con sci ou sn ess. Ki ssi n g i s a w esom e! An d of cou rse you d i d n t sca re m e. H ow cou l d you ? H e ca m e a rou n d to th e fron t of th e cou ch a n d d rop p ed on to h i s k n ees b esi d e h er. H i s exp ressi on seem ed tortu red . Ive h a d a l ot of k i sses b u t...n ever on e th a t h a s

fel t l i k e th a t. Wh a t d o you mea n ? Wa s I a tota l p ro com p a red to a l l th e oth ers? V ere rol l ed m ea on to h er si d e a n d l ook ed a t h i m , sti l l feel i n g a s th ou g h sh e h a d n o b on es i n h er en ti re b od y. N o. O f cou rse n ot. H e sh ook h i s h ea d , l a u g h i n g a l i ttl e. Y ou w ere a d i sa ster a t fi rst, i f you w a n t a rea l cri ti q u e. B u t th en , you fi g u red ou t th e ton g u e th i n g . So...th en , yes. I a w a rd you i n sta n t p ro- sta tu s. Sh e scru n ch ed h er m ou th . H ey. Y ou cou l d l i e a l i ttl e i f you w a n t. I d i d n t n oti ce a n yth i n g w ron g a t th e sta rt. B u t...w el l , w ow . Sorry i f I w a sn t so g ood a t i t. V ere. Y ou w ere p erfect, even w h en you d i d n t k n ow w h a t you w ere d oi n g . P erfectl y cu te a n d sh i t w h a t I m ea n i s, th a t k i ss, you a n d m e, w h a t h a p p en ed th ere w a s som eth i n g el se. Som eth i n g sp eci a l . D i d n t you feel i t? I d on t k n ow . H ow m a n y ti m es d o I h a ve to sa y I l i k ed i t? Are you fi sh i n g for ma m ore com p l i men ts? comp m en H e m oved cl oser a n d sta red i n to h er eyes a s th ou g h sea rch i n g for som eth i n g . H i s i n ten se g a ze h a d retu rn ed , a n d i t w a s m a k i n g h er n ervou s. Sh e h a rd l y recog n i zed h i m su d d en l y, b u t h i s l ook a l so m a d e h er feel l i k e sh e sh ou l d k i ss h i m a g a i n . B u t th a t w ou l d b e tota l l y i n a p p rop ri a te, w ou l d n t i t? C l a ss i s over, V ere, D U H. N o. Im seri ou s. I w a sn t g oi n g to sa y a n yth i n g to you , b u t a fter th a t k i ss, I h a ve to a t l ea st try. D u sti n sw a l l ow ed . Sa y w h a t? T ry w h a t? Im i n l ove w i th you . H er h ea rt cl en ch ed . Wh a t? D on t j ok e. N ot a b ou t th a t. Im ta l k i n g h ea d over h eel s, d ow n on m y k n ees, from th e b ottom of m y h ea rt, IN my l ove, w i th you , V ere. T h a t k i ss b l ew m e a w a y. I k n ow you fel t som eth i n g too som eth i n g m ore for m e. D on t you ? V ere sa t u p . H er h ea d sp u n i n con fu si on , a n d h er l i m b s fel t su d d en l y sh a k y. H ow ca n you sa y th a t? T h eres n o w a y you re i n l ove w i th m e. We j u st k i ssed , th a ts a l l . It w a s g rea t, b u t i t ca n t b e l ove. J eez. I th i n k i t i s. Ive fel t th i s w a y a b ou t you w el l b efore w e k i ssed . I w a sn t g oi n g to tel l you b eca u se of C u rti s, a n d b eca u se Im l ea vi n g soon . I d i d n t w a n t th i n g s i n ou r fri en d sh i p to g et a l l m essed u p . Wel l , th eyre m essed u p n ow . V ere rol l ed h er eyes. H e h a d to b e j ok i n g . Y ou set i t a l l off. Y ou a sk ed m e to k i ss you ! Y ea h , w el l you ve j u st a d d ed to i t! MAJ O R. B el i eve m e. Im tota l l y si n cere. I k n ow I m i g h t h a ve w a i ted too l on g to b ri n g i t me. u p . B u t...I w on t b e a b l e to l i ve w i th m ysel f i f I d on t a t l ea st try to con vi n ce you of m y feel i n g s. N ot a fter th a t k i ss. N ot a fter h ow i ts rea rra n g ed m y w h ol e h ea rt. I th i n k you ve l ost you r m i n d . Sh e sh ook h er h ea d . G i ve m e a ch a n ce. D on t g o a fter C u rti s. H es n ot ri g h t for you . B esi d es, h ow ca n you even th i n k a b ou t h i m n ow ? E a sy. B eca u se I w a s th i n k i n g a b ou t h i m b efore th a t k i ss. Its w h y I ca l l ed you over to h el p me , rem em b er?

Y ea h , b u t w h a t a re you th i n k i n g n ow ? T h e k i ss d i d n t ch a n g e you r m i n d ? At l ea st g i ve you som e sort of d ou b t? H i s ch eek s h a d sta rted to tu rn a l i ttl e p i n k . some Hi H er b row s sh ot u p . Wa y U P . T h e g u y i s p u l l i n g h i s ow n b l u sh ! Hes seri ou s. V ere d i d n t k n ow w h a t to feel or to th i n k , so sh e g ot a n g ry i n stea d . B u t you re H u n ter Ken n ed y! T h e H u n ter Ken n ed y. As i f you tota l l y forg ot th a t p a rt. H el l o? Y ou sel l ou t en ti re footb a l l sta d i u m s? P eop l e sca l p you r fron t- row ti ck ets for th ou sa n d s of d ol l a rs? Y ou w ou l d n t h a ve even l ook ed tw i ce a t m e th ree w eek s a g o. An d you ve sa i d i t to m e m ore th a n on ce. Rem em b er? B eca u se I su re d o! H e si g h ed a n d sh ook h i s h ea d . H i s g a ze w a vered b u t d i d n ot on ce l ea ve h er fa ce. Y ea h , b u t you k n ow m e a s D u sti n McH u g h . An d I h a ven t stop p ed l ook i n g a t you or w a n ti n g to b e n ea r you si n ce th e m om en t I fi rst m et you . H ow a b ou t th a t? T h a t w a s b eca u se Mom a n d N a n ma d e u s h a n g ou t. T h en , yes , w e b eca m e fri en d s. T h a ts a l l . Y ou m a d e th a t cl ea r. Sh e th rew h er a rm s w i d e. D u sti n McH u g h h e i s you a re m y b est fri en d . U g h . I d o k n ow th a t you a re on e of th e b est fri en d s Ive ever h a d . Sh e ra i sed h er voi ce i n tota l fru stra ti on . T h a ts w h y w e h a n g ou t. T h a ts w h y I ca l l ed you a n d tru sted you w i th T H IS. T h a ts w h y w e ca n ta l k so ea si l y, a b ou t everyth i n g . Y ou re n i ce to m e a n d Im n i ce b a ck . Were fri en d s. F ri en d s p l a y n i ce. It ca n t b e l ove. D on t ca l l m e th a t. An d Im n ot p l a yi n g , h e sh ou ted b a ck . Im i n l ove. Wi th you . P l a i n a n d si m p l e. An d I k n ow you feel som eth i n g too. O th erw i se, th a t k i ss w ou l d n ot h a ve g on e d ow n l i k e i t d i d . Wel l i ts n ot l i k e I h a ve a n y com p a ri son s! V ere stood u p , p u sh ed p a st h i m , a n d w a l k ed b a ck to p a ce a rou n d th e cou ch . Sh e fel t l i k e sh e n eed ed som e d i sta n ce b etw een th em . H ow ca n you sa y a n y of th i s? Y ou k n ow I l i k e C u rti s. An d si n ce b efore forever. We on l y sh a red a few w eek s a n d tw o k i sses. It w a s w a y m ore th a n tw o k i sses. I th i n k you w a n t th e w ron g g u y. H e stood a n d fa ced h er. Sh e cou l d sw ea r h i s b ea u ti fu l , l ow voi ce h a d trem b l ed . H er h ea rt w ren ch ed i n to a b a l l . B u t I ca n t w a n t you . I d on t even k n ow w h o you a re. If I feel a n yth i n g for you b eyon d fri en d sh i p or i f you feel a n yth i n g for m e th en i t ca n t b e rea l . H e th rew u p h i s ow n h a n d s. It i s rea l . I k n ow i t i s. Wh y w ou l d you sa y i t i sn t? C a n t you j u st try to p l a y th i s ou t? J eez. He tota l l y d i d n t g et i t. P l a y i t ou t w i th w h o ? sh e a sk ed softl y. I on l y k n ow b i ts of H u n ter Ken n ed y. An d D u sti n McHu g h i s a g u y w e m a d e u p tog eth er. A ch a ra cter. L i k e from a b ook . McH u T h e k i ssi n g w a s g rea t. Il l a d m i t i t ti l l I d i e. B u t you k n ow you h a ve m a j or sk i l l s i n th a t a rea . So th ere i s n o w a y w e b oth fel t som eth i n g l i k e l ove d u ri n g th a t k i ss. H er h ea rt tw i sted a g a i n . N o w a y. B eca u se a s m u ch a s I d on t k n ow w h o you a re, I h a ve n o cl u e w h a t l ove even i s! Y ou re l yi n g , h e sa i d . Y ou h a ve to b e. Im n ot. V ere rea ch ed u p to ti g h ten h er b u n . It h a d sp ru n g l oose from a l l th e sh ou ti n g , n ot to m en ti on h er b a ck d i ve off th e cou ch . Il l ca l l h i s b l u ff. T h en h el l see. F i n e, sh e sa i d . I k n ow for a fa ct th a t H u n ter Ken n ed y w ou l d n ever feel

a n yth i n g for a g i rl l i k e m e, ever. Its b een sa i d m ore th a n on ce. An d i f D u sti n McH u g h sa ys h es i n l ove w i th m e, w h a t d oes th a t m ea n ? F or me? D u sti n McH u g h m e? i s fi cti on a l , a n d h es m a d e i t p u b l i cl y cl ea r th a t Im n ot h i s typ e ei th er. So w h ere d oes th a t l ea ve m e? Seri ou sl y. T h i n k a b ou t i t. H i s exp ressi on g rew d a rk . If you tru l y b el i eve th a t. If you h a ve n o feel i n g s for m e b eyon d n orm a l a ffecti on th en k i ss m e a g a i n . G o on . Ki ss m e a g a i n , l ook m e i n th e eye a n d tel l m e you feel n oth i n g . I d a re you .

38: for the sake of practice VERE

V ere tossed h er h ea d a n d sh ot h i m h er b est eye rol l . F i n e. F or th e sa k e of p ra cti ce, Il l d o i t. Y ou l l see Im ri g h t. Y ou j u st g ot ca u g h t u p i n th e m omen t, om en th a ts a l l i t i s. V ere ma rch ed over to h i m . m. How h a rd cou l d th i s b e? Sh e p a u sed a n d sta red u p a t h i s very p erfect fa ce a n d th en fi xed h er eyes on h i s l i p s. Sa d l y, th a ts w h en h er mi n d w en t i n to com a . coma Sh e fi xa ted on th em. Wh oa . Wa s th i s th ei r th i rd k i ss? Ma yb e th i s w a s th ei r th i rteen th k i ss. Sh ed sort of l ost cou n t on th a t secon d rou n d . Ma yb e h e w a s ri g h t th a t th eyd a l rea d y k i ssed more th a n tw i ce. How d i d on e d i vi d e u p a rea l l y l on g k i ss l i k e m ore w h en d i d on e k i ss sta rt a n d a n oth er en d ? V ere sw a l l ow ed a n d ma d e a fa ce a t h i m . H e d i d n t even smi l e, or fl i n ch or g l a re. He Hi s en ti re fa ce w a s n ow tota l l y u n rea d a b l e. Hi F eel i n g ri d i cu l ou s b eca u se h ed b een sta ri n g d ow n a t h er th i s w h ol e ti me, a cti n g m e, l i k e some col d , p i ece of ma rb l e. An d sh ed b een sta ri n g u p a t h i m for l i k e tw o h u n d red mi n u tes, mesmeri zed b y h i s l i p s! L i k e a w ei rd o. D esp i te w h a t HE sa i d , offi ci a l l y, for th e p u rp ose of ma k i n g a l i st a b ou t th i s somed a y i n my j ou rn a l I cou n t th i s a s my th i rd k i ss. F i rst w a s...th e fi rst. Hi m k i ssi n g me. An d th e secon d , w a s a l l me k i ssi n g h i m b a ck . An d n ow , th i s ch a l l en g e k i ss. As i n U S, k i ssi n g ea ch oth er. F or th e sa k e of p ra cti ce! T i me for you r recovery, V ere. Sa y someth i n g ! Sa y someth i n g or ru n . V ere took a d eep b rea th , cl osed h er eyes for a q u i ck secon d a n d forced ou t som e some w ord s. F i rst p l a ce th e h a n d s. G rea t. I sou n d l i k e a rob ot. D u sti n a rch ed a b row a n d fol d ed h i s a rm s a cross h i s ch est a s th ou g h h e m ea n t to m a k e th i s d i ffi cu l t on h er. ma Pl a y i t cool . Y ou ca n so, d o th i s. I sa i d , fi rst th e h a n d s. T h i s ti me h er voi ce sou n d ed a b i t more n orma l . Sh e m ore orm a p oi n ted to h i s fol d ed a rms. O n my sh ou l d ers i f you p l ea se, so you d on t h u rt m e. me. D u sti n p u t h i s h a n d s ou t a n d cl a mp ed th em w ood en l y on to h er sh ou l d ers. D o mp you w a n t m e to cl ose my eyes? h e a sk ed . me N ow w h o w a s th e rob ot? T h e g u y h a d on e h el l of a p ok er fa ce. Sh e w i sh ed for some of th a t ta l en t. som e Y es, sh e a n sw ered . At l ea st i f sh e b l u sh ed , h e w ou l d n t see. N ow l ea n d ow n a b i t, you re too ta l l .

O b ed i en tl y h e cl osed h i s eyes a n d b en t forw a rd . V ere fel t a n a n xi ety a tta ck setti n g i n . H er h ea rt b ea t so l ou d l y sh e w a s su re h e cou l d h ea r i t. Sh e fel t p u re rel i ef th a t h i s eyes rema i n ed cl osed . It g a ve h er th e ti m e to com p ose h ersel f a n d p a ste on h er ow n p ok er fa ce. O r p u ck er fa ce. U G H. C O N C E N T RAT E . Sh ed sh ow h i m th i s w a s j u st a p l a i n ol d k i ss a n d n oth i n g m ore. T h e feel i n g s p a rt w a s so n ot for th em . T h ey w ere fri en d s. H ed rea l i ze i t soon en ou g h . Si n ce h i s a rm s w ere a l rea d y on h er sh ou l d ers, sh e g i n g erl y w ra p p ed h ers a rou n d h i s w a i st a n d p ressed h er l i p s d eep l y i n to h i s. Sh e w en t for i t p ressu re, l i p s h a l f op en a fter th e i n i ti a l con ta ct. T o sta y on tra ck , sh e tol d h er ton g u e to sea rch for th a t a p p l e ta ste a g a i n . Y ep . T h ere i t i s, th ou g h sa d l y...i ts fa d i n g . Sh e th ou g h t sh e m i g h t b e d oi n g a l l ri g h t w h en h i s m ou th op en ed i n resp on se a n d h e sta rted k i ssi n g h er b a ck . B i g ti m e. H i s g ri p rel a xed on h er sh ou l d ers, a n d h e p u l l ed h er i n to h i s em b ra ce. Hi Sh e cou l d n t h el p b u t m ove even cl oser a fter th a t, b eca u se h e h a d th i s cool w a y of h a l f su p p orti n g h er w ei g h t w i th h i s a rm s. Sh e rel a xed a n d a l l ow ed h er h a n d s to tra i l i n to h i s h a i r. H i s a rm s fel t so w on d erfu l w ra p p ed a rou n d h er l i k e th i s. Sh e tri ed to k eep h er Hi h ea d stra i g h t. L ove. Sp eci a l feel i n g s. As i f. H er l a st con sci ou s th ou g h ts w ere th a t a l l g u ys p rob a b l y h a d b i g , stron g a rm s th a t Her w ou l d rea ch j u st l i k e th i s a rou n d h er. An d soft l i p s th a t fel t l i k e th ey g a ve a s m u ch a s sh e took . T h a t h a d to b e a n orm a l th i n g too. O f cou rse, h ow a ma zi n g a g u y smel l ed h a d n oth i n g to d o w i th sp eci a l feel i n g s . F resh soa p w a s si mp l y a smel l . N O T a feel i n g . E ven i f i t sm el l ed p erfect. mp sm el Ab sol u tel y p erfect.... V ere w a s l ost i n th e k i ss. Sh e fl oa ted a l l th e w a y to th e m oon a n d b a ck th i s ti me. moon m e. Sh e p u l l ed a w a y to ta k e a b rea th a n d a l m ost fa i n ted b eca u se h e w a s su d d en l y k i ssi n g th e si d e of h er ea r, a n d h er temp l e. T h en h e k i ssed a soft l i n e d ow n h er tem p n eck . Wh oa . N eck k i ssi n g rock ed . Sh e h a d to try i t too, so sh e g en tl y k i ssed th e h ol l ow sp ot w h ere h i s h ea rt b ea t b etw een h i s col l a rb on es. He h a d i n cred i b l y soft sk i n j u st th ere. Sh e fel t h i s h a n d s m ovi n g a l l over h er b a ck a n d sl ow l y u p h er w a i st. G od b u t sh e l oved h ow h i s h a n d s fel t on h er... Wh a t w a s h a p p en i n g ? Sh e h a d to m a k e th i s stop b u t sh e d i d n t w a n t to. J u st on e more...on e more...so h e w ou l d see...so h e w ou l d u n d ersta n d ...so sh e cou l d k n ow too.... Sh e stretch ed u p on to h er toes a n d k i ssed h i s b ea u ti fu l m ou th a g a i n . mou Softl y. H er en ti re core fl a m ed a g a i n st h i m w h i l e th ei r ton g u es fou n d ea ch oth er yet Her a g a i n . T h i s ti m e sh e sort of k n ew h i m . T h e w ei rd a w k w a rd n ess h a d d i sa p p ea red . It h e th ey fel t comp l etel y ri g h t. com p

Sh e h a d n o con cep t of h ow l on g th ey k i ssed a fter th a t, b u t p ossi b l y forever h a d p a ssed th em b oth b y. H e stra i g h ten ed , l ook ed d ow n i n to h er eyes a n d l et h er g o. V ere step p ed b a ck . Her h ea rt fel t h ea vy a n d h er g a ze ri veted on th e p u l se b ea ti n g H er i n h i s n eck . Sh e h a d n o a i r l eft i n h er b od y. H er k n ees sh ook , a n d th e b u tterfl i es from h er stom a ch h a d fl ow n to b l ock h er vi si on a n d fl ood ed h er h ea d w i th n oi se. An y cl ea r th ou g h ts w ere n ow i m p ossi b l e. H e sa i d , If you h a ve n oth i n g to sa y, Il l g o. C on fu sed a n d sh a k en , a l u m p h a d form ed i n th e b a ck of h er th roa t. Sp ea k i n g w a s n ow i m p ossi b l e, cou l d h e n ot see th a t? Sh e n eed ed ti m e to th i n k . H ow w a s sh e su p p osed to k n ow h ow to d efi n e a n y of th i s w h en sh ed h a d n o oth er k i sses th a n h i s? So, Y E S, fi n e. I fel t someth i n g w on d erfu l . Sp eci a l . D i d th a t m a k e i t l ove? Wa s on e k i ss rea son en ou g h for b oth of th em to l ose th ei r m i n d s a n d try to ch a n g e everyth i n g i n th ei r w h ol e l i ves? H er h ea rt a ch ed a t th a t Her th ou g h t. N o. Hes Hu n ter Ken n ed y. I d on t even k n ow h i m, a n d h e ca n t b e seri ou s a b ou t a g i rl l i k e me...h e even sa i d so...ma n y ti mes. V ere k n ew sh e n eed ed to b e p ra cti ca l for b oth of th em . Sh e op era ted on fa cts, a n d fa cts w ou l d g et h er th rou g h th i s. Sh e stru g g l ed to k eep h er voi ce from b rea k i n g . I h a ve to sta n d b y w h a t I sa i d b efore. D u sti n McH u g h i s n ot rea l . We b oth k n ow i ts McHu tru e. I d on t k n ow w h a t el se to sa y to you a s Hu n ter Ken n ed y, sh e fi n i sh ed w i th a Hu h el p l ess sh ru g . I j u st d on t... H i s eyes l ook ed fu n n y, d i fferen t. T h eyd som eh ow tu rn ed a d a rk er b l u e. B efore someh sh e cou l d l ook a g a i n h ed p u t on th e g l a sses a n d h i s h a t. Wh y d i d I th i n k you , of a l l p eop l e, w ou l d n t u se m e l i k e everyon e el se? H i s me voi ce sou n d ed ti g h t, h orri b l y col d . Y ou offered . I d i d n t D i d n t you ? H e b u tton ed h i s reta i n er i n to h i s sh i rt p ock et. Wh a tever. Its for He th e b est. V ere g l a n ced a t th e cei l i n g . N o more w ord s cou l d com e ou t ri g h t n ow . If a n y fresh a i r tou ch ed th e b a ck of m ore h er th roa t, sh ed sta rt cryi n g . H i s com men t w a s on l y fa i r si n ce th ey w ere d ea l i n g m en i n fa cts. I d i d j u st u se h i m. I su ck . Y ou w ere ri g h t a b ou t th e k i sses. I l ost m y h ea d a fter su ch a l on g , d ry sp el l . I my ta k e i t a l l b a ck . T h eres n oth i n g th ere, l i k e you sa i d . Were even n ow . Y ou h el p ed m e. I h el p ed you . T h e fri en d sh i p th i n g i s over, th ou g h . T h a n k s for th e fu n . H e p u l l ed h i s h a t d ow n l ow a n d g l a red a t h er b efore tu rn i n g h i s b a ck . G ood l u ck w i th C u rti s. Wh a t th e HE L L i s g oi n g on i n h ere? C h a rl i es voi ce exp l od ed i n to th e room . V ere l ook ed u p a n d g a sp ed , su rp ri sed a t h er b roth ers i n tru si on . T h e col d a i r b l a sted h er th roa t, m a k i n g tea rs fi l l h er eyes. Sh e stru g g l ed to h ol d th em b a ck . C h a rl i e stood a t th e b a se of th e sta i rs w i th h i s a rm s crossed . D u d e. D on t th i n k rms

I d on t k n ow you j u st m a d e a m ove on my si ster. I sa w you k i ssi n g h er. my H ow l on g h a ve you b een sta n d i n g th ere? D u sti n fl i ck ed a sn eer b a ck a t V ere. An oth er Roth k i d sp yi n g on p ri va te con versa ti on s. C h ron i c, th a t, h e sa i d , h i s voi ce l oa d ed w i th p u re con tem p t. V eres sou l cru mb l ed i n to b i ts. Sh e l ock ed g a zes w i th C h a rl i e a n d sh ook h er h ea d mb i n w a rn i n g . Sh e w ou l d n ot su rvi ve a n oth er fi g h t b etw een th em. T h a n k fu l l y em . C h a rl i e d i d n t p u n ch h i m . Move a si d e. I d i d n t d o a n yth i n g V ere d i d n t b eg m e for. Ask h er. O r, m a yb e you a p p roved th i s p a rt of h er ri d i cu l ou s p l a n . D u sti n sh oved C h a rl i e ou t of th e w a y a n d took th e sta i rs tw o a t a ti me, n ot on ce m e, l ook i n g b a ck . Wh a t d i d you see? sh e a sk ed , a fter th ey b oth h ea rd th e b a ck d oor sl a m . O n l y th e tw o of you , fu l l on , m a k i n g ou t, V ere! Wh a t w a s th a t a l l a b ou t? I took ma off to b e p ol i te, b u t w h en I d i d n t h ea r a n yth i n g I ca m e b a ck i n ti m e to w i tn ess th e en d of you r l i ttl e fi g h t. Im g l a d you w ere fi g h ti n g a n d n ot som eth i n g el se, or th a t g u y w ou l d b e d ea d ri g h t n ow . Wh a t w ere you th i n k i n g ? D i d you rea l l y a sk h i m to k i ss you ? H ol y cra p ! Y ou re n u ts, you k n ow th a t? Sh e n od d ed . More tea rs crep t ou t. Wh a t a b ou t C u rti s? Wh a t i f h e fi n d s ou t you k i ssed a n oth er g u y? C u rti s a n d I a re sti l l on . N oth i n g s ch a n g ed . I sort of d i d i t for h i m . Sh e w i n ced . I w a s b ei n g stu p i d . V ere cri ed op en l y n ow . D on t tel l . D on t tel l a n yon e . P l ea se. More cryi n g ? T h a t g u y h a s tu rn ed you i n to a cra zy p erson . Si n ce w h en d o you cry a l l th e ti m e? C h a rl i e yel l ed , b u t h i s h u g sa i d h e l oved h er. He k ep t h i s a rm s He a rou n d h er a s sh e sn i ffl ed i n to th e fron t of h i s sh i rt. He a d d ed , Il l b a sh th e p op He sta r a n yw a y, i f you w a n t m e to. J u st for m a k i n g you cry. AG AIN . ma O h , sh u t- u p . Y ou w i l l n ot. H e d i d n t m a k e m e cry. Im j u st cryi n g b eca u se I d on t k n ow . B eca u se I l i k e to cry. V ere sob b ed a g a i n , n ow g ri p p i n g on to C h a rl i e for d ea r l i fe. Sh e l et h er tea rs fl ood . Wh a tever. T h a t g u y i s offi ci a l l y on my h i t l i st, C h a rl i e m u ttered , a w k w a rd l y my p a tti n g h er b a ck n ow . H es n ot l on g for th i s w orl d , th a ts for d a m n su re. V ere w i p ed th e tea rs from h er fa ce a n d l ook ed u p . J u st sta y ou t of i t, C h a rl i e. H e w a s h el p i n g . I sw ea r. T h i s i s a l l m y stu p i d i ty m y fa u l t. I th i n k I l ed h i m on . my L ea ve i t a l on e. Im, Im, Im, j u st... Sh e g a sp ed for b rea th a n d sta rted sob b i n g a g a i n . F i n e! Sh e w i sh ed sh e cou l d exp l a i n w h a t H u n ter h a d sa i d to h er. T el l C h a rl i e a b ou t H u n ters l i fe. H ow h ed b een so d ep ressed a n d a l on e. H ow h ed sa i d h e l oved h er. B u t sh e d i d n t k n ow w h ere to sta rt. H ow cou l d sh e ta l k a b ou t som eth i n g someon e sh e d i d n t u n d ersta n d h ersel f? B esi d es, sh e h a d a p a rty to g o to.

39: people missed, things forgotten HUNTER

He k i ck ed h ol es i n th e Roth s l a w n on h i s w a y b a ck to h i s a u n ts h ou se. He E veryth i n g V ere h a d b rou g h t u p h a d h i t th e m a rk , d ea d on . ma How i n th e h el l cou l d h e exp ect V ere to w a n t to b e w i th h i m w h en h e w a sn t even H ow a rea l p erson ? Wh en h e h a d n o i d ea w h o h e w a s a n ym ore? Wa s h e H u n ter Ken n ed y, Hu th e sh u t- d ow n p op sta r from L os An g el es? Hel l n o. I k n ow Im n ot th a t p erson a n ymore. B u t a m I some g eek ed - ou t, n orma l d u d e? A g u y w h o j u st ma d e ou t w i th a g i rl , th i n k i n g h e h a d a ch a n ce w i th h er a n d g ot sh ot d ow n ? D ou b l e h el l n o. Im n ot th a t ei th er...b u t i t j u st h a p p en ed to you so...sh i t. Wh a t d oes th a t mea n ? Wa s h e si mp l y j u st th e most messed u p p erson i n th e w orl d ? mp Are you Hu n ter Ken n ed y, or a re you D u sti n McHu g h ? As h e ma d e h i s w a y on to th e fron t p orch , h e tu rn ed a n d sa t on th e top step , ta k i n g i n th e p u rp l e- ora n g e su n set. H e rested h i s el b ow s on h i s k n ees a n d l et h i s He h a n d s su p p ort th e i mp ossi b l y h ea vy w ei g h t of h i s h ea d . He cou l d n t b el i eve h ow mu ch h e rea l l y h a d fa l l en for V ere, n ot to men ti on h ow He h ed p i n n ed h i s h ea rt to h i s sl eeve b a ck th ere. How b a d l y sh ed cru sh ed i t, even H ow th ou g h sh ed b een ri g h t . He cou l d n t sta n d th a t h ed l et h i msel f even b e i n su ch a vu l n era b l e p osi ti on . It He m sel w a s so n ot l i k e h i m to l ea ve h i msel f u n g u a rd ed . Rej ecti on rea l rej ecti on w a s w a y more p a i n fu l th a n a n yth i n g h ed b een th rou g h so fa r i n h i s w h ol e l i fe. He sh oved a w a y th e i m a g es i n h i s mi n d of th e mi u n b el i eva b l e k i sses th eyd sh a red . How V ere h a d fel t so p erfect w ra p p ed i n h i s H ow a rm s. He ow n ed th e d esol a ti on h e w a s feel i n g n ow . He Hed w a l k ed ri g h t i n a n d a sk ed for i t. H ed He sh ou l d n ever h a ve k i ssed h er. H e sh ou l d n ever h a ve p l a yed a t b ei n g D u sti n so He d eep l y... At l ea st sh ed h el p ed h i m see th a t h e h a d a n even more d i stu rb i n g th i n g to p on d er n ow . B efore h e cou l d even a d d ress h ow b a d l y V ere h a d b rok en h i s h ea rt, h e h a d to d ea l w i th th e rea l i ty of h i msel f. Accord i n g to V ere, D u sti n McHu g h w a sn t rea l . Accord i n g h i m , Hu n ter Ken n ed y th e ol d Hu n ter Ken n ed y w a sn t rea l a n ym ore m, Hu ei th er. Hel l . T h e g i rl h a d every ri g h t to sa y w h a t sh e d i d . Are you Hu n ter Ken n ed y or a re you D u sti n McHu g h ? Hu n ter si g h ed , n ot w a n ti n g to a d mi t w h a t sca red h i m th e m ost: H e cou l d n t Hu mi most: He d i tch th e n a g g i n g th ou g h t th a t h e mi g h t b e n o on e. N o on e a t a l l . mi T h e p orch l i g h t fl i p p ed on , a n d th e d oor b eh i n d h i m op en ed . B u t h e d i d n t tu rn

a rou n d . Au n t N a n w a s p rob a b l y w on d eri n g w h a t th e h eck w a s g oi n g on . Hop efu l l y H op sh e w a s m a k i n g som e sort of a w esome d i n n er. some esom e Wh oever h e mi g h t b e h e w a s d efi n i tel y a l w a ys sta rvi n g . mi H e stood a n d stra i g h ten ed q u i ck l y, b u t k ep t h i s b a ck to th e d oor, tryi n g to He comp ose h i m sel f. H e d i d n t w a n t h er to w orry or ca tch h i m on th e ed g e of b a w l i n g l i k e a b a b y. Il l b e ri g h t i n . G i ve m e a secon d . O k a y? T h e d oor cl osed a n d h e w a s g l a d sh e h a d n t seen h i s fa ce. H ed h a ve to h i d e b eh i n d h i s g l a sses u n ti l h e g ot h i m sel f tog eth er. msel H u n ter? H e ten sed a n d h el d h i s b rea th . Ha d h e i m a g i n ed th a t voi ce? H e l ook ed stra i g h t He a h ea d a n d sh ook h i s h ea d . H u n ter. Hu n ter Ken n ed y. C a n I a t l ea st h a ve a h u g ? Mom? ! H e tu rn ed to see a very d i fferen t m om sta n d i n g b y th e d oor. Sh ed cu t h er h a i r sh ort, a n d w a s w ea ri n g j ea n s. Mom n ever w ea rs j ea n s, d oes sh e? Am I d rea mi n g th i s? Im sorry, sh e sa i d . P l ea se k n ow . Im so sorry. Her eyes l ook ed h u g e a n d very H er b l u e u n d er th e p orch l i g h ts. T h e a p ol og y i n th em seemed so rea l h i s h ea rt sw el l ed w i th h op e. H u n ter took off h i s g l a sses to g et a b etter l ook a s h e a p p roa ch ed h er. Som e m ore Hu of th a t su sp ect m oi stu re h a d com e b a ck a rou n d h i s eyes. D a mn . B u t i t ca n t b e h el p ed . H e l a u n ch ed h i m sel f a t h i s m om a n d g a ve h er th e b i g g est h u g h ed ever g i ven He mom a n yon e i n h i s l i fe. Y ou g ot my m essa g e, h e w h i sp ered , n ot ca ri n g th a t h e m i g h t b e cl i n g i n g to h er. Y es, sh e sn i ffed , p ossi b l y cl i n g i n g ri g h t b a ck . I w a s p a ck ed th a t n i g h t. I h a d to see you , sorry i t took a l l w eek for me to g et th i n g s a rra n g ed w i th Ma rti n me a n d ...oth er stu ff. Sh e w ra p p ed h er a rm s a rou n d h i m ti g h tl y. I m i ssed you so m u ch . G od . Mom, d i d I m i ss you . He l et th e tea rs com e, so mu g ra tefu l to k n ow a t th e very l ea st, h e w a s sti l l someon es son . H ed fi g u re ou t th e rest soon . I m i ssed you too, Hu n ter. I m i ssed you too. Hu

40: telling the truth VERE

It took V ere a n en ti re h ou r to stop cryi n g . T h en i t took a n oth er h ou r for h er stu p i d red eyes to u n - p u ff, a n d i t took a n oth er w h ol e th i rty- tw o mi n u tes a fter th a t mi to stop th i n k i n g a b ou t a l l th e i n sa n e th i n g s D u sti n , or...H u n ter...h a d sa i d to h er or...Hu a n d to g et h er cou ra g e u p to come to th i s p a rty a t a l l . Wh i ch i s w h y th eyd ma d e i t ma to Kri sten s q u i te a b i t l a te. B u t cool p eop l e u su a l l y ca me l a te, a n d th a ts w h o w e a re n ow , ri g h t? C ool . Su p er cool . E ven th ou g h I d on t w a n t to b e h ere? E ven th ou g h I h a ve th e u rg e to g o b a ck h ome a n d cry some more? U G H. V ere tri ed to p sych h ersel f u p . Sh e w a s h ere n ow , a n d i t w a s a l l g oi n g to b e fi n e. E veryth i n g w ou l d i ron ou t th e momen t sh e sa w C u rti s. J u st th e si g h t of h i m w ou l d set th i s stra i g h t. Sh e k n ew i t. T h a n k s to w h a t h a p p en ed b etw een h er a n d h er x- B G F , sh e h a d b i g g er p l a n s th a n ever to k i ss C u rti s ton i g h t. I h a ve to k n ow ... I h a ve to k n ow ...w h a t? Sh e l ost h er tra i n of th ou g h t a n d p i ctu red h ersel f k i ssi n g C u rti s. Sh e h a d to k n ow someth i n g a b ou t h ow h i s a rm s fel t a rou n d h er. rms Y ea h , th a ts i t. Il l a n a l yze h ow h i s a rms feel a rou n d me. How h i s l i p s fi t a g a i n st mi n e...a n d comp a re. C omp a re h i s k i ss to th e b est k i sses Il l n ever g et to h a ve a g a i n ? O MG . N ever a g a i n ? V ere sw a l l ow ed a n d p u t h er h a n d over h er ra ci n g h ea rt. Sh e fel t h ersel f sta rti n g to b l u sh . J en n a ta p p ed h er foot n ervou sl y a g a i n st th e fresh l y p a i n ted w ood on th e H od j w i ck s fron t p orch . O k a y. So...yea h ...a re w e rea l l y g oi n g to en ter th i s Hod m a d h ou se? J en n a a sk ed . ma Mu si c b l a sted from th e op en d i n i n g room w i n d ow . T h ey cou l d h a rd l y h ea r th em sel ves ta l k on th i s p orch . T h e n oi se i n si d e h a d to b e d ea fen i n g . emsel O f cou rse. We ca n so d o th i s. C ome on . V ere ra n g th e d oorb el l b u t n ob od y ca m e. me. J en n a rol l ed h er eyes. Were i d i ots. Im su re you j u st g o i n , or w h a tever. Sh e p u sh ed th e d oor a n d i t sw u n g w i d e. T h e p l a ce w a s fi l l ed to th e b ri m. P l a sti c cu p s a n d od d sh a l l ow p u d d l es of sp i l l a g e l i ttered th e fl oor i n th e en tryw a y. V eres eyes w i d en ed . Mr. a n d Mrs. H od j w i ck w ere ou t of tow n ( or ti ed u p i n th e b a semen t) b eca u se, n o w a y, w ou l d Hod sem en th ey h a ve a l l ow ed a p a rty l i k e th i s. Sh e d a rted a g l a n ce a t a h u g e ma ss of p eop l e i n th e fron t l i vi n g room. T h e w h ol e soccer tea m i t seemed ( b oys a n d g i rl s) w ere cra m med on to th e form a l vel vet mm ed forma cou ch es, fl i n g i n g q u a rters a t a coffee ta b l e so th ey w ou l d b ou n ce a n d l a n d i n cu p s.

Y ea h . P retty i n ti mi d a ti n g . J en n a s eyes l ook ed l i k e sa u cers. T h e en ti re footb a l l tea m w a s sp i l l i n g ou t from Mr. Hod j w i ck s d en a s th ey a l l crow d ed a rou n d th e fl a t screen , w a tch i n g some g a me. som e V eres eyes rou n d ed - ou t m ore th a n J en n a s w h en th ey sp otted H ow i e Ru th erford si tti n g crossed l eg g ed i n th e cen ter of Mr. H od j w i ck s d esk , d ow n i n g a b eer. J eez. Pl a y i t cool , V ere. Preten d you ve seen i t a l l b efore. J en n a w a s l ost i n th e crow d ri g h t a b ou t w h en V ere l oca ted C u rti s d a n ci n g w i th w h a t a p p ea red to b e a som ew h a t d ru n k , Kri sten H od j w i ck . somew U g h . U g h . An d U g h . It took V ere on l y th ree secon d s to rea l i ze sh e d i d n ot w a n t to b e w i th C u rti s Wi sh ford . N ot a t a l l . N ot on e b i t. Sh e u n d erstood w i th a l m ost p a i n fu l cl a ri ty w h a t most sh ed a l rea d y su sp ected w h en sh ed b een on th e fron t p orch . T h a t sh ed tota l l y screw ed u p ! T h a t sh e h a d j u st h u rt th e on e g u y sh e tru l y ca red a b ou t a n d w a s n ow i n fron t of a b sol u tel y th e w ron g g u y for h er. Kri sten h a d m oved i n to d a n ce w a y too cl ose w i th C u rti s. Sh e g l a red a t V ere a n d stom p ed a w a y w h en C u rti s sh oved h er u n ceremon i ou sl y to th e si d e a s h e sp otted V ere w a tch i n g th em . Y o m a m m a . My V eres l ook i n g h ot- to- n i te, C u rti s h ol l ered a t th e top of h i s l u n g s. L ets d a n ce! As i f. D i d h e rea l l y j u st ca l l me ma mma ? Sh e h a d to g et ou t of h ere. N O W. V ere a voi d ed eye con ta ct w i th C u rti s a n d tu rn ed a w a y. Ma yb e sh e cou l d j u st sl i p ou t a n d m a k e som e excu se to h i m tomorrow . Sh e d i d n t th i n k sh e cou l d even ta l k ma some to h i m ri g h t n ow , l et a l on e d a n ce w i th th i s g u y. H er h ea rt b eca m e tra p p ed i n h er th roa t. B efore sh e cou l d sq u eeze b a ck th rou g h Her th e crow d , C u rti s g ra b b ed h er b y th e h a n d a n d p u l l ed h er i n to a n a w k w a rd , g oofy d a n ce. H ey, d i d ya n ot see m e? Y ou re l a te. Wh a t h a p p en ed ? V ere p a sted on a smi l e. Sorry. G ot h u n g u p . Ma k i n g ou t w i th a n oth er g u y. Ma k i n g ou t ma j or w i th Hu n ter Ken n ed y? Aa a a h . A g u y I rea l l y w a n t to ma k e ou t w i th a g a i n , I th i n k . Sh e l ook ed u p a t C u rti s a n d w on d ered h ow i n th e h eck sh e w a s g oi n g to g et ou t of th i s. C u rti s w a s sti l l th e sa m e, g org eou s, d a rk - h a i red , g reen - eyed g u y sh ed a l w a ys k n ow n . An d h e seem ed g en u i n el y h a p p y th a t sh e w a s h ere. Wi th h i m . B u t ri g h t n ow , h e k i n d of rem i n d ed h er of a b i g L a b ra d or Retri ever. N i ce, sl ob b ery, cu te en ou g h ...b u t j u st too sl ow . An d a g a i n , n ot for me. Im so g l a d you m a d e i t. I rea l l y m i ssed you . H e g ri n n ed . Sh e n od d ed , feel i n g su p er g u i l ty. Aw w , th a n k s. Sh e h a d to fi g u re ou t a w a y d i tch h i m w i th ou t h u rti n g h i s feel i n g s. It w a sn t C u rti ss fa u l t sh e w a s su ch a m ess. T h a t sh ed ch a n g ed h er m i n d . H ed on l y ever j u st b een h i m sel f w i th h er so sh e sh ou l d n t b l a me h i m for th a t. me Sh e w a s th e on e p u l l i n g th e fl i p sw i tch . Mi n d ra ci n g for a p l a n th a t w ou l d n t com e, sh e d a n ced w i th h i m h a l fh ea rted l y. come, H e d i d n t seem to n oti ce sh e w a sn t i n to i t, b eca u se h e h a d h i s eyes cl osed a n d w a s

si n g i n g a l on g w i th th e son g a t th e top of h i s l u n g s a s h e sh ook a rou n d i n a b i za rre b ooty d a n ce! I l ove d a n ci n g w i th you , h e sh ou ted . Sh e n od d ed , a n d cra ck ed a fa k e sm i l e. T h e p oor g u y h a d n o i d ea sh e w a s a b ou t to smi ru n on h i m . H e sh i m m i ed h i s b ooti e d a n ce tow a rd h er, i n vi ti n g h er to g ri n d . U g h . E w . E E E W. N ever! V ere si d e- step p ed h i m a n d forced h i s sh ou l d ers b a ck to fa ci n g h er. H e g ri n n ed a t h er a g a i n .I sa ved you a b eer, b u t you took so l on g I h a d to d ri n k i t d ow n for you , h e h ol l ered , p u l l i n g h er cl ose. Mm m . Y ou feel n i ce. Y ou l ook n i ce. H e g ri p p ed h er w a i st a n d sh oved h i s fa ce i n to th e h a i r a t h er n eck a n d su ck ed i n a m on ster b rea th . An d b oy d o you sm el l n i ce. D ou b l e- E W! D on t. Ive g ot to tel l you som eth i n g . Sh e w ork ed to p eel h i s m ea ty h a n d s off h er b a ck . If h e on l y k n ew h ow fa r off th e n i ce l i st sh ed recen tl y fl ow n . An d Im n ot n i ce. J eez. I j u st ma d e ou t w i th a n oth er g u y. N o on e w h os N IC E d oes stu ff l i k e th a t. An d Im a b ou t to D U MP Y O U . Sh e sh ook h er h ea d to try a n d cl ea r h er th ou g h ts. Is d i tch i n g th e h ot footb a l l p l a yer w h os tota l l y i n to you soci a l l y L E G AL ? Its n ot on ou r F a ceb ook p a g es yet...so...ma yb e h e j u st w a n ts to b e fri en d s. Y ea h ...Il l try th a t sp eech fi rst... Ah , b u t you a re so- so n i ce. N i ce to l ook a t, n i ce to tou ch . Hed cl a mp ed h i s H ed mp a rm s a rou n d h er w a i st a g a i n . N i ce to d a n ce w i th a n d n i ce to b e w i th . As i n , a l l m i n e. V ere w ork ed to h i d e h er fru stra ted g ri m a ce. So mu ch for p l a n A. T h e m u si c ch a n g ed i n to a sl ow son g , a n d m ore cou p l es p a i red u p b esi d e th em . H e p u l l ed h er cl oser a n d h er foreh ea d b u m p ed p a i n fu l l y a g a i n st h i s ch i n . mp V ere fel t h er tem p er ri si n g . C u rti s. L i sten , sh e tri ed a g a i n , vow i n g to n ever sa y th e w ord n i ce to a n yon e a g a i n . T h a t w ord d i d su ck a fter a l l ! B e p ol i te, V ere. Y ou d h a ve p a i d mon ey for h i m to ta l k to you l i k e th i s yesterd a y. Sh e g l a n ced a rou n d , g ri p p i n g h i s a rms to g et h i s a tten ti on . C u rti s, i ts so n oi sy rm s i n h ere a n d I rea l l y n eed to ta l k to you . In p ri va te. Al on e. H e g ri n n ed d ow n a n d h a d th a t d u m b , I- k n ow - you - l ove- me- b a b y exp ressi on . mb T h a ts m y l i n e. Y ou scoop ed m e. We ca n g o u p sta i rs. O r I h a ve m y mom s va n ou t m om fron t. H e w i n k ed . Sh e b i t b a ck a sm a l l u rg e to d ry h ea ve. Aa a a h . Aa a a a a a a h . N o. N o. N o! Acci d en ta l p a rty come- on . F a i l ed a t Pa rty Poi n ters 101. N o. T h a ts n ot w h a t I m ea n . I rea l l y D O w a n t to ta l k . Sh e m et h i s g a ze a n d h el d i t. O h , so d o I. I ca n t even w a i t to g et you a l on e. H ow a b ou t w e sta rt ta l k i n g ri g h t n ow , ri g h t h ere, i n fron t of everyon e? U h . O k a y? Ma yb e sh e cou l d p u l l i t off i n th i s crow d . Sh e ra i sed h er voi ce. I w a n t to tel l you th a t I...J E E Z!

V ere l ook ed u p i n ti m e to d u ck h er h ea d to th e si d e. C u rti s h a d tri ed to p l a n t a k i ss on h er! B a i t a n d sw i tch n ot w ork i n g . AB O RT ta l k i n g ! AB O RT ta l k i n g ! V ere tw i sted i n h i s a rms a n d tri ed to u n l ock h i s d a n ce- d ea th - g ri p . T h a n k G od rm s sh e w ou l d n ot h a ve to rep ea t th i s su ck d a n ce w i th h i m n ext w eek . B eca u se h omecomi n g i s off. SO O F F . C RE E PE R. H ey. Wh y so sk i tti sh ? H e d ra g g ed h er tow a rd h i m a g a i n . C om e on . Sh ow m e w h a t you ve g ot. L ets m a k e th i s offi ci a l . N o. Seri ou sl y? N O . I j u st w a n t to ta l k . P l ea se. Y ou l l l i k e i t. I g u a ra n tee. T h en w el l ta l k . Y ou a re j u st so a d ora b l e a n d so h ot ri g h t n ow . C m on . V ere g l a n ced w i l d l y a rou n d . C ou p l es d a n ced i n a cru sh i n every d i recti on . B eh i n d th em , a sea of en d l ess b a b b l i n g , d ri n k i n g , yel l i n g h i g h sch ool k i d s p ressed i n on th e ed g es of th e room . room. J en n a ca m e i n to vi ew j u st a s C u rti s tri ed to p u l l h er even cl oser. V ere sh ot J en n a me h er m ost d esp era te h ol y- h el p fa ce si g n a l b efore sh e l ost si g h t of h er. most Sh e sti l l h a d n t sp otted C h a rl i e. H er b roth er w ou l d h el p h er. Wh ere w a s h e? C ome on , V ere, d on t b e so d a rn sh y. Y ou re m y g i rl fri en d n ow , h e sa i d , i n th e om e l a m e, p ou ti n g , b a b y voi ce a s h e b en t h i s h ea d d ow n , stra i n i n g tow a rd a n oth er k i ss. T h a ts j u st w h a t I w a n t to ta l k a b ou t. V ere tw i sted h er h ea d ou t of h i s rea ch . Sh ed w ork ed h er a rm s free a n d p u sh ed h i m b a ck . So d o I. Isn t th a t w h y you re h ere? T o m a k e i t offi ci a l ? C u rti s frow n ed . V ere. V ere. Im feel i n g si ck . We h a ve to g o. J en n a , h er tru e h ero, h a d w ork ed h er w a y th rou g h th e crow d a n d w a s a ttem p ti n g a b ra ve, a n d w on d erfu l rescu e. V ere sh ot h er th e B F F - I- l ove- you b l i n k . J en n a w i n k ed b a ck j u st b efore sh e cl u tch ed a t h er stom a ch a n d b en t over w i th a n a m a zi n g l y rea l i sti c, p a i n ed h ow l . V ere, you ve g ot to h el p m e g et ou tsi d e. I n eed a i r. So...D IZZY . J en n a h a d sh ou ted th e secon d p a rt of h er p erform a n ce a t th e top of h er l u n g s ri g h t w h en th e son g en d ed . Sh ed d ra w n so m u ch a tten ti on to h ersel f th a t V ere d i d n t even h a ve to p reten d to b e su rp ri sed a s sh e b l i n k ed stu p i d l y a t h er fri en d . As i f J en n a sen sed th ere w a s n o g oi n g b a ck , sh e k ep t h er fa ce i n ch eck , a n d g roa n ed even l ou d er. D oes a n yon e h a ve som e w a ter or a n y i ce? O h h ...w oa h .... Sh e stu m b l ed a n d h a l f col l a p sed on to th e fl oor. mb J en n a s D ra ma G ra d e: A++ A few k i d s w a n d ered over to see i f th ey cou l d h el p a n d b l ock ed V eres vi ew . C u rti s. L et me g o. Ive g ot to g et h er ou tsi d e. Sh es g oi n g to p u k e. I ca n j u st tel l . me I k n ow h er. C u rti s stop p ed d a n ci n g fi n a l l y, b u t i n stea d of l etti n g h er g o, h ed ti g h ten ed h i s g ri p . C a n t you r fri en d fi n d a n oth er b a b y- si tter? Sh es tota l l y fi n e. L ook . O th er p eop l e ca n h a n d l e h er. V ere l ook ed . T h ere w ere th ree k i d s k n eel i n g a rou n d J en n a .

I d on t th i n k I ca n move, J en n a m oa n ed . V ere! Som eon e fi n d m e V E RE ! m ove, I th ou g h t you w a n ted to ta l k to m e, C u rti s sa i d . C u rti s, sh es m y fri en d . Sh e n eed s m y h el p . Wh a ts w ron g w i th you ? V eres my h ea d w a s p ou n d i n g . Wh y d i d C u rti s sou n d l i k e su ch a w h i n er? Sh e tri ed a g a i n to p u l l ou t of h i s em b ra ce. T h e g u y w a s j u st too stron g . H er h ea rt ra te sp ed u p . An d n ot i n a g ood w a y. Her I su re h op e th i s i sn t som e k i n d of p a ttern w i th you tw o. I on l y w a n t to d a te you . T h i s i s n ot a p a ck a g e d ea l . H e l ook ed i n to h er eyes b u t m a d e n o move to l et m ove h er g o. D i d you rea l l y j u st sa y th a t? V ere a sk ed , h er mi n d g oi n g w h i te- h ot ma d . mi ma Y ea h , I d i d . H el l o? E a rth to V ere. If you re g oi n g to h a ve a rea l b oyfri en d th en you re g oi n g to h a ve to g i ve u p h a n g i n g 24/ 7 w i th you r d ork en tou ra g e. I exp ect you to h a n g ou t w i th m e. O n l y m e. A l ot. O h , rea l l y. V ere cl osed h er eyes i n a l a st d i tch effort to sta y ca l m , b u t i t w a s w a y too l a te. Sh e sa w sp ots. L i ttl e b u rn i n g sp ots b eh i n d h er eyel i d s, a n d w h en sh e op en ed th em , C u rti s Wi sh ford w a s ri g h t i n th e m i d d l e of th ose sp ots. H e w a s sti l l ta l k i n g mi l i k e a j erk , a n d h e w a s w a y too cl ose to h er fa ce. Sh e cou l d n t b el i eve sh ed b een so stu p i d . Wh y h a d sh e com e to th i s p a rty? Sh e p u l l ed a n d tw i sted a g a i n st C u rti ss em b ra ce. Pl ea se d on t l et i t b e too l a te to a p ol og i ze. Pl ea se l et h i m forg i ve me. Pl ea se.... C om e on , V ere, d on t b e a l l P MS. N ow th a t w ere a cou p l e I w a s h op i n g to b u ry som e of ou r seven th g ra d e tea si n g ton i g h t. I w a n t to k i ss you i n fron t of everyon e. O n e k i ss for you r b oyfri en d b efore you g o. B e n i ce. H e b rou g h t h er forw a rd , h i s exp ressi on d eterm i n ed . He V ere fi xa ted on h i s g i a n t p u ffy l i p s a s th ey j u tted ob scen el y from h i s fa ce i n fu l l p u ck er. An d h er i m a g i n a ti on took over. H e l ook ed exa ctl y l i k e a b i g , sti n k y fi sh . A g i a n t, p a w i n g , l a b ra d or- d og - fi sh ! V ere sq u i rm ed i n a p a n i c a n d sh ou ted a t th e top of h er l u n g s. I sa i d , n o! As i n , n ever. We a re n ot a cou p l e. Im n ot you r g i rl fri en d , I w on t g o to h om ecom i n g w i th you . An d ST O P ca l l i n g m e n i ce . L E T . ME . G O . V ere d i d n t k n ow h ow h er a rm s g ot l oose. Sh e si m p l y fel t th e b a ck of h er fi st com e i n to d i rect con ta ct w i th C u rti ss ch i n . Su rp ri sed , h e rel ea sed h er, stu m b l ed b a ck w a rd s, a n d tri p p ed on h i s ow n b i g feet. O r w ere th ey p a w s? V ere fel t j u st l i k e J a ck th e G i a n t Sl a yer a s C u rti s stu m b l ed a g a i n , a n d cru m p l ed i n to th e m i d d l e of Kri sten H od j w i ck s l i vi n g room . My fri en d s a re n ot d ork s, sh e fi n i sh ed , b u t n o on e h ea rd h er, esp eci a l l y n ot C u rti s, w h od b een sw a l l ow ed u p i n a w a l l of stu n n ed , sh ou ti n g p eop l e. J en n a , h a vi n g j u st sta g ed th e w orl d s fa stest recovery, ra n over j u st a s th e l i vi n g room eru p ted i n to l a u g h ter. O h . G od . V ere g ra b b ed on to h er for su p p ort. Wh i ch d oor i s cl oser? F ron t or b a ck ? V ere w h i sp ered . N ei th er. Were tra p p ed i n a sea of d ru n k creep s. J en n a b l i n k ed . My on l y w ord

for you , a n d for w h a t j u st h a p p en ed i s, WH Y ? ! J en n a w h i sp ered l ow , Il l sa y i t a g a i n . Wh y. Wh y? Wh yyyyyy? V ere cl u tch ed on to J en n a a s th ou g h sh e w ere a l i fe p reserver. H ow cou l d sh e m a k e J en n a u n d ersta n d ? Sh e op ted for th e tru th : I h a ve to g et h om e. I th i n k n o I k n ow . Im i n l ove w i th H u n ter Ken n ed y. T h a ts w h y! V ere sm i l ed . Wh a t? !! J en n a m oved i n fa ce- to- fa ce w i th V ere. J en n a h a d g on e com p l etel y p a l e a n d sh e seem ed to b e tryi n g to a n a l yze V eres p u p i l s. T el l m e i ts n ot th a t. T el l m e you ve g on e b on k ers. T el l m e you re d ru n k , even . B u t d on t tel l m e you me p u n ch ed C u rti s Wi sh ford b eca u se you re i n l ove w i th a p op sta r on T V ? J en n a h i ssed . Y ou d on t even l i k e G u a rd eRob e. V ere l a u g h ed l on g a n d h a rd th en . H er voi ce h a d g on e h i g h a n d g i g g l y. N ot tru e. I L O V E th em n ow . I k n ow every si n g l e son g th ey w rote b y h ea rt. D on t you see? I a m i n l ove w i th Hu n ter Ken n ed y. H ea d over h eel s, i n l ove, w i th H u n ter Ken n ed y! I Hu even m a d e ou t w i th h i m , for a rea l l y l on g ti me. m e. In you r d rea m s, ma yb e? Stop ta l k i n g l i k e th i s. Y ou re sca ri n g m e. P eop l e m i g h t ma h ea r you . J en n a s exp ressi on h a d g row n so frea k ed ou t th a t V ere cou l d n t h el p b u t b rea k ou t i n to a n oth er fi t of g i g g l es. O h . G od . I k n ow . It sou n d s so b a d . V ere p u t b oth h a n d s over h er fa ce a n d tri ed to cl ea r h er h ea d , w on d eri n g h ow sh e cou l d ever exp l a i n th i s. IF sh e cou l d ever exp l a i n i t. Sh ed forg otten th a t th i s w a s a l l su p p osed to b e a secret. Wh a t i n th e h eck d oes H u n ter Ken n ed y h a ve to d o w i th you r rea l l i fe? J en n a p l a ced h er h a n d on V eres foreh ea d . Are you si ck ? I k n ow w h a t th i s i s. Its h a l l u ci n a ti n g . D i d you smok e a n yth i n g , or ta k e a n y p i l l s a t th i s p a rty? Ma yb e sm ok someon e sl i p p ed you som eth i n g . som eon J en n a . N o. H es so g rea t. An d sw eet. An d h e u sed to b e so sa d . An d I m a d e ou t w i th h i m , a n d h e sa i d h e l oved m e. Sh e b l u sh ed . An d h es a rea l l y, rea l l y, rea l l y, rea l l y g ood k i sser. T h e n oi se i n th e room g rew i m p ossi b l y l ou d , th e crow d a rou n d th em even ti g h ter. H ow i e Ru th erford w a s n ow sta n d i n g on th e d esk i n th e H od j w i ck s d en . H e w a s w h oop i n g a n d h ol l eri n g a s h e strove to g et a b etter g l i m p se of C u rti s, w h o w a s sti l l l yi n g fl a t on th e g rou n d . V ere cri n g ed , l ook i n g a t C u rti ss m oti on l ess b od y. O h , n o. D i d I k n ock h i m ou t? F or rea l ? J en n a n od d ed . Y ep . I th i n k so. V eres fi n a l l y d on e i t. Sh es k i l l ed C u rti s, H ow i e yel l ed . I w a rn ed h i m . Kri sten H od j w i ck w a s p ou ri n g col d w a ter on C u rti ss h ea d . H ow i e, you su ck , J en n a yel l ed i n com p l ete fru stra ti on h er voi ce l oa d ed w i th How p a n i c. E veryon e l a u g h ed even m ore. V ere l a u g h ed , too, w h i ch ca u sed J en n a to l ook tw i ce a s stressed on h er b eh a l f. At l ea st th ey ( n ot cou n ti n g J en n a of cou rse) a l l fou n d V eres l ea p i n to th e b l a ck h ol e of soci a l ob l i vi on a m u si n g . D o you th i n k I sh ou l d ca l l a n a m b u l a n ce for C u rti s? N o. L ook . H es m ovi n g . J en n a g ra b b ed on to h er a rm . C u rti s sa t u p a n d ru b b ed h i s ch i n a s h e g l a red con fu sed a n d h u rt eye- d a g g ers a t V ere.

Sh e fel t rea l l y g u i l ty. Sh e w ou l d a p ol og i ze to h i m ri g h t n ow i f sh e cou l d g et th rou g h th e crow d to h i m . If h e h a d n t b een so l a m e a few m i n u tes a g o. me Weve g ot to g et ou t of h ere. V ere b i t h er l i p , tryi n g u n su ccessfu l l y to p u sh b a ck a n oth er ra n d om fi t of g i g g l i n g . O MG . It i s k i n d of fu n n y, i sn t i t? T h a t I k n ock ed h i m ou t a g a i n ... In fron t of everyon e? HA! J en n a p u sh ed V ere tow a rd th e d oor. D on t sp ea k to a n yon e. Y ou m i g h t b e d ru g g ed . Ive rea d a b ou t th i s. D o you th i n k you a re g oi n g to h a ve a sei zu re or som eth i n g m a j or l i k e th a t? Are th e w a l l s m el ti n g ? D i d you ea t a n y m u sh room mel l ook i n g th i n g s? N o. O f cou rse n ot. N o m el ti n g . N o m u sh room s! H er h ea rt cl en ch ed . B u t, mu J en n a ...I a m com p l etel y i n l ove w i th H u n ter Ken n ed y! D i d you h ea r m e? O MG . H ow cou l d I n ot h a ve k n ow n ? V ere w h i sp ered . I l ove h i m so m u ch . J en n a tu rn ed a n d sh ot h er a n oth er w orri ed l ook . H er ton e w a s u l tra sooth i n g . Y ea h . I h ea r you . An d Im h ea d over h eel s w i th H a rry P otter a n d P eeta Mel l a rk . Ha Sta y w i th m e. O k a y? Im ri g h t h ere. I feel you r l ove. N ow feel m i n e a n d sta rt w a l k i n g . Y ou re su ch a g ood fri en d . Y ou w on t b el i eve w h a t I sa i d to h i m . I tol d Hu n ter Hu Ken n ed y th a t h e d i d n t even exi st. Wh y d i d I sa y th a t? H es th e on l y g u y i n m y w h ol e l i fe w h o ever h a s b een rea l . Wh o h a s ever l i k ed m e, for m e! T h e i ma g e of h er rea l B G F s h ea rtb rok en fa ce ca m e i n to h er mi n d . I h a ve to ta l k ma me mi to h i m . O h , G od . V ere sta rted to cry. An d h e k i ssed m e...J en n a ...i t w a s so w on d erfu l . It w a s. O f cou rse i t w a s. Y ou a l rea d y sa i d th a t. D on t cry. J en n a w a s p u sh i n g h er tow a rd th e d oor. V ere cri ed h a rd er a s sh e rep l a yed w h a t h ed sa i d to h er. H ed b een so h on est. H ed b a red h i s en ti re h ea rt. E very i n ch of i t w h i l e si tti n g n ext to h er a n d g a zi n g i n to h er eyes. Sh e froze, cri n g i n g a t th e m em ory, m ostl y a t th e m em ory of h ow sh ed rej ected him. T h e g u y h a d b een d ow n on h i s k n ees! Wa sn t th a t su p p osed to b e th e most roma n ti c th i n g a g u y cou l d d o? V ere g roa n ed a n d p u t h er h a n d to h er h ea d , w h i l e th e room fa d ed i n to a h orri b l e, b l a ck fog . I su ck . Im th e w orst. H el l n ever forg i ve me. Sh e m oa n ed a n d h er m e. tea rs fl ow ed u n ch eck ed d ow n h er ch eek s. O h . O h , n o. Wh a t h a ve I d on e? H ow w i l l I ever a p ol og i ze? H ow w i l l I? J en n a , I w a n t to d i e. J en n a sl ow l y p u sh ed h er a l on g , m i su n d ersta n d i n g V eres a n g u i sh . Im p retty su re th eres n o g etti n g b a ck w i th C u rti s a fter th i s on e. An d h e d oesn t d eserve a n a p ol og y th e w a y h e w a s p a w i n g you . N ow k eep movi n g th e feet. O n e step i n fron t m ovi of a n oth er. If th e fl oor seem s to b e m el ti n g th a ts n ot rea l ...w a l k th rou g h i t. mel H a ve I tol d you th a t I l ove you ? V ere sob b ed op en l y n ow , sh u ffl i n g h er feet l i ttl e b y l i ttl e w h i l e sh e g a sp ed for b rea th . J en n a h a d every ri g h t to th i n k sh ed g on e b on k ers. If H u n ters feel i n g s w ere even h a l f a s stron g a s th e i mp l od i n g , d esp era te, mp cri p p l i n g m a d n ess sh e fel t sq u eezi n g h er h ea rt th i s very secon d , V ere fi g u red sh ed

tota l l y cru sh ed h i m. Sh e h op ed h ed l et h er exp l a i n . V ere l ook ed u p a n d rea l i zed m. th e room h a d fi n a l l y q u i eted a n d everyon e w a s sta ri n g a t h er. Wa tch i n g h er cry h er a ss off. Worse, sh e w a s sti l l i n Kri sten H od j w i ck s l i vi n g room . Sh e fel t l i k e sh e w a s i n a rea l l y w ei rd d rea m . V ere g a sp ed for a i r a n d tri ed to g et con trol of h er tea rs. Wh a t w i l l I d o? J en n a took h er h a n d . Ive g ot you . Kri sten H od j w i ck m a rch ed stra i g h t u p a n d b l ock ed th ei r p a th . Im su re you tw o d on t h a ve to b e a sk ed to l ea ve? I ca n t b el i eve you sta rted p u n ch i n g p eop l e a t m y p a rty, V ere. Sh e sh ot a g ri m a ce a t J en n a h ol d i n g V eres h a n d . O MG . Y ou a re b oth , su ch F RE AKS. J en n a j u m p ed i n . Wh a tever, cow . C on si d er u s a l rea d y g on e. N o w a y! N o w a y! D u d es! C h a rl i e Roth i s on T V . L ook s l i k e h es sta n d i n g i n h i s ow n fron t ya rd ! H ow i e screech ed from th e d en . Som eth i n g m u st h a ve h a p p en ed . T h eres cop ca rs a n d everyth i n g ! V eres h ea rt d rop p ed to h er stom a ch . Sh e a n d J en n a p eered i n to th e d en a t th e su p ersi zed fl a t screen on th e b a ck w a l l . V ere cou l d see C h a rl i e sq u i n ti n g a w a y from tw en ty m i crop h on es a s h e w a s b ei n g i n tervi ew ed b y th ei r l oca l T V n ew s rep orter. Wh y w ou l d C h a rl i e b e on T V ? H es su p p osed to b e a t th i s p a rty, J en n a w h i sp ered . V eres en ti re b od y fi l l ed w i th d rea d . Sh e tu g g ed J en n a s h a n d a s h a rd a s sh e cou l d . N o Sh i t! H ow i e b el l ow ed . H es ta l k i n g a b ou t D u sti n . D u sti n McH u g h i s a ctu a l l y H u n ter Ken n ed y! C h a rl i es b een h ol d i n g ou t on th e tea m . Its a w h ol e story a b ou t th e G u a rd eRob e l ea d si n g er d u d e l i vi n g i n d i sg u i se i n ou r tow n . N ext d oor to th e Roth fa m i l y! An d g oi n g to ou r h i g h sch ool ! N o SHIT ! D u sti n McHu g h i s Hu n ter Ken n ed y! D i d a n y of you k n ow a b ou t th i s? HO L Y MO T H E R O F G O D ! HO We sh ou l d h ea d over th ere. Wh o k n ew a b ou t th i s? It took on e secon d for everyon e i n th e room to sw i vel th ei r h ea d s to sea rch for V ere a n d J en n a . B u t th ey w ere g on e. L on g g on e.

** Y ou b etter ta l k a s fa st a s w ere a b ou t to b e ru n n i n g , V ere Roth . If you th i n k Im ever g oi n g to forg i ve you for k eep i n g th i s secret from m e, th i n k a g a i n ! J en n a h i ssed a t m a x w h i sp er. T h ey w ere n ow creep i n g a s fa st a s th ey cou l d , h ea d s l ow , th rou g h th e H od j w i ck s ya rd , h ea d i n g for th e fron t g a te. V ere cou l d n t sp ea k a l l over a g a i n . Sh e fel t so si ck . C h a rl i e h a d b l ow n H u n ters cover! H er over- p rotecti ve, ven d etta seek i n g b roth er Hu h a d g on e w a y overb oa rd . C ou l d th i s n i g h t g et a n y w orse? An d i t w a s a l l h er fa u l t. J en n a con ti n u ed h er ta n tru m , T h e on l y th i n g th a t sa ves you a t a l l i s th a t I g et to

tra d e you ou t n ow . Im g oi n g to b e H u n ter Ken n ed ys n ew b est fri en d . If you m a d e ou t w i th h i m , a n d h e sa ys h e l oves you , th en you re h i s g i rl fri en d ! T h ey h i t th e fron t si d ew a l k a n d sta rted ru n n i n g . J en n a w en t on , T h i s m ea n s h e h a s a va ca n cy i n th e b est fri en d d ep a rtm en t, j u st l i k e I d o! O MG . Im H u n ter Ken n ed ys N E W B E ST F RIE N D ! O H . MY . G O D . Aa a a h h !

41: misunderstandings HUNTER

Hu n ter, N a n a n d h i s mom h a d j u st fi n i sh ed d i n n er. It h a d b een stra n g e a t fi rst to Hu h a ve h i s mom si tti n g a t th e ta b l e, b u t b y th e en d of th e mea l , h e a d m i tted i t fel t m om mi g rea t th a t sh e h a d come. He stood a n d p i ck ed u p h i s d i sh es to b ri n g to th e si n k . Au n t N a n , m i n d i f Mom a n d I cl ea n u p ? mi N a n smi l ed , g etti n g th e p oi n t. N ot a t a l l . I h a ve some w ork to d o u p sta i rs. Hu n ters mom stood , g ra b b ed h er p l a te a n d smi l ed . T h a n k s, N a n . T h a n k s for Hu m om sm i everyth i n g , th e d i n n er, l etti n g Hu n ter sta y h ere, a l l of w h a t you ve d on e. N a n w a ved h er a rm from th e d oorw a y of th e cozy k i tch en . Stop . Were fa mi l y. N o n eed for th a n k s. Y ou tw o h a ve a g ood ta l k . T h ey w a tch ed h er i n si l en ce a s sh e m a d e h er w a y d ow n th e h a l l . ma H u n ter, you l ook g rea t. Rea l l y g rea t. Im g l a d to see you ve p u t on a l i ttl e w ei g h t. Hu n ters mom ru ffl ed h i s h a i r. T h e b row n col or su i ts you . Wh en you re ol d er, I b et th i s w i l l p rob a b l y b e you r rea l col or. Y ea h . I l i k e i t. He smi l ed . T h e g l a sses a n d reta i n er su ck , th ou g h . Wh a t h a p p en ed to you r h a i r? An d for th a t m a tter, w h y a re you so C ol ora d o ca su a l ? H u n ter d ow n ed th e l a st of h i s w a ter a s h e l ea n ed on th e cou n ter. Hu Ive b een reth i n k i n g my w a rd rob e. Reth i n k i n g everyth i n g rea l l y. I n eed ed a ch a n g e. Sh e w a s b u si l y g a th eri n g u p th e rema i n i n g si l verw a re a n d servi n g d i sh es on th e ta b l e a n d b rou g h t i t over. Wel l , I d on t k n ow h ow th e u rb a n h ou sew i fe l ook g oes over i n L os An g el es, b u t you l l su re fi t i n p erfectl y i n th i s tow n w i th th a t g et- u p . Y ou a ren t seri ou s a b ou t i t, a re you ? Its so, n ot you . Hu n ter op en ed th e d i sh w a sh er a n d sta rted to l oa d a s sh e p a ssed th e p l a tes tow a rd h i m. Wh a t i f I ca m e h ere h op i n g n ot to b e g oi n g b a ck to L os An g el es for q u i te som e me ti me? I w a n t to sta y, for th e rest of th e yea r. Here, w i th you a n d N a n . H ere, O h , n o you d on t. Y ou a n d I a re so ou t of h ere. I a m d on e w i th th i s tow n , th i s d i sg u i se, a l l of i t. Its k i l l i n g me. I w a n t to g o b a ck . B a ck to w ork . N a n sa i d you h a d fri en d s. Sh e tol d me you d settl ed i n w el l a n d l i k ed i t. Sh e me w ri n k l ed h er b row . Her con cern ed mom exp ressi on w a s som eth i n g h ed forg otten . m om Hu n ter g ra b b ed a sp on g e a n d w a l k ed over to w i p e th e ta b l e. H i s m om cou l d rea d Hu h i m a s w el l a s h e cou l d rea d h er. He d i d n t w a n t h er l ook i n g too cl osel y, n ot ton i g h t. It w a s fu n for a w h i l e, h e sta rted . As for fri en d s, Im d ow n to zero. I h op ed you r a rri va l mea n t you h a d g ood n ew s for me? D i d you d rop th e ch a rg es? Wi l l you m ea l et me g o b a ck ? me Y ou mea n you h a ven t sp ok en to Ma rti n or th e g u ys? Im su rp ri sed . H er eyes w ere w i d e. I a ssu med you k n ew everyth i n g a n d th a t you d d eci d ed m y i d ea w a sn t my so b a d . Wh en you ca l l ed me a n d a sk ed me to come th e w a y you h u g g ed m e ou tsi d e I th ou g h t. Sh e sh ook h er h ea d . I th ou g h t you k n ew . I th ou g h t th a t you d fi n a l l y rea d th e l etter.

H u n ter p a u sed a n d tu rn ed to fa ce h er. N op e. I tol d N a n to sen d i t b a ck to you . Hu O h , G od . Y ou d on t k n ow . Sh e si g h ed . I g u ess you ca n a d d th i s to m y l i st of p a ren ti n g screw - u p s b eca u se I rea l l y d i d i t th i s ti m e. Kn ow w h a t? How i n th e h el l a m I su p p osed to k n ow a n yth i n g i f you d i d n t ca l l m e on ce. T h ree mon th s of fru stra ti on l et l oose l i k e a storm i n h i s ch est. H e sa t on th e ta b l e a n d p u t h i s feet u p on a ch a i r. Wh y d i d n t you ? C a l l m e th i s w h ol e ti m e? Wh y d i d n t you vi si t m e a t F a l con er? I d i d i t on p u rp ose. I d i d n t vi si t you b eca u se I w a n ted you to h a ve som e sp a ce. T o fi g u re som e stu ff ou t on you r ow n a n d ...b eca u se I th ou g h t you w ou l d n t some l i sten . Im l i sten i n g n ow , Mom . Y ou re frea k i n g m e. Sta rt ta l k i n g . H u n ters h ea rt b ea t Mom. u n con trol l a b l y a g a i n st h i s ri b ca g e b u t h e l ea n ed b a ck a n d fa k ed h i s m ost rel a xed exp ressi on . H i s m om sw a l l ow ed , a n d tu rn ed b a ck to th e d i sh es. I sa b ota g ed Ma rti n . I Hi mom refu sed to d rop you r ch a rg es. I set th i s a l l u p w h i l e you w ere i n F a l con er. Y ou r th era p i st a n d I w ere con vi n ced th a t you n eed ed th i s ch a n g e. Its q u i te u n con ven ti on a l a n d u n d erh a n d ed th e w a y w e d i d n t tel l you a l l th e d eta i l s exa ctl y; b u t i f you u n d erstood w h y... B u t Ma rti n sa i d I th ou g h t I w a s h ere to h i d e from th e p ress, to k eep m y my rep u ta ti on cl ea n . T h a ts w h a t Ma rti n th ou g h t too. T h a ts w h a t I w a n ted you b oth to th i n k . B u t w h y C ol ora d o, w h y th e d i sg u i se? I d on t u n d ersta n d . I sen t you h ere so you cou l d h i d e from you rsel f. Wh a t? T h e H u n ter Ken n ed y fa m e h a d tu rn ed you i n to a m a ch i n e of sorts. O n ce G u a rd eRob e b eca m e p op u l a r, I fel t l i k e I cou l d n t fi n d you . It w a s l i k e you w ere h i d i n g . An d every d a y you w ou l d sh u t d ow n on m e. Y ou w ere l osi n g you rsel f. me. T h a ts stu p i d . I w a s ri g h t th ere th e w h ol e ti m e. We l i ved i n th e sa m e h ou se. It w a s you w h o h i d ou t, n ot m e. Sh e scru b b ed ma d l y a t a p ot b u t sti l l d i d n t tu rn a rou n d . Y ou re ri g h t. I w a s. I w a s sca red to m a k e a ch a n g e. I th ou g h t, even tu a l l y you a n d you r fa m e w ou l d ti m e ma me ou t. E n d . I w a s w a i ti n g for som eth i n g b esi d es m e to ma k e th a t ca l l . So you a n d I cou l d g o on w i th more n orm a l l i ves. m ore Y ou w a n ted me to ti me ou t ? Wh o sa ys th a t? H u n ter sh ook h i s h ea d . Ma rti n tol d me every ch i l d sta r h a d sort of a sh el f d a te w h ere th e fa n s w ou l d su d d en l y ti re of th em a n d move on . I b el i eved h i m . B u t th en G u a rd eRob e sta rted m ove u p a n d b eca m e so b i g . An d you l oved i t. Y ou l oved th e m u si c p a rt of i t. I d i d n t k n ow h ow to ma k e i t sl ow d ow n . Wh en B a rry m en ti on ed you cou l d u se a l on g rest ma th i s seem ed l i k e a g ood p l a n . I th ou g h t, i f i t w ork ed , th a t I cou l d sa ve you from you rsel f. Sh e w a l k ed over a n d sa t a t th e k i tch en ta b l e n ext to h i m l ook i n g tota l l y d efl a ted . Sa ve m e from m ysel f? Y ou h a ve g ot to b e k i d d i n g . C on fu sed , H u n ter stood to mysel g et a w a y from h er to p a ce th e room . Y ou h a ve a b ou t tw o mi n u tes to exp l a i n w h y mi you th ou g h t a n y of th i s w a s a g ood i d ea b efore I w a l k ou t of h ere forever. H u n ter, p l ea se. T ry to u n d ersta n d . O u r com m u n i ca ti on w a s cl osed off. Y ou mu

w ou l d n t ta l k to m e. Y ou su re w ou l d n t ta k e a d vi ce from me. I th ou g h t I w a s m e. l osi n g you . F or rea l , l osi n g you . O h , you ve l ost m e a l l ri g h t. T h i s w h ol e exp eri en ce h a s ma d e me l ose m y ma me frea k i n g mi n d . Is th a t w h a t you w a n ted , b eca u se i ts sti l l g oi n g on . Ri g h t h ere, mi ri g h t n ow , tw o h u n d red m ore b ra i n cel l s j u st b u rn t u p . Sh e ta p p ed h er fi n g ers on th e ta b l e. I fi g u red i f you ca m e ou t h ere a s H u n ter me Hu Ken n ed y, th e su p ersta r, th en you d g et sw ep t u p i n a l l th e h yp e th a t su rrou n d s you . Y ou d n ever h a ve th e ti m e or th e ch a n ce to sort ou t w h o you rea l l y a re. Y ou r p l a n h a s b een b a ck fi ri n g si n ce d a y on e. T h i s d ea l h a s m essed w i th my h ea d my so m u ch I feel l i k e I k n ow l ess a n d l ess of m ysel f every frea k i n g secon d . I h a ve n o i d ea w h a t i s rea l a n ymore. N ow I h a ve to w on d er i f I even h a ve a m om , b eca u se a ym ore. rea l m om w ou l d n t d o someth i n g l i k e th i s to th ei r k i d . som eth T h a t h a d g otten to h er. Sh e sh i fted u n com forta b l y a n d sm ooth ed h er h a i r b eh i n d h er ea rs, som eth i n g h i s m om a l w a ys d i d i f sh e w a s g oi n g to cry. Sh e sq u a red h er sh ou l d ers. A rea l m om d oes w h a tever i t ta k es to k eep h er k i d sa fe. In terven i n g a n d sen d i n g you h ere w a s m y a ttem p t a t th a t. Im on l y sorry i t took m e so l on g to rea l i ze th a t I n eed ed to fi g h t for you . I sh ou l d h a ve n ever l et me you si g n th e con tra ct w i th G u a rd eRob e . So you th i n k you ca n j u st ri p i t a w a y from m e n ow ? Y ou re w a y off, l a d y. Y ou ve j u st a d m i tted to m e th a t you w a n ted to k i l l m y ca reer. If I tru l y h a ve to fi n i sh th e mi yea r h ere b eca u se of w h a t you ve d on e, G u a rd eRob e i s over. An d th a t w i l l m ea n Im fi n i sh ed . O r ti m ed O U T ! med Sh e n od d ed . Ma yb e. P rob a b l y. I sti l l h op e so. H e fl u n g h i s a rms w i d e. H ow d i d you ever g et Ma rti n to a g ree to th i s? Wh y rm s h a ven t I h ea rd from h i m a b ou t you r b u l l sh i t sa b ota g e? H e l ea p t off th e ta b l e a n d h ea d ed for th e d oor. Im ou t. Im g oi n g to ca l l h i m . Sh e h op p ed ou t of h er ch a i r a n d b l ock ed h i s p a th . I tri ck ed h i m . I m a d e h i m b el i eve I w a s d oi n g everyth i n g i n m y p ow er to g et you b a ck to L A. I a ctu a l l y h a ve to cred i t Ma rti n for p a rt of i t, th ou g h . H e ca m e u p w i th th e l a st p i ece of th e p u zzl e for me. He i n ven ted th e d i sg u i se i d ea . O n ce th a t w a s i n p l a ce, I k n ew you d m e. H e h a ve a ch a n ce ou t h ere. Wh en h e met h er g a ze h e k n ew i t w a s tru e. L et m e g et th i s stra i g h t. I d i d n t m et rea l l y h a ve to com e h ere? Y ou l i ed to m e, p l a yed m e a n d Ma rti n for fool s, a n d ru i n ed m y ca reer on p u rp ose. Is th a t a l l of i t? N o. Wel l , yes. If you p u t i t th a t w a y. If on l y you d rea d th a t l etter. T h e p ou n d i n g i n H u n ters h ea d h a d sta rted to sl ow . H e w ork ed h a rd to u n d ersta n d a l l th a t sh ed sa i d . H e tri ed to w a l k i n h er sh oes a s Au n t N a n h a d su g g ested h e d o, b u t th i s w a s too m u ch to h a n d l e. Wh a t w a s i n th a t l etter th a t w ou l d m a k e a n y d a m n d i fferen ce b etw een u s n ow ? ma Sh e si g h ed . I th ou g h t I w a s g oi n g to l ose you , l i k e I l ost you r fa th er. T h e l etter I l eft you w a s a b ou t h i m . H ow h e d i ed . m. H i s m om g a sp ed b a ck a b rea th , h ol d i n g b a ck tea rs. Keep ta l k i n g i f you ca n . Its ti m e for b oth of u s to d o th i s. Sh e n od d ed , su ck i n g i n a n oth er b rea th . Im su rp ri sed I b ea t Ma rti n h ere. I k n ow h es com i n g . He m u st b e l osi n g i t, esp eci a l l y i f n on e of u s retu rn ed h i s ca l l s. Au n t He

N a n tol d m e you d tu rn ed off you r cel l . T h a t m ove b ou g h t m y p l a n a n extra w eek . I h op e Ma rti n s l osi n g i t. I h op e to h el l h es on h i s w a y ri g h t n ow . I so , n eed a rea l rescu e from you a n d you r i n sa n i ty! H u n ter sh ou ted n ow , Wh y i n th e h el l d i d n t h e ca l l m e, h ere? H e h a d th e n u m b er! Ma rti n d i d ca l l h ere. A l ot. N a n s b een h a n g i n g u p on h i m , sh e sa i d . Sh e k i n d of h a tes th e g u y. D on t b l a me u s too m u ch . me Au n t N a n ...? H u n ter cou l d n t b rea th e. H i s en ti re b od y h u rt. I w i l l b l a m e th e h el l ou t of a n yon e I p l ea se. N ow tel l m e a b ou t D a d . Wh a t h a p p en ed w i th my rea l my d a d ? H u n ters voi ce cra ck ed . Hu H i s m om l ook ed d i rectl y a t h i m . H e k i l l ed h i m sel f. I ca n t p rove i t, b u t I th i n k mom m. h e d i d . H e g ot rea l l y d ep ressed a n d h e g ot d ru n k j u st l i k e you d i d . Sh e b l i n k ed , h ol d i n g b a ck tea rs. H e w en t ou t d ri vi n g a n d h e cra sh ed h i s ca r i n to a tree. I th i n k . Sh e g a sp ed . Wh en you w reck ed you r P orsch e a n d th en I fou n d you a l l cu t u p a n d d ru n k ... Sh e ch ok ed on a sob . I fl i p p ed . I d i d w h a t I h a d to d o. I fel t l i k e I h a d to sa ve you .... Mom ...n o...I d i d n t. F i n e. I d i d . I d i d . H u n ter sh ook h i s h ea d a n d l ook ed Mom...n a w a y, u n a b l e to m eet h er g a ze. H i s m om s w ord s p ou red over h i m . meet H e su d d en l y g ot i t. G ot h er . G ot w h y th i n g s h a d b ecom e so b rok en b etw een th em . Sh e w en t on , Ma rti n fi g u red th e w h ol e th i n g ou t l a st w eek , ri g h t w h en you ca l l ed m e. Wh en you a sk ed me to com e, I th ou g h t you d rea d th e l etter. An d th a t me you k n ew . I h op ed you d m a d e you r ch oi ce, a n d th a t you w ere i n vi ti n g m e ou t to sta y for g ood . I g u ess I sh ou l d h a ve ca l l ed you fi rst. Im sorry. I j u st g ot a p l a n e ti ck et a n d ca m e. I w a sn t th i n k i n g . I on l y w a n ted to see you . T o h u g you . H u n ter ri sk ed a g l a n ce d eep i n to h er eyes. Sh e w a s si n cere. Afra i d . An d a s sa d a s h ed b een a l l a l on g . Sh e a l so h a d h u g e, d a rk ci rcl es u n d er h er eyes l i k e sh e h a d n t sl ep t m u ch ...i n m on th s. H e u n d erstood w h ere sh e w a s com i n g from n ow , b u t i t sti l l d i d n t m a k e h i m feel a n y l ess m essed u p . D i d n t m a k e w h a t sh e d i d ri g h t? O r...d i d i t? Sh e w a s h i s m om , a fter a l l . A mom, p rotecti n g h er son th e b est w a y sh e k n ew om, m om , h ow . Au n t N a n w a s a l l h e a n d h i s m om h a d ever h a d . It m a d e sen se th a t sh ed sen d h i m h ere. H i s th roa t ti g h ten ed a n d h i s eyes g rew h ea vy w i th h i s ow n u n sh ed tea rs. Y ou sh ou l d h a ve tol d m e. Y ou sh ou l d h a ve ta l k ed to m e a b ou t D a d s p ossi b l e su i ci d e yea rs a g o. We sh ou l d h a ve ta l k ed a b ou t h i m. Ab ou t w h a t h a p p en ed w i th m e a n d m. th e i n tern tw o yea rs a g o. Sh e n od d ed . I n ever k n ew h ow to b ri n g u p th e top i c of you r d a d . I th ou g h t i t w ou l d h u rt you . As for th e i n tern ...a n d th a t d i rt b a g I m a rri ed . Im sorry, b u t i t w a sn t th e ea si est top i c to b ri n g u p . P l u s you w ere on tou r th a t w h ol e yea r. Sh e si g h ed . I th ou g h t you w ou l d n t l i sten . I g u ess I p rob a b l y w ou l d n t h a ve. I w a s so p i ssed off a t everyth i n g a fter th ey l eft. H u n ter l et ou t a d eep b rea th a n d sa t b a ck a t th e ta b l e. H i s fu ry h a d com p l etel y d i sa p p ea red l ea vi n g b eh i n d a ra w feel i n g , b u t h e h a d to a ck n ow l ed g e comp th e i t w a s a fu l l feel i n g i n stea d of th e em p ti n ess h e u su a l l y fel t w h en h e ta l k ed to

h i s m om . H e l ea n ed h i s h ea d on a h a n d a n d met h i s m om s g a ze. Y ou h a ve n o i d ea h ow He m et i m p ossi b l e a n d frea k i sh m y l i fe h a s b een , m a sq u era d i n g a s D u sti n McHu g h . ma H u n ter took i n a d eep b rea th , tryi n g to set th e i n form a ti on h i s m om h a d g i ven h i m i n to som e sort of ord er i n si d e h i s mi n d . mi Y ou h a ve n o i d ea h ow u g l y a n d terri fyi n g you r a g en t i s w h en h es a n g ry. T h i s w h ol e ti m e Ive b een on l y a few step s a h ea d of h i m , p l a yi n g th i s g a m e from th e me oth er si d e. Its b een h el l for m e too. Wh a t d i d you m ea n w h en you sa i d you th ou g h t Id ch osen ? H i s m om si g h ed a n d sa t n ext to h i m . Sh e w a s ta k i n g sm a l l , sh ort b rea th s, Hi ob vi ou sl y sti l l tryi n g n ot to cry. Wh en Ma rti n sh ow s u p , h e w i l l m ost p rob a b l y h a ve h i s l a w yer i n tow or, a t th e very l ea st, som e em a n ci p a ti on p a p ers for you to si g n . H es b een w ork i n g on th em si n ce th e d a y h e fi g u red ou t m y sch em e. If you w a n t m e to si g n th em , I w on t con test i t. em, H u n ter sh ook h i s h ea d . Mom . H es b een w ork i n g on th a t si n ce F a l con er. H e Hu He tri ed to g et m e to si g n som eth i n g l on g a g o. O h . Sh e p a l ed . I g u ess I u n d eresti ma ted h i m . I sh ou l d h a ve u n d erstood h ow ma d i ffi cu l t i t w ou l d b e for you to b e a n i m p oster for th e l on g term . Im h a p p y I g ot to ta l k to you b efore h e g ot h ere. I ca n i ma g i n e h ow Ma rti n w ou l d h a ve tw i sted ma th i s story a n d m a d e m e l ook l i k e th e b a d g u y. H u n ter n od d ed , th i n k i n g a b ou t th a t. Ma rti n w ou l d h a ve m a d e h i s m om sou n d Hu l i k e a p sych op a th . O n e w h o su rel y d rove h i s rea l d a d to h i s d ea th . Sa d l y, H u n ter, m ost p rob a b l y w ou l d h a ve b el i eved Ma rti n over h i s ow n m om . B u t n ot a n ym ore. N ot a fter tod a y. H e ow n ed h i s p a rt i n i t. Wel l . At l ea st w ere com m u n i ca ti n g a g a i n , h e sa i d q u i etl y. E ven i f th i s p l a n tota l l y su ck ed . Y ou u n d ersta n d w h y I d i d i t? Wh y I w a s so a fra i d ? Y ea h . An d sh i t , Im a n g ry a b ou t i t, b u t I g et w h y you w en t th i s fa r. I a l so g et h ow a p ossi b l e su i ci d e a b ou t a d a d I ca n t even rem em b er w ou l d b e h a rd to b ri n g u p . Weve n ever ta l k ed a b ou t d eep stu ff l i k e th a t. T h a t w ou l d h a ve b een on e cra p con versa ti on b etw een u s. I w a s a k i d ...so yea h . Sh e n od d ed , a n d m oved h i s h a i r ou t of h i s eyes. B u t you re n ot a k i d a n ym ore. Are you ? Sh e sm i l ed trem u l ou sl y. Wh en d i d th a t h a p p en ? H e sh ot h er a sm a l l sm i l e b a ck a n d sh ook h i s h a i r b a ck d ow n . Its a recen t He d evel op m en t. Y ou r w h a ck ed p l a n k i n d of w ork ed . Ive g ot a com p l etel y d i fferen t p ersp ecti ve on l i fe. E ven th ou g h t i ts on l y b een a few w eek s, th i s p l a ce h a s ch a n g ed m e. Y ou d o? It h a s? H er eyes fi l l ed w i th h op e. Ha p p i n ess, a n d w h a t l ook ed l i k e Ha rel i ef. H u n ter n od d ed . P a rts of m e. Y es. Y ou d rea l l y si g n th ose em a n ci p a ti on p a p ers? Hu J u st l et m e g o l i k e th a t? I n ever w a n t to l et you g o. Ma yb e i ts ti m e for m e to a d mi t th a t I m i g h t n ot b e mi very g ood a t k eep i n g you , th ou g h . After th i s l a test screw u p reg a rd i n g you r l i fe, Im th i n k i n g you ve ea rn ed th e ri g h t to m a k e you r ow n d eci si on s. At th i s p oi n t, I on l y w a n t w h a t you w a n t. I w i l l su p p ort you . B u t you l l h a ve to th i n k i t over.

C h oose on you r ow n . Y ou re a l m ost ei g h teen . Wh y d o I feel l i k e Im fi fty ri g h t n ow ? H u n ter sn orted . I su p p ose ou r L os An g el es yea rs h a ve b een l i k e d og yea rs, h u h ? T h ey a g e you fa st. Sh e l ook ed over, sti l l seem i n g rea l l y forl orn . H u n ter j u st w a n ted h er to smi l e, th a t sa m e sm i l e sh ed h a d for h i m on th e p orch sm i j u st a n h ou r a g o. Y ou k n ow , i f Im fi fty, th en th a t m a k es you l i k e 350, ri g h t? Sh e sm i l ed u p a t h i m , b u t h e cou l d see tea rs fi l l i n g h er eyes. I k n ow . I k n ow . I feel ol d er th a n th a t. G od . Im so sorry. Wi l l you ever forg i ve m e? Hel l . T ota l b a ck fi re. Ag a i n . I fa i l a t commu n i ca ti n g w i th w omen . H e l et ou t a l on g , h ea vy si g h , u n a b l e n ot to th i n k of V ere, cryi n g th e sa me w a y me w h en h ed tri ed to m a k e a j ok e a t th e w ron g ti m e. H u n ter stood . H e cou l d n ot si t a rou n d a n d w a tch h i s m om cry. H e a l so w a sn t mom q u i te rea d y to g o i n to th e b i g g er con versa ti on s a n d a p ol og i es th a t n eed ed to com e from h i m . H e n eed ed ti m e to th i n k . A l u m p form ed i n h i s th roa t. H e h a d to g et ou t of h ere. H u n ter n od d ed a g a i n a n d He l ook ed a w a y. G u ess I b etter g o p l u g i n my cel l p h on e, h u h ? Rea d Ma rti n s em a i l s. my H ea r h i s si d e of a l l th i s. H i s m om n od d ed . Y es. P l ea se d o th a t. Its on l y fa i r.

** H u n ter w a l k ed th rou g h th e h a l l w a y a n d u p to h i s room to d ra g ou t h i s p h on e a n d p l u g i t i n . Hi s m i n d fl yi n g a g a i n to V ere. Wi sh i n g h e cou l d ta l k to h er. H ea r Hi w h a t sh e th ou g h t a b ou t a l l th i s. Wi th ou t th i n k i n g , h e d a sh ed b a ck d ow n th e sta i rs a n d p u t h i s h a n d on th e d oork n ob . T h e h a l l cl ock sa i d 10:30. C ou l d sh e b e h ome a l rea d y? Wou l d sh e even a g ree to see me? Prob a b l y ma k i n g ou t w i th C u rti s ri g h t n ow , you i d i ot. H e l et h i s h a n d d rop off th e k n ob . T h e p a rtys p rob a b l y ra mp i n g u p , n ot ra mp i n g d ow n . A soft, ten ta ti ve ta p p i n g a t th e fron t d oor sta rtl ed h i m . It stop p ed a n d sta rted u p a g a i n . Som eon e w a s k n ock i n g ! H i s h ea rt ra ced . Wh o el se cou l d i t b e b u t h er? Ma yb e sh ed b een th i n k i n g th e sa m e th i n g ! T h a t sh e w a n ted to see h i m . T h a t th ey j u st n eed ed to h a sh th i n g s ou t a b i t m ore. T h e ta p p i n g g rew m ore i n si sten t, a n d th en tu rn ed i n to a l ou d , fi rm k n ock . D on t a n sw er th a t, H u n ter. Its l a te. L et m e g et i t. H i s a u n t ca l l ed d ow n th e sta i rs, sou n d i n g a g i ta ted . Im j u st g etti n g a rob e. D on t you op en th a t! sh e sh ou ted . H u n ter sh ot a sta rtl ed l ook u p th e sta i rs. H i s Au n t N a n w a s ob sessed w i th h om e i n va si on s. Sh e w a s p rob a b l y g etti n g ou t h er b a seb a l l b a t to h a u l d ow n h ere. It w a s w a y p a st h er b ed ti m e. N o on e ever k n ock ed a fter ei g h t.

Ive g ot i t. Its p rob a b l y V ere, h e ca l l ed u p to h er. T h e p h on e ra n g th en . H u n ter h a d to l a u g h . More ch a os? N o on e ever ca l l ed a fter n i n e. N ot i n th i s tow n . Ma yb e th a ts V ere too. C a l l i n g from h er cel l p h on e w h i l e on th e p orch ! Il l j u st g et th a t p h on e th en a n d b e ri g h t th ere. D on t you op en th a t d oor w i th ou t m e, N a n yel l ed a g a i n from th e top of th e sta i rs. T h e k n ock i n g con ti n u ed . It h a d to b e V ere. T h e g i rl h a d n o p a ti en ce. Ive g ot i t, n o w orri es! H u n ter g ri n n ed , th i n k i n g of h er cu te el fi n fa ce a l l scru n ch ed u p a n d a n n oyed th a t h e w a s ta k i n g so l on g . H e sw u n g op en th e d oor. B l i n d i n g fl a sh es of l i g h t overtook h i m . Sta rtl ed , h e th rew h i s h a n d s u p i n fron t of h i s fa ce a s th ou g h h ed b een stru ck . E very ou n ce of a i r w h oosh ed ou t of h i s l u n g s. Its h i m ! H es i n h ere! Hu n ter. Hu n ter Ken n ed y! T h i s w a y, tu rn th i s w a y. J u st on e sh ot. H u n ter! More fl a sh es a n d som eon e sta rted u p a n oi sy g en era tor th a t p u t a fl ood l i g h t on th e p orch . H u n ter w a s tota l l y u n p rep a red for th e si g h t of h i s a u n ts fron t l a w n w i th a t l ea st fi fty rep orters on i t. N ot to m en ti on th e en ti re n ei g h b orh ood th a t h a d com e ou t to sta re a t th e h ou se. H u n ter rea l i zed h e w a sn t w ea ri n g on e p a rt of h i s d i sg u i se. N o g l a sses, n o ca p , a n d h i s reta i n er w a s si tti n g u p sta i rs i n th e b a th room , resti n g i n a d i sh of m ou th w a sh . H i s p l a i d sh i rt h a d b een tossed , forg otten on to h i s b ed . H e on l y h a d on a p a i r of ca n va s p a n ts a n d a sh ort sl eeved , g rey tee- sh i rt. H e fel t tota l l y exp osed . T h e q u esti on s fi red a t h i m l i k e b u l l ets. H e fel t ea ch a n d every on e h i t h i m i n h i s ch est, sl a m m i n g ou t m ore of h i s b rea th , a s th e fl a sh es from th e ca m era h el d h i m frozen . Is i t tru e you re h i d i n g ou t h ere d i sg u i sed a s a d ork ? Are you rea l l y a tten d i n g P a l m er D i vi d e H i g h ? L et u s i n on i t. Wh y a re you h ere? H a ve you q u i t G u a rd eRob e? A m a n ru sh ed u p on to th e p orch a n d fl a sh ed a b ou t 20 fa st sh u tter p i ctu res. Wh os D u sti n McH u g h ? h e h ol l ered a s h e fou g h t b a ck th e m ob of p a p a ra zzi a l l p u sh i n g i n to ta k e th e very sa m e sh ots. H u n ter ma n a g ed to cl ose h i s m ou th a n d th row on h i s b est m ed i a sm i l e. J u st ma vi si ti n g m y a u n t. L i ttl e fa m i l y ti m e, th a ts a l l . D on t k n ow w h a t a l l th e fu ss i s a b ou t, d u d es. H u n ter g a ve a q u i ck w a ve a n d tri ed to sh u t th e d oor, b u t w a s b l ock ed b y a b i g g u y w h o h a d a t l ea st seven ca m era s sl u n g a rou n d h i s n eck . Hed H ed w ed g ed h i s b oot i n to th e d oorj a m b , sn a p p i n g sh ots of h i m rel en tl essl y. T h e m a n p ressed h i s ca m era i n to H u n ters fa ce a n d H u n ter fel t l i k e h e w a s Hu su ffoca ti n g . H e h a d th e od d sen sa ti on th a t h e a ctu a l l y m i g h t fa i n t b eca u se h ed tru l y cou l d n t b rea th e n orm a l l y ri g h t n ow . T h e b u rn i n g feel i n g i n h i s ch est h u rt so m u ch i t th rea ten ed to m a k e h i m b l a ck ou t. mu Hel l . Id forg otten ...

H u n ter rea l i zed j u st th en th a t h e h a d n t forg otten , h ed n ever a ctu a l l y th ou g h t a b ou t a l l th i s i n a coh eren t, d eta ch ed w a y b efore. H e w a s th i n k i n g a b ou t i t n ow , th ou g h . An d h e h a ted i t from th e b ottom of h i s h ea rt. H e stood sti l l a n d d i d som eth i n g h e l ea rn ed from w a tch i n g V ere g et th rou g h h er p a n i c a tta ck s. H e cl osed h i s eyes. After a m om en t, h e n o l on g er h a d to m a k e h i m sel f b rea th e. H e h ea rd th e ca m era s g oi n g off a l l a rou n d h i m . It sou n d ed l i k e a vi d eo g a m e b a ttl efi el d a n d h e w a s th e sol e ta rg et. H e op en ed h i s eyes a n d sh ook h i s h ea d a t th e a n n oyi n g p a p a ra zzi a ss i n fron t of him. G a me. O n . P eop l e, sta n d b a ck . I g a ve you you r sh ots, n ow b a ck th e h el l off. T h e m a n p ressed cl oser, sn a p p i n g sh ot a fter sh ot a s th e q u esti on s con ti n u ed to fi re a t h i m . Is i t tru e you ve b een i n trou b l e w i th th e l a w ? L os An g el es C ou n ty p ol i ce record s sh ow a rep ort of va n d a l i sm a n d a w reck ed ca r a t you r h ou se a n u m b er of w eek s a g o. Wa s i t you ? C a n you a d d a n yth i n g to th e ru m or th a t you tri ed to k i l l you rsel f? Wh a t d o you sa y a b ou t th a t? T h row m e a b on e, d u d e. I h a ven t sol d a g ood story i n w eek s. T h e a n n oyi n g g u y on th e p orch p u sh ed cl oser, h i s g a ze h u n g ry, a l m ost w i l d . H u n ter rea l i zed th e q u esti on s n o l on g er h u rt a t a l l . T h ey w ere j u st q u esti on s. Q u esti on s to b e a n sw ered , a n d h e w a s g oi n g to ch oose w h i ch on es h ed a n sw er, a n d w h a t th e a n sw ers w ou l d b e. H e su ck ed i n a n oth er d eep b rea th a n d l ook ed b eh i n d h i m . Hi s m om , h ea ri n g th e Hi com m oti on h a d m a d e i t i n to th e h a l l w a y j u st a s Au n t N a n ca m e b a rrel i n g d ow n moti th e sta i rs. An d yes, sh e d i d h a ve h er b a seb a l l b a t i n tow . It fel t g rea t to h a ve h i s fa m i l y sta n d i n g b eh i n d h i m. m. H u n ter h a d to h i d e a sm i l e a s h e l i sten ed to h i s a u n t ta l k i n g a m i l e a m i n u te. D a rn tel evi si on record er. If I h a d n t b een w a tch i n g th a t va m p i re sh ow a g a i n , I w ou l d h a ve seen th i s on th e n ew s. An d , i f I w eren t so d a m n ol d , Id h a ve h ea rd th e com moti on ou tsi d e. Step a si d e, H u n ter. L et m e g et th ese b a sta rd s off ou r m oti Hu p rop erty. H e rea l i zed th e m a n w i th th e ca m era s h a d ta k en a t l ea st fi fty sh ots of th e sca rs on h i s w ri sts. Wh o k n ew w h a t p h otos th e oth ers h a d ta k en . T h e p ress crow d g rew l ou d er. H u n ter! T el l u s i f i ts tru e. D i d you try to k i l l you rsel f! We see th e sca rs. Wh y i s th a t w om a n h ol d i n g u p a b a t? Movi n g i n fron t of N a n to b l ock h er from vi ew , H u n ter sp ok e to h i s a u n t th rou g h h i s g ri n . P u t th e b a t d ow n , Au n t N a n . I th i n k w e sh ou l d g o w i th on e cra zy p erson i n th e fa m i l y a t a ti m e. H e fl i ck ed a g l a n ce b a ck a t h er. Sh e n od d ed a n d p u t th e b a t b eh i n d h er. H i s m om step p ed forw a rd a s th ou g h sh e w ou l d sa y som eth i n g to th e p ress. L et m e h a n d l e th i s, Mom . Ive g ot i t. Sh e n od d ed a n d step p ed b a ck too. H u n ter p u sh ed p a st th e ob n oxi ou s g u y w i th th e too m a n y ca m era s a n d step p ed

ou t on to th e p orch . T h e n i g h t a i r cool ed h i s l u n g s a n d h e g ot a b etter l ook a t th e crow d . H e cou l d n t m i ss C h a rl i e Roth sta n d i n g fron t a n d cen ter w i th h i s a rm s crossed a n d a sm u g g ri n on h i s fa ce. T ra i tor. C h a rl i e m et h i s g a ze a n d sh ot H u n ter th e ch i n - i n - th e- a i r j ock sa l u te. H u n ter retu rn ed i t w i th h i s b est you - su ck - g l a re . C h a rl i e ob vi ou sl y w a n ted H u n ter to k n ow exa ctl y h ow h i s cover h a d b een b l ow n . H u n ter g ri m a ced , n ot w a n ti n g to a d mi t h ow m u ch th a t k n ow l ed g e h u rt. C h a rl i e mi h a d w a rn ed h i m to sta y a w a y from V ere, a n d H u n ter h a d b rok en h i s p rom i se. H u n ter d i d n t b l a m e th e g u y. B u t h e a l so d i d n t g i ve a d a m n w h a t C h a rl i e th ou g h t a n ym ore. H i s on l y reg rets w ere th a t h ed b otch ed h i s a ttem p t a t b ei n g h on est w i th V ere a n d h ow h e l ost h er i n th e p rocess. T h e g i rl sh ou l d n ever forg i ve me. I took a d va n ta g e of th e si tu a ti on of ou r fri en d sh i p , a n d I d i d n t p l a y fa i r. I ow e th a t g i rl a ma j or a p ol og y. B u t C h a rl i e? Wel l , h e ca n k i ss my a ss. H u n ter w ou l d n ot b e p a ssi n g ou t a n y a p ol og i es for b ei n g i n l ove. Hel l . T h e g u y h a d a ctu a l l y d on e h i m a fa vor a n d d i d n t even k n ow i t. More resol ved th a n ever to sp ea k to th e p ress, H u n ter h el d u p b oth h a n d s a n d m a d e n o m ove to h i d e h i s sca rs. H e l a yered on h i s very b est, p h oto sh oot sm i l e. Y ou ve fou n d m e. N ot su re h ow . H e tossed a g l a re a t C h a rl i e b efore a d d i n g , Y es. T h ese a re sca rs on m y w ri sts. Ive g ot n oth i n g to h i d e. N ow th a t you ve seen th em , I m ea n to m a k e a p ress sta tem en t to a l l of you . Soon . E veryon e on th e l a w n a n d i n th e street a n d d ri vew a y q u i eted . C h a rl i es m ou th d rop p ed op en , a n d even from th i s d i sta n ce H u n ter w a tch ed a s th e k i d vi si b l y p a l ed . T h a ts ri g h t, b a sta rd . N oth i n g to h i d e. N ot a n ymore. H u n ter k ep t h i s h a n d s u p . Ag a i n , m a k i n g su re h i s sca rs w ere w el l a n d tru l y vi si b l e u n d er th e b ri g h t l i g h ts. U n ti l I g et m y sta tem en t org a n i zed , or i f you n eed d eta i l s a b ou t m y l i fe h ere i n C ol ora d o, I w i l l a sk you to d i rect you r q u esti on s to on e of m y b est fri en d s h ere, C h a rl i e Roth , H u n ter sa i d , u si n g a sca th i n g voi ce th a t sa i d th e op p osi te, w h i l e h e p oi n ted h i s i n d ex fi n g er a t C h a rl i e. I tota l l y tru st h i m to sp ea k for m e. H e th i n k s h e k n ow s m e rea l l y w el l , a n d h es a l w a ys w a n ted a b i t of th e sp otl i g h t so I h op e you g i ve h i m a ch a n ce. C h a rl i e tw i sted h i s h ea d a rou n d a s th ou g h l ook i n g for a n esca p e. HA. Id l ove to see you try a n d ru n from th i s b u n ch . If th e si tu a ti on d i d n t su ck so m u ch , H u n ter th ou g h t th i s cou l d b e m ore th a n fu n n y to w a tch . H u n ter tossed C h a rl i e h i s w i d est g ri n a n d w a ved . A few p a p a ra zzi h a d a l rea d y rea ch ed th e p oor su ck er. G ood . L et th e a mb u sh b eg i n . H u n ter con ti n u ed , In th e m ea n ti m e, you a re a l l sta n d i n g on m y a u n ts g a rd en . If you cou l d p l ea se... H u n ter g u l p ed . As i f on cu e, a l on g b l a ck l i m o p u l l ed i n b eh i n d th e m ed i a ci rcu s b l ock i n g th e street.

SHIT . J U ST PE RF E C T . T h i s h a s to b e Ma rti n . H e sh ook h i s h ea d a n d a l m ost h a d to l a u g h . H u n ter cou n ted i t d ow n i n h i s h ea d : 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. T h e crow d sh i fted a n d som e of th e teen sp ecta tors a t th e en d of th e street sta rted to screa m a s th ey, too, sp i ed th e l i m o. H i s m om h a d n ot b een m a k i n g a n y of i t u p . O n l y Ma rti n w ou l d orch estra te a mom sp ecta cl e l i k e th i s i n a q u i et su b u rb . T h e d ri ver op en ed th e d oor a n d h i s a g en t step p ed ou t, fol l ow ed b y tw o fa m i l i a r l ook i n g g u ys. N o w a y. He b rou g h t Ad a m a n d Royce w i th h i m to C ol ora d o? Wh a t n ew , screw ed u p g a me w a s th i s? H u n ter sca n n ed to see i f a n yon e el se ca m e ou t of th e l i m o. T h a n k fu l l y, th ere w a s n o si g n of th e g ri n n i n g , fa k e Hu n ter Ken n ed y. If Ma rti n b rou g h t th e b a n d a l on g m i n u s th a t frea k , th en Ma rti n h a d m ea n t to b l ow h i s cover b i g ti m e w i th th i s l i m o- stu n t. Wh o w ou l d n t h a ve n oti ced th a t l i m o a n d G u a rd eRob e i n th i s tow n ? mo Ma rti n h a d p rob a b l y tw eeted th e a rri va l a n d ca l l ed som e of th e p a p a ra zzi h ere a h ea d of ti m e, w h i ch w ou l d exp l a i n th e m on ster crow d a l rea d y a ssem b l ed . C h a rl i e w a s p rob a b l y on l y resp on si b l e for th e l oca l n ew s va n . It fel t g rea t to k n ow h e w ou l d n t h a ve to h i d e h i s sca rs a n ym ore. H i s cra zy w a s ou t i n th e op en , a n d d i d n t even ca re. T h e corp ora te offi ce a t N ew tN et w ou l d h a ve to ta k e h i m or l ea ve h i m , a s i s. H u n ter sh ook h i s h ea d resi g n ed l y. H e h a d to p l a n h i s n ext m oves. In th e moves. m ea n ti me, Ma rti n w ou l d b e th e n ext vi cti m to frost th i s p a ra si te- p ress- ca k e for m e, him. O h m y G od , i ts th e rest of th e b a n d ! G u a rd eRob e i s h ere! Ri g h t th ere! A g i rl screa m ed , th en a n oth er, th en a n oth er. H a l f th e h i g h sch ool s stu d en t b od y h a d fl ood ed i n to th e cu l - d e- sa c. T h e crow d a n d a l l th e p a p a ra zzi ru sh ed a rou n d th e l i m o. H u n ter n od d ed to C h a rl i e w h od b een l eft i n th e d u st b y th e p ress. L u ck y b a sta rd , g ot off ea sy for n ow . B u t th eyl l b e b a ck . Y ou l l see h ow i t i s, fri en d . H u n ter tu rn ed a rou n d a n d sh u t th e d oor a n d l ock ed i t, b u t n ot b efore w i tn essi n g Ma rti n a n d th e b a n d n eed i n g to h a u l - a ss b a ck i n to th e l i m o for sa fety. Hel l yes. C ol ora d o h a d some a w esome, d ed i ca ted fa n s! H u n ter h a d th e stra n g est u rg e to sm i l e a t h i s m om , so h e d i d . Wa i t ti l l Ma rti n h ea rs th a t Ive sp i l l ed everyth i n g . Itl l ta k e th em a t l ea st th i rty m i n u tes to m a k e i t to th e fron t d oor. I on l y w i sh I cou l d h ea r th e stri n g of fl i p fl op p i n g l i es a s th ey p ou r ou t of h i s m ou th . Ma yb e w e sh ou l d tu rn on th e T V so w e ca n w a tch h i m . Au n t N a n fi sted h er h a n d s, a s th ou g h sh e w a n ted to b a ttl e. Im p rou d of you , H u n ter, h i s m om a d d ed . Sh e h u g g ed h i m a n d h e retu rn ed i t. T h ey b oth smi l ed a t h i s a u n t w h o h a d tu rn ed to sh ove th e b a seb a l l b a t i n to th e sm i h a l l cl oset. Im g oi n g to k eep th i s d ow n h ere i n ca se I n eed to ta k e a cou p l e of w h a ck s a t th a t Ma rti n fel l ow , sh e sa i d , h ea d sti l l i n th e cl oset. Im g oi n g to k eep th i s d ow n h ere i n ca se I n eed to ta k e a cou p l e of w h a ck s a t th a t Ma rti n fel l ow , sh e w a s m u tteri n g , h ea d sti l l i n th e cl oset.

H u n ter m a d e h i s w a y to th e foot of th e sta i rs. Mom , Ive sti l l g ot som e th i n k i n g ma Mom, to d o. C ou l d you p u t a h ol d on p a ck i n g you r b a g s for a b i t? I n eed som e ti m e b efore I fa ce Ma rti n a n d th e g u ys. P l ea se d on t l et th em i n . T el l h i m h e ca n ta k e th e g u ys to a h otel . T h a t sh ou l d d i sp erse h a l f of th i s p ress. T el l h i m Il l ta l k to h i m tomorrow . N ot on e secon d b efore. Id l ove to. Sh e l ook ed h a p p y, rea l l y h a p p y. Il l b e th e fi rst to tel l th a t Ma rti n th a t h es n ot a l l ow ed to en ter th i s h ou se. Au n t N a n reop en ed th e h a l l cl oset a s q u i ck l y a s sh ed cl osed i t. N o b a seb a l l b a ts, ok a y? Ma rti n sh ou l d n t b e h a ted for b ei n g th e b est i n th e b u si n ess. I m i g h t n eed h i m som ed a y. H u m p h . Sp ea k for you rsel f. Au n t N a n g l ow ered , b u t sh e sh u t th e cl oset a n d l eft th e b a t i n si d e. Wh a t d o you m ea n b y somed a y ? H i s m om w ri n k l ed h er b row . mea mom H u n ter took a d eep b rea th a n d l et i t ou t. Ma yb e you tw o ca n h el p m e com e u p w i th th e ri g h t w a y to tel l Ma rti n a n d th e g u ys th a t Im sta yi n g h ere. I w i l l on l y b e w ork i n g d u ri n g su m m ers. T h rou g h h i g h sch ool a t l ea st a n d m a yb e even col l eg e.

42: too little too late VERE

I k n ow . I k n ow . I su ck . I tota l l y su ck a n d you h a ve every ri g h t to d i sow n m e. B u t you h a ve to k n ow my p a ren ts sw ore m e to secrecy. I w a s n ot a l l ow ed to tel l me you a b ou t Hu n ter. Hu V ere a n d J en n a h a d stop p ed to ca tch th ei r b rea th a t th e sw i n g s i n th ei r n ei g h b orh ood p a rk j u st a rou n d th e corn er from V eres cu l - d e- sa c. After th e ma d ma d a sh from th e Hod j w i ck h el l - p a rty, th i s w a s th e p erfect p l a ce to d eb ri ef a n d stu ff h er b ra i n b a ck i n to h er h ea d . N ot to men ti on ma k e J en n a u n d ersta n d . B u t. B U T H E WAS L IV IN G N E XT m en D O O R. G O IN G T O T HE C AB IN ! P L AY IN G C ARD S WIT H ME . AAh h h . AH HAHHAHH. HAHHAHH . V ere sa t on a sw i n g . Sh e a l so h a d to g a th er h er th ou g h ts b efore k i l l i n g C h a rl i e for ca l l i n g th e p ress. Wa i t ti l l Mom h ea rs th a t C h a rl i e ou ted Hu n ter. G od . Wa i t ti l l C h a rl i e reta l i a tes a n d tel l s Mom th a t I, fu l l on , ma d e ou t w i th Hu n ter! Wh a tever. Im n ot a sh a med of th e ma k i n g ou t. Im a sh a med th a t I w a s th e w orl d s w orst fri en d . T h a t I a b a n d on ed h i m. T h a t I refu sed to l i sten . T h a t I w a s comp l etel y, u tterl y, a n d a b sol u tel y stu p i d ! J en n a fol l ow ed su i t a n d sa t i n th e sw i n g n ext to h ers. Sh ed b een b a b b l i n g a n d cu rsi n g th e w h ol e w a y h ere a n d sh e ob vi ou sl y sti l l n eed ed to sort th rou g h some of th i s. H u n ter Ken n ed y? Hu n ter Ken n ed y th i s w h ol e ti me, a n d I n ever even k n ew ? J en n a g a sp ed , sti l l ca tch i n g h er b rea th . Sh e l et ou t a l ow w h i stl e a n d d ra g g ed h er feet th rou g h th e d i rt u n d er th e sw i n g . Y ou . Ma d e ou t. Wi th H u n ter Ken n ed y! Hu P i n ch me, p l ea se. O MG . Sh e g i g g l ed . O MG . Y ou . At th e p a rty. Sa yi n g a l l th a t stu ff. Sh e g i g g l ed a g a i n . P i n ch me b a ck . Y E S! V ere rol l ed h er eyes, p u sh ed off a n d sta rted sw i n g i n g . me He w a sn t exa ctl y Hu n ter Ken n ed y w h en I k i ssed h i m . He w a s on l y a g rea t g u y. m. Y ou k n ow , my fri en d ? Y ou KISSE D Hu n ter Ken n ed y, b u t you re ca l l i n g h i m on l y a G U Y ? C a n you N O T h ea r you r ow n w ord s? Its i n sa n i ty. Y ea h ...b u t on ce w e sta rted k i ssi n g , h i s n a me n ever even ca m e i n to p l a y. Y E AH B E C AU SE Y O U WE RE L O C KE D O N T O HIS L IP S. O MG . O h . MY . H IS Aa a a h h h h h a ! V ere sl ow ed h er sw i n g to a stop a n d tu rn ed h er h ea d to l ook a t h er fri en d w h o w a s n ow sp orti n g a h u g e, g oofy g ri n . V ere w en t on , U h . Are you g oi n g to yel l a t m e for l yi n g to you ? If so, g et i t over w i th . An d g et over w h o I k i ssed , too. I n eed me m y b est fri en d b a ck so you ca n h el p me m a k e a p l a n , p l ea se . my ma Y el l a t you ? Are you n u ts? Im g oi n g to h u g you ! T h i s h a s to b e th e si n g l e, m ost

p osi ti vel y a m a zi n g th i n g th a t h a s ever h a p p en ed to u s. T o m e, to you , to th i s w h ol e tow n . O HMY G O D . C h a rl i e w a s on th e N E WS! Y ou r h ou se w a s on th e n ew s! J en n a j u mp ed off h er sw i n g a n d tw i rl ed a rou n d i n ci rcl es i n fron t of V ere. Wel l mp h a ve b ook d ea l s, p h oto sh oots, you a n d m e on th e cover of th ose g ossi p m a g a zi n es. me Ma yb e w e w i l l g et ou r ow n rea l i ty T V sh ow . T h i s i s g oi n g to b e so cool . Wel l b e on T V ! G et to g o to th e V i d eo Mu si c Aw a rd s! Aa a h ! O HMY G O D . O h n o. We w i l l n ot d o a n y of th a t. L ets j u st vote on th a t ri g h t n ow . B esi d es C h a rl i es a l rea d y b ea t u s to th e scu m - b a g - fri en d - l ow p oi n t. B e ca l m . T ry. mJ en n a p u t b oth h a n d s on h er h ea d . H O L Y C O W. C H ARL IE IS F RIE N D S WIT H H U N T E R KE N N E D Y . O MG . O MG ! Im fri en d s w i th H U N T E R KE N N E D Y . An d h ol yO MG . Ah h h Aa a h a h a ! Sh e tw i rl ed a n d tw i rl ed . My h ea rt i s b ea ti n g so fa st, V ere. Im g oi n g to d i e. I. L ove. H i m. So. Mu ch . Hi V ere si g h ed . J en n a . Stop . G et i t ou t of you r system . N o w ei rd b eh a vi or, n o d ea l s w i th sh a d y n ew sp a p ers, n o h i d d en d i g i ta l ca m era s i n you r n ostri l s. N oth i n g . Wh a tever i d ea s you a re l a u n ch i n g i n th a t d evi ou s l i ttl e m i n d , en d i t ri g h t n ow . We w i l l n ot sel l h i m ou t. F i n e. N o sel l ou t. U n l ess my b est fri en d , Hu n ter, a g rees i t i s a p p rop ri a te a n d h e Hu w a n ts to d o a rea l i ty sh ow . Y ou sou n d cra zy, you k n ow ? J en n a h op p ed u p a n d d ow n . H ow ca n you even ca l l m e cra zy a fter ton i g h t? I me th ou g h t you d g on e men ta l b a ck a t th e p a rty. As i n tota l , p sych oti c b rea k . Y ou m en w ere certi fi a b l e ri g h t i n fron t of th e w h ol e sch ool . Wh en you sta rted l a u g h i n g , I w a s su re you d b een p ossessed . J en n a mi m i ck ed V ere: I I I th i n k Im i n l oooove w i th Hu n ter Ken n ed y. H er mi eyes b u g g ed ou t a n d sh e th rew h er a rm s w i d e. Y ou sa yi n g a l l th a t, w h i l e C u rti s l a y fl a t on h i s b a ck , w h i l e I w a s fa k i n g th a t cra mp ! H a ... T h ey b u rst ou t l a u g h i n g tog eth er a n d b oth fel l d ow n on th e sa n d . O h . My tu m m y h u rts. Stop m a k i n g m e th i n k a b ou t i t. I ca n t even g o th ere. Im me sorry. I d i d sort of l ose i t, V ere g a sp ed ou t, sta ri n g u p a t th e d a rk sk y. Y ou ve h a d a l most a m on th to g et u sed to th i s H u n ter Ken n ed y l i ves n ext d oor m ost i d ea . Ive on l y j u st ra m p ed i n . J en n a crossed h er a rm s u n d er h er h ea d . O h - myrms m yG od ! E E eek s! V ere sh ook h er h ea d . T h e cl ock i s ti ck i n g , fa n g i rl . A l i ttl e p a ti en ce. N ot yet. J en n a g ri n n ed . C a n w e j u st ta l k a b ou t h ow l a st w eek en d I w en t to a l a k e ca b i n a n d p l a yed ca rd s w i th th e l ea d si n g er of G u a rd eRob e? An d th en h e b ou g h t me a h a i rcu t, g a ve m e m a k e u p ti p s a n d p i ck ed ma u s b oth w h ol e n ew w a rd rob es, i n cl u d i n g a h omecom i n g d ress for ea ch of u s! P l ea se omecomi j u st l et m e screa m or someth i n g . P l ea se! V ere smi l ed a t J en n a . Sh e w a s so fu n n y. B a d i d ea to screa m i n th e p a rk on sm i Sa tu rd a y n i g h t. I th i n k w eve d ra w n en ou g h a tten ti on to ou rsel ves th i s even i n g . D on t p u t m e i n to you r messed u p , WE eq u a ti on . I d i d n t g o a p e on th e sta r q u a rterb a ck b eca u se Ive b een ma k i n g ou t w i th th e l ea d si n g er of G u a rd eRob e . O h G od . O h - m y- G od ! Y ou tou ch ed ton g u es w i th th e l ea d si n g er of G u a rd eRob e ! Sh e b l i n k ed . H ow ca n you n ot b e d yi n g ri g h t n ow ?

V ere fl u sh ed d ow n to h er toes. D i d sh e h a ve to m en ti on th e ton g u e th i n g ? H er men h ea rt d i d a m a j or fl i p . Sh e stood u p a n d w en t b a ck to th e sw i n g s. C om e on . I n eed some seri ou s a d vi ce. I n eed to fi g u re ou t a w a y to p a tch th i n g s u p a n d I ca n t som e d o th a t u n ti l you ca l m d ow n , V ere p l ea d ed . I n eed you . C om e b a ck to me. So m e. w h a t i f h es a rock sta r? I d on t ca re a b ou t a n y of th a t. H es j u st a reg u l a r g u y to Hes m e. An d to you . J u st try n ot to th i n k a b ou t th e oth er stu ff a n d h el p me fi g u re ou t me a w a y to a p ol og i ze. J en n a sa t b a ck on to th e sw i n g n ext to V eres. Y ou a ren t k eep i n g a n y oth er secrets from m e, a re you ? Y ou r p a ren ts a ren t secret a g en ts? If so, k i l l m e n ow , b eca u se ou r fri en d sh i p w i l l n ot b e a b l e to ta k e som eth i n g l i k e th i s tw i ce. N op e. T h a ts i t. Sh e eyed J en n a su sp i ci ou sl y. As l on g a s w ere on th i s top i c, w h a t a b ou t you ? Y ou fl oored m e l a st w eek en d w i th th a t w h ol e Im m a rryi n g me C h a rl i e sp eech . So d on t a ct a l l h i g h a n d mi g h ty. Y ou r secret cru sh on m y b roth er mi ra n k s a s h i g h a s th e H u n ter Ken n ed y th i n g . So i f th ere i s a n yth i n g el se on th a t fron t, sp i l l i t n ow . J en n a si g h ed . Wel l . Som e of th a ts ch a n g ed . C h a rl i e a n d I m i g h t n ot b e g etti n g mi m a rri ed . G ood ! D i d you fi n a l l y rea l i ze h e su ck s? V ere si g h ed , rel i eved . N o. I u h , ca m e over yesterd a y. An d you w ere ou t w i th you r m om . An d i f you me m u st k n ow , I k i ssed C h a rl i e i n you r k i tch en . Meg a - m a d e- ou t. As i n ...L O N G T IME , k i ssed h i m . V ere cl a m p ed h er h a n d s over h er ea rs. O H ...G O D . N O ! J en n a n od d ed . My m a rri a g e ca l en d a r i s b l ow n to b i ts b u t a t l ea st C h a rl i es ta k i n g m e to h om ecom i n g . We w ere g oi n g to su rp ri se you a n d C u rti s w i th a d ou b l e d a te u n ti l you ru i n ed everyth i n g . J eez. Stop ! E w . E eew . V eres ch i n h a d d rop p ed a l l th e w a y to h er k n ees. Y ou r tu rn to sa y you ve b een d ri n k i n g , th a t you m a d e th i s a l l u p . G o on , V ere g ri m a ced . T h i s ca n n ot b e h a p p en i n g to m e. Its tru e. Were a ctu a l l y d a ti n g n ow . I ca n t k eep m y h a n d s off th a t g u y. Y U M. ME . Y ou r b roth er k i sses l i k e a E eeew . E eeeeeeeew . V ere p u sh ed J en n a s sw i n g a w a y from h ers. E ew . E ew . E eeeeew . T h i s crosses th e l i n e! H ey. N o screa m i n g i n th e p a rk . J en n a rol l ed h er eyes. Y ou w i l l n ot b e sh a ri n g a n y fu rth er d eta i l s w i th m e on th i s top i c, ever. V ere me sh u d d ered . Seri ou sl y. Y ou , p l u s C h a rl i e, i s th e si ck est th i n g I ca n i m a g i n e. I h op e you tw o b rea k u p , a n d soon . In th e m ea n ti m e ca n w e g et b a ck to m y F IRST n i g h tm a re, p l ea se? J E E Z. J en n a sh ru g g ed . Y ou a sk ed . I tol d you . F i n e...l ets g et b a ck to th e H u n ter Ken n ed y top i c! J en n a b l i n k ed . O MG , V E RE . How ca n w e even ta l k a b ou t h i m. H ow m. H i m a n d you . H es H U N T E R KE N N E D Y a n d h es b een l i vi n g n ext d oor to you ! Hes V ere g ri tted h er teeth . U g h . P u t th a t a si d e. J u st l i sten to th e d a rn fa cts. My exb roth er ( w h o i s n ow you r k i ss- b u d d y/ h om ecom i n g d a te a n d p ossi b l e fi a n c) j u st b l ew th e cover of th e on e g u y th a t h a s ever l i k ed me for m e a n d m ea n t i t. m e F orm u l a ti n g , form u l a ti n g , k eep g oi n g , J en n a sa i d . T h i s g u y h a p p en s to b e p erfect for me i n every w a y excep t for th e p a rt w h ere me

h es a rock sta r a n d Im ...you k n ow ...m e. J en n a b l i n k ed . Y ea h , b u t you j u st sa i d h e l i k ed th a t p a rt a b ou t you . V eres h ea rt cl en ch ed . I k n ow . An d I b l ew h i m off w h en h e sa i d h e w a s i n l ove w i th me. L O V E . J en n a . H e sa i d th e w ord L O V E . m e. He J en n a sh ook h er h ea d , b u t th a n k fu l l y h el d si l en t. I w a n t to sa y sorry. B u t a fter th e w a y I trea ted h i m , a n d a fter th e w a y C h a rl i e b etra yed h i m , h e m i g h t b e on h i s w a y b a ck to L os An g el es. O h . An d h e cou l d h a te m y g u ts b eca u se I ca l l ed h i m a n ob od y. V eres h ea rt cl en ch ed a n d h er th roa t cl osed u p . J en n a w ri n k l ed h er n ose. So, you d on t ca re i f you m a k e a n a ss ou t of you rsel f w h en you re tryi n g to g et h i m b a ck ? I ca n t exa ctl y si n k a n y l ow er on th e a ss sca l e a fter ton i g h t. Wh o ca res h ow m u ch m ore fool i sh I l ook or a ct over th i s? T h i s i s rea l . I l ove h i m . I n eed to a p ol og i ze. H e d eserves th a t I a t l ea st try. O k a y, th en Im g oi n g to h el p you g o a fter h i m a s l on g a s you a re a w a re of w h a t i t m i g h t cost you , soci a l l y sp ea k i n g . O h - m y- G od ! Y ou re g oi n g to g o a fter Hu n ter Hu Ken n ed y! J en n a sq u ea l ed a n d g i g g l ed on e l a st ti m e. V ere si g h ed , feel i n g d esol a te. If i t d oesn t w ork , th en Im g oi n g to w i th er a w a y of a b rok en h ea rt a n d you w i l l b e l eft p i ck i n g u p a l l th e p i eces. J en n a si g h ed a n d ch eck ed th e ti me on h er p h on e. We h a ve exa ctl y forty m i n u tes b efore you re g rou n d ed for g etti n g h om e l a te. Wel l u se i t l i k e a d ea d l i n e. ome V ere n od d ed . Ad ren a l i n e ru sh es m i g h t j u st sa ve m e i f I freeze u p a n d p u l l a sh y a tta ck . Wh a t ca n w e d o i n forty m i n u tes? V ere a sk ed . mi T h i rty- n i n e. F i rst l ets g et b a ck to ru n n i n g . T h ey j u m p ed off th e sw i n g s a n d b rok e i n to a j og . Wel l m a rch ri g h t on over to N a n s h ou se a n d j u st k n ock on th e d oor. H on estys th e fa stest. P ra cti ce sa yi n g , Im sorry. Im sorry. Im sorry, I l ove you , too. C a n you d o th a t? Y es. Y es I ca n . V ere b l u sh ed b i g ti m e a s sh e i m a g i n ed sa yi n g th a t l a st p a rt to me ma H u n ter. T h ey tu rn ed i n to V eres cu l - d e- sa c a n d froze. T h e w h ol e p l a n et seem ed to b e h a vi n g a n a l l - n i g h t p a rty ri g h t i n fron t of h er h ou se. T h i s w a s w a y b i g g er th a n sh ed exp ected . Sh e k n ew th e l oca l n ew s va n a n d a few oth ers w ou l d b e a rou n d b u t w h a t th ey w ere l ook i n g a t w a s i n sa n i ty. C over b l ow i n g med i a fren zy: A++ for C h a rl i e Roth , th e b a ck sta b b i n g j erk . T h ere w ere a t l ea st ten n ew s m ed i a tru ck s, som e even from D en ver. Ma yb e C h a rl i e h a d n t b een th e on l y l ea k ? T h e en d of h er street w a s l oa d ed d ow n w i th fl ood l i g h ts a n d p ol i ce ca rs, a l on g w i th w h a t l ook ed l i k e every si n g l e p erson from th ei r h i g h sch ool . Al l of th i s fi l l ed th ei r ova l cu l - d e- sa c to m a x overfl ow i n g . T h e h i g h est con cen tra ti on of p eop l e sw a rm ed sm a ck i n fron t of N a n s h ou se a n d sp i l l ed over i n to th ei r ya rd . A su p er- l on g , u l tra sh i n y, b l a ck l i mo b a ck ed a w a y from th e crow d a n d p u l l ed mo p a st th em w h i l e th e crow d screa m ed a n d fol l ow ed i ts exi t. V ere tri ed to see i n to med th e d a rk en ed w i n d ow s a s h er h ea rt sa n k . Wh en i t rea ch ed th e corn er w h ere th ey stood , i t tu rn ed ri g h t w i th ou t even b rea k i n g a t th e stop si g n .

J eez. J en n a . Were too l a te. I th i n k Im g oi n g to d i e. If h e w a s i n th ere, h e m u st h a ve seen u s. H es so ou t of h ere. So over m e. I g u ess I d eserve i t. J en n a g a ve h er a q u i ck h u g . Y ou d on t k n ow th a t. Were d ow n to th i rty m i n u tes. It i s w h a t i t i s. L ets a t l ea st try to g et to h i s d oor. A p ol i ce ca r p u l l ed u p n ext to th em . Y ou k i d s n eed to g o h om e. T h i s cu l - d e- sa c ome. i s cl osed . B u t, O ffi cer. I l i ve ri g h t th ere. V ere p oi n ted to h er h ou se th a t n ow seem ed a b ou t tw o m i l l i on m i l es a w a y. Sh e j u st w a n ted to cra w l i n to b ed a n d h a ve a g ood , l on g , cry. Su re you d o. D o you th i n k I w a s b orn yesterd a y? T h e p ol i cem a n sn eered . N ow m ove a l on g . Wa i t. Im n ot l yi n g , V ere i n si sted . P rove i t, a n d Il l d ri ve you a s cl ose a s I ca n . O h th a n k you si r, J en n a g u sh ed , rescu i n g V ere from sp ea k i n g a s V ere h a n d ed th e offi cer h er d ri vers l i cen se. H e si g h ed a n d h a n d ed i t b a ck . He l ook ed a s th ou g h h e w i sh ed h e h a d n t He He p rom i sed to d ri ve th em cl oser. H op i n . D o you tw o k n ow th i s G u a rd eRob e b a n d ? T h i n g s sh ou l d settl e d ow n n ow th a t th eyve d ri ven a w a y. Wh a t a n i g h tm a re. T h ose screa m i n g teen a g ers p op p ed m y ea rd ru m s. G u a rd eRob e rock s! J en n a sa i d , a s th ey j u m p ed i n th e b a ck sea t. T h e offi cer p roceed ed to fl a sh h i s l i g h ts a n d cl ea r a p a th w a y th rou g h th e m i d d l e of th e crow d . H es g on e n ow , h u h ? V ere a sk ed h a l fh ea rted l y, tryi n g n ot to cry. I sa w th a t l i m o. D i d h e d ri ve a w a y? N o, th a t l i m o b rou g h t th e rest of th e b a n d to tow n . T h e l ea d si n g er, h es sti l l h ere on you r street. Wi th h i s fa m i l y. T h e oth er g u ys h a ve g on e d ow n to a l oca l h otel . I w ou l d n t exp ect th i n g s to ca l m d ow n i n Mon u m en t for a w h i l e. V eres h ea rt soa red . Sh e g ra b b ed on to J en n a s l eg a n d fl a sh ed h er a l ook a s sh e sta rted ch ew i n g n ervou sl y on h er l i p . Ive sti l l g ot a sh ot, sh e w h i sp ered . T h ere w ere a d ozen p ol i cem en m a n n i n g a l i n e of yel l ow C a u ti on ta p e th a t sep a ra ted th e crow d from a l l th e h ou ses i n th e cu l - d e- sa c. As th e p ol i ce cru i ser crep t th rou g h th e th ron g , V ere ca u g h t si g h t of a very fru stra ted C h a rl i e, tryi n g to g et a w a y from a cou p l e of ca m era m en a n d rep orters. O ffi cer! P l ea se stop . T h a ts m y b roth er. C a n h e h op i n w i th u s? Im su re ou r p a ren ts a re frea k i n g ou t. I ca n see th em on th e fron t p orch . P rob a b l y l ook i n g for u s. T h e m a n si g h ed a n d stop p ed . Il l h a ve to w a l k you from h ere, a n yh ow . G o g et h i m , a n d Il l see you th rou g h th i s m ess. V ere h op p ed ou t of th e ca r w i th J en n a ri g h t b eh i n d h er. C h a rl i e! C h a rl i e! O ver h ere! C h a rl i e tu rn ed a t th e sou n d of h er voi ce b u t th e l ook h e g a ve h er w a s n ot g ood . It w a s som e sort of w a rn i n g g l a n ce, a s th ou g h to tel l V ere to ru n . V ere va g u el y n oted th a t Kri sten Hod j w i ck a n d fri en d s w ere ea ch i n fron t of H od d i fferen t n ew s ca m era s. T h ey m u st h a ve a l l l eft th e p a rty a n d d ri ven over h ere. Wh a t i n th e h eck w ou l d th e n ew s w a n t w i th Kri sten ? F or th a t m a tter, i t seem ed a s i f l ea st h a l f of th e j u n i or cl a ss w a s sta n d i n g i n fron t of som e ca m era . Were th ey a l l

g etti n g i n tervi ew ed ? V ere tri ed to i g n ore th e ch a os a n d sta red u p a t H u n ters room . T h e l i g h ts w ere ou t, b u t sh e cou l d sw ea r sh e sa w T V l i g h ts fl i ck eri n g . H a d sh e i m a g i n ed i t, or h a d h i s cu rta i n m oved a s w el l ? Hu n ter. See me. Pl ea se see me a n d come ou t! V ere w a ved fra n ti ca l l y a t th e h ou se j u st i n ca se. H er h ea rt sa n k w h en sh e rea l i zed sh e w a s n ow si m p l y on e of a b ou t tw o h u n d red oth er ( w a y p retti er) g i rl s, w a vi n g a t h i s w i n d ow b eh i n d th e p ol i ce l i n e. U g h . Hel l n ever sp ot me, b eca u se h es n ot l ook i n g for me. After h ow I trea ted h i m, i ts u p to me to g et to h i m, I th i n k . Acti n g l i k e a d ork g rou p i e, w a s n ot g oi n g to h el p . Sh e d rop p ed h er h a n d , em b a rra ssed , a n d fel t h er ch eek s ti n g l e. V ere eyed th e tw o p ol i cem en ta l k i n g to ea ch oth er on N a n s fron t l a w n a n d th en h er g a ze tra vel l ed to th e tw o p ol i cem en g u a rd i n g th e fron t d oor. Wel l n ever g et i n th ere, J en n a w h i sp ered , ech oi n g h er th ou g h ts. T h ere th ey a re! T h a ts V ere a n d J en n a , Kri sten screech ed j u st a s C h a rl i e rea ch ed th em . T h ey m u st h a ve k n ow n a l l a l on g ! T h e offi cer w a s g etti n g i m p a ti en t. C om e on , k i d s, I d on t h a ve a l l d a y. Wh y i s everyon e p oi n ti n g a t you tw o? V ere. V ere Roth ? A stra n g ers voi ce ca l l ed h er n a m e. A p h oto i f you d on t m i n d , Mi ss Roth . V ere sw i vel ed h er h ea d to l ook b eh i n d h er. Wh a t? A fl a sh w en t off, b l i n d i n g h er. U h - oh , J en n a g ri p p ed h er a rm . A sw a rm of p eop l e, l i g h ts, a n d esca l a ti n g n oi se su rg ed tow a rd th em. em . T h e offi cer sh ou ted . I d on t k n ow w h a t i s g oi n g on , b u t you th ree g et b a ck i n to th e sq u a d ca r, ri g h t n ow . T h e th ree of th em b a ck ed a w a y w h i l e th e offi cer h el d u p h i s h a n d s to stop th e rep orters. H e ca l l ed for b a ck u p i n to h i s w a l k i e- ta l k i e. In secon d s, th e offi cer w a s sw a l l ow ed u p i n a sea of fl a sh i n g ca m era s a n d cru sh i n g rep orters. J en n a , V ere, a n d C h a rl i e j u m p ed i n to th e b a ck sea t of h i s sq u a d ca r a n d d u ck ed d ow n . D on t sa y a n yth i n g to a n y of th em , C h a rl i e h i ssed . D on t ei th er of you a n sw er on e q u esti on from th ese cra zy p eop l e. T h e en ti re sch ool h a s b een i n tervi ew ed a n d th ey k n ow you a n d J en n a w ere H u n ters on l y fri en d s. T h ey w a n t you r story. Hel l , H el th ey w a n t to k n ow everyth i n g a b ou t u s. T h e rep orters w ere rock i n g th e sq u a d ca r. V ere d i d n t th i n k th e p ol i ce offi cer w a s com i n g b a ck . V ere g l a red a t C h a rl i e. We a ren t th e on es w h o ra tted ou t a fri en d . Y ou su ck , C h a rl i e. Y ou tota l l y su ck . Wh y d i d you d o i t? I d i d n t u n d ersta n d . H e k ep t m a k i n g you cry, so I fi g u red h ed b rok en you r h ea rt. I th ou g h t th i s w ou l d g et ri d of h i m for you . C h a rl i e sou n d ed very a p ol og eti c. I h a d n o cl u e th e d ea l w a s reversed . Y ou tota l l y d og g ed h i m tod a y, d i d n t you ? T h a ts w h y h e w a s so p i ssed . C h a rl i e ch u ck l ed . Y ou b rok e h i s h ea rt. H ow w a s I su p p osed to p red i ct th a t w h en Id b een w ork i n g so h a rd to ma k e su re ma

h e d i d n t b rea k you rs? Sh e n od d ed . I d i d n t I I w a s i n d en i a l a n d I l ost m y h ea d or I d on t k n ow w h a t. I h ea rd you k n ock ed ou t C u rti s, too. Y ou a re on some k i n d of g u y w reck i n g som e ra m p a g e, C h a rl i e g roa n ed . P oor C u rti s. B et h e d i d n t see th a t comi n g . T h e g u y com i w i l l n ever sp ea k to m e a g a i n . V ere g ri m a ced , h er ton e a p ol og eti c too. I p u n ch ed C u rti s b eca u se I l i k e H u n ter. An d C u rti s w ou l d n t l i sten or ta k e h i s m ea ty, p a w i n g h a n d s off m e. Wh a t el se w a s I su p p osed to d o? V ere sh u d d ered , rem em b eri n g . T h e g u ys a n octop u s. C h a rl i e sh ru g g ed . H e th ou g h t you tw o w ere g oi n g ou t. D i d you k n ow Kri sten H od j w i ck h a s b een g oi n g n u ts ta l k i n g cra p a b ou t you ? C h a rl i e sh ook h i s h ea d . So...w h y w ere you cryi n g a fter you k i ssed h i m ? B eca u se h e tol d m e h e l oved m e, a n d b eca u se I w a s a l l frea k ed ou t. me N o. H e d rop p ed th e l - b omb a n d you cru sh ed h i m? m? Stop sa yi n g th a t! Its n ot m y fa u l t you overrea ct to everyth i n g , C h a rl i e. I h a ve i t a l l fi g u red ou t n ow . An d I ca n t even ta l k to th e g u y. AN D IT S Y O U R F AU L T . If I d i d n t l ove you so m u ch , Id h a te you b i g - ti m e. C h a rl i e w h i stl ed l ow . I th ou g h t h ed tota l l y ta k en a d va n ta g e of you . Im sorry, b u t h es a g u y a n d I k n ow h ow g u ys a re. After I sa w you tw o k i ssi n g , I a ssu m ed med th e w orst a b ou t h i m. Im sorry. I b l ew i t. I l ove you b a ck , b y th e w a y. m. V ere m a d e a fa ce. I k n ow you d o. I forg i ve you , b u t H u n ter sh ou l d n t. Hu N o sh i t. I sa w th e h u g e sca rs on h i s w ri sts. Wh y d i d n t you tel l m e h e h a d a l l me th a t oth er stu ff g oi n g on ? D i d you k n ow ? V ere n od d ed . Y ea h . We ta l k ed a b ou t i t a t th e l a k e a b u n ch . Ri g h t b efore you p u n ch ed th e h eck ou t of h i m . m. D a m n . I SU C K. C h a rl i e fl i p p ed off a rep orter w h o w a s tryi n g to ta k e a sh ot of mn th em b y l yi n g on th e p ol i ce cru i sers h ood . H e l ook ed over a t J en n a . H ow you He h a n d l i n g a l l th i s, b ea u ti fu l ? Aw w w . J en n a sh ot C h a rl i e a soft- eyed - p u p p y l ook . V ere sh oved a t h i s a rm , b u t h a d to sm i l e a t th a t. O h sh u t u p ! E W. E eeew . Sh e b a n g ed a t h er d oor a n d tri ed to op en i t even th ou g h sh e k n ew th e b a ck sea t w ou l d h a d som e k i n d of p ol i ce p ri son er sa fety l ock on i t. An d i t d i d . We a re tra p p ed i n th i s ca r, d oes a n yon e even ca re? Sh e b a n g ed on th e g l a ss a g a i n . C h a rl i e h a d n t h ea rd h er. H e w a s m a k i n g g oo- g oo eyes a t J en n a . Hed d osed H ed J en n a w i th h i s m a n l y w i n k a n d J en n a w a s a ctu a l l y g u sh i n g a t h i m. m. E ew . T h i s i s g oi n g to ta k e some seri ou s g etti n g u sed to. U G H. J en n a h a s L O ST h er mi n d . C h a rl i e l evel ed V ere w i th h i s m ost seri ou s sta re. D o you th i n k Hu n ter w i l l ta l k Hu to you a fter w h a t I d i d ? An d a fter w h a t you sa i d to h i m ? V eres h ea rt d rop p ed to th e cen ter of th e ea rth . Sh e sh ook h er h ea d . Its p rob a b l y too l a te to sa l va g e a n yth i n g for ei th er of u s, b u t I d o w a n t to tel l h i m Im sorry. I ow e h i m th a t, a t l ea st. An d so d o you . We w ere h i s fri en d s. I w a s su ch a n a ss. He w i l l h a te m e forever. H e g ot som e reven g e b y setti n g th ese He d og s on m e th ou g h , C h a rl i e sa i d w i th a ru efu l sm i l e. Worse, Mom a n d D a d a re g oi n g to g i ve m e th e h el l i sh d i sa p p oi n ted i n you , son sp eech . C h a rl i e rol l ed h i s

eyes. G od , h ow I h a te th a t sp eech . J en n a p u t h er a rm a rou n d C h a rl i e. Its n ot too l a te. H u n ter w a s you r g ood fri en d . H e w a s a l so i n l ove w i th V ere on l y a few h ou rs a g o. Im su re h e sti l l i s b oth . We j u st n eed to g et th em i n to th e sa m e room , m i n u s a n y of th i s. J en n a w a ved h er a rm to th e m ob scen e ou tsi d e th e ca r. An y i d ea s? C h a rl i e a sk ed . V ere p eered ou t, b u t cou l d see n oth i n g b u t ca m era l en ses p ressed i n to h er w i n d ow . Sh e fi sh ed i n h er p ock et, p u l l ed ou t h er tru sty ru b b er b a n d s a n d d eftl y sh oved h er h a i r i n to a b u n . Ive g ot a p l a n , b u t i t cou l d b ra n d m e a s a n i d i ot forever. H el l o, a s i f th a ts som eth i n g n ew ? C h a rl i e tea sed . T h e p ol i ce offi cer h a d m a d e i t th rou g h th e th ron g a n d w a s j u st a b ou t to op en th ei r d oor. We h a ve exa ctl y tw el ve m i n u tes u n ti l cu rfew . Wh os i n for ru n n i n g ? J en n a p i p ed i n . C h a rl i e l ea n ed forw a rd . H om e sw eet h om e, h ere w e com e. Y ou tw o sq u eeze i n b eh i n d m e. Il l u se a fu l l ta ck l e i f a n yon e g ets i n ou r w a y, n ot cou n ti n g th e p ol i ce, of cou rse, h e a d d ed . T h e offi cer l ea n ed d ow n a n d k n ock ed on th ei r w i n d ow a s th ou g h to w a rn th em to b e rea d y. G u ys. If w e sti l l h a ve tw el ve m i n u tes, th en h ea d for H u n ters h ou se. T h i s i s n ot som eth i n g I w a n t to sl eep on . I m ea n to ta l k to h i m ri g h t n ow . T h e d oor sw u n g w i d e, a n d th ey b ol ted tow a rd N a n s h ou se.

43: introductions HUNTER

Hu n ter h a d systema ti ca l l y rea d every ema i l from Ma rti n . Hu em a Hi s a g en t h a d d on e a p erfect j ob of p a i n ti n g h i s mom a s a n eg l i g en t, ca reerHi m om k i l l i n g p a ren t. If h ed b een i n h i s p revi ou s sta te of mi n d , w h en h e w a s a n g ry a b ou t everyth i n g a n d p i ssed a t h er h e w ou l d h a ve b ou g h t i n to Ma rti n s sch emes. He w ou l d h a ve d ri ven a w a y w i th Ma rti n a n d th e g u ys w i th ou t on ce l ook i n g b a ck . He N ot a t th i s tow n , n ot a t h i s mom, a n d p ossi b l y n ot even l ook i n g b a ck for Au n t N a n or V ere. Hi s h ea rt cl en ch ed a t th a t th ou g h t. Hi T ru e to h er w ord , h i s a u n t h a d n ot l et Ma rti n , Royce or Ad a m en ter th e h ou se. After m u ch sh ou ti n g , a n d Hu n ter refu si n g to a p p ea r, th eyd l eft i n th e l i m o. Hed stood a t th e w i n d ow , w a tch i n g th em d ep a rt. He cou l d sti l l ca l l Ma rti n a n d h a ve h i m com e b a ck . It w ou l d b e very ea sy to He come req u est a tru ce b etw een h i s a g en t a n d h i s m om. mom. If th a t i s w h a t I w a n t. B u t i t i sn t. Hed d eci d ed h e sti l l w a n ted to sta y. F i n i sh ou t th e yea r. F or b etter or for w orse. H ed If V ere d i d n t w a n t to b e p a rt of th a t, h ed u n d ersta n d . Hel l , h e d eserved i t. H e n ever sh ou l d h a ve ch a l l en g ed h er w i th th a t l a st k i ss. He su rveyed th e ma d n ess i n th e street b el ow from a l on g cra ck i n th e cu rta i n , He w h i l e l i sten i n g to th e n ew s d ron i n g ou t on th e T V i n h i s room. room . It w ou l d n t ta k e l on g for th i s ci rcu s to g et b ored w i th h i s story. E sp eci a l l y on ce th ey rea l i zed h e w a s h ere for th e l on g h a u l . T h e tow n w ou l d g et u sed to h i m, th e h i g h sch ool k i d s w ou l d g et over h i m , a n d th en h e cou l d j u st g et on w i th h i s h om ew ork a n d h a n g i n g ou t l i k e b efore. Hop efu l l y. An d m i n u s th e ca n va s w a rd rob e, th e g l a sses a n d th e stu p i d reta i n er. He w a sn t su re h ow th i n g s w ou l d tu rn ou t w i th V ere, b u t h e j u st d i d n t w a n t to g i ve u p on h er...on th em . em. E ven i f th e g i rl on l y w a n ts to b e fri en d s. It w i l l b e en ou g h . It w i l l h a ve to b e en ou g h . Il l ta k e w h a t I ca n g et, w i th ou t step p i n g over th e l i n e ever a g a i n . E ven i f i t k i l l s me. An d i t w i l l k i l l me. O h , h el l ...i t w i l l . He cou l d n ot ta k e h i s mi n d off th ei r l a st k i ss. It h a d b l ow n h i m a w a y. He a l so He cou l d n t ta k e h i s mi n d off th ei r fi rst k i ss...or th e secon d ...or th e w a y sh e fel t i n h i s a rms...or h ow b a d l y h e w a n ted h u n d red s more k i sses. Pl ea se. Pl ea se. Pl ea se. L et h er b e th i n k i n g th e sa me th ou g h ts. L et h er ch a n g e h er mi n d . Hed stood a t th a t w i n d ow i n h i s room for w h a t seemed l i k e h ou rs, l ook i n g for a H ed seem ed si g n of h er a n d smu g l y w a tch i n g C h a rl i e b ei n g p estered b y th e p ress. T h e l oca l sm u sta ti on h a d m oved to ru n n i n g th e story l i ve w i th ou t b rea k s a s th ou g h h e w ere moved

som e k i n d of cri m i n a l h ol ed u p i n h i s h om e w i th h osta g es. mi Wh en h e h ea rd Kri sten H od j w i ck s voi ce com e on th e a i r, h e a sk ed h i s m om , w h od com e i n to h a n g ou t w i th h i m, to tu rn i t u p . T h e a n n oyi n g ch eerl ea d er sta rted off w i th th e typ i ca l l i es, l i k e h ow Kri sten h a d k n ow n Hu n ters secret a l l a l on g , a n d th a t th ey w ere g rea t fri en d s . Sh ed even h a d th e n erve to m en ti on th a t h ed a sk ed for h er p h on e n u mb er on ce! H u n ter sm i rk ed a t th a t, rem em b eri n g h er col d sn u b on h i s fi rst d a y w h en h e'd Hu sp i t- l i sp ed a l l over h er. Wh en th e rep orter a sk ed Kri sten q u esti on s a b ou t V ere, sh e rem a rk ed th a t, V ere most p rob a b l y d i d n t even l i k e g u ys i n th a t w a y a n d th a ts w h y sh e h a d n t n oti ced Hu n ter Ken n ed y w a s l i vi n g n ext d oor . T h e rep orter h a d l oved th a t on e. L a u g h i n g a n d a g reei n g w i th Kri sten , b eca u se, w h o w ou l d n t n oti ce a rock sta r l i vi n g n ext d oor? H u n ters su rg e of p rotecti ven ess for V ere h a d a l m ost m a d e h i m cra ck h i s teeth . Hu Wh en Kri sten h a d sm i l ed w i th m ea n d el i g h t i n to th e ca m era , tel l i n g th e rep orter h ow V ere, w a s sort of a frea k i n th ei r w h ol e tow n a n yh ow , H u n ter h a d w a n ted to k i l l h er. B u t th en Kri sten a d d ed : E a rl i er, th i s very n i g h t, V ere Roth p u n ch ed th e sch ool q u a rterb a ck j u st b eca u se h ed tri ed to k i ss h er! So w h a t d oes th a t tel l you ? H u n ters h ea rt soa red . Hu D i d you h ea r th a t, Mom? H u n ter a sk ed , h i s h ea rt ra ci n g d ou b l e ti m e. D i d sh e Mom ? Hu sa y th a t V ere p u n ch ed th e footb a l l q u a rterb a ck ? Hi s l u n g s fl ood ed w i th b u tterfl i es. I d i d n t m a k e i t u p i n m y ow n h ea d , d i d I? T el l me you h ea rd th a t, my me too, p l ea se. I th i n k th a ts w h a t sh e sa i d . H i s m om sw u n g h er l eg s off th e si d e of th e b ed a n d sa t u p . H u n ter h a d ru n from w a tch i n g th e vi d eo feed b a ck to h i s w i n d ow . H e sea rch ed Hu th e crow d for a n ew si g n of V ere. Wh o i s th i s V ere Roth ? Sh es m y fri en d . H el l , sh e's m y everyth i n g . I th ou g h t you sa i d you d i d n t h a ve a n y fri en d s? So sh es you r g i rl fri en d ? H i s m om frow n ed , ob vi ou sl y con fu sed . Sh e u sed to b e m y fri en d . Im h op i n g th a t n ow , sh e mi g h t b e m y g i rl fri en d , H u n ter a n sw ered , sea rch i n g d esp era tel y th rou g h every si n g l e fa ce i n th e crow d a s h e con ti n u ed , Sh e a l so h a s every ri g h t to h a te my g u ts. So Im n ot su re. O k a y. I w on t a sk . Hi s mom frow n ed . H i m om It's com p l i ca ted . H u n ter h a d n ot ta k en h i s eyes off th e street from th a t p oi n t Hu forw a rd . H i s m om g ot ti red of w a i ti n g for h i m to g i ve u p a n d w en t to h er room to ch a n g e for b ed . H e refu sed even to tu rn a n d sa y g ood n i g h t, j u st i n ca se. Wh en h ed fi n a l l y sp otted V ere, w a vi n g u p a t h i s h ou se, h i s h ea rt a l m ost exp l od ed . T h e g i rl w a s j u st so a d ora b l e. H e sa w h er l ook a t a l l th e g i rl s n ext to h er, a n d d i d n ot m i ss h er momen t of d ou b t. H e cou l d a l most rea d h er m i n d a s h er mom en m ost fa ce h a d tu rn ed red w i th ob vi ou s emb a rra ssmen t w h en sh ed rea l i zed sh e w a s j u st ssm en on e of m a n y sta n d i n g i n l i n e to g et to h i m .

H e w on d ered h ow sh e cou l d n ot u n d ersta n d th ere w a s n o g i rl i n th e w orl d th a t com p a red to h er? H a d h e n ot m a d e th a t cl ea r w h en h e'd b a red h i s sou l to h er a fter Ha th ey'd k i ssed ? H ed tel l h er a g a i n , a n d a g a i n u n ti l sh e b el i eved i t...a fter h ed a p ol og i zed a n d k i ssed h er, of cou rse. T h e p ress sp otted V ere a n d J en n a , a n d crea ted a torn a d o sw a rm a rou n d th em . C h a rl i e tri ed to fen d th em off, b u t i t w a sn t w ork i n g . H e w a tch ed a s J en n a , C h a rl i e a n d V ere d ove to sa fety i n to a n op en p ol i ce ca r. H e d a sh ed ou t i n to th e h a l l . N a n ! Mom. I see V ere. Im g oi n g ou t to g et h er. Mom . H u n ter. N o. T h a ts n ot a g ood i d ea , h i s m om ca l l ed ou t. H ed b ol ted d ow n th e sta i rs a n d ou t th e fron t d oor w i th ou t th i n k i n g of a p rop er p l a n . H ed on l y m a d e i t to th e yel l ow ta p ed l i n e a n d n ow stood tra p p ed on th e i n si d e of i t. T h e p ress a n d ever g row i n g crow d of G u a rd eRob e fa n s p u sh ed i n a g a i n st h i m , screa m i n g for p h otos a n d a u tog ra p h s. H e w ork ed h a rd to ma i n ta i n a stra i g h t fa ce. ma Wh y i n th e h el l h a d I th ou g h t I cou l d g et th rou g h a n d rescu e h er from th e sq u a d ca r? So mu ch for my k n i g h t- i n - sh i n i n g - a rmor a ct. H e cou l d n t even see V ere or th e sq u a d ca r th rou g h th e crow d ! Y ou n g m a n . Mr. Ken n ed y! a n offi cer sh ou ted . Y ou re g oi n g to ca u se a ri ot. G et b a ck i n you r h ou se. Sorry, si r. I ca n t d o th a t. N ot yet, h e sh ou ted b a ck , sca n n i n g th e fa ces i n th e crow d th a t w ere l i t b y th e n ew s va n l i g h ts. H e sa w h er b u n fi rst, a n d th en a b u rl y p ol i cem a n p u sh i n g V ere, C h a rl i e a n d J en n a th rou g h th e crow d . H i s m om a n d a u n t h a d ru n ou t b eh i n d h i m , b oth i n th ei r b a th rob es. H e tossed m, th em a g ra tefu l sm i l e, ch eck i n g N a n s h a n d s to m a k e su re th e w oma n h a d k ep t h er ma om a p rom i se a n d l eft th e b a seb a l l b a t i n si d e. H u n ter, w h a t a re you d oi n g ? h i s m om h i ssed . I d on t k n ow . F ol l ow i n g m y h ea rt I g u ess. An d sh es ou t h ere. D on t you see? Ive g ot to g et to h er. N ow . H u n ter p u sh ed h i s w a y forw a rd , n ever ta k i n g h i s eye off V eres m a g n i fi cen t b u n , a n d m a d e i t i n to th e cen ter of th e th ron g . ma H u n ter. H u n ter. O ver h ere! Smi l e th i s w a y, a rep orter sh ou ted , ri g h t i n h i s Sm i fa ce. O oooh . H u n ter! H u n ter Ken n ed ys ri g h t th ere. I l ove you . H U N T E R I L O V E Y O U SO MU C H ! T h e sou n d of screa m i n g g i rl s fl ood ed h i s ea rs. H u n ters h ea d p ou n d ed a s h i s fa n s sw a rm ed even cl oser a rou n d h i m . T h i s w a s j u st too m u ch . H u n ter w a n ted to d eck th e rep orter a n d sq u el ch th e screa m ers w i th a fi re h ose or som eth i n g , b u t h e h a d n oth i n g th a t w ou l d stop th em. em . H i s fi rst u rg e w a s to p u n ch everyon e a n d a n yth i n g th a t w a s k eep i n g h i m sep a ra ted from V ere, b u t h e h el d b a ck . H e took a d eep b rea th a n d ca l m ed h i s He med tem p er. T h e m ed i a a n d fa n s w ere h ere from a n oth er w orl d . T h ey op era ted on oth er- w orl d ru l es. H e h a d to rem emb er th a t a n d p l a y b y th em correctl y or h e w ou l d l ose. H e sm i l ed em b w h en h e rea l i zed h e d i d h a ve som eth i n g h e cou l d u se to stop i t a l l . H e h a d

h i m sel f. H e cou l d u se th ese ru l es to h i s b en efi t, b u t i n ord er to d o i t w el l , h e n eed ed to g et th e p ress on h i s si d e a n d fa st. H e l ook ed tow a rd V ere a n d rea l i zed sh e, J en n a a n d C h a rl i e w ere su rrou n d ed a s w el l . H e w orri ed J en n a m i g h t overrea ct to th e p resss b a rra g e of q u esti on s. O r V ere He m i g h t g et rea l l y sh y a n d d o on e of h er b a b b l e a tta ck s. E ven w orse, C h a rl i e m i g h t p u l l som eth i n g even stu p i d er th a n V ere i f h e fel t h i s si ster w a s b ei n g th rea ten ed . An d th en a l l w ou l d b e l ost for H u n ter, b eca u se C h a rl i e w ou l d ea si l y th row p u n ch es a t a n yon e a n d g et h i m sel f a rrested . J en n a l ook ed a s i f sh ed a l rea d y sta rted u p ! Sh e seem ed to b e p ok i n g a n offi cer over a n d over a g a i n i n h i s ch est a s sh e yel l ed a t h i m , a n d th e p a p a ra zzi sta n d i n g i n th e b a ck h a d sta rted to ta k e som e sh ots of J en n a s ob vi ou s ta n tru m . T h i s w a s n ot g ood . H i s fri en d s h a d n o i d ea h ow to p l a y th i s g a m e. Hel l . H ed w a n ted th i s meeti n g H el m eeti w i th V ere to b e m u ch d i fferen t th a n th i s, m ore p ri va te to b e su re. B u t n ow th a t h e h a d h er i n h i s si g h ts h e w a s n ot g oi n g to l et h er g o a g a i n . G a me on . T i me to rol l th e d i ce. G u ys. G u ys. H e sp ok e q u i ck l y a n d very l ou d l y so th e m ed i a zom b i es n ea rest to h i m w ou l d a l l focu s a n d q u i et d ow n . Y ou ve g ot to h el p m e. My h om ecom i n g d a te i s sta n d i n g j u st over th ere. He p oi n ted tow a rd V ere. He Som e of th e rep orters tu rn ed th ei r ca m era s a rou n d . Wh ere? Wh i ch on e? H om ecom i n g ? Rea l l y? omecom T h e cu te g i rl w i th th e b u n . Sh e d oesn t k n ow sh es m y h om ecom i n g d a te b eca u se I h a ven t a sk ed h er yet a n d th a ts b eca u se I ca n t g et over to h er. If you l et m e th rou g h , I p romi se to w a i t u n ti l you h a ve a l l you r eq u i p m en t a n d ca m era s tu rn ed rom i b a ck on b efore I a sk h er ou t. Wh a t d o you sa y? H el p a g u y g et a d a te a n d move Hel m ove som e of th ese fa n s b a ck for me? If you d o, th e story i s you rs. m e? T h e p a p a ra zzi n od d ed , j ock eyi n g for p osi ti on . T h ey q u i ck l y w ere a b l e to crea te a l on g p a th w a y i n th e d i recti on of V ere. H u n ter p u sh ed h i s w a y th rou g h th em a n d g l a n ced u p j u st i n ti me to see on e of me th e offi cers h a u l i n g J en n a a n d V ere tow a rd Mr. a n d Mrs. Roth , w h od com e ou t to sta n d on th ei r l a w n . T h ey w ere ob vi ou sl y w a i ti n g to col l ect th ei r w a yw a rd ch i l d ren . A secon d offi cer h a d C h a rl i e i n w h a t l ook ed l i k e a p a i n fu l a rm l ock , a n d H u n ter for th e fi rst ti m e, w a s fi n a l l y a b l e to l ock g a zes w i th V ere. Wh en sh e sa w h i m , sh e d ou b l ed h er efforts to g et a w a y from th e offi cer. H u n ter! Sh e sq u i rm ed d esp era tel y a g a i n st th e g i a n t a rm th a t h el d h er. H e w a s el a ted , w a tch i n g h er efforts to m a k e i t over to h i m . m. D a mn , b u t th e g i rl d oes w a n t to see me! Wa i t! H u n ter sh ou ted a s th e op en i n g w i d en ed m ore. H e w a s a b l e to b rea k free Hu a n d ru n forw a rd . P l ea se! L et th em sta y. T h e p ress cl osed i n b eh i n d h i m a n d h e ca u g h t u p to V ere a n d C h a rl i e j u st a s th ey w ere b ei n g d ep osi ted over th e p ol i ce ta p e th a t b l ock ed th e crow d from th e Roth s fron t l a w n . P l ea se. L et m e ta l k to m y fri en d s. If th a ts w h a t th ey sti l l a re, H u n ter fi n i sh ed , tossi n g ea ch of th em a w orri ed l ook . C h a rl i e fl u sh ed . F ri en d s or n ot, w e h a ve to g et th i s n ei g h b orh ood b a ck i n ord er. Mr. Ken n ed y,

retu rn to you r resi d en ce, th e offi cer sh ou ted . H u n ter, w ere so sorry a b ou t a l l of th i s, Mrs. Roth ca l l ed ou t. O ffi cer, ca n w e p l ea se ta l k to h i m . J u st for a m om en t? V ere, C h a rl i e, a n d J en n a tu rn ed a rou n d . H u n ter d a rted a g ra tefu l sm i l e a t Mrs. Roth . If you l l a l l ow m e, offi cers, Ive g ot a few th i n g s to sa y. I p romi sed th ese rom i rep orters n ot to sh u t th em ou t. I k i n d of w a n t a l l of you to h ea r w h a t I h a ve to sa y, a n yw a y. O n ce th ey g et th i s story, th ey w i l l a l l h ea d ou t. T h e offi cer took n ote of th e rol l i n g n ew s ca m era s a n d sh i fted to th e si d e, m a k i n g su re h e w a s g oi n g to b e i n th e sh ot. H u n ter a l m ost h a d to l a u g h a t th a t. Y ou h a ve tw o m i n u tes, Mr. Ken n ed y, th e ma n sa i d , stra i g h ten i n g h i s b a ck a n d p reen i n g for ma th e ca m era . H u n ter n od d ed h i s th a n k s a n d w a l k ed over to V ere a n d took on e of h er h a n d s. Hu T h e sm a l l sm i l e sh e g a ve h i m fl ood ed h i s h ea rt w i th h a p p i n ess. E veryb od y rea d y a n d rol l i n g ? h e a sk ed th e p ress, w a i ti n g w h i l e a few sw a p p ed eq u i p men t a n d m en fou n d a g ood p osi ti on . H e w a s rew a rd ed w i th a l a u g h a n d som e sm i l es from th e p a p a ra zzi a s th ey g ot He si tu a ted . T h ey w ere ea ti n g ou t of h i s h a n d , th a n k G od . D u sti n w a s p l ea sed to see h i s m om a n d Au n t N a n h a d m a d e th ei r w a y to th e fron t of th e crow d a n d w ou l d b e a b l e to h ea r w h a t h e w a s a b ou t to sa y. H e n od d ed on ce to h i s m om to sh ow h er h e w a s ok a y, b eca u se sh e l ook ed rea l l y He w orri ed a n d frea k ed ou t. Sh e retu rn ed i t w i th a trem u l ou s sm i l e a n d a sm a l l con fu sed h ea d sh a k e, b u t d i d n ot m ove to i n terven e. F i rst, to th e en ti re Roth fa m i l y. I w a n t to p u b l i cl y sa y th a n k you for h el p i n g com p l ete m y d i sg u i se, a n d sh ow m e th e rop es a rou n d th i s tow n a n d sch ool . H u n ter p oi n ted to ea ch p erson a n d th e p ress m a d e su re th ey w ere a l l Hu p h otog ra p h ed . T h i s i s C h a rl i e, V ere, a n d Mr. a n d Mrs. Roth , a n d m y fri en d my J en n a . T h ey sort of a d op ted m e, a n d h el p ed me h i d e ou t i n th i s tow n a s a k i d me n a m ed D u sti n McH u g h . Ive n ever fel t su ch l ove a n d a ccep ta n ce from stra n g ers b efore. T h i s fa m i l y i s over th e top . An d d on t even g et m e sta rted on th e d el i ci ou s mi food . H e w i n k ed a t a g l ow i n g Mrs. Roth . H u n ter cou l d n ot b el i eve th i s w a s w ork i n g so w el l . Hu T h e crow d h a d g row n so si l en t h e fel t a s th ou g h h e w ere on a m ovi e set. H e cou l d n t b el i eve a l l th ese p eop l e w a n ted to h ea r h i s story so b a d l y th a t th ey He w ou l d si t ou t h ere i n th e m i d d l e of th e n i g h t a n d l i sten to th i s. H e l ook ed w i l d l y mi a t a l l of th em a n d a l m ost p a n i ck ed b u t k n ew h e h a d to g o on . If th ey w a n ted to most l i sten , h e w ou l d ta l k . H e sh ot h i s a u n t a sm i l e. T h a ts w h a t rea l men d i d , ri g h t? T h ey ta l k ed . H e d a rted a g l a n ce a t V eres g i a n t, l u m i n ou s eyes for cou ra g e, p u l l ed i n a d eep He b rea th a n d m oti on ed to V ere, C h a rl i e a n d J en n a a g a i n . T h ese th ree a re m y b est fri en d s h ere, a n d , i f you m u st k n ow , m y on l y tru e fri en d s. An yon e el se w h o sa ys d i fferen tl y h a s b een l yi n g . H u n ter g l a n ced to th e b a ck of th e crow d a n d n oted th a t most of th e j u n i or cl a ss Hu m ost th a t h e cou l d see w ou l d n t m eet h i s g a ze. T a k e th a t, Kri sten Hod j w i ck , w h erever you a re.

H u n ter tu rn ed b a ck to th e p eop l e i n fron t of h i m . Im seri ou sl y h op i n g th ese th ree w i l l sti l l b e m y fri en d s a fter you a l l l ea ve tow n . D on t b l ow i t for m e b y p esteri n g th em so m u ch th ey h a te m e, p l ea se? A few rep orters h a d th e g ood g ra ce to l a u g h a t h i s com m en t. men J en n a b ea m ed , a n d H u n ter l ock ed g a zes w i th V ere. H er eyes h a d th a t l a rg er- th a n - l i fe- sp a rk l e g oi n g on . H e cou l d sen se sh e w a n ted to tel l h i m som eth i n g b u t sh e w a s p u l l i n g i n b rea th a fter b rea th . T ryi n g n ot to cry. someth H e w i n k ed a n d g a ve h er h a n d a sq u eeze. C ou ra g e, b ea u ti fu l , h e w h i sp ered , m ovi n g cl oser. C h a rl i e w h i sp ered , D u d e, Im sorry. So sorry I b l ew you r cover. I d i d n t u n d ersta n d . P l ea se, n o a p ol og i es. I th i n k , a fter ton i g h t w ere on even g rou n d . In a l ow er voi ce h e con ti n u ed , you d i d m e a fa vor, d u d e. T ru st m e, m y a g en t h a d a l rea d y b l ow n m y cover w a y w orse. Al l th ese p eop l e a re n ot h ere from th e p h on e ca l l you m a d e to th e l oca l n ew s. Il l exp l a i n i t a l l l a ter. C h a rl i es eyes w i d en ed w i th rel i ef a s H u n ter w en t on , n ot w a n ti n g th e p ress to g et d i stra cted . I h a ve m ore to sa y, i f you a l l d on t m i n d . Mostl y a b ou t m y d i sg u i se. An d w h y I w a s h i d i n g ou t h ere u si n g a d i fferen t n a m e. After th a t, I h a ve a m ore seri ou s q u esti on for m y b est fri en d , V ere. H e l ook ed a t Mr. a n d Mrs. Roth a n d th en p oi n ted l y a t C h a rl i e b efore a d d i n g , i f I h a ve you r b l essi n g s. C h a rl i e n od d ed , Mrs. Roth b ea m ed , a n d Mr. Roth sh ot h i m a sh ort, cu rt a n d n ot a p p rovi n g g ri m a ce. D a mn . Il l w ork on Mr. Roth l a ter. H u n ter tu rn ed a n d took V eres oth er h a n d . T h e ca m era s w en t w i l d . H e cou l d feel h er trem b l i n g so h e l ea n ed i n a n d w h i sp ered so on l y sh e cou l d h ea r. If you cry ri g h t n ow , Im g oi n g to l ose m y n erve. Y ou ok a y? Sh e n od d ed . G ood . H u n ter p u l l ed V ere forw a rd a n d rei n trod u ced h er to th e p ress w i th h i s a rm a rou n d h er sh ou l d er. E veryon e, th i s i s V ere. Sh es p ossi b l y th e sw eetest g i rl a t P a l m er D i vi d e H i g h , d efi n i tel y th e m ost b ea u ti fu l . H i s l et h i s voi ce d rop a b i t most a n d m et h er g a ze. T od a y w e h a d a b i t of a fi g h t, b u t yesterd a y w e w ere b est fri en d s. Im h op i n g th i s p ress even t ca n record th e tw o of u s m a k i n g u p . ma V ere b l u sh ed a n d tri ed to tu rn a w a y from th e ca m era s i n h er fa ce. C ome on . I d o om e n ot n eed to b e fi re- en g i n e- red for th e en ti re cou n try, sh e w h i sp ered , p ressi n g h er h ea d i n to h i s sh ou l d er. P l a n et. U K- D a i l y i s fron t a n d cen ter, h e tea sed . H e w a s rel i eved to see h er tea rs h a d a b a ted . Sh es a l so h u m b l e a n d very, very sh y. P l ea se, g o ea sy w i th th i s g i rl a n d b a ck u p . T h e ca m era s m oved b a ck . V ere sh ot h i m a g l a re. Wh y d i d you h a ve to sa y th a t? H e sm i l ed a t h er p i n ch ed fa ce. B eca u se you a re. An d I l ove th a t p a rt a b ou t you . Sh e fl u sh ed even m ore. Im su re you see w h y Im g oi n g to m a k e i t n o secret th a t Im h ea d over h eel s for th i s g i rl . I a l m ost l ost h er to a n oth er g u y b y n ot tel l i n g h er m y feel i n g s soon

en ou g h . Ma yb e i f I sa y th em i n fron t of you a l l , w e ca n p ri n t i t u p , sh e w i l l rea d i t h ersel f a n d fi n a l l y b el i eve m e. D i d you a l m ost l ose h er to th e h i g h sch ool q u a rterb a ck ? som eon e a sk ed . T h e crow d eru p ted i n to a ra sh of u n i n tel l i g i b l e q u esti on s a n d sh ou ts. H u n ter h el d u p h i s h a n d a n d th e n oi se d i ed d ow n . Y es. I a l m ost l ost h er. I tri ed to tel l h er h ow I fel t th i s a ftern oon , b u t i t ca me ou t b a d l y b eca u se w h en I fi n a l l y me ca m e cl ea n , w e h a d n t offi ci a l l y m et. I m a d e a m ess of i t a l l . Wh a t d o you mea n b y th a t, H u n ter? Y ou ve b een h ere for a l m ost a m on th . Y ou m ea sa i d you met th e Roth s on th e fi rst d a y. T h ey w ere i n on th e w h ol e d i sg u i se, a m et m a n con tested . H u n ter sw a l l ow ed . Y ea h , w el l ...I a sk ed h er from d a y on e to th i n k of m e a s D u sti n McHu g h . As j u st a n oth er k i d l i k e h er. T h a t's h ow everyon e h ere k n ew m e a n d trea ted m e. I d i d th e sa m e i n m y ow n h ea d . I w a s w ron g to ta k e m y d i sg u i se so fa r. T h e vi d eo ca m era s m oved cl oser. So m a n y l i g h ts fl a sh ed a t th em th a t H u n ter w a s tem p ora ri l y b l i n d ed . V ere sh u t h er eyes. E veryth i n g fa d ed ou t a n d h e focu sed a l l h i s en erg y on h er. Sh e p u l l ed a g a i n st h i s h a n d , a n d h e cou l d tel l sh e j u st w a n ted to ru n for h er h ou se. Al l w h i l e h er ch eek s fl a m ed th a t a d ora b l e, rose p i n k col or. H a ve you l ost i t? sh e w h i sp ered fi n a l l y. Wh a t a re you d oi n g w i th a l l th ese ca m era s? An d m e? H e sp ok e on l y to h er. B efore w e m ove forw a rd . B efore on e m ore m i n u te p a sses, Im i n trod u ci n g m ysel f to you . Ri g h t h ere, ri g h t n ow , i n fron t of th e w h ol e p l a n et. Wh a t? V ere g l a n ced n ervou sl y a b ou t. An d , w i th a m ove h ed g row n to l ove m ore th a n ever, sh e rea ch ed u p a n d u n con sci ou sl y ch eck ed h er b u n . H u n ter. Y ou d on t n eed to d o th i s. I k n ow w h o you a re. I w a s so l a m e. An d Im sorry. I g et i t n ow . T h e feel i n g s a re rea l . Y ou a re m ore th a n rea l . I j u st w a n t to ta l k to you a w a y from h ere. Wi sp s of g ol d en b l on d e a n d b row n h a i r fra m ed h er fa ce a n d d a n ced a rou n d th e h i s fa vori te p a rt of th e b a ck of h er n eck a s sh e sh ook h er h ea d . G od , b u t I ca n t w a i t to g et my h a n d s i n th ose l i ttl e cu rl s. H u n ter d i d n t m i ss th e fa ct th a t th e rep orters w ere ri veted on h er. T h ey sa w w h a t h e sa w , th a t even i n h er m essy b u n , a n d a tea r sta i n ed fa ce, th i s g i rl w a s si m p l y ri veti n g . Sh e h a d a l rea d y ch a rm ed everyon e i n fron t of h er w i th h er q u i et b l u sh es. H e m oved h i s m ou th cl ose i n to h er ea r, d ra w i n g u p th e fl ow ery smel l of h er i n to sm el h i s n ose a s h e tri ed to exp l a i n , I w a n t everyon e el se to k n ow w h o I a m , too, i n cl u d i n g m e. H el p m e th rou g h th i s. Its som eth i n g I n eed to d o. I w on t m a k e you sta y i f you a b sol u tel y d on t w a n t to, b u t I h a ve to fi n i sh th i s ou t. Wh en you re w i th m e, V ere, I feel l i k e th eres n oth i n g I ca n t d o. Sta y for m e? P l ea se? O k a y. F or you . Sh e h a l f- smi l ed a n d tu ck ed h ersel f i n cl oser u n d er h i s a rm . Sh e sm i h el d on to h i m for d ea r l i fe a s sh e a rch ed h er b row s. B u t d on t you l et m e g o, or l ea ve m e a l on e i n th i s crow d . An d th en , w e a re so ou t of h ere. An oth er ru sh of p i n k fl a m ed h er ch eek s a n d h i s eyes ri veted on h er l i p s. Sh e w a s ch ew i n g n ervou sl y on th e top on e a g a i n . D a mn . T h a t. Ad ora b l e. L i p .

Sh i t. N ow , w h ere w a s I? H u n ter u ttered , rea l i zi n g h ed tru l y forg otten everyth i n g b u t h er sw eet m ou th . Y ou w ere i n trod u ci n g you rsel f to a l l of u s a n d em b a rra ssi n g m e, sh e w h i sp ered . H e cou l d tel l sh e w a s tryi n g h a rd to g et b a ck h er b ra va d o. H e g ri n n ed d ow n a t h er. V ere ti l ted h er h ea d to th e si d e a n d scru n ch ed h er n ose. H i s stom a ch fi l l ed w i th b u tterfl i es. It cou l d n t b e h el p ed . It w a s H u n ters tu rn to trem b l e. H e fel t h i s a rm sh a k i n g a g a i n st h er sh ou l d ers. H e sh ook h i m sel f a n d ri g h ted h i s th ou g h ts. B u t k ep t h i s g a ze l ock ed w i th h er eyes. V ere. Im H u n ter Ken n ed y. Som e of th i s you k n ow a l rea d y, som e you d on t. Im some a g u y w h o w a s so l ost a n d d ep ressed th a t I frea k ed ou t a n d tri ed to h u rt m ysel f b eca u se I fel t so d ow n . I w a s a com p l ete a ss to m y m om , a n d I cra sh ed a P orsch e on to m y ow n fron t p orch . I cra sh ed i t h a rd en ou g h to a l so h u rt m ysel f w i th th a t d ea l too. L u ck i l y, I d i d n t g et h u rt. V ere ra i sed h er eyeb row s a n d fu rrow ed h er b row , b u t sa i d n oth i n g . Sh e d i d n t h a ve to. T ea rs h a d p ool ed i n si d e h er eyes. L et m e sta rt a g a i n . Im H u n ter Ken n ed y. I w i l l m ost p rob a b l y sp en d th e rest of most m y l i fe p rovi n g to m y m om , m y a u n t a n d m y fri en d s, a n d fa n s th a t Im ok a y n ot sa d a n ym ore. T h a t Im tru l y sorry for n ot rea ch i n g ou t a n d a sk i n g for h el p i n stea d of ta k i n g m a tters too fa r. G oi n g to a p l a ce I n ever w a n ted to g o. H e sea rch ed th e crow d u n ti l h i s g a ze fel l on h i s m om a n d Au n t N a n . H e w a s p l ea sed to n ote th ey w ere b oth w i th h i m a n d h ea ri n g h i s a p ol og y. V ere p u t h er a rm a rou n d h i s w a i st, d ra w i n g h i s g a ze b a ck to h er. Al w a ys b a ck to th i s a ma zi n g g i rl . Y ou w ere sa d . N on e of th a t w a s you r fa u l t I k n ow th a t. B u t I w a s a l so l i vi n g a rea l l y stra n g e, sh u t d ow n a n d sel fi sh l i fe. Y ou a re a n yth i n g b u t sel fi sh . D on t sa y th a t a b ou t you rsel f. H e sh ook h i s h ea d . I w a s sel fi sh tod a y w h en you a sk ed m e to k i ss you . In stea d of w a l k i n g a w a y l i k e I sh ou l d h a ve, I cou l d n t. H e sw a l l ow ed a n d ra n h i s free h a n d th rou g h h i s h a i r b efore g oi n g on , I w a n ted to b e you r fi rst k i ss. I k n ew th a t even i f you n ever sp ok e to m e a g a i n , you d a t l ea st p ossi b l y rem em b er m e over C u rti s. See? Sel fi sh . T h e ca m era s fi red , a n d th e crow d w en t si l en t a s th e p a p a ra zzi creep ed even cl oser w i th th ei r d i g i ta l record ers p i ck i n g u p every w ord a n d b l i n k h e a n d V ere p u t ou t. Wow . O k a y. Il l n eed ti m e to th i n k a b ou t th a t. V ere fl u sh ed , h er g a ze b ew i l d ered a n d p l ea sed a l l a t th e sa m e ti m e. H u n ter h a d to l ook a w a y from h er or h e w a s a b ou t to b e sel fi sh a g a i n a n d k i ss h er ri g h t th ere. H e sca n n ed th e crow d , feel i n g su d d en l y l ost a n d con fu sed , b u t p ressu re from V eres g en tl e a rm b rou g h t h i s g a ze b a ck to h er a n d a g a i n , h e fou n d h i s cen ter. H e sta rted a g a i n , th i s ti m e sp ea k i n g to th e p ress fa ce on . Im H u n ter Ken n ed y, a n d th e m ost i m p orta n t th i n g I w a n t you a l l to k n ow i s th a t I g ot rea l l y sa d b a ck i n L os An g el es. I m a d e som e terri b l e ch oi ces th a t a l m ost en d ed m y l i fe.

H e sm i l ed a t th e ca m era s, h a m m i n g i t u p n ow w i th h i s tra d em a rk g ri n . B u t n ow , Im ok a y. Im n ot a sh a m ed of w h a t I d i d , n or w i l l I h i d e h ow I fel t b eca u se I th i n k i t m i g h t h el p oth ers to k n ow w h a t I w en t th rou g h . Im h a p p y to b e a l i ve a n d so th a n k fu l th a t m y su i ci d e a ttem p ts fa i l ed . my V ere ch ok ed b a ck a sob . G od . H u n ter. So a re w e. H e l ook ed d ow n a t h er a n d w i p ed a w a y a tea r. I w a n t to sta y a n d fi n i sh h i g h sch ool , h ere, i n C ol ora d o. Y ou d o! Sh e b ea m ed . Rea l l y? I h op e m y a g en t a n d b a n d w i l l w a i t for m e, b u t Il l u n d ersta n d i f th ey ca n t. B u t I n eed to d o w h a ts ri g h t for m e, a n d sta yi n g h ere, h e p u l l ed V ere ti g h ter b efore con ti n u i n g , feel s ri g h t. T h e m ed i a eru p ted i n to a n ew rou n d of fren zi ed ch a os. E veryon e seem ed to b e m ovi n g a n d sh ou ti n g d i sj oi n ted q u esti on s a s th ey p ressed i n even cl oser to H u n ter a n d V ere. T h a ts g ood en ou g h . Y ou ve sa i d en ou g h , V ere i n si sted over th e n oi se. H e i n terru p ted h er b y p u tti n g h i s fi n g er g en tl y, very g en tl y, on h er l i p s. I w a n t to b e su re w e a l l g et i t. In cl u d i n g m ysel f. In cl u d i n g m y fa m i l y, a n d you rs. T h e crow d q u i eted a g a i n . H e l ook ed a w a y from V ere a n d con ti n u ed to fa ce th e crow d . V ere, u n ti l I ca m e h ere, a n d m et you , I d i d n t u n d ersta n d th a t I w a s m ore th a n a l ea d si n g er of a b a n d . I w a s so sh u t d ow n , I cou l d n t even p i ck m y ow n sock s, rem em b er? C a m era fl a sh es a n d w h i sp ers ra m p ed u p a l l a rou n d th em a g a i n . Sh e n od d ed . Y ou w ere th e fi rst p erson w h o m a d e m e rea l i ze th a t I n eed ed to sta rt ch oosi n g a g a i n or I w ou l d n ever b e h a p p y. So th a n k you for th a t. Sh e sh ook h er h ea d , b u t h e i n terru p ted b efore sh e cou l d sp ea k , L et m e sa y i t on e m ore ti m e. T h i s on es a l l you rs, V ere. H e g ri n n ed . Sh e tu rn ed b ri g h t p i n k a l l over a g a i n . Im H u n ter Ken n ed y. Rea l fl esh a n d b l ood . J u st a n orm a l g u y, w i th a cra zy j ob th a ts cu rren tl y on h ol d . I w a s p reten d i n g to b e som eon e el se; b u t ou r fri en d sh i p w a s i s com p l etel y rea l . I l ove m u si c, p oetry, d ra m a cl a ss, h i k i n g , sw i m m i n g i n comp l a k es a n d sp en d i n g every free m i n u te I h a ve ta l k i n g to you . Sh e g a sp ed a n d th en b i t d ow n on h er b ottom l i p . H e cou l d tel l sh e w a s a b ou t d o th a t cryi n g th i n g . D on t cry, h e p l ea d ed . I h a ve to fi n i sh . F or th e fi rst ti m e i n m y l i fe, I l ove a n d u n d ersta n d th e p erson I see w h en I l ook i n a m i rror. Its th e sa m e p erson I see refl ected b a ck a t m e i n you r b ea u ti fu l eyes. Its si m p l y me . An d I l i k e m e h ow you l i k e m e. As i s. Sca rred , w i th a too- l ow voi ce, a l w a ys h u n g ry a n d everyth i n g el se i n b etw een . Sh e smi l ed a n d h e k n ew sh e tota l l y g ot w h a t h e m ea n t. sm i T h i s i s a g i ft you h el p ed m e fi n d . I d on t th i n k I w i l l ever b e a b l e to rep a y you for sh ow i n g i t to m e. Y ou d on t n eed to ever a n d you k n ow you j u st you V ere g a sp ed a n d

sh ook h er h ea d . H e cou l d tel l h er sh yn ess w a s n ot a l l ow i n g h er to con ti n u e. H er eyes h el d b a ck a ta n g l e of w ord s h e k n ew sh e w a n ted to sh ou t ou t i n h i s d efen se. D a mn , b u t sh es so cu te l i k e th i s. H e m oved a si d e, a n d took u p b oth of h er h a n d s i n h i s a g a i n . I k n ow i ts too m u ch for you to h ea r a l l of th i s i n on e n i g h t. B u t I h a ve to sa y i t a g a i n . Ive fa l l en com p l etel y i n l ove w i th you , V ere. Im ti red of h i d i n g a n d p reten d i n g . I h op e you w i l l a t l ea st ta k e a ch a n ce a n d g o ou t w i th m e. G et to k n ow m e a s H u n ter Ken n ed y? Y ou on ce tol d m e I cou l d b e p erfect b oyfri en d m a teri a l . Im h op i n g i t me cou l d b e ea si er th a n I on ce th ou g h t. Im a l so rea l i zi n g th e sw eet, rom a n ti c stu ff you b el i eve i n m i g h t b e th e w a y to g o for u s. V ere sm i l ed w i d er, seemi n g to g et som e con trol . seem i H e l et g o of on e h er h a n d s a n d ra n th e b a ck of h i s fi n g er a cross h er b u rn i n g ch eek . So, w h a t d o you sa y? E ven th ou g h w eve on l y j u st m et? An d even w i th m y cra zy l i fe? Wou l d you con si d er m e, you r b esti e w h o w a n ts to b e so m u ch m ore th a n th a t a s you r h om ecom i n g d a te? V ere n od d ed . Id l ove to g o w i th you . B u t n o w a i t! H u n ter p a u sed . H i s h ea rt stop p ed b ea ti n g B u t w h a t? H e a n d th e w a i ti n g crow d w en t com p l etel y si l en t. Wh a t? Y ou re k i l l i n g m e. Wh a t? H e ti g h ten ed h i s g ri p on h er h a n d s a n d l ook ed i n to h er b i g , b row n eyes. D on t ch a n g e you r m i n d . P l ea se. Sh e ra i sed h er b row s a n d m a n a g ed h er i m p i sh ch a l l en g e- g ri n . Wel l ...u m . Wh a ts you r n a m e a g a i n ? D i d you sa y i t w a s H u n ter? Hu n ter Ken n ed y ? E veryon e l a u g h ed , i n cl u d i n g h i m . H u n ter sw ep t h er i n to a sp i n n i n g h u g , d esp era te to h a ve h i s a rm s a l l th e w a y a rou n d h er a s h e resp on d ed to h er q u esti on , Y es, yes, yes a n d yes ! H u n ter Ken n ed y. T h a t w ou l d b e m e. V ere, n ow g ri n n i n g m a d l y, su rp ri sed h i m w h en sh e p l a n ted a q u i ck , soft k i ss ri g h t on h i s l i p s a s h e set h er d ow n . H e cou l d n t h el p b u t k i ss h er b a ck for a very l on g ti m e w h i l e th e crow d ch eered . B est p a rt? V ere d i d n t seem to ca re th ey w ere k i ssi n g i n fron t of everyon e. An d everyon es p a ren ts.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

An n e E l i ot w ri tes sw eet, b estsel l i n g teen rom a n ces a b ou t h i g h sch ool a n d / or fi rst roma l oves a l on g w i th some tou g h em oti on a l i ssu es. T h a n k s so mu ch for g i vi n g you r p reci ou s rea d i n g ti m e to th i s b ook . Revi ew s a re i mp orta n t a n d h el p a u th ors b e fou n d b y oth er rea d ers. If you l i k ed th i s b ook , p l ea se recom men d i t to a fri en d or revi ew i t on Am a zon .com Ama I a l so h op e you w i l l try my oth er teen rom a n ce: my C l i ck th e ti tl e b el ow to p revi ew or d ow n l oa d free sa mp l e ch a p ters mp from a ma zon .com ! ma Almost, a love story F or more i n forma ti on p l ea se fol l ow m e on tw i tter: me @ya roma n ce rom a I w ou l d a l so b e h on ored i f you w ou l d 'l i k e' m y F a ceb ook p a g e, or w a n t to my ema i l / messa g e me d i rectl y th ere or on G ood rea d s.com!

h ttp s:/ / w w w .fa ceb ook .com/ a n n eel i ota u th or ... w w w .a n n eel i ot.com An n e E l i ot 'BEST FIRST KISSES'

RESOURCES To Cari Rhea and Kathy Loew: T h a n k you for op en l y sh a ri n g you r stori es of teen a n d a d u l t d ep ressi on . T h a n k s for d escri b i n g th e roa d s you w a l k ed , sh a ri n g you r b ea u ti fu l j ou rn a l s, a n d / or g i vi n g a d vi ce on Hu n ters sca rs, i n si d e a n d ou t. Y ou a re a ma zi n g w omen . Y ou r k i d s a re w on d erfu l . We a l l a re b eyon d l u ck y th a t you w on you r b a ttl es so w e cou l d sh a re i n you rs ( a n d th ei r) b ea u ti fu l l i ves. If you a re d ep ressed , or th i n k i n g a b ou t sel f h a rm or h a ve th ou g h ts of su i ci d e or cu tti n g , p l ea se rea ch ou t. D on t h i d e or b e a sh a med of a n yth i n g you feel b u t p l ea se d on 't h u rt you rsel f. Y ou a re n ot a l on e. Y ou a re N O T a l on e. Y O U ARE N O T AL O N E . T el l someon e. T a l k to som eon e. P l ea se. Ask for h el p . Y ou a re i m p orta n t, you a re b ea u ti fu l a n d you a re w orth everyth i n g . mp T h ere a re b est fri en d s a n d a ma zi n g p eop l e you h a ven t met yet... th ey a re rea l ...a n d th ey a re w a i ti n g for you . F or i mmed i a te h el p a n d l i n k s to su i ci d e h otl i n e p h on e n u mb ers i n you r cou n try, g et on th e In tern et a n d sea rch : teen d ep ressi on or su i ci d e h otl i n e T h i s sea rch m eth od i s a g ood sta rti n g p oi n t to fi n d th e p l a ces a n d p h on e n u mb ers meth mb n ea rest you a n d i n you r ow n cou n try. Y ou ca n a l so u se th ese sea rch es i f you th i n k a fri en d mi g h t sh ow si g n s of d ep ressi on . mi Ma n y n a ti on a l su i ci d e h otl i n e n u mb ers h a ve p eop l e m a n n i n g th e l i n es 24 h ou rs a ma d a y.

Y ou r sch ool ca n a l so h el p , b u t you m u st b e b ra ve a n d rea ch ou t to a sk for h el p . T h ere a re m a n y w eb si tes w i th i n tera cti ve ch a ts, stori es you ca n rel a te to a n d ma g rou p s w h o a re a va i l a b l e on F a ceb ook a n d T w i tter a s w el l . P l ea se sea rch some som e k eyw ord s, tel l a n a d u l t or someon e you n eed h el p , or ca l l you r n a ti on a l su i ci d e p reven ti on h otl i n e to si mp l y ta l k . Keyw ord s th a t mi g h t h el p you r T w i tter a n d F a ceb ook sea rch es for su p p ort a n d p eop l e to con n ect w i th on th i s tou g h top i c:

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS T h ere a re so ma n y p eop l e to men ti on h ere, b u t fi rst a n d a l w a ys, I h a ve to th a n k ma m y fa m i l y. My sw eet h u sb a n d T om, m y b ea u ti fu l d a u g h ter Ki k a , my w i l d - ch i l d my my my Wi l son a n d a l l si x of my p a ren ts: L ou i se a n d L ou i s N el son , C h u ck a n d C on n i e P ow ers, B ob a n d J a ck i e Ma cF a rl a n e. Ag a i n , th a n k s for you r l ove, p a ti en ce a n d su p p ort. T h e B ook Ma k ers C rew a n d T een Rea d i n g Ad vi sory G i rl s : Arti sts P eter F reed m a n & Ka tj a Ku l en k a mp ff , th e b est ed i tor/ rea d ers i n th e w orl d : T ra ci e Sch u l tz, L a n a Wi l l i a ms, Mi ch el l e Ma j or, L a ra Hu n ter & Ki k a Ma cF a rl a n e for th e l on g h ou rs of d evoti on to H u n ters comma s. T o th e crew w h o fou n d me th e ri g h t H u n ter: Ki k a Hu me Hu a g a i n , Sa oi rse O C on n or esp . you a n d you r con sta n t, cu te, RE D C H E E KS. HE Ki m mi e Sta tma n , Ma ck en zi e Wel l er, ya rom a n ce.com g i rl s, tw eet m a sters a n d g rea t fri en d s, w h o a l on g w i th Kyl i e N a sh l ook ed a t p roofs a n d p a g es, a n d for ma k i n g su re I d i d n ot ch oose th e O T HE R cover p h oto th a t ma d e you a l l screa m i n ma h orror. T o B ecca , Ma d d i e D ., Ma d d i e J ., Ka ti e P ., V a l eri e, a n d G reta from fa r a w a y G erma n y too. <3 T o sw eet Keva O C on n or, Ka ty O ffen , Kyl i e N a sh a g a i n a n d Sa mmy L oew for m my b ra vi n g th e fi rst p roofs a n d ma k i n g m e feel con fi d en t en ou g h to h i t 'p u b l i sh '. Wh a t w ou l d I d o w i th ou t a l l of you b ei n g p a rt of my l i fe? I a m so l u ck y to k n ow you a l l . A sp eci a l sh ou t ou t to J en n a a n d Syd n e Sh a ttu ck w h o w ere th e fi rst to k n ow H u n ter so ma n y yea rs a g o even b efore Al m ost. J en n a , rem emb er w h en you ma most. rememb th rew th e p a g es a n d g ot so ma d a fter 'th e k i ss'? HA! An d 'h i Mol l y O ' - - Y ou g i rl s a l l rock . Al w a ys. Ag a i n . F orever. T o th e a ma zi n g J eff B ezos a n d J on F i n e a n d a l l w h o w ork a t Ama zon .com , C rea teSp a ce, a n d th e crew a t Ki n d l e D i rect P u b l i sh i n g . Y ou r w ork , you r store, you r ea sy p u b l i sh i n g tool s, P l u g In s, d evoti on to m a k i n g th i s ea si er for th e w ri ters ma to w ri te a n d th e rea d ers to d i scover th e b ook s th ey w a n t p l u s you r u n m a tch ed cu stomer servi ce i s so a p p reci a ted . T h a n k s for b ei n g i n m y d rea m com e tru e a n d come for l etti n g me h ol d my b ook s i n my h a n d s. a ma zon b estsel l er l i st d rea m! Al so, me ma th a n k s for crea ti n g a store con su mers tru st a n d for ma k i n g th e a w esome Ki n d l e p rod u cts th a t a l l ow so ma n y ea sy a ccess to g rea t b ook s i n so ma n y w a ys. T H AN K Y O U . Y ou ve ch a n g ed my sma l l w orl d w h i l e ever ch a n g i n g h ow th e p l a n et rea d s, b u ys a n d w ri tes b ook s. #g ra tefu l #k i n d l e fi re #k i n d l e @a m a zon I <3 u . ma T o m y a g en t, J a n e D ystel a t D G L M.com , for si g n i n g me, b el i evi n g i n ch a n g e a n d M.com, m a k i n g a n oth er d rea m come tru e for m e i n N Y C . N o m a tter w h a t, i t's i m p ossi b l e ma ma to top th a t l u n ch . #rock sta r :) C h eerl ea d ers, th e p eop l e w h o l ove b ook s, a n d th e p eop l e w h o l ove roma n ce: F IRST , to th e a w esomen ess th a t IS th e comm u n i ty fou n d a t G ood rea d s.com a n d commu Sh el fa ri .com T h ere i s n o b etter fu n on l i n e th a n h a n g i n g , ch eck i n g ou t b ook s a n d

m eeti n g rea d ers. A sp eci a l h u g e h ea rt a n d h u g g oes to th e l i ttl e sta ck of em a i l s, n otes THE THANK YOU LIST: T h ere a re so m a n y p eop l e to m en ti on h ere, b u t fi rst a n d a l w a ys, I h a ve to th a n k m y fa m i l y. My sw eet h u sb a n d T om , m y b ea u ti fu l d a u g h ter Ki k a , m y w i l d - ch i l d mi Wi l son p l u s a l l si x of my p a ren ts: L ou i se a n d L ou i s N el son , C h u ck a n d C on n i e my P ow ers, B ob a n d J a ck i e Ma cF a rl a n e. Ag a i n , th a n k s for you r l ove, p a ti en ce a n d su p p ort. T h e B ook Ma k ers C rew a n d T een Rea d i n g Ad vi sory G i rl s: Arti sts P eter F reed m a n & Ka tj a Ku l en k a m p ff, th e b est ed i tor/ rea d ers i n th e w orl d : T ra ci e Sch u l tz, L a n a Wi l l i a ms, Mi ch el l e Ma j or, L a ra H u n ter & Ki k a Ma cF a rl a n e for th e l on g h ou rs of d evoti on to H u n ters com m a s. T o th e crew w h o fou n d m e th e ri g h t H u n ter: Ki k a a g a i n , Sa oi rse O C on n or esp . you a n d you r con sta n t, cu te red ch eek s. Ki m mi e mi Sta ttma n , Ma ck en zi e Wel l er, ya rom a n ce.com g i rl s, tw eet m a sters a n d g rea t fri en d s, w h o a l on g w i th Kyl i e N a sh l ook ed a t p roofs a n d p a g es, a n d for m a k i n g su re I d i d n ot ch oose th e O T H E R cover p h oto th a t m a d e you a l l screa m i n h orror. T o B ecca , Ma d d i e D ., Ma d d i e J ., Ka ti e P ., V a l eri e, An a h i d , G reta from fa r a w a y G erm a n y. <3 T o sw eet Keva O C on n or, Ka ty O ffen , Kyl i e N a sh a g a i n a n d Sa mm y L oew for mm b ra vi n g th e fi rst p roofs a n d m a k i n g m e feel con fi d en t en ou g h to h i t 'p u b l i sh '. Wh a t w ou l d I d o w i th ou t a l l of you b ei n g p a rt of m y l i fe? I a m so l u ck y to k n ow my you a l l . A sp eci a l sh ou t ou t to J en n a a n d Syd n e Sh a ttu ck w h o w ere th e fi rst to k n ow H u n ter so m a n y yea rs a g o even b efore Al m ost. J en n a , rem em b er w h en you th rew th e p a g es a n d g ot so ma d a fter 'th e k i ss'? H A! N ow you a re i n b oth b ook s. HA! H a p p y? Syd , you re n ext. Y ou g i rl s a l l rock . Al w a ys. Ag a i n . F orever. T o th e a m a zi n g J eff B ezos, J on F i n e a n d AL L w h o w ork for a l l of u s a t Ama zon .com , C rea teSp a ce, a n d th e crew a t Ki n d l e D i rect P u b l i sh i n g . Y ou r w ork , Am a you r store, you r ea sy p u b l i sh i n g tool s, P l u g In s, d evoti on to ma k i n g th i s ea si er for ma th e w ri ters to w ri te- - a n d th e rea d ers to d i scover th e b ook s th ey w a n t- - p l u s you r u n ma tch ed cu stom er servi ce i s so a p p reci a ted . T h a n k s for b ei n g i n m y d rea m stomer come- tru e. F or l etti n g me h ol d my b ook s i n my h a n d s, a n d k eep th em on m y me p h on e a n d Ki n d l e rea d er! I ca n n ever rep a y h ow h a p p y you ve m a d e m e feel . Al so, ma me th a n k s for crea ti n g a store con su mers tru st a n d for m a k i n g th e a w esom e Ki n d l e p rod u cts th a t a l l ow so m a n y ea sy a ccess to g rea t rea d i n g i n so m a n y w a ys. T H AN K ma ma Y O U . Y ou ve ch a n g ed m y sm a l l w orl d w h i l e ever ch a n g i n g h ow th e p l a n et rea d s, b u ys a n d w ri tes b ook s. #g ra tefu l #k i n d l e #a mrea d i n g #F F @a ma zon m rea ma T o m y a g en t, J a n e D ystel a t D G L M.com , for si g n i n g me, b el i evi n g i n ch a n g e a n d my m a k i n g a n oth er d rea m com e tru e for m e i n N Y C . C h eerl ea d ers, th e p eop l e w h o l ove b ook s, a n d th e p eop l e w h o l ove rom a n ce: F IRST , to th e a w esom en ess th a t IS th e comm u n i ty fou n d a t G ood rea d s.com a n d

Sh el fa ri .com T h ere i s n o b etter fu n on l i n e th a n h a n g i n g , ch eck i n g ou t b ook s a n d m eeti n g rea d ers. A sp eci a l h u g e h ea rt a n d h u g g oes to th e l i ttl e sta ck of em a i l s, n otes a n d a d d resses Ive k ep t n ext to m y com p u ter a l l th ese m on th s. T h a n k you E va Seg erb l om , T h essa L a J oi ce, L a u ra Wel l s tw eet- ch eeri n g me on for th ose l a st ed i ts om, me T H AN KS. T o: Ad ri a n e B oyd , T a sh a Wi n ters, Am a n d a T u zi , C a sey/ C .J .- :) Mel i ssa Rod ri g u ez- Wyer, Am a n d a - w ri ter T h e i n sp i ri n g Mrs. B / J oy. #F F @j oyou srea d s, D i a n a Ivon n e, J en n i fer H a l l i g a n #F F @b ook a n d l a tte for g etti n g m e to Rom a n ti c T i m es. An d from In d on esi a b l og g er, P u tri U ta ma ! Im so g ra tefu l to ma h a ve m et you a l l ! <3! met An d a l w a ys: Sh a ron , J en n a a n d Syd n e. I m i ss you so m u ch . G i ova n n a a n d E l m er. T h ere a re n o w ord s for h ow mu ch I l ove you . Ma sh a Koyu sh eva d a u g h ter a n d si ster mu w h o stol e ou r h ea rts b a ck to Ru ssi a , com e b a ck . T h e Ma cF a rl a n es, N el son s, D a w k i n s esp MC <3, Al l Merca d os, T h e Sfa l ci n s, C .J . <3, McD on a l d s, Hem p h i l l s, C a rl a P ., G ra n d os/ N esp ol os/ T i a b i s, O C on n ors, H em N a sh s, C ovi n g ton s, Wood s, F a rq u h a rs, Rh ea s, Wel l ers, L i tva ck s, L oew s, Roth sch i l d s, T H E Wi l son s, B rod ys/ McKeevers, Sta ttm a n s, O ffen s, B a rrs/ Au sti n s- An n a n E m i l y, G a rd n ers, Ri l eys, D ra p ers, B ea u va i s g i rl s <3, Kra em ers n C l a rk s n emers H u b red s w h o a l l moved . :( An d n ei g h b or C l a rk s! <3 An n a i n N Y C , T h e D O ri a m oved fa m i l y, th e P ow ers C l a n , th e cool est tea ch ers a n d a d m i n i stra tors a t AAC L n AAH S mi Mr. Ma d sen a n d Ma th n a si u m w i th extra h u g s to T essa P a u l , T eresa B row n , C on sta n ce Ri cotta , Mr. T a yl or, Mr. J esse, Mi ss O , Mi ss Hel en , Mi ss C oop er, a n d H el Mi ss O l son . Wi th ou t you tea ch ers, th i s b ook w ou l d n ot exi st. An d you k n ow w h y. H i s n a m e i s Wi l son . xo #L O V E u T E AC H E RS xox to D on my m a i l m a n too! Y ou g u ys my a re th e b est! I h a ve to m en ti on G eoff F ol ey a n d D eb Wa l k er! xo D O U B L E T H X. Il l y a n d T i m H orton s coffee. T h e sw eet p eop l e a t m y n ei g h b orh ood C h i p otl e, my N ood l es, Keva J u i ce a n d P ei Wei . Wi th ou t you , my fa m i l y w ou l d sta rve. E l l a J a m es my & B eth B a l m a n n o m y 4ever Am a zon free l i st l a u n ch b u d d i es w h o w ork so h a rd my Ama a n d w ri te so w el l . C a rol yn T h om a s m y fi rst l i b ra ri a n w h o sh el ved m e i n th e Y MC A oma Sn ow Mou n ti a n Ra n ch L i b ra ry! T h e B u rren i n C o C l a re, Ka ty P erry a n d T h e Avett B roth ers for th e b ra i n d rea m i n g sp a ces. J osep h C a m p b el l a l w a ys. E ver a k i ss for mi mp m y a w esom e l ost- b ook - cl u b fri en d s, Al l a t C el ti c Step s <3 a n d th e Iri sh D a n ce esome m om s a n d sw eet d a n cers w h o w ere a l l a rou n d m e w h i l e I w rote th i s. #m i ssu g u ys! L a d i es i n th e n ei g h b orh ood coffee g rou p s th e F ooth i l l s P ool g a n g , B etsy a t O L IV E Rs D E L I ( a n d J u sti n ) ! T h e C ol ora d o C ol l eg e fri en d s a n d n ei g h b ors I d on t h a ve room to l i st. T h i s b ook w a s w ri tten a rou n d th e yea rs w eve sh a red ou r l i ves. T h a n k s everyon e, so m u ch , for ch eeri n g m e a l on g th i s j ou rn ey. me My w ri ter h ea rts: L a n a Wi l l i a m s, Mi ch el l e Ma j or, C i n d i Ma d sen , J en n i e Ma rts, D ea n n a Kn i p p l i n g , Ma rty B a n k s, J od i An d erson , D on n a Kop p l ema n . I l ove h ow em a you a l l n ever g a ve/ n ever g i ve u p w ri ti n g .

H u g s to th e In d i e P u b L u n ch G rou p a n d to th e Su n d a y SC B WI SoC O m em b ers, th e P i k es P ea k L i b ra ry D i stri ct a n d th e a w esom e l a d i es w h o a re m y fel l ow my m em b ers of P i k es P ea k Wri ters, a n d Rom a n ce Wri ters of Am eri ca , RWA. #a m ed i ti n g #a m w ri ti n g .