Page 29 of Burning Embers
Classes.
The familiar tendrils of terror wrap around my heart and squeeze. I’ve gotten good at thinking about school in conceptual terms. But to be hit in the face with the full reality of my situation? Yeah, I think I may pass out.
Hale was sent my class schedule a day before I even arrived at his house, and Jake did his best to give me a rundown of where each class was. Unfortunately, I only have one class with my foster brother. The other five…I’m on my own.
“Don’t be anxious, Izzy.” Hale flashes me an encouraging smile. “You’ll do great.”
“What could go wrong about starting my senior year weeks after school already began in a place I know absolutely nobody?” My voice borders on hysteria.
“You’re panicking,” Jake points out dryly.
“Totally panicking,” Lissa agrees.
“Everything will be fine,” Hale reassures me again. “And you have my number if you need anything.”
“Mine too,” Jake says. “And I already said I’ll sit with you at lunch, so don’t worry about that.” He adopts an imperious tone and hefts his chin into the air. “Anyone who sits by me will automatically become popular. It’s the unspoken rule.”
I snort at his antics, even as my stomach twists itself into a dozen tight knots. I can’t help but remember Ethan’s offer to sit by me at lunch…
But no. Surely he already forgot about me, the strange new girl. There’s no way a guy like him would ever be interested in agirl like me. There seems to be a neon sign dangling above my head that screams, “WARNING—PRODUCT IS DAMAGED.”
I wish I weren’t pissed at Grayson. He always knows what to say when I’m freaking out about starting a new school. A lot of times, he’ll come visit me on campus or find me in the parking lot after school ends.
I miss him, and I hate the fact that I do.
But I can’t focus on Grayson or Ethan or anything except putting one foot in front of the other. Who cares if the ground I’m walking on is cracked and weak, threatening to shatter at any moment? Who cares that I may fall through the floor into the abyss below?
One foot in front of the other.
That’s my mantra.
Steeling my spine, I glance at Jake. “Let’s go.”
Eleven
IZZY
After dropping Seth off at his school, Jake drives us to the local high school—an unassuming brick building that’s three stories high. The parking lot is surprisingly crowded for this early in the morning, but Jake tells me it’s because most of the sports teams are required to do some weight training before classes begin.
Thank goodness I don’t play on any teams.
I tried gymnastics when I was younger before I realized that I wasn’t a fan of the skin-tight, revealing leotards. Then I joined the cheer team for a couple of years, though I quickly discovered I wasn’t “peppy” enough for the coach’s liking.
Besides, I found that it was hard to join a sport when I was constantly moving from school to school. The second I started making friends, I had the rug ripped out from underneath me and had to start all over again.
It was better for everyone if I just kept to myself.
As soon as the car is put into park, Lissa flings open her door without a backwards glance and races across the lot, nothing but a flurry of pink clothing and brown hair. She joins a group of similar-looking girls, a wide, beguiling smile on her pretty face.
“You ready for today?” Jake questions as he grabs his backpack from behind him.
“Not at all,” I answer honestly, stepping out of the car and waiting for him to join me.
“You’ll be fine, new girl.” He hits my shoulder with his own and releases a genuine chuckle. “Remember what I said before… If you’re friends with me, then you’re popular.”
“How did I get stuck with such a modest foster brother?” I tease.
“God’s gift to you.” He hikes his bag farther up his shoulder and then waves to a few people we pass.