Discoveries

by K Swanson

  “Oh! Was that a shooting star?” I didn’t even try to keep the excitement from my voice.

  He chuckled. “Yeah. Some people say if you wish on a shooting star, it’ll come true.”

  “Really?” My gaze slid over to him.

  “Yep.” He yawned, triggering one of my own.

  More than likely it was a myth, but I closed my eyes and made a wish anyway. It never hurt to try.

  After spending nearly an hour looking at constellations with CJ, we stood and brushed grass off ourselves. Then he walked me to the front door. “I’ll see you tomorrow, mon étoile.”

  “What does that mean?” Butterflies flipped in my stomach. It sounded pretty, so I hoped it wasn’t something bad.

  With a chuckle, he turned away. “You’re taking French. You’ll figure it out eventually.”

  Forcing myself to take a deep breath to calm my nerves, I said, “I’ll find out soon, then.”

  “Don’t doubt it. Night. And don’t forget to lock the door.”

  I rolled the foreign words around in my head, determined to remember them so I could ask the French teacher tomorrow. When CJ was out of sight, I followed his suggestion and locked up. Min and Phil were watching a movie on the couch, so I said goodnight and made my way upstairs. I should head to bed, but I wanted to take one last look at the stars.

  Out on my balcony, I searched for Mars and the stars that made up the constellations. I didn’t want to forget a single thing about tonight.

  As I went back inside, the hair on the back of my neck prickled and stood on end, and I spun. Not seeing anything, I backed inside and shut and locked my door. Was it normal to feel as though someone was watching you all the time? Or was I being paranoid? Perhaps the fact that I’d run from the institute made me imagine things. With a shudder, I closed the curtains and headed for the bathroom to get ready for bed.

  Planning

  “What do you want to do for your birthday?” Nick leaned forward, absentmindedly spearing a cucumber with his fork as he focused his attention on Sam.

  Sam shrugged a thin shoulder. “H-hadn’t really thought ab-bout it.” As soon as he saw me sit down, he ducked his head, ears turning pink.

  “It’s your birthday?” I opened my lunch bag, my stomach growling when I saw the chef salad inside. No matter how often I insisted I didn’t mind making my own lunch, every morning when I opened the fridge, I found a paper bag with my name on it. Min claimed she didn’t feel like such a failure as a foster mom if I allowed her to make my lunches, so last night I finally told her to let me know when she gets tired of doing it. I did appreciate it, though. She made really good food.

  Sam nodded, picking at his food. My stomach flipped, making me feel slightly nauseated. Perhaps it would be better for Sam if I didn’t sit with them at lunch. Taking a deep breath, I forced myself not to jump to conclusions. As difficult as this was, I needed to believe they’d tell me if they didn’t want me around anymore.

  I pulled out the small container of dressing and drizzled it over my salad.

  CJ didn’t seem to notice Sam’s discomfort, or maybe he just ignored it. “We should go swimming before Sam’s dad closes their pool.”

  Nick’s eyes lit up. “Yeah!”

  Running his fingers through his hair, Lex added, “We could watch a movie as well. And do pizza.”

  Eyes lighting up, Sam replied, “I l-like that id-dea.” He dropped his gaze back to his food, his ears pinkening again.

  Lex held up a hand. “We should probably ask his dad before we invite ourselves over.”

  Chuckling, Nick gave Lex a pound on the back that had me cringing. It sounded painful, especially when Lex rocked forward. A look of annoyance passed over Lex’s face, then it was gone.

  Nick replied, “It’s Sam’s dad. The odds of him saying no are pretty slim.”

  A hand snatched a tomato from my salad, and I gave CJ a look that wasn’t quite a glare. Butterflies took flight through my stomach as he popped the tomato in his mouth. With a grin, he said, “We should see if Haylie can come, too.”

  Nick nodded enthusiastically. “Fuck, yeah.”

  They wanted me there? But then I looked at Sam. His head was down, and he refused to look in my direction.

  “I don’t think—” I started to say

  “We should exchange numbers!” Sitting straight up, Nick practically bounced in his seat.

  Sam took a bite of his sandwich, swallowing hard. I didn’t know what to make of that.

  Lex held his hand out toward me, and I stared at it blankly. Did he want a high-five? That seemed unlikely.

  Finally, he cleared his throat. “Phone?”

  “Oh.” I hesitated before handing it over, then he slid it to Sam.

  After wiping his hands on his pants, Sam picked up my phone and fiddled with it for a second before sliding it back to me. He rested his elbow on the table and rubbed the bridge of his nose. What was that all about? Was he upset that we’d exchanged numbers without talking to him first?

  The guys went back to talking about the party, and after watching Sam for another few moments, I knew I wasn’t going to ask Min if I could go. I didn’t want Sam to be miserable, especially on his special day.

  I grabbed my phone, looking through my contacts. Wasn’t like I had many, but I was surprised to see all their numbers. Even Sam’s was in there.

  When the bell rang for our next class, I cleaned up from lunch. Lex fell into step beside me with Sam following.

  As soon as we were away from the crowded cafeteria, Lex asked, “You’re planning to ask if you can come to Sam’s party, right?”

  I shook my head. “I don’t think I should.” Hoping he’d drop the subject, I didn’t say anything else.

  Thankfully, he didn’t say anything more about it as we reached our classroom and took our seats.

  * * *

  Rain misted lightly outside, so I did my homework in my room, where I could still see outside. I put off my math as long as possible, but eventually, I had to do it. As I was working on the first problem, my phone dinged.

  After unlocking it, I opened my messages.

  Nick: About this weekend…

  Lex: Sam, did you ask your dad?

  Sam: Yeah. Pool party at my place Saturday.

  CJ: And Haylie too. Right?

  Even though no one was there to see it, my face burned with embarrassment.

  Sam: Yep.

  Before they could bully him into inviting me, I tapped out my message.

  Haylie: You don’t have to invite me, Sam.

  Sam: I know. I want you to come.

  He did? I was under the impression that he didn’t really like me, or at the very least, he wasn’t comfortable around me.

  Haylie: Well, if you’re sure…

  Sam: Please come?

  It was almost as if he were two different people. At school, he tried his hardest not to talk to me. Maybe it was because of his stutter? I didn’t want to bring it up to him, so I wasn’t sure how to let him know I didn’t mind it. Why did he stutter? Was the stutter a speech impediment, or was he really just that shy? Rolling onto my back, I held my phone above me.

  Haylie: I’ll ask. Doesn’t mean they’ll say yes.

  We chatted off and on for a while longer before I finally headed to bed.

  * * *

  “Haylie!” Nick waved at me from where he sat in first period, then he gestured to the chair in front of him. He’d set his backpack in it, and when I walked toward him, he swung his bag from the chair, accidentally hitting someone with it. “Sorry!”

  He dropped the bag under his desk. His legs were already in the aisle, since they were too long to fit comfortably under his desk.

  “Morning,” I murmured, dropping into the seat he’d just cleared.

  His grin was back in place. “Morning. So did you talk to your parents about the pool party?”

  “My foster parents, and yeah. Phil said he was okay with it as long as he has everyone’s names and
the address we’ll be at.” I tucked a stray curl behind my ear, wishing all my hair would stay up in my ponytail.

  He pursed his lips then flipped his notebook to a blank page. After spending a few moments scribbling, he ripped out the page and handed it to me. “Here.”

  Looking it over, I blinked in surprise. Everyone’s first name had been printed in barely legible handwriting, along with an address underneath. “Thanks.”

  He smirked. “No problem.”

  He opened his mouth to say something else, but Mr. Hall called for attention. The class was settling down when the door opened and a guy I’d never seen before entered.

  He was average height and stocky, with a rounded face. Dark hair was parted on one side, falling over his right eye and down to his chin, but the rest was cut short. I couldn’t tell what color his eyes were, but it looked as though he’d faintly outlined them in black eyeliner. That did nothing to hide the dark circles under his eyes. He held a large thermos, and as tired as he looked, I imagined it was full of coffee.

  A small black ring rested in his bottom lip. The three silver rings on his fingers seemed to be the only things he wore that weren’t black. After handing a piece of paper to Mr. Hall, he turned, blinking slowly before surveying the room.

  His shoulders slumped as he took the empty chair in the front of the room, not removing the black messenger bag over his shoulder.

  After getting situated, he pulled a notebook and pen from his bag. He took a sip from his mug, then took another before setting it down and resting his cheek on his palm while his elbow sat on his desk.

  Mr. Hall cleared his throat. “It would seem that we have a new student. Welcome, Mr. Stichler. Now, if you’ll all get your books out, today we’re going to learn about parabolas!” His voice was full of false excitement.

  With a soft sigh, I returned my attention to Mr. Hall. I didn’t really mind math. I just wasn’t fond of what we were learning right now.

  As soon as the bell rang, the new kid was up and out of the room.

  I stuck the paper Nick had written all their names on in my notebook, then slid it into my bag.

  Nick stood, offering me a hand and pulling me to my feet. I expected him to release me. Instead, he tugged me out of the room, and my stomach lurched at the prolonged contact. Finally letting go as we made it to the hallway, he gave me a small wave that I returned. “See you at lunch.” He turned, nearly running someone over. “Shit, sorry.”

  With a small smile, I headed for my next class.

  * * *

  After leaving French class, I received a text from CJ. Grabbing lunch from the cafeteria. Anyone else want anything?

  Being a part of their text felt odd, but it also sent warmth radiating through my stomach. They were trying so hard to include me.

  The cafeteria was noisy, and I scanned the tables before heading toward our normal table. I giggled softly as a giddy feeling went through me. Imagine. Me being able to use “our normal table,” as though I’d been there for a while.

  I was nearly there when a lone figure caught my attention. Indecisively, I glanced between our usual table and the new kid. His mug sat close by and he had a pad of paper in front of him. Left hand holding a pencil, he moved it with strong, sure strokes.

  Bekka sat next to him, leaning close as she said something. I took another step toward our table when the new guy glared at Bekka.

  Bekka stood, her dark hair flaring around her shoulders as she spun away and stomped across the cafeteria.

  Biting my lip as I glanced between the two tables, I finally made my decision.

  Would the guys be okay sitting at a different table? Would they even follow me there? Shaking my head, I made up my mind. He was new, and everyone should have a friend. Besides, it wouldn’t hurt to go sit next to him. The worst he could do was tell me to get lost.

  Faking confidence, I strode over to the table and sat down. He glanced at me, brows narrowing. Forest green eyes stared at me, as though he didn’t know what to make of me sitting with him, but his expression cleared when he saw it was me.

  Pasting on a friendly smile, I rubbed my sweaty palm on my thigh before offering it to him. “Hi, I’m Haylie!”

  His gaze dropped to my hand, blinking slowly. “Jayden.”

  For some reason, I’d expected his voice to be more of a growl, but it was smooth, and I sort of wanted to hear it again.

  Glancing at his drawing, I gaped. “Holy cow, that’s amazing!”

  The picture depicted a lifelike child holding a balloon. She appeared to be looking out over a bunch of circus tents. Even though it was done in black pencil I could almost imagine her with blond curls and a pink-and-white party dress.

  Jayden ducked his head, his cheeks turning pink. “Thanks.”

  Before I could say anything else, Lex and Nick sat down. Jayden’s shoulders stiffened. Neither of the newcomers seemed to notice Jayden’s unease.

  I took a deep breath. “Lex, Nick, this is Jayden.”

  Nick nodded. “Yeah, new kid from math. I remember.”

  Lex pushed his rimless glasses up a little, his eyes drawn to what Jayden was working on. “That’s a cool picture.”

  I didn’t think it was possible for Jayden’s cheeks to turn any redder, but he proved me wrong when Nick leaned over, crowding him. “He’s not wrong. That’s a fantastic piece of art.”

  Jayden stammered out another thanks as Sam and CJ dropped onto the bench.

  Nick’s eyes lit up when he noticed the french fries on CJ’s tray. Without asking, he plucked one up and popped it in his mouth before introducing Jayden to CJ and Sam.

  Nick took another fry from CJ’s tray. “Let’s have a study party tonight.”

  A study party? Did he mean a party where you literally did homework, or was that code for something else?

  When Nick’s fingers made their way back to CJ’s tray, CJ smacked them. “Back off. I asked if you wanted anything. You said no.”

  Nick blinked. “But that was then. Now I want fries.” I pressed my lips together, trying not to laugh.

  With a sigh, CJ grumbled, “Then go get some.”

  Scowling, Nick replied, “Didn’t your mama teach you to share?”

  “Nope.”

  Was this normal for them? I snorted, unable to keep my amusement under wraps.

  Nick glanced at me with a grin.

  Lex smacked Nick’s hand as he reached for another fry, and Nick sighed. “Fine.” He started to slouch, then pulled himself back up. “So about the study party?”

  Sam and CJ nodded, with Sam muttering, “I n-need help with m-my English assignment.”

  Lex simply nodded and turned his blue eyes toward me. “What about you?”

  That startled me. I hadn’t realized Nick was talking about me when he’d invited the group over. “I don’t know.”

  “Text your foster parents about it, and if they’re okay with it, we’ll take you home after dinner.”

  I tried to read Lex’s expressions and body language, trying to figure out if he’d just invited me because it was polite, or if he really wanted me to go. I was no closer to an answer a few seconds later when I sent a text to Min.

  Since Min was working, it would probably be a while before I received a text back, so I slipped my phone back in my pocket. I wasn’t sure if I was hoping Min would allow it or not, so I would be somewhat happy with whatever her answer was.

  Nick took a bite of his apple, then turned to Jayden. “You wanna come too?”

  Jayden’s eyes widened. A small scowl passed over his features so quickly, I almost wondered if I’d imagined it. “Why?”

  Nick blinked as if that wasn’t the reaction he thought he’d get. With a shrug, he replied, “Because that’s what friends do.”

  Jayden leaned an elbow on the table, resting his cheek against his palm. “I wasn’t aware we were friends.”

  Lex’s knee bounced under the table, distracting me. “Nick makes friends easily.”

  CJ
smirked. “That’s an understatement.”

  At first, I thought they might be making a tad bit of fun of Nick, but then I realized at least CJ was looking at him with affection, and Nick didn’t seem bothered by their teasing.

  The bell rang, and everyone stood.

  As we headed to our next class, Lex dropped a hand on Jayden’s shoulder. “Once you know for sure if you can come, let me know. Sam will give you my number.”

  Jayden glared for a second, but when he caught me watching him, he grudgingly handed his phone to Sam.

  Demon Cats

  Min texted a while later asking for details. I sent her the information Nick had written down for me earlier for the pool party, and one of the guys gave me the address for the study party. She said I could go as long as I was home by eight, since it was a school night.

  After the final bell rang, I packed my stuff and headed for the parking lot. I wasn’t exactly sure where to meet everyone, but I didn’t have to worry about that. As I went through the front doors, someone called my name and I whirled around, nearly running into another student as I tried to avoid being trampled. I mumbled an apology, although I didn’t think they even heard me in their haste to leave the building.

  I saw Nick above the crowd, but I waited for him to come to me. People actually moved to get out of his way as he stepped through the doors, a bright smile on his face. “How have you been?”

  I blinked. “Since lunch?” I wasn’t used to others asking about my welfare, and it sent a warm, fuzzy feeling through me. Swallowing hard, I squelched it. He didn’t mean anything by it, other than just being nice.

  “Yeah.” His eyes twinkled as he nudged me down the stairs. “Anything cool happen in the rest of your classes?”

  “I enjoyed them, if that’s what you’re asking.” I wasn’t sure exactly how to respond to his question. Would he consider learning about the stars cool? Somehow, I didn’t think so. I smiled at him. “Don’t you and Lex have the same class last period?”