Page 26 of Ask No Questions

"Meet me after school, and you can follow me over."

I walked to AP history grateful that the day was half over. I saw Sean sitting in the middle of the class and headed in his direction. When he saw me, he lifted his backpack out of the seat next to him.

“Thanks for saving me a seat.”

He gave me a shy smile and shrugged. “I thought it would be convenient if we have any group work today.”

Mr. Copland greeted the class after the bell rang. “We will be discussing the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt today. Then I will have you get into groups to debate his policies.” Sean caught my eye, and I smiled, trying not to laugh. After the lecture, we turned our desks to face each other. He was all business, but I knew this was my chance to ask him about Mckayla. I interrupted him mid-sentence, hoping to catch him off guard.

“So you and Mckayla go way back?”

His head shot up. He was definitely not expecting this. “Oh... uh… not really. We were lab partners last year, that’s all.”

“Really? It seemed like there was something between you two yesterday.”

“Awkwardness? We barely speak to each other anymore.”

“Why? She seems to like you, and you’re a nice guy. Why don’t you ask her to hang out?” He looked taken back by that question, like the possibility never crossed his mind.

“Because she’s Mckayla Page. She’s popular, beautiful, and perfect. I’m invisible compared to her. She doesn’t hang out with guys like me. Why would she? She could have any guy at this school in a heartbeat.” This guy was blind. He definitely needed my help.

“Even if that was true, and I don’t think it is. At least the part about you being invisible. Mac doesn’t care about any of that. She’s kind of oblivious to how pretty she is, and I know she thinks you’re really cool. I’m not saying to make a huge spectacle; I just think you should try talking to her about something other than the science department’s schedule.”

He seemed to be taking in what I said. “I’ll think about it.”

I smiled for the rest of the class. It might be a minor victory, but I was willing to accept that for now.

The rest of the day passed without incident. I saw Luke during chemistry but only from across the room. I guess at some point teachers actually had to try to teach us something. It’s a shame since playing games or just talking is way more interesting. I met Cassie after school and followed her to the studio where she dances.

I saw the sign ‘The Dance Academy’ and was struck by the originality or lack thereof. I got out of my car, hoping the name was not a representation of the classes and instructors. We were greeted by a pretty woman in her late forties standing behind the front desk.

“Hello, Cassie. You’re early today.”

“Hello, Mrs. Simons. I’m actually here to show my friend, Aubrey, around. She just moved here from Chicago and is looking for a new studio. I saw her dance today, and she’s amazing. I know she’ll fit right in.”

Mrs. Simons smiled at me and asked us to follow her down the hall to the left of the front desk area. “Welcome to the Academy, Aubrey. Here we specialize in ballet and jazz but offer classes of all styles. You can observe some classes down this hall, and if you’re interested in enrolling, you can talk to me back at the front.” She gave me a warm smile before turning, leaving Cassie and me alone.

“She seems really nice. This place is beautiful too. The rooms are huge! I love that. Can you ever come after hours to rehearse alone?”

“Well, the girls that are on the competition team with me and a few of the advanced girls can come on our own, but you need special permission. I’m sure she would let you if you asked.”

Cassie smiled as she directed me to a ballet class that was warming up at the barre. Seeing the other girls, I wanted to run in and join them. “I have been here for five years, and I love it. The girls are great, and drama doesn’t happen very often.”

“When are tryouts for the company team? Is it too late to join?” I had already fallen in love with the studio, mostly because it reminded me of my last one. I was desperate to get back into a routine before I fell behind the other girls my age.

“I think they are coming up later this month since it’s a new year. Everyone has to try out even if you’re already on the team, so it's perfect timing!”

“This is great! Thanks so much, Cassie!” We met back with Mrs. Simons so I could sign up for classes and put my name down for team tryouts.

Twelve

I was hurrying to chemistry after meeting the girls between classes when I felt a hard bump into my shoulder. I staggered at first and looked up to see what or who I ran into. Sydney was glaring at me, surrounded by her minions.

"Watch it, new girl!"

I didn't want to cause more of a scene, so I ignored her and continued walking. She put a hand on my shoulder, yanking me back. The memory of Morgan doing the same thing ignited my anger, but I tried to just move past her.

She stepped in front of me, cutting me off. "I mean it. You need to stay out of my way."