- 11.
Two weeks until the SATs.
We had practice exams almost daily.
The pressure was on.
Mr. Henderson had given us the last period
for free time.
Maddie leaned over to me.
<
“After the SATs, my crush and I will be going
our separate ways.”
“It’s not SAT season, it’s secret crush funeral
season.”
I remembered when we were walking past the
track field, she pointed out a guy, calling him.
her “crush.”
The guy had coke–bottle glasses and always.
had his nose in a book.
Maddie had offered him water, and he’d just
glanced at her and said, “Give up, Maddie. I’m
not interested in dating someone who’s
failing.”
I’d been about to offer some words of
comfort, but Maddie just sighed dreamily.
“He’s such a cold, aloof academic. I love it.”
Me: …
Has the school nurse checked Maddie’s vision
recently?
Her judgment seemed seriously impaired.
<
“Sarah, do you ever think about dating?”
Dating.
My pen stopped.
I felt someone’s breath on the back of my
neck.
Waiting for my answer, it seemed.
I shook my head.
“I’d rather do another practice test.”
Later that night.
Ethan texted me.
“Practice tests, practice tests. That’s all your
ever care about.”
“Are they as hot as me? Do they have abs like
these?”
Attached was a picture of glistening, perfectly
sculpted abs.
Followed by three quickly retracted
messages.
Me: ???
