They'd cracked the code.
"This note was written by our one and only classmate, Kat Goldstein!"
Holy cow.
There it was. The question, and then my correctly decoded answer right below it.
WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE YOUR FIRST KISS?
D P C B E
A E U O V
V R T Y E
I K E R
D I S
N T
S
It was like one of those awful About Me poems your teacher makes you write after you've just come back from summer break, only a million times worse. I slid down in my chair as people finally figured out what it said. The laughter was like the wave at a sporting event. It started on one side of the room and quickly made its way over to me. I wanted to die for real. Everything started moving in slow motion and it felt like I was underwater, about to explode from the pressure. I sat there, trying to catch my breath, trying to find a way out of there without anyone noticing.
And then it became a million times worse.
David got up, walked over to the projector, and pulled the plug. The screen went grey and he was scowling like he was super angry. One hundred percent sure he hated me now. I'd embarrassed both of us, and now I was some boy-crazy girl on top of all the other stuff. I could see it in the faces of everyone around me. My rep was ruined. And for nothing. Because all I'd ever wanted was to hang out with him. I don't even think I would know how to kiss him if I had the chance.
But even worse than that, I saw Kelley run off the stage after him and they both slipped through the side door together.
WORST DIARY POST EVER
Dear Diary:
I want to disappear. David hates me. I tried to get him to stop and talk to me but he acted like I wasn't there while everyone at Crossley stared at me. A person can only take so much. And to top it all off, Kelley's beat me. She's finally brought me down, and I bet my note will go viral tomorrow, with her most awesome narration and video of me trying to get out of the caf before I died. You just know everyone was filming me, because what's more fun than attacking your own? Just ask the animal kingdom, which Kelley is clearly closely related to (the hyenas if you ask me). Nothing will make this okay. Right now I could use a burger with cheese, and a load of fries. Wish Hamburger Heaven delivered.
Kat
Chapter Twenty-Two
ONE STEP FORWARD, TWO STEPS BACK
Evan's dad's golf cart, two in the afternoon on a school day, waiting to make our move. It's been a little more than a week since the most devastating phone call of my life, followed by an even worse day of public humiliation. It was so bad, Evan's risking big-time trouble because of how sorry he feels for me. Driving the golf cart could mean a huge fine from the police ‘cause he's way underage. But worse than that, his parents would probably ground him until he's eighteen if they found out. That's why we took back roads here, but with my luck lately it wouldn't surprise me if C.G.P.D. pulled up any second.
We're parked beside the ivy-coated curbing just beyond the mayor's mansion. I felt all private detective-like, hidden behind one of those big trash bins you rent when someone dies and has saved everything for the past millennium. The gardeners were finishing up, so we were waiting for our chance to sneak onto the property.
It had been a minimum day at school, the perfect time to catch a few hours at the mayor's house. Wasn't sure what I was going to do tomorrow, when I'd have to deal with a whole six hours of kids staring at me, instead of just the three today. A girl can only hide in a bathroom stall so many times.
Walking through the hallways was the worst part. Ever feel like all eyes were on you? It was like they were waiting for me to break. At least my friends tried to protect me as much as they could, circling me with a cocoon-like barrier. And most of them had their instruments today for band practice, so as luck would have it, Mark Collins had his tuba. He let me walk behind the thing most of the three hours we were there. But I still heard the giggles led by Kelley and friends, saw the pointing. Felt like I may as well have been walking through the hallway in my undies and training bra. My intense dislike for Kelley changed to intense hate right then and there. Why was it her goal in life to destroy me?
Evan had begun snoring about five minutes ago and I was glad we didn't have to talk right now. Pretty sure he was tired of hearing me whine about all the stuff that'd gone wrong in my life in the last forty-eight hours. Even I was sick of me.
Worst part of all is David won't even look at me, and Kelley sported her stupid happy face at school today. And the pep rally almost killed me for real. He sat next to her and actually let her snuggle in close when they saw me. Of course she threw an evil sneer my way. I couldn't tell if he was enjoying it or not. I'd rather he was putting up with it to get back at me, because that would be better than him falling for her. Did he have the same low opinion of me as the rest of the kids at Crossley? I wouldn't blame him because even I didn't respect me anymore.
There's also the weird phone call with his mom. Even though it wasn't me on the phone who'd said such a horrible thing, he believed it was. Truly, this was so incredibly bizarre. I wished so badly I could somehow figure it out and fix it. But it's impossible. How can I when every time I'm within twenty feet of him, he turns and walks the other way? I finally got super angry at him and was glad I hadn't told him I liked him. He didn't deserve it. I mean, I know he was hurt and all, but don't you give a person a chance to explain? Whatever. It's too late now to worry about it. Must refocus on what's in front of me if anything good is going to happen.
I'd brought the journal we'd found in the underground room so I grabbed it from my backpack. Might as well go through it since all I'm doing is sitting here feeling sorry for myself. As I flipped through, I spotted a loose piece of old paper pressed in between some pages, close to the binding. I gently tugged at it, careful not to rip it. It was handwritten and hard to read.
12/8/1941
Dear Eleanor:
It's almost dusk, having just arrived under cover of night. You can't believe how strange it is to have to be secretive about my whereabouts these days. Not wanting to wake you, I went about my business quietly, but did place one messy kiss on your brow before I left. Though you didn't accompany me on this trip, you are always on my mind. I hope this note finds you well and your benefit to raise money for the war widows is a success. As usual, the temperate weather here is treating my muscles to a reprieve from the constant aching. I'm so fortunate my mates are willing to fly to the west coast to visit with me.
The groundskeeper, George, is an inventive cuss despite his young years. He rigged a pulley action on a makeshift dumbwaiter, strong enough to hold me and Old Bessie so I'm able to join the others in the game room. While sitting here waiting for my friends to arrive, I can't help but think how nice it would be if we were able to concentrate on the lighter things while we gather this week—like good bourbon and fine cigars. But I have no doubt the talk of the atrocities will be unavoidable. I know you say we must take heed now, listen to what we're hearing out of Europe. There's some talk the Japanese have Kamikaze pilots ready to go into action and I fear the worst with them. At least, so far, we've escaped what Britain hasn't. Winston is beside himself over worry for his people. I know action is necessary
The note ended abruptly with the word "necessary." Who was Eleanor and who wrote this note? It seemed as though the writer had gotten interrupted, the last line only a partial sentence. And the date was familiar. Hmm. I'll web search it later.
"Watcha reading?" Evan asked through his yawn. I hadn't even noticed him starting to wake up.
"This," I held up the note, "was stuck in the journal we found the other day. It's a letter to someone named Eleanor."
"Huh," he said as he yawned again, and then squinted more closely at it. "December eighth? The day Pearl Harbor was bombed?"
That's right! How could I have forgotten? I am, after all, the number one fan of nineteen forties history. We'd been studying Wor
ld War II for most of the semester, so obviously I'd had a brain fart. Had the bombing of Pearl Harbor interrupted whoever wrote the letter?
"Who's Eleanor?"
I folded the note and stuck it back in between the pages for safe keeping. "Beats me. I think we need a little more time to figure—"
My cell phone began vibrating in my pocket, interrupting my train of thought. I pulled it out. Oh no. "It's my mom," I grumbled. Should I let it go to VM?
"Better answer it. No use putting it off."
"What's up, Mom?" I held my finger up to my lips to let him know to stay quiet. I was about to lie and I didn't need him to ruin things.
"Kathryn Marie Goldstein, where are you?"
Uh-oh. Full names coming out of the General's mouth meant trouble.
"At the library, where else? I told you I'd be going there after the minimum day at school." Would she believe it? I mean it's not like I'm off with my gang of Honors English classmates spray painting the parts of speech on private property.
"Listen to me, young lady," she was just heating up, her voice getting higher with each word. "I do not throw good money after bad. We are not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination. So why on earth do you continue to miss your tutoring appointment? Mrs. Swenson called and was not happy. She went to the trouble of switching your tutor…"
"Switching?" I interrupted. "My tutor?" I felt like I'd been socked in the gut. Guess explaining things to David at our next session was definitely not going to happen. My emotions sunk to a new low as the hopelessness of the situation hit me. Even though I was mad at him, this was still so unfair. A girl should get a chance to clear her name, after all.
And now this. I've missed another tutoring session and Mom was going to be all up in my business now, making life even worse. I must have gotten my days mixed up. In my head it was supposed to be Tuesday, but I'd forgotten we had a holiday on Monday so today was actually Wednesday.
Mom was blabbing on and on about wasting money and how irresponsible I was. She needed to stop. "Uh, Mom, what happened to David?" I interrupted.
"If you must know, she said there was a scheduling conflict on his part. When you finally told me he was your tutor, I knew it was a bad idea. But that doesn't matter anyway. Right now you need to leave wherever you are and get yourself to your session. As in, immediately. Not an hour from now when you're ready!"
I pictured her slamming the phone down right before I was left with a dial tone and no negotiating power whatsoever. I'd been about to apologize and let her know the truth…this time it had been an innocent mistake. Too late, though. I'd blown it.
"Gotta go," I said, trying not to tear up again. "Can you drop me at my math tutor's?"
"Hey, I know this whole thing has been pretty bad for you," he said in an uncharacteristically caring voice. It made me want to feel his forehead or try to pull back the skin on his face to see who was sitting next to me. "Just don't worry, okay? The Cosmetology Club voted, and we've decided we'll get Kelley back for you. I'm not going to tell you what it is because it's still in the planning stages, but it's big."
At least Evan was on my side. "Thanks, buddy."
It was then I decided I would walk into Math 4 U with my head held high. There were people on my side, and that's what mattered. All the stuff that had happened was massively unfair, and I couldn't believe David didn't trust me enough to realize I'd never call him a loser, let alone a flippin' loser. Seems like we'd had enough conversations for him to know I'm not the b-word like Kelley.
So the question is, who was the big jerk who'd pretended to be me?
TOP TEN THINGS I'D RATHER DO THAN WALK INTO THAT STUPID MATH 4 U PLACE
10.Explain to Mom and Dad I no longer want panties with the days of the week on them, even if they are on sale for half off. Hello? Not six anymore, can't help it if I still fit into small underwear.
9.Complete exactly one of the required ten pull-ups for the physical fitness test before arms start shaking uncontrollably, in front of the whole P.E. class.
8.Walk through Citrus Grove Mall with Mom while a group of cute boys is approaching from the other direction.
7.Pick up a colon cleanse at the pharmacy for our neighbor, Mrs. Lawrence, when Mom tells her I'd be glad to do it.
6.Let Mom dress me for a week.
5.Call "poo" something else like "business" or "daily constitutional" (dad's fave).
4.Discuss the human body and all its wonder at the dinner table.
3.Clean out all the stuff under my bed.
2.Clean the pool after Sam releases his frogs and tells them to "go forth, lads, and be free to multiply." Not sure where he got the old English from. Guessing too many video games involving swords and dragons.
And the #1 thing I'd rather do than walk into MATH 4 U:
Tell my arch-enemy I like her outfit.
Chapter Twenty-Three
STEPPING BACK IN TIME
Since the phone call from Mom, life has been a mess at home. Basically, chores fill up my day, while Sam just lies around. Seems like he's been sick for ages. We finally found out he's had the chicken pox. Here I'd thought he'd gotten a rash from rolling in the grass in his swimsuit (see number five on my list of How to Stay Home from School). But now I'm pretty sure he's milking this sick thing pretty hard, even if it is legit. He could at least empty the trash by now. Come on, people! Let's get this boy earning his meals for crying out loud. Whatever. Mom was making me pay big, and even though I hate to let Sam off the hook, it wasn't his fault for once. No David, no tunnels, no freedom.
But today I'm happy to report life's finally changing for the better. As of an hour ago, a light at the end of the tunnel showed up, and I was sprinting toward it. And you know when stuff started getting better? When I brought home a new pair of skater shoes for Sam. One of Evan's friends works at the shop over on Cedar and gets a huge discount, so I did a little shopping. Why? I'd begun feeling guilty I'd super-glued his shoes to his skateboard. Well there's that, and the fact my little bro hadn't shown any of his demon qualities in a while. Strange how you can complain about someone for days, and then when he's gone, you miss him. Anyway, you should have seen his face. It's like he worshipped me again, just like when he was five.
So it wasn't an hour after the shoes were in Sam's hands Evan called to see if I could get away. His Mom had told him to get Pops's basement cleaned up and he needed help—she was ready to yard sale the stuff they didn't want. Well, he didn't have to ask twice.
So I'm sitting in the basement alone, waiting for him to come back. He doesn't do much without a drink in clear sight, so he went upstairs to grab a couple of sodas for us out of the old fridge.
I'd brought my digging tools along because I'm finding out you never know when there's gonna be a wall to bust down. The diary entry had said Emily had been acting strangely around the air raid supplies in the corner. I was pretty sure those supplies were long gone, so now I just needed to figure out which corner Pops had been talking about.
"Here's a cold one for you," he said, handing me a root beer like he was some bartender from the old west. "Where do we start?"
"We need to find the corner where Pops saw the heart on the wall." I peered around the room, trying to find the most likely place to begin. "He said your aunt was acting weird when she saw him and hanging out by the air raid stuff. What's all that over there?" I pointed to some shelving holding a large collection of canned foods, a few blankets, a radio, and other stuff which was probably an emergency kit.
"Oh it's just Pops's earthquake supplies," he answered as he made his way over to it. "He was always ready for the big one. We figured since his house had made it through some pretty large quakes, this would be the place we'd all meet if a seven hit us."
"Well I wish you'd told me that before," I shuddered. "Did you feel the earthquake during the night? Cal Tech said it was only a five, but man did it feel bigger." I didn't like to think about fives, let alone sevens on the Richter scale. But this Lucy lady f
rom Cal Tech was all about letting the public know how close we were to devastation.
"Nah, I guess I slept through it." Moving boxes away from the walls, he handed them to me to put somewhere else. "Maybe if we can clear some space we can find the heart."
"Good idea," I agreed. They weren't too heavy, so my superhuman Kat strength wasn't needed.
"These shelves have been connected to the basement walls as far back as I remember," he said. "Probably been here forever."
"Cool, let me know if you find any dinosaur bones while you're at it." A little archaeologist humor never hurt anyone.
He rolled his eyes. "You know what I mean," he said, handing me the last box and moving closer to the wall. "This house is old so everything in it is, too."
I got down on the ground next to him and took a look at the wall. It was dark in the corner and the heart had probably faded. "Some of the bricks look different than the rest," I commented, pointing to where the mortar was thicker in one area. Some had even squeezed out between the bricks, while the rest of the wall was smooth.
"Yeah, they do," he agreed, and started moving some canned goods away from the wall. "We'll be able to see it better after I get all these cans out of the way." He held up one of the food cans, which probably expired forty years ago judging by the worn label and rusty edges. "Pops was crazy if he thought we'd eat sardines and canned ham. Whatever happened to good old-fashioned tuna fish?"
Once he'd finished, I was able to get closer to see it better. There, faded from red to pink, was the heart with the now familiar G.P. + E.V. I couldn't believe it was so easy when everything up until now hadn't been.
"Get the pick ax," he said. "Somebody came along and replaced those bricks for some reason. Let's see if there's some stuff hidden behind this wall."
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