He walked beside me, so close I could smell woodsmoke on his jacket. I thought of warning him that there was a ban on campfires with the dry weather, but that sounded snotty. I’m sure he knew. I’m sur...
He turned and waved me into the shower with him. He backed up to give me room, but it was a shower stall--not much room to be had. The hot water beat down, soaking through my shirt. I leaned back into...
He kissed me again and my arms went around his neck and I didn’t care about the bell, didn’t care if I ever got to class.A throat-clearing behind Rafe made us both jump.I believe that was the bell, Ra...
Guess it didn't matter if it was a group home or summer camp, guys and their stomachs didn't change.
Got something! one of the men yelled.Is it Mike? another called, rushing from our sides.As everyone converged on the scene, Nick's voice rang out, choked with barely containedlaughter. Forget it. It's...
Go on, then, Daniel said. But don’t expect me to come to your rescue if you do something stupid again.Rafe stopped, crouching. Stupid? What the hell did I--?Standing up to a bear? Yeah, kinda stupid.
First, we need to see if this girl is as good a climber as she thinks she is. Challenge time. A race to the top. Maya versus anyone who dares take her on.That’ll be a short list, I said.Corey grinned....
Figures, Corey muttered. Survive a forest fire, helicopter crash, and killer eels, only to slip on a rock. That’s what you get for trying to take charge, Hayley said.No kidding.
Everything comes so easy for you, doesn’t it, Maya? School, boys, friends, sports. Even your precious animals. You can’t just take care of them like any normal person. You have to be some kind of anim...
Everyone's life is interesting, if it's different from your own.
Everyone goes, I said. The whole class.Yeah, I know. Hayley asked if I was going, but I kind of figured that didn’t exactly count as an invitation. Unless I went with her, which I’d really rather not....
Drinks and snacks on me, apparently. Chow down, guys.I’m a little more interested in finding a phone, I said. And figuring out if that open front door means someone’s here.Nah, Corey said. They were s...
Do you like manga? she asked after a minute. Anime?Anime's cool. I'm not really into it, but 1 like Japanese movies,animated or not.Well, I'm into it. I watch the shows, read the books, chat on the bo...
Do you know what that word meant? The one she called me?She shook her head. No idea. I don’t even know if it’s Navajo. She may have lived with them, but she’s white. The language is nearly impossible...
Did I go to sleep and wake up in the nineteenth century? I looked down at my jeans and T-shirt. Ack! I can’t go to school like this. Where’s my corset? My bonnet?Dad sighed as Mom walked in with her e...
Daniel heaved Moreno to his feet. The man swung at him, but Daniel ducked easily and returned a one-two punch that left Moreno reeling.Island wrestling champ, I said. Only third place in boxing, thoug...
Daniel and I helped him up.Oww…, he said.There’d have been a bigger if he hadn’t swerved, I said. That would not look good on your obituary. Survived a helicopter crash, armed kidnappers, and three d...
Corey came out from behind the bushes as we walked back. Next time, we consider my plan?I think so, Daniel mumbled.At least he told us there’s a town along this road, I said. Same way we’re heading.Ho...
Conversation turned to the swimming team and an upcoming meet, and Rafe’s gaze returned to the forest, like he was looking for an escape route.I eased over, close enough to murmur, Go on.Hmm? obviousl...
Comfort and reassurance and a wordless understanding that there is always darkness. In some part of us, there is absolute darkness, as much as we wish otherwise. As much as we pretend otherwise. Ander...