Page 28

I hug Mom then wave Vienna over. She hops down from her spot on the hospital bed now stained with orange dust from her fingers.

"I have to get home, but I'll see you Tuesday after school," I sign.

She nods and throws her arms around my waist. I hug her tight, wondering what must be going through her mind.

Knowing what's going through mine.

"Think about everything from today and talk to Mom, okay?" I tell her when I pull back.

"Okay," she says simply.

I smile and nudge her with my elbow. "I love you."

"Love you too."

I wave and head back toward the double doors, shoes still squeaking with each step.

As I move, I try to push everything else out of my head and just think of how different life will be for Vienna if she goes through with this. How different it'll be for all of us.

I never saw my little sister as less than—disabled, broken—whatever some ignorant people may say. But part of me knows that despite her being perfect exactly the way she is, getting this implant will likely make some things easier.

All of my thoughts pause when a ding rings out at the end of the hallway. I pick up my pace, darting toward the elevator before the doors close. I step inside, exhaling as I lean back against the cool metal wall, looking forward to the twenty seconds of silence that will follow.

But just as the doors start to close, a hand slips between them.

They jerk open again, and for the first time since I got here, my mind stops racing.

Stops altogether.

Because the last person I expected to see again—the last person I wanted to see—is standing right in front of me.

Jace

Fall of Junior Year at Mage Hollow High

Isee her before she sees me. Same as every day—heading down the hall from Mr. Jalenski's room toward her locker. I step out from around the corner, pausing at the water fountain like I always do. I watch as she spins the lock three times to the right, twice to left, then back once more.

Right about now I'd usually dip down to take a drink I don't need, waiting for her to switch her books and head my way—my attempt to catch a glimpse of her, a smile maybe. But before I know it, my feet are moving—past the fountain and toward Lenny standing with her head tucked inside her locker.

"Hey," I say, my voice strong despite the weakness in my knees.

Lenny jumps back, nearly banging her head against the metal before slamming the door shut. "What are you doing here?"

I lean against the locker beside hers, my posture much cooler than I'm feeling. "Uh, surprise, O'Reilly. I actually go to this school."

She stares at me blankly before huffing out a weak laugh. "Yeah, no. Right. Of course."

Her eyes drop to the floor, and regret courses through me.

I had the same feeling five minutes ago that I had that first night we ran together. Like I needed more of her—more time, more talking. Just more of what we've had going up until now.

I convinced myself that this made sense. It was the next step in whatever we're doing. The next step to becoming whatever I think—I hope—we might be someday. But that's the thing about Lenny and me. Nothing's ever been planned. Nothing's ever decided. It's like the world just put us together that one time and decided it'll all work out.

But maybe she doesn't see it that way. Maybe she's merely existing and I just… keep showing up.

"How was biology?" I ask, hoping to fill the silence. I wince at how dumb I sound, then rush to explain myself out of looking like I'm a complete stalker. "We always pass each other here, and I saw you that one time…"

You're killin' it, man. Really. Please keep talking.