Chapter 29: Sick, Part 1

My master plan to skip school was quickly thwarted when Aunt Beth took me to the doctor, and he said I was one of the healthiest teenagers he'd ever seen. As soon as we'd left his office, she dropped me off at school.

I stopped at my locker as the bell rang, and the halls filled with students. It was the start of fourth period, which was lunch. I'd get to see Ellie and the rest of my friends. I shoved my backpack into my locker, closed the door, and rushed toward the cafeteria, praying I wouldn't run into Trent on the way.

Ellie, Tonya, and Luke were already seated at our usual table, and I joined them.

"Hey," I said with a smile that I didn't have to force.