Free Parallel (Travelers Series Book 1) by Claudia Lefeve Page A

but stop short, with one leg dangling out the door. “If you’re too old for school, just who are you anyway? Or is that something you can’t answer either?” I’m being snarky, but he deserves it. “And what’s up with the accent?” Even though this is Virginia, which is technically the South, you don’t hear too many Southern accents this close to the District.
    Cooper’s face tightens, like he’s annoyed, but then lets out a deep laugh. “Boy, nothing gets by you. I may be past my prime, but I’m your friend and I hope you know that. And yes, I can even answer your other question. I’m originally from Richmond.”
    Okay, being from Richmond explains the slight inflection in his voice and I believe him when he says he’s a friend. I don’t really have a choice but to trust him at this point. “We’ll talk later.” I finally manage to extricate myself from the SUV.
    Damn, I get several steps away from Cooper’s truck and realize I forgot to ask if he’s picking me up after school. Oh well, I can figure that out later, I think to myself as I make my way down to the grassy quad in search of Jaime. I assume she’s outside waiting for me before class so we can walk together. While I scan the area for her shimmery platinum hair, I feel something hard hit the back of my head.
    “Ouch!” I whip around and spot a group of girls playing lacrosse. The back of my head continues to throb where the ball made contact.
    “Sooo sorry,” a voice calls out followed by hollow laughter.
    I’d recognize that apology anywhere. A tall lithe blonde comes rushing in my direction in order to claim her ball. There’s no doubt in my mind that she’s the one responsible for the pathetic attempt at an apology. Per her usual M.O., she doesn’t sound sorry at all.
    “Come on Etta, it’s not worth getting into it with her.” Jaime miraculously appears by my side just in time to grab me by the shoulder. Her attempt is clear: to steer me away from a confrontation. As always, Jaime takes the position of buffer when it comes to me getting into trouble.
    Even though I recognized the voice, I still manage to do a double take at the girl running towards us. “Who is that?” I ask anyway, already knowing the answer. I have a feeling this isn’t going to be the end of me and Lacrosse Barbie and I want to be sure.
    “You sure you’re okay? The ball must have hit you harder than I thought. That’s Jenny, duh. You know, her dad’s the Mexican Ambassador? Access to free booze because her family owns and operates Mexia beer? Super bitch from hell? Ring any bells?” Jaime looks at me curiously. “And judging from bump on your head, she must really have it in for you.”
    My eyes narrow as I watch Jenny claim her ball and trot back to her group of giggling friends. The Barbie Brigade is just going to have to watch out. If they think they’re dealing with the same Etta, they’re in for a rude awakening—they have no idea who they’re messing with now.
    “Why?” It’s obvious we hate each other, but I can’t imagine having anything to do with a girl like Jenny that she’d actually go to great lengths to make my life miserable. In the other world, it was only logical that she’d be petty enough to make fun of the poor orphan girl. Everyone did. So what reason can she possibly have to bother with me here?
    Suddenly, I’m confronted by an affectionate rub on my right shoulder and a male voice. “Hey, are you okay? I saw that ball whack you right upside the head.”
    I’m mortified that there are witnesses to the most embarrassing moment ever. And on my first day! I subconsciously rub the small bump on the back of my head. “I’m fine, really.”
    Jaime points in the direction of the male voice behind me. “That’s why.”
    “Oh.” I spin around and am startled to be looking straight into the blue eyes of Alex Stewart—the captain of the football team. Wait, does Dominion even have a football team? This strikes me as