Free Changing Fate by Michelle Merrill Page B

approve.
    “I’ll distract Viv ,” I say, batting my lashes. “You go save the poor boy.”
    Giana ’s eyes light up and her cheeks flush pink. I turn and we split ways. I approach Vivian from the side and get a slight grin from Mo. Vivian glances over her shoulder and freezes. I walk up casually and lean on a nearby table. “Hey, Viv .”
    Her face turns rigid. “What do you want?”
    I shrug a shoulder. “Not much. Just thought I’d stop and say hi.” My next breath gets caught in the painful spot in my throat and tries to come back out. I swallow hard to keep it down.
    Vivian drums her fingers on her folded arms and stares at me. She forces a smile and says, “Hi.”
    I turn to Mo. “You must be the new kid.”
    He chuckles. “Word travels fast.”
    He has no idea. Max enters the cafeteria. Shoot. Gotta finish this before he tries to “help.” Giana’s moved closer, but she’s hesitant. Apparently it’s harder for her to do much of anything around Mo. I stand straight. “Hey, Mo. See that girl over there?”
    His gaze follows my pointed finger to Giana. He nods.
    “She’s part of the unofficial meet and greet committee for new kids. Have you met her?”
    “Nope.”
    I laugh, a fake, airy giggle. Giana eyes me and I let the laugh linger. “Looks like she’s waiting for you. It was nice to meet you, though.”
    Vivian’s glare cuts daggers straight for me. The second Mo steps away, she gets right up in my face. Or, really, I should say down in my face since she’s basically bending over. “What was that all about?”
    “Oh, puh-lease.” I roll my eyes. “How would Jack feel if he knew you were flirting with another boy?”
    “Jack’s dead to me.”
    “That’s a shame.”
    She grunts. “What are you talking about?”
    I step to the side to get out of her space, or to get her out of mine. “Because Jack and I didn’t really make out.” I turn around and walk away.
    Not a minute later, Kyler comes in and waves me over to an empty table. I sit beside him.
    “This has been a crazy day,” he says.
    “ Agreed.” My answer is instant, but true.
    “Look, I’ve been wanting to— ”
    I sneeze and scramble for a tissue. I’m wiping my nose and coughing and dreading the truth. Either Jack gave me his cold or someone else did. I can’t even enjoy this moment with Kyler. A few more wretched coughs scratch their way up my throat and I take a long drink from my water bottle.
    “Sorry.” My response comes out hoarse.
    Kyler touches my arm. “Are you okay?”
    I take a deep breath and wipe my nose again. “I think so.”
    He pauses for a second. His cheeks turn a shade of red. “Do you want to go on a date with me?”
    I blink a few times and try to process his words. Once I do, I swallow, try to breathe, finally manage a few quick breaths and end up coughing again. When the worst passes, I shake my head.
    “You don’t?” The pain in his eyes cuts to my heart. It’s like I’ve taken his favorite song and changed the notes to an off-key, distorted melody.
    “No. I mean yes.” What do I mean? Yes, I’d love to? I clench my teeth and think about what’s holding me back. A few more coughs give me time to come up with the right answer. “I’m not saying no. What I’m trying to say is…” Heat creeps across my cheeks and my thoughts scatter. Ugh . Why can’t I think straight? My nose drips and I get another tissue. “I think I’m sick.”
    A sliver of relief softens his piercing eyes. “Maybe another time?” He tilts his head and offers a small smile.
    I can’t do anything but nod. I’m afraid if I talk, it’s going to have repercussions. My keys jingle as I get them out of my backpack.
    “Where are you going?”
    “Home,” I whisper.
    If I’m really sick, Mom’s going to flip. I might actually see those black belt skills if this cold doesn’t kill me first.    

Chapter 11
     
     
     
    It’s hard not to focus on the fact that I turned down a date with Kyler.