My heart was still racing as I flipped through my book. I knew there was no way I’d be able to focus today. I tilted my head in Ace’s direction. He was paying me absolutely no mind. His eyes were fixed on the front of the class,and helooked as dazed as I was. If he’d been the one to send me the note, he would be looking at me, studying my reaction, trying to get my attention. It had to be Leo.
I glanced down at my watch–forty minutes to go. And I still had Biology, Energy Fields Studies, and English.
Ugh…
There wasexcitement in the air, and everyone was talking about the big annual Halloween party, which was news to me. Apparently, every year, RAMS throws this big bash; full of great food, bloody punch, ghouls and monsters, and most important of all, lots of candy!!!
I was heading to my Psychic Development class with Kendra when a bat fell right on my head. I jumped and squealed like a little girl. It wasn’t a real bat, but still. She laughed her head off, and so did everyone else.
She couldn’t stop laughing. “You should have seen yourself. I wish I had that on video.”
I picked up the plastic bat and stuffed it in my book. “I’m keeping this thing. RAMS owes me. I could have been seriously injured.”
“You’re such a drama queen.”
“So, no one ever told me about this Halloween party,” I said to her, digging for more info. “Are you going?”
“For sure. I’ve been dreaming about those chocolate cupcakes with the orange icing for days!”
“Yeah, I heard there will be candy.”
“Tons. They deprive us of sugar for months, and then we all go crazy at this party, and we all turn into zombies.”
“I thought we were already zombies,” I joked.
She smirked. “On Monday mornings, we are.”
We were still talking when we took our seats. “So, what are you dressing up as?”
She set her binder and books neatly on her desk–Kendra is just as methodical as I am. She smiled. “I don’t really know yet.”
This was huge. This wasn’t just about handing out candy to the neighborhood kids. I always dress up as Frankenstein's bride every year, but I hadn’t brought my costume to RAMS. If only I’d known. I was thinking about what I could possibly dress up as when the announcements on the intercom came on. I didn’t catch the beginning, but when I heard my name, I sat to attention.
“… and Annabelle Jenkins. Please make your way to the main office please.”
What?!
Oh no. They know I’ve stolen the bat.
I stared at the book on my desk.The proof was right there, tucked in the middle ofGreat Expectations. I was a thief. I couldn’t believe that I would get in trouble for such a petty crime. Could they revoke my scholarship? It was just a stupid plastic bat.You could buy one at the Dollar Shack for a dollar.
“Well, Miss Jenkins, what are we waiting for?” Mr. Todd’s words brought me back to. “You’re free to go.”
All thumbs, I gathered my things and shot a ‘What the hell?’ look at Kendra, who seemed as surprised as I was.
I did my best Olympian speed walker impression as I trekked to the office.
Philippe greeted me with a huge smile. “Hello, Miss Annabelle, How are you?”
Don’t smile at me, Philippe. I don’t deserve your kindness. I’m a lowly petty thief.“Fine.”
“Mrs. Adler is in her office, waiting for you,” he said with a wave of his hand toward Simone’s door.
Uh-oh.
24
My head down, I trudged slowly toward her door, but as soon as I stepped into her office and saw him, my spirits rocketed. Leo was sitting in front of her, smiling at me; that same old familiar delicious grin. If he was there, and he was so happy, I couldn’t possibly be in trouble, could I? Ace was also there.
