Kids flowed in through the doors behind me and I was jostled back and forth as we all made our way past glass cases of trophies, ribbons, awards, and pictures of students from past years. I wanted to linger and look, but time wasn’t going to allow it right then. I made a mental promise to myself that I’d come back after school and explore to my heart’s content.
The chatter of students created a cacophony of noise that hurt my ears. Kids were yelling back and forth to each other across the hallway and I noticed more than one football being tossed over everyone’s heads. There was an almost palpable excitement in the air that I didn’t understand.
I saw several girls glance my way and whisper to each other. Flashbacks of Jill and her cronies suddenly filled my head and for a split second, I wanted to leave and go home. But before the desire to hide away could take a firm hold, I squashed it down. I was going to do this. I needed to do it.
Ignoring them, I pushed through the crowd toward a wall painted in the school colors of red and gold. Once out of the throng, I drew in a deep breath. I stood there for a few seconds, calming myself down, when I noticed a guy watching me. He was slouched against the wall, one foot propped up behind him. His eyes were dark, perfectly matching the black spikes of hair standing up all over his head. Wearing a leather jacket and ripped jeans, he looked exactly like the bad boys I’d always read about in the teen novels I kept hidden in my room. The way he was looking at me began to creep me out a little bit, but I didn’t want him to know that.
“Hello,” I said, proud that I hadn’t allowed a quiver of nerves to come through.
“New?” His voice was raspy with a hint of danger and a bucket of sexiness. Thoughts of Kade immediately made me feel guilty for thinking such things.
“Yes. New to school, anyway.”
“But not new to town? How’d you manage that?” He was looking at me with hooded eyes, and instinct made me glance anywhere but at him.
“Homeschool.”
“Oh, you’re one of those.” He appraised me, giving me a head to toe look over, and I shifted my feet. I knew I wasn’t beautiful by most standards, but the look on his face was telling me something different. Nervous and unsure of what to make of him, I glanced at my watch and gasped.
“Oh my God! I’m late. Where’s the main office? I have an appointment with Mrs. Shannon.”
He laughed and it sounded like melted chocolate swirling around me. Again, I noticed how attractive he was. “You’re jumpy.” I didn’t comment, merely waited for him to answer my question so I could get to my meeting… and away from him. He must have gotten the hint because he finally gave me the information I wanted. “Down the hall and when it dead-ends, take a right. Main office is on the right.” He pushed off from the wall and sauntered down the hallway, tossing me a half-wave over his shoulder. “See ya,” he called back.
I’d been so distracted, I hadn’t noticed most of the kids had cleared out. My nerves kicked up a notch. Following Bad Boy’s directions, I turned the corner and saw glass walls and a door with Main Office printed on it. I pushed through the door and was immediately greeted by a woman with a friendly smile and about five pounds of makeup. A flowery smell drifted in the air toward me and my eyes began to water.
“Good morning! It’s a great day at Jefferson High! What can I do for you, dear?”
Trying not to choke on the cloud of perfume enveloping me, I managed to find my voice. “I’m Sadie Criswel. I have an appointment to see Mrs. Shannon. I’m new.”
“Ah, Sadie! We’ve been waiting for you. It’s not everyday we get a new student. We’re very excited you’re here!” Her enthusiasm caught me off guard. It was such a stark contrast to the welcome I’d received at University, the vampire finishing school I’d recently been expelled from.
“Follow me, hon. My name is Mrs. Carter. I’m the school secretary. Mrs. Shannon’s office is right through here.” I followed behind her as we walked down a short hall. She stopped suddenly, causing me to nearly bump into her ample form. I noticed we were facing a wooden door with a name plaque affixed to the front. “Here we are! Go right in. I’ll be in the front if you need anything.” Before I could respond, she bustled away, leaving me alone. I hesitated a moment, drawing in a deep breath, before knocking.
“Come in,” a lilting voice called from inside.
I gripped the shiny doorknob and turned it in my hand. Opening the door, I took a step inside and caught my first glimpse of Mrs. Shannon.
*****
Stay tuned for Between Lies (Book 2 of The In-Between Series)
Coming Spring 2017
Letter to Readers
*****
Dear Reader,
I hope you enjoyed Caught in Between (Book 1 of The In-Betweens Series). Sadie is a special piece of me…that awkward, shy, sixteen-year-old piece. When I sat down to write this story, my intent was to capture the myriad of feelings that most teenage girls experience at one point or another. I laughed and cried while writing this book, and I hope you felt Sadie’s struggles, too.
You are probably wondering how she will fare in her attempt to attend regular high school. At least, I hope you are! Her story continues in Between Lies (Book 2 of The In-Betweens Series). In it, she will meet new friends and foes alike, while continuing to seek answers to her biggest questions. What do the Firsts want with her? And if she’s not a true vampire, what is she?
I hope you will choose to continue following Sadie’s adventures in the next book. It will be available soon! In the meantime, I’d like to ask you a favor. If you’re so inclined, I’d love a review of Caught in Between. Whether you loved it or hated it, I’d enjoy your feedback. Your voice means more than you may realize. You, the reader, have the power to make a book successful. So, if you have the time, I would love to hear your opinions.
Thank you for choosing to share in this adventure with me!
Best,
Alison L. Perry
About the Author
Alison L. Perry graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.A. in Psychology, but she has always been a storyteller at heart. Born and raised in Texas, she refuses to live anywhere else, currently residing in the suburbs of Dallas/Fort Worth with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two spoiled rotten dogs. She is a football enthusiast, music lover, Starbucks addict, office supply junkie, and spends most of her time daydreaming, writing, and perfecting the art of sarcasm. After spending eighteen years surviving the corporate world, she left its security to chase her dream of writing.
Connect with Me
********
Author Website and Newsletter Subscription:
http://www.alisonlperry.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sassy_town/
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/Sassy_Town
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/AlisonLPerryAuthor/
Caught in Between Page 18