Shady

“Art and theater,” she said. “And I mentor the debate and drama clubs.”

Ky glanced at Jerica and then back at Myna, feeling like she shouldn’t answer. “Uhh… the… person I was worried about…”

“That’s fine.” She shrugged and put her car into gear, getting buckled as she did so. “Give me a grading break.”

“Yeah.” Ky nodded, blushing. “… he’s really mad about that…”

“Alpine…” Sadie bit her lip, not sure she remembered. “Up this way, take a right at the railroad tracks?”

“Ah… no,” she confirmed, feeling awkward. She started her car. “So where am I taking you?”

She nodded again, but it wasn’t convincing.

“Um. It’s my second year. But yeah.” She nodded. “Sadie Lovett.” She offered a hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Ky was trembling now, visibly, but forced herself to nod.

Sadie unlocked the driver door and got in then leaned across to unlock the passenger side door, tossing old fast food wrappers in the back along with the dress shoes ...

Ky nodded earnestly. “Yes please. Yes ma’am. I-I don’t want any of this.” “Why not?” Jerica furrowed her brow. “It’s terrifying!” “It’s exciting!” “It’s awful.”

“Yup.” She grabbed them, then pulled out her keys. “I’m actually right ahead of you.” She pointed two spots up the street at a small but fiery red Ford escort ...

Ky nodded miserably. “Will that be soon enough? I-I don’t want…”

Sadie offered a hand to take something, not sure what all he needed to grab.

Ky tried to think of what she knew about Haelar, but she was too scared to remember anything. “Can we ask them to stop?” “Wait!” Jerica’s gaze snapped towards Ky. ...