122

Eleven years ago…

Drake hadn’t spoken to me since the incident with the mayor. He had been quiet the past few days, and not even our classmate could talk to him. He was distant from Jason too, and my brother knew he shouldn’t bother him. I had the urge to approach him since I thought we’d finally become close, but I didn’t want to make anything worse, so I kept my mouth shut.

The bell rang after the PE class while Arianna and I went to the girls’ locker to change.

“Do you think Drake is okay?” Jenny abruptly asked, interrupting our current conversation.

My senses were automatically on high alert after hearing his name.

Arianna glanced at Jenny, then pulled her t-shirt off her head. I continued peeling off my tops, trying not to let my curiosity show.

“Drake Mallory is transferring to his rightful class if that’s what you’re talking about.” Peach, our class president, joined in. “I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

“What do you mean?” Mae asked.

“I mean, he’ll be a senior starting next week,” Pea