Gifted Missing: Gifted, #5

By John R. Sankovich

She believed the fight was over. But drama, abductions, and ugly crime rings are dragging her into an inevitable epic battle.

 

Rebecca Stevens' nerves are rattling. With her arch-enemy out of the picture, the timid girl is still not sure where she fits in back at high school. But when she's suspended for unleashing her powers to escape a bully, the all-too-familiar chaos amplifies after she learns her adopted sister has been kidnapped.

 

Determined to use her abilities to bring her sibling home, Rebecca's frustrated when her mentor denies the involvement of any Gifted and tells her to keep her nose out of the investigation. But the driven teen ignores orders and soon discovers human traffickers, another disappearance, and her own troubles spilling into a semester of mayhem.

 

Can Rebecca unmask the abductors before a sinister cabal claims more victims?

 

Missing is the gripping fifth book in the Gifted superhero urban fantasy series. If you like strong heroines, puzzling plots, and nail-biting suspense, then you'll love John R. Sankovich's mysterious adventure.

 

Buy Gifted: Missing to embark on a bold rescue today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Sankovich
• Release date: Jul 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201791520

John R. Sankovich

Even as a young child I was always conjuring up stories and filling them with colorful characters, sharing them with anyone and everyone who would listen. Since then, I’ve progressed quite a bit to formulating longer and more complex stories and sharing them with much larger audiences. When I'm not writing, I'm an avid Carolina Panther fan, video game player, and a Walking Dead aficionado. I wouldn't be able to do this with the support of my family, wife, two daughters, and son. Along with our zoo at home with 3 dogs, 3 frogs, a turtle, leopard gecko, sugar glider, a cat, and numerous fish. You might be surprised that with all these possible distractions, I still manage to write on a daily basis.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Rebecca stared at the small diner. She glanced at her phone screen. The tracker on Blink’s phone was nearby. He’d been gone for two weeks since Christmas and she knew he needed his time to grieve, but she still kept a close eye on where his phone was at every step of the way. He had been all over the United States, from San Francisco to Washington, DC. He told her he would be back once he cleared his head. Trinity had declared The Collector and Natilee dead even without bodies. The theory was that the fire incinerated them. Rebecca wasn’t sure she believed that, but no one wanted to hear her. The Followers hadn’t shown up since then and Peakside was getting back to normal, or whatever passed for normal now.

Taking a deep breath, Rebecca tucked her phone in her pocket and hesitated in front of the diner. A few patrons sat in the booths by the windows, eating their dinner. Kids fidgeted while parents tried to keep them seated. Wind blew across the eves of the blue and white overhang. Rain pattered behind her as she tried to think of what she was going to tell Blink about how she found him. Noticing her reflection in the glass, she brushed her hair behind her ear and smiled. It was time.

She stepped up the one stone step and opened the door. A bell rang overhead. The lone waitress glanced toward Rebecca. I’ll be with you in a second. Take any open seat.

Rebecca nodded and wiped her feet on the mat and scanned the room for Blink. She found him at the counter with his head in his hands. He looked good from behind. His hair had grown a little longer and hung across his face from under his hood. He had a half-eaten slice of pie in front of him. The waitress brewed a pot of coffee, her back to her as she approached Blink. He looked at the muted television while eating pie. A newscaster was talking about a big storm over the area. The smell of greasy food cooking filled the room. She could see through to the kitchen as a man with a white shirt worked the grill, his back to them and she could only see his short hair under his hat.

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She promised she’d give him space, but her father told her she had to bring him home. School was starting tomorrow and Chloe enrolled him because he wanted to go. She climbed up onto the stool next to Blink and spun around, trying to buy a moment to collect her thoughts.

Figured you would show up sooner than this. Blink turned to her.

She froze, her feet dangling off the stool. He smiled. A few weeks of facial hair made him look much older. Hi. Heat warmed her ears, as she didn’t know what else to say.

He took another bite of his pie. The cherry smell made Rebecca’s mouth water. Hi. He smiled as he chewed. He set his phone on the counter. The screen lit up, revealing the cracks and dirt. How’s Peakside?

Good. She gathered her courage as her gift warmed her. Things are getting back to normal.

Normal? What does that even mean?

School is starting tomorrow.

Blink’s eyebrows raised as he took a sip of his soda. School?

Yeah. Rebecca tugged at a string on her sweatshirt. It’s crazy, but with no sightings of them. Rebecca eyed the waitress, who slid a menu to her with a wink before heading off. Ulysses has declared Peakside safe from gifted threats.

Blink laughed. "Threats? They’re still out there. He doesn’t think they will return?

Rebecca picked up the menu to hide from Blink’s gaze. I know, but that’s what he said, so school is starting tomorrow.

Do you want to know what I learned while I was traveling? He scrapped the last bit of pie off his plate. Outside of Peakside, no one even knows about people with powers. Isn’t that crazy?

Yeah, when I was in Maine, I noticed the same thing. It has to be the government’s doing. They must have some sort of cover-up. They scrubbed anything remotely related to gifted people from everything.

Like aliens? Blink chuckled.

Maybe. The butterflies had left Rebecca, and she nodded. It felt good to have her best friend back. What’s good here?

The cheeseburger is amazing. He sipped from his soda. I’m buying.

Great. Rebecca raised her hand to the waitress. Can I get a cheeseburger and fries?

Of course, hon. Anything to drink? The waitress held her pad in front of her. Her brown eyes peering through her glasses.

Sprite. Rebecca set the laminated menu on the table.

Great. It will take a few minutes. Philip, anything else?

Philip. Rebecca cocked her head at Blink. How did she know his real name?

Yeah, another piece of pie.

Cherry?

Apple please.

You got it. The waitress winked and ripped the page off her notepad and placed it on the metal tab by the cook window and rang the bell.

Without looking, the cook grabbed the sheet and grumbled something as he moved out of sight. Once the waitress was on the other side of the diner, Rebecca turned to Blink.

How does she know your real name?

Blink blushed and sipped his soda again. He pulled an ice cube into his mouth and sucked on it, buying some time.

Do you know her?

Sort of. He glanced past Rebecca as the door chime rang again.

Rebecca followed his gaze at a pair of men entering. They had trucker hats on and thick coats. They saddled up to the counter five stools down from them. The waitress walked over to them, a little more attitude in her posture as she talked to them. Sort of? What’s that mean?

Blink narrowed his eyes at the men like he recognized them.

Rebecca waved her hand in front of his face to bring him back from wherever he had drifted off to. She didn’t like the way he went silent. Blink, what’s up?

He smiled like nothing was happening. How’s the family?

Good. Now stop dodging my question. What’s going on?

Blink jumped as the waitress set the plate of pie in front of him.

Rebecca looked over at the men. They looked just like normal men. Nothing special, but something about them had Blink on edge. Do you know them?

Order up, the cook said.

Blink turned to his pie. Suddenly being reserved, and it set Rebecca’s gift on edge. Was Blink in some trouble? Blink talk to me.

Blink took a bite of pie. I’m fine.

Blink, you can trust me. What’s going on? You’re acting weird.

Becca, drop it. I’m good. Let’s just enjoy the freedom before we head home.

Not going to happen. She knew he was hiding something, but didn’t know how to bring it out of him. The waitress brought over her cheeseburger, fries, and soda. Enjoy.

Thank you. Rebecca turned her plate, so the burger was on the right side and reached for the ketchup. She watched Blink out of the corner of her eye as she poured a glob of ketchup next to her fries. Why are you here? Benson is a small town, barely on any map.

Blink ate his pie and looked at the television. It was a commercial about a new car coming out.

With Blink ignoring her, she had no other choice. She waved for the waitress. I’ll ask her how she knows you.

Blink pulled her hand down. Please, don’t.

The waitress approached. Everything okay?

Yeah. Can I get a slice of cherry pie? Rebecca asked.

Yeah, just a second. She left.

Tell me what’s going on? Rebecca asked. You’re acting weird.

This is my hometown, okay? Now drop it.

Hometown? Rebecca had never heard him mention where he came from. She saw the customers in a new light. This was where Blink grew up. Such a small town. She would have to return and check it out. She turned to him with a million questions when the waitress returned with her slice of pie. Thank you.

Connie, get your cute butt over here. Me and Mike are ready to order, one trucker called out.

She took a bite of her cheeseburger, and it melted in her mouth. The juices were so fresh. Blink didn’t lie about how good this was.

Blink looked down the counter at the truckers.

Rebecca turned to look as well. Do you know one of them?

No. He sipped his soda.

She took a fry, and the heat burned her mouth. She waved her hand to cool the burn and took a gulp of soda. I want to check out your hometown. See where you grew up.

Not a good idea.

Why not? Rebecca dipped another fry in the ketchup. We have a little time until we need to get home.

Because I don’t want to go down memory lane, okay? He snapped.

Rebecca frowned and looked at him. Then she looked at the truckers again. He was keeping something from her, but she didn’t know why. She fiddled with her fries, waiting for Blink to talk again.

The door chime rang again as a family left. The wind howled outside.

Blink continued to eat his pie in silence.

Rebecca ate her food but kept looking at him, and he wouldn’t meet her gaze. What was your favorite place you visited?

Mount Rushmore. I could teleport to the top of them. The view was incredible, especially at sunset, he said. He scraped the last bit of apple off his plate and licked the fork.

I bet that was amazing. Rebecca sipped her soda and looked at the clock. Nine at night. When do you want to leave?

He glanced at the clock. Once I finish what I came here to do. He took a deep breath as his hands shook.

Now he was scaring her. Rebecca had never seen Blink nervous like this before. That’s not cryptic at all. What do you need to do?

Just stay here. I’ll be right back. Blink stood and removed his hood.

Order up. The cook set two steaming plates on the counter. His beady eyes locked on Blink and went wide. He disappeared behind the wall.

Rebecca followed Blink’s gaze as he watched the doors leading to the kitchen.

The double doors burst outward and the massive man with a stained apron emerged. Dark circles under his eyes, a scruffy beard, and tattoos lined his arms. He stared at Blink. What brought you home, Philip?

Hi dad. Blink tucked his hands into the pouch of his sweatshirt. I wanted to see you.

Rebecca choked on her soda and coughed. That was Blink’s dad? She looked around Blink to get a better look. The man approached with anger in his eyes. He looked like he was ready for a fight.

Why? You ran away like a coward. I figured I’d never see you again. He stopped about ten feet away from Blink. You didn’t even leave a note.

Rebecca didn’t know if she should stand next to Blink, or stay where she was. Her gift buzzed in case it got violent.

Blink straightened to his full height. I wanted to let you know that I’m still alive.

You left me, just like your mom. Do you want a medal for coming back? The man scratched his neck.

The diner went silent as they watched this exchange.

No. I hoped you might have changed, but nope. You’re still a bully.

The man stomped closer to Blink, and Rebecca wasn’t sure what Blink wanted her to do. She kept her gift ready.

The man towered over Blink. His dirty hair hung in his eyes. Bully? Who took care of you when your mom left? Who worked two jobs to keep a roof over our head?

You made me your slave.

Slave? The man raised his voice. I was tough on you because you were weak and undisciplined.

I forgive you. Blink turned to Rebecca. I’m ready to go.

Forgive me? The man grabbed Blink’s shoulder and spun him around to face him again. Why do I want your forgiveness? You left me, remember? I didn’t kick you out.

Blink shook as he met his father’s gaze. Yeah. That’s right. I left because you didn’t care about me. You were a jerk, but I came back to see if you changed. I see that was too much to hope for.

The man shoved Blink, who crashed into Rebecca. She caught him and held him up. Blink, let’s go.

Blink? What kind of name is that? The man grabbed Blink’s sweatshirt.

Patrick. Get back in the kitchen. The waitress shouted from behind the counter. You’re making a scene.

The man turned to the woman, who didn’t flinch. Rebecca admired the way she remained composed despite the rage in this large man. Shut your mouth. This is family business.

Stop it. Let him go. Rebecca jumped off the stool and harnessed her gift in her fists, ready to send this man back through the double doors. Her heart raced as she looked up at the man.

Who are you? Are you his girlfriend? Blink’s dad turned to Rebecca.

She’s part of my new family.

The man laughed. Family? She’s a feisty little toothpick.

Dad, stop! Blink said. We’re leaving.

Yeah, just run away again. Go back to whatever hole you came out of, Blink’s father shouted.

Rebecca stepped in front of Blink. No wonder we’ve never heard of you. He’s ashamed of you. You’re a loser, living a dead end life. Your son has saved thousands of people. He’s a hero.

Hero? He laughed. He’s still the same scared kid I had to support. He moved like he was going to hit Blink, who flinched. Too lazy to do anything with his life. A high school dropout with no future.

Rebecca’s gift blazed within, but didn’t know what Blink would want her to do, so she kept it held in. The heat spread up her arms.

Let’s go. He’s not worth it. I hoped he would have grown up, but he’s still the same person I abandoned. Blink placed his hand on Rebecca’s shoulder. We have other places to be.

Get out of here, you loser. I don’t want to ever see you again. The man swiped the dirty plates off the counter. They crashed to the ground, and the waitress jumped at the sound.

I should put him in his place, Rebecca said.

No, I got what I came for. Closure. He’s not worth it. Blink shoved his way through the doors and into the mist of rain.

Blink I’m so sorry about him. Rebecca hugged him. He quivered under her touch.

It’s not your fault. I just realized how much luckier I am to have you guys as my family. Natilee saved me and I promised her I would try to reconnect with my family, but as you can see, that’s not possible. He looked up at the sky. She’s probably still saving me.

You’re part of our family. We all love you.

I love you guys, too. Blink took her hand. You said school starts tomorrow. Better get ready. He rubbed the scruff on his face. I need to shave. This itches.

Rebecca nodded. Yeah, it looks itchy.

They teleported.

CHAPTER TWO

Rolling over in bed, Rebecca yawned. The sun filtered through the blinds of her room as wind howled like a banshee through the tree outside her window. She looked at the clock on her bedside table. Six in the morning. Her alarm wouldn’t go off for another thirty minutes, but she couldn’t stop the anxiety crawling from the dark place in her mind. School had been hard before she had powers. Now she figured it could be worse. Letting out a sigh, she threw the covers off and stood. The carpet squished through her toes as she shuffled out into the hall. Silence surrounded her in the darkness as she made her way to the living room. She thought she could have some alone time since no one would be up.

Her father sat on the couch in a bathrobe with a mug in his hand. He watched the television with the closed caption on. Some news story. A reporter stood in front of the charred remains of a familiar building. Yellow police tape blew in the wind behind the lady, her hair whipping her in the face. The ticker under the image read that the schools in Peakside would reopen today.

Nervous? Her father set his mug on the coffee table.

A flutter in her chest made her gag as she nodded. I am not sure how the other kids will react to me.

Her dad smiled with the same confidence he used to use when he was the mayor. The press ate it up, and she understood why he was in complete control over his emotions. I wish I could say it would be easy, but this is uncharted territory. You’re a celebrity.

Celebrity, she doubted that. Can I keep doing online school? I was acing my classes there. She knew the answer already as she lost this fight last week.

Peakside needs to return to normal now that The Collector is gone. School is normal for kids. He patted the seat next to him.

I know, but… She sat on the couch and looked at her shaky hands.

I need you to be brave. Your friends need to see that they can handle it. He turned off the television and turned his full attention to her. It’s important for you to be there. The fight is over, so lead them back to normal. They all need this.

Rebecca mentally floated his mug to her hand. The strong black coffee scent knocked the drowsiness from her mind. She enjoyed the warmth in her hand. I’m not ordinary.

He nodded his head. Everyone knows that, but if you hide, what does that show other gifted people?

Setting his mug on the table again, she stood. I never asked for this. It shouldn’t matter what I do.

But it does, her father said. Whether you like it, you’re the face for the gifted community.

Exactly what she didn’t want to hear. She plodded to the small kitchen and grabbed a box of cereal.

I’m making breakfast. The same one mom used to make on the first days of school in the past.

Chocolate chip pancakes, bacon, and eggs. She looked at her father with a smile. The memory of her mom’s infectious excitement on the first days of school stung. The way her energy spread through the family as she sang while cooking. She put the box back. I’ll wake up Haley, but no singing.

Hey, I’ve been practicing in the shower. He laughed.

No.

Fine, are Zoey and Billy coming over before school?

I don’t know. They weren’t sure if they were going back. Rebecca headed toward the back room where Haley slept. She opened the door and found the girl curled up under her blankets. Her hair wildly spread across her pillow like a bunch of tentacles. Rebecca mentally nudged the girl, and she slapped away at the sensation. A laugh escaped from Rebecca, and Haley’s eyes opened. She glared at Rebecca and yawned. It’s too early.

Time to get up. It’s the first day back to school.

Haley pulled the blanket over her head. Nope.

Rebecca shook her head and left the doorway. Chocolate chip pancakes, she called over her shoulder.

Haley’s feet hit the floor a second later, and she raced past Rebecca. Her hair flew behind her.

Rebecca couldn’t help but smile at the way the girl zoomed toward the kitchen. Jester’s claws dragged along the carpet as he emerged from a dark room. His German shepherd form rippled as he morphed back into a human. His long hair brushed his shoulders as he smiled at her. Didn’t see anyone out there.

It’s early. She returned his smile. It’s probably deserted out there.

You know what I mean. The shower turned on shortly after he closed the bathroom door.

Yes, she did. The Followers have not been seen since the battle. Maybe they were finally defeated. Trinity didn’t find any bodies under the rubble. The town was abuzz with theories about what happened in Peakside. Some said he escaped. Others argued he was dead. Rebecca was there and still didn’t know what to believe. She joined Haley at the small wooden table off to the side of the kitchen. Her father cooked breakfast. The smell of bacon made her stomach grumble.

That smells good. Yasmine entered the room, Gwen on her hip. She reached for a bottle in the refrigerator and then popped it into the microwave. You guys look excited about school.

Rebecca glared at Yasmine. You know it.

Glad I graduated. Yasmine tested the bottle against her wrist. Gwen reached for it. She headed back to her room. Have fun.

A few minutes later, Rebecca’s father brought over piles of pancakes, bacon, and a bowl of scrambled eggs. He set them in the middle of the small table and sat. Do you two want a ride to school today?

Haley plucked off two pancakes and a few strips of bacon.

I’m going to walk to school this morning. Rebecca took three pancakes and some eggs.

That’s like five miles, her father said.

Rebecca took a fork of eggs as Blink popped into the room. His long hair slicked back, with a smile on his shaved face. He looked a lot better than she expected after last night. Almost like his old self. Maybe confronting his past will allow him to move on since Natilee’s death. You ready to go to school?

Rebecca’s father raised his eyebrow. I’m glad someone’s excited for his first day.

Blink joined them at the table and took a handful of bacon. Yeah, I liked school. It was a way to get away from my house and be with other kids. I didn’t do great, but it was nice. The bacon crunched in his mouth as he ate.

Good. Her father went to get his mug on the counter. School’s important.

Mr. Stevens, I’m not feeling good. Haley pushed her plate away. I don’t think I should go today.

Rebecca’s father paused at the counter and took a deep breath before he turned to Haley. Haley, I know you’re nervous, but you have to get an education. It’s really important. Everyone is nervous on the first day.

I’m sick. She lowered her head to her hands.

Is it going to be scary?

Rebecca shook her head as she ate. It will be fine.

I don’t want to go.

You have to try.

Haley raised her eyes to Rebecca, pleading.

Mind filling me in on your conversation. Her father stood next to the table.

Sorry, she’ll try to go today. Rebecca eyed Haley. Won’t you?

Fine. She slid out of the chair and shuffled back to her room. I’ll brush my teeth and be ready soon.

Rebecca’s father sat. I’ve already talked to the principal at her school. She is going to be fine. They will look after her.

Dad, we’re all over the news. Nothing about this is going to be fine. It’s going to be hard. Rebecca tossed a piece of bacon into her mouth. She savored the salty flavor on her tongue.

Becca, at least we’ve got each other. Blink folded a pancake around a couple slices of bacon and dipped it in syrup. She’s solo.

I guess. She finished her breakfast and stood. I’ve got to get ready. Yasmine picked out my outfit for my first day. Now I get to see what it looks like. She laughed as she trudged down the hall.

I’ll be here. Blink made another bacon pancake sandwich.

Do you want some juice or something? Rebecca’s father asked.

Sure.

Rebecca made her way back to her room, but paused at the sound of Yasmine’s voice behind the closed door of her and Alex’s room.

They were after our daughter. We can’t stay here, Yasmine said. I don’t feel safe here.

I know, but this is my home. I can’t just leave my family like that, Alex said.

We need to protect Gwen. That’s the most important thing.

Rebecca stepped closer to the door to hear better.

What are you doing? Jester asked.

Rebecca jumped from the door and faced him. His wet hair hung across his eyes, droplets of water clung to the tips. He stood in the bathroom doorway, a towel over his shoulder in a pair of jeans. He smiled. Are you spying?

No. I just… Heat filled her face, and she looked anywhere except at his soft brown eyes.

He closed the distance. Eavesdropping?

Flustered, she pushed open her door and slammed it. Her heart raced, the pounding bringing more heat to her face. She mentally locked the door and let out a breath.

Rebecca, are you okay? Jester asked. I was just playing.

Yeah, whatever, I need to get dressed for school. She moved to the box on top of her dresser and looked out at the melting snow across the backyard. Weeds poked through small patches of snow, waving in the breeze outside like little green hands. Were Alex and Yasmine planning on leaving Peakside? She couldn’t imagine not having them close. She understood, but why now?

Rebecca? Jester knocked on the door.

Did you leave me any hot water? She opened the box on her dresser. A red long sleeve shirt with rhinestones, a black pair of jeans and a studded belt. A black leather jacket sat underneath the pile. She sniffed the leather. The smell made her smile. Yasmine’s fashion choices were on point again.

I think so. His steps moved away. Do I smell bacon?

With him gone, she hurried into the bathroom. The steam curled in the air as she set the clothes on the sink. She wiped her hand across the steamed up mirror and smiled. She’d been through worse things than high school. I’ve got this. Her gift buzzed within to remind her of what she’s capable of.

After her shower and getting dressed, she checked her reflection. The red popped from under the jacket. She returned to the living room. Blink sat on the couch, his hand over his stomach as he and Chloe watched cartoons on the television. You look full.

Blink winced. When I’m nervous, I eat. He took in her outfit with a smile. Nice.

Rebecca posed. Yasmine picked it out.

She’s a magician.

I can’t argue. Rebecca grabbed the last piece of bacon off the table and savored the flavor. She looked out through the window over the sink. Chloe’s house sat less than a hundred feet away. It hid their cottage from the view of the street, which was a part of the charm and the feeling of safety. Her family could never thank her enough for their sanctuary.

Yasmine, what do you want for breakfast? Alex asked as they entered the room.

Your dad made breakfast… Her mouth hung open at the empty dishes. Well, there was breakfast here. Where did it all go?

Blink ate it all. Rebecca wiped the bit of bacon grease off her lips with a paper towel.

I guess it’s cereal then. Alex pulled the box from the cupboard.

He poured them some bowls as Yasmine set Gwen down on the floor of the living room. Gwen kicked her feet, her small hands grabbing at anything they could reach.

Haley, are you ready? Rebecca’s father spun his keys on his finger.

The girl turned off the television and sighed. Let me get my backpack. She plodded down the hall.

Make it quick. Her father looked at Rebecca. You sure you don’t want a ride? School starts in about twenty minutes.

Rebecca nodded. Her chest clenched with nerves. The idea of entering the school, the confines of a building and the pressure of everyone’s expectations of her caused her gift to tingle through her. She was the hero of Peakside. She swallowed the knot in her throat. Blink and I got this. It didn’t look like her father believed her.

Jester came from the hall, Haley right behind him. Her shoulders sagged as she shuffled her feet on the carpet. Jester helped her slide her backpack over her shoulders. He knelt in front of her and whispered something to her that made her smile. Really?

Jester nodded. Make it through the day, and I promise.

Haley stared at Jester and turned to Rebecca, her eyes wide as she laughed and hurried after Rebecca’s father.

What did you tell her?

That’s a surprise. Jester grinned as he walked past Rebecca and sat crossed legged on the floor near Gwen. He watched Gwen as she rolled from her back to her belly. She slapped at the ground, making grunting sounds. She’s going to be crawling soon, or she’s pooping.

Yasmine laughed, nearly spitting out her cereal. She better not. I just changed her.

Rebecca sighed. She’d miss the time with her niece. She wouldn’t let them leave without talking to them first. Blink, you ready?

He stood. Of course. Whenever?

Let me grab my stuff. She went to her room. Her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and saw Kellen’s name on the screen. She answered. Hello.

Hey, wish I could be there with you, but you know I’m sort of done with that.

Yeah, yeah. Already heard that one. I know you just barely graduated. What was it, a C average?

Hey, I had some circumstances get in my way, but I graduated. His tone remained jovial.

What are you going to do with all your free time? She grabbed her binder off the desk.

I signed up for some online college classes. So I’ll be busy.

Online, lucky.

Anyway, can we hang out after school?

She stared at the dusty corner of her room. Would it be smart to start this again? It was just being friends, right? Yeah, sure. Where do you want to meet?

I’ll pick you up from school.

Great. Blink knocked on her door. She raised her finger at him to wait. I need to go. See you then.

Learn lots, bye.

Bye. She hung up.

You ready? Blink asked.

Yeah.