Chapter Two

The next morning, Dad drops Andrew and me off at school so he can get to an early HR meeting at his new job.

“Have a good day!” he calls through the passenger window before pulling away, his chipper tone in contrast to the cold, dark morning. Because school starts so stupid early, we’re here before sunrise. Andrew is gone as soon as his feet hit the pavement. I don’t know where he’s planning to go, since the high school looks desolate, but knowing him, he already has a whole group of friends waiting inside or a favorite teacher he can hang out with.

I shove my hands into my pockets and trudge toward the door, the day unfolding in my mind. More silent walks down the halls and pretending I’m cool not talking to anyone in my classes when really I’m too nervous to say anything.

Another lone figure comes into my peripheral view. My stomach somersaults when I realize who it is—Picture Boy. I think about saying hi, but my mouth suddenly feels like I’ve eaten a huge scoop of peanut butter. I don’t want to make a fool of myself by saying something dumb. At the same time, he’s one of the few people at this school I’ve actually had a conversation with. I gather my confidence and raise a hand in his direction.

“Hey?”

He looks my way, then changes course to join me. “Your grandma isn’t here to take more pictures?”

I smile ruefully. “Luckily she’s not documenting every day of school. Just the first one.”

“Maybe you haven’t noticed, but it’s February. Not exactly the beginning of the school year.”

“Believe me, I know. Transferring midyear is not for the faint of heart. But Monday was the first day she’s ever been able to drop me off since we used to live too far away for that. I’m just happy she didn’t make me hold up one of those chalkboards where I’ve written my favorite subject and what I want to be when I grow up.”

He laughs and the sound sends electric tingles shooting through my limbs. He has a great laugh. The full-body kind that makes his eyes shine and his shoulders shake.

“Well, now I’m curious. What is your favorite subject?”

“Right now, it’d be Introduction to Sleep. Actually, I bet I could test into the AP version if they offered it.”

“Not a morning person. Got it.”

“I could fall asleep standing up if given a few minutes.”

“I’m tempted to walk away just so I can see if that’s true. It would be quite a talent.” He tugs on his book bag strap. “Let’s see, what else do they put on those chalkboards? Favorite color?”

“Green,” I say immediately, and gesture down to my bottom half, the only part visible with my coat. I’m wearing another one of my flowy bohemian skirts (over leggings to keep warm). This one is a green paisley that matches my green gem earrings.

He nods approvingly. “Same, actually. Favorite food?”

“Anything with sugar and carbs.”

“Wow, two for two. If it has sugar, it’s my friend. I know the best place for pancakes, by the way. It’s a secret, but I might be willing to divulge.”

“I’m really glad we met, then.”

My whole body is buzzing from this short conversation. I know I’m getting way ahead of myself, but I already have the impression that this boy is someone I could talk to for a long time.

We walk together to the entry doors but stop under the eaves before going in. A few other people walk by, but we’re at least twenty minutes early and the parking lot is mostly quiet.

He leans against the rough brick of the building. “I still don’t know the most important thing on the chalkboard. What’s your name?”

“Quinn Norton.”

“Nice to meet you, Quinn. I’m Logan Weber.”

I meet his eyes and my breath catches. I remind myself that all I know is Logan’s name and maybe four of the most basic facts you could know about a person. It’s possible he’s this friendly with everyone he meets. Who knows, maybe he’s waiting for his very serious girlfriend to arrive and then he’ll take her hand and they’ll skip into school together because they love each other so much. But I can’t help feeling that there’s something there. A little spark that energizes me in a way that pancakes or a healthy sleep schedule never could.

“You’re going to pre-calc now, right?” he asks.

I blink in surprise that he remembered this random detail from our last conversation. Then I mentally add another green flag next to him.

“Yeah. It’s not the best way to start my morning.”

He winces sympathetically. “I’m taking geometry just to avoid Mr.Winchester. He has a reputation.”

“Another drawback of being the new girl. I don’t know who to avoid.”

He glances at the entry door, then rocks back on his heels. “Feel free to ask me—I’m happy to give advice. Though right now I have to go meet Mrs.Andrews to talk about my history essay. But I’ll see you around?”

“Yeah, totally.”

He lopes away and I watch his back, feeling light and hopeful. Dad might deserve a hug tonight for his early workmeeting.