Page 53 of The Year I was Almost Prom Queen

“Are you talking to me?” I ask. I realize the question is idiotic. There’s no one else around. And definitely no one with my exact same name. Adika is completely justified in the look she is giving me.

But Adika Carson has never spoken to me in my entire life. I didn’t even think she knew who I was. I may be nominated for prom queen, alongside her, but that doesn’t guarantee recognition.

“Hi, Adika,” I stumble over the simple greeting.

“Can we talk in private?” she asks, looking around.

She doesn’t wait for my response, before moving toward the curtains backstage. I follow without question. I’m toointrigued to be offended that she doesn’t want to be seen with me.

I almost run into her slender back when she stops suddenly and turns to face me.

“I need a favor,” she says. Her dark brown eyes dart around nervously.

“You? Need a favor from me?” I ask. It’s as if I’m stuck in one of those really weird dreams, like if I look down, I’ll discover I’m not wearing pants. I rub my hands on the soft fabric of my slacks to be sure they’re still there.

Adika sighs. Then her eyes begin brimming with tears. Holy crap, is Adika Carson about to cry? I’m not sure I’m equipped to handle this situation.

“I’m going to fail the AP English test,” she says. “And if I don’t get at least a 4.0, I might lose my scholarship.

I take a step back. “What?” I ask. “How?”

“English is not my best subject,” she says, swiping a tear off her cheek. “I can do math and science. But understanding what an author means when he describes a tree in the forest is beyond me.” Her slender shoulders begin to tremble. “Formulas and logic, I get. Creative thinking and interpretations I do not.”

“Then why did you take AP English, instead of regular?” I ask. I tilt my head and look closely at Adika. I’ve never seen her vulnerable before. It’s a little unnerving.

“My parents,” she says quietly. “They told me regular courses were for average people, and I needed to prove I’m above average in everything I do.”

“Ouch,” I say. “I can commiserate with you on that.” I reach out and give her what I’m hoping, is a comforting pat on the arm. “What do you need from me?” I ask.

“I’m hoping you’ll help me study for the AP test,” she says, quietly. Adika doesn’t look me in the eyes when she asks. I can’timagine how hard this must be for her. The Carson’s give help, they don’t ask for it.

Adika has never been nice to me. She hasn’t been awful, like Taylor, but she certainly would never welcome me into her squad either. She’s one of the strongest, most gorgeous girls in my class and she’s standing in front of me, looking utterly broken. I want to be happy, learning she’s not actually perfect. But I can’t. No one deserves to feel this way.

“Stephanie told me you’re a wiz in English,” she adds quietly.

I smile. “You talk to Stephanie?” I ask.

Adika looks up. “Yeah, I thought she would have told you.”

My smile widens. I knew it. “Of course, I’ll help you,” I say.

Adika sighs and her eyes finally meet mine. Even her dark skin seems perfect. Not a speck of red or splotchy anything. When I cry, I look like a sad clown.

“Thank you, Emma.” She smiles. “My parents can’t find out. They think needing help is weakness. Is there somewhere we can study in private?”

“Do you want to come to my house?” I ask.

“Will your parents say something?” she asks. She looks nervous again.

“You can come over when they’re gone if you prefer.”

She sighs again. “Yes, thank you.”

“Okay, just text me then,” I say. “Do you have my number?”

“Yeah, I can get it.”

“Okay.”

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