ying to keep my voice even. My heart was

u always think you're better than us. You're going to go home and then what? Po

vy on my shoulder. It contained everything I needed for tomorrow: my SA

n back at me. A flicker of something – doubt? – crossed his

t time she called the English teacher over spring bre

That was a state-level practice test, cruc

id, my voice firm. I t

ackpack strap.

of my ba

me to the party. Or at least

ous." I pulled,

The contents spilled onto the hallway floor – my calculator, pens, a wat

I lunge

tic bag. "What's this? Oh, your ticket to a

ny." My voice tremble

s," she

behind, pinning them. His

g?" I struggled, b

e venomous. She pocketed my ID and ticket. "You'll

gging me down the hall, away from th

king me?" Panic c

ink about your attitude," Jake gru

followed,

n towards a narrow door: the athletics equipme

ll, windowless, filled with def

don't d

d at the door, holding my phone

o calls for help." She tossed it to

er of the old Jake, the boy

ou out after the party start

I heard the sickening thud

ss. Si

tomorrow morning. And they had