Free Journal of the Undead (Book 1): Littleville Uprising by S.G. Lee Page A

fairer sex. However, both Frank and Kate were relieved that impressing Emma meant studying harder and taking extra classes. If things between them continued, Evan could end up in an Ivy League school as a result of his courtship. Naturally, Frank was apprehensive about Evan dating the daughter of one of his colleagues, but Emma seemed to be a good influence so he kept his reservations to himself.
    Evan’s stomach did flip-flops as he pulled into the Wexleys’ driveway. Seconds later, he saw Emma rush out of her house. He dashed over to the passenger side and opened the car door for her. She looked at him curiously; no one her own age had ever opened a car door for her. Her concerns about holding a conversation for the entire two-hour drive proved unnecessary. Once Evan broke the silence, it was easy to keep the conversation rolling. Encouraged by how easy it was to talk to him, Emma finally asked the question that had been on her mind since they’d met.
    “So, I was wondering why your family doesn’t live on base. Isn’t it a long drive for your dad to make every day?”
    “It’s not any further for him than for your dad.”
    “But my dad’s a civilian. He can’t live on the base.”
    “True. I think it’s because of me … if my dad gets reassigned he doesn’t want me to have to start over in my senior year. My mom, Lucy, and I would stay here until I graduate. If we lived on base, we’d either have to rush to find someplace else to live or go wherever Dad was being sent. My dad’s supposed to be stationed here for the next two years but, well, I guess you know what that’s like. From what Matt said, you’ve moved almost as many times as we have.”
    “Like you said, we’re supposed to be here for the next two years also but I’ll believe it when I see it.”
    “It probably would have been easier on Lucy if we did live on base. The other kids there know what it’s like to move around all the time and they’re usually more sympathetic. At least she’s finally making some friends, thanks to you.”
    Evan resisted pointing out that if Emma had taken her own advice, she probably would have made more friends as well. Although he couldn’t blame her for not trying too hard; most of the girls they’d met at Lincoln High were cliquey, backstabbing, self-absorbed jerks.
    Inevitably, the conversation turned to the Homecoming dance. Evan was relieved to find out that even if she hadn’t already signed up for the class Emma would not have accepted Tyler’s invitation.
    “I don’t do the whole school dance thing,” Emma laughed. “So; did Matt put you up to this?”
    “Um, what do you mean?”
    “Nothing. It’s just that things always seem to turn out the way Matt wants. He was really mad that I was going to take the car. I mean, seriously, he thinks feeling up a cheerleader in the backseat is more important than my college applications.”
    Though Emma was still laughing, there was a trace of annoyance in her tone. Evan breathed a sigh of relief but the little voice in his head kept insisting he should tell her the truth.
    What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her. Besides, I really wanted to go out with her and Matt just gave me the green light , he silently told the voice.
    On further consideration, he decided to repay Matt. It couldn’t be considered payment if he repaid the money. With his conscience appeased, Evan steered the conversation to safer topics for the rest of the drive.
    ***
    The class was more informative than she had hoped; Emma was busy filling page after page with notes but her date’s mind wandered as the professor droned on with the lesson plan. Evan was anxious for the class to end so their date could begin. Hidden in his trunk was a cooler packed with delicious food prepared by his mom for their picnic. Lunch was just the beginning of his plan to impress Emma; after the second half of class was over, he planned to take Emma to an art exhibit on campus. Following that, they’d