Free Solo by Sarah Schofield Page A

dancing. Around four o'clock, I decided it was time to pack up. I had found my oasis, an outlet for my emotions. It would be my reward for enduring school and all the dreadful moments yet to come.
    I turned off my iPod and followed my marked trees. I tried to plan when I could come back. I knew it would take me about an hour to get here from my grandparents' house. If I left right after school, I could enjoy my haven for a few hours.
    When I reached the forest line, I listened for cars before stepping onto the road. I didn't want anyone seeing me. I took off running. What a perfect day .
    * * *
     "I didn't expect you to be home this early," Mom said, surprised. It looks like you got a little sun. Your cheeks are pink."
    "Really, I didn't think I'd get burnt in April."
    "The sun is closer because you're high in the mountains.
    "Oh, I didn't think of that. Well, I'm going to take a shower to make sure no hitchhikers came back with me," I laughed.
    When I looked in the mirror, I was shocked. I hadn't felt the burning because of the cooler temperature and the breeze. After my shower, I could feel heat radiating from my skin. "Ouch," I grumbled, while slathering on aloe vera.
    Mental note: pack sunscreen next time.
    I spent the rest of the night frequently applying lotion. I called my friend Kelly. There was no answer. I should have known better; it was Saturday night. My friends would be at Tremors, our favorite under-eighteen club.
    I sent my dad an e-mail and kept it lighthearted. I told him about the nature hike and running in the mountains, leaving out the field I'd discovered. I told him about my date with Mom and the restaurant we'd gone to. I ended my e-mail by promising to take good care of Mom while he was gone. I told him I loved and missed him more than he could imagine.
    What should I do now? I closed my laptop and put more lotion on. I looked at the clock. It was nine. This is pathetic. I plopped on my bed and counted specks of glitter on the ceiling. I hadn't stayed home on a Saturday night in a long, long time. It's funny how fast things can change.
    The rest of the weekend was uneventful. Casey never called. I spent the day hiding from the sun and applying aloe vera every thirty minutes. The most exciting part of my day was watching television in the living room with Gramps—well, I watched, he slept.
    After my breakdown in the meadow, I knew I'd found a way to survive the next two months of school. I decided the best way to get through was to be polite, but keep to myself. I wouldn't encourage anyone to befriend me, especially Lucas Andrews, a.k.a. 'The Player'. After that, I would have the freedom of summer.
     

Chapter Seven: The Routine
     
    I was eager to begin my new daily routine. The next morning, I hung out with Casey, but at lunchtime, I sat under a tree listening to music and reading more of Pride and Prejudice. I noticed Lucas with his friends, including Rachel, at one of the picnic tables across the courtyard. Throughout the day, I avoided Sasha. When I went to study hall, I expected to see Lucas, but he was nowhere in sight, which made it easier to get my homework done. I found that my day went smoother not having to sit for an hour with him only a few feet away.
    This has been an easy day, I thought, on my way to my car. When I got home, I went straight to my room to change and then made a quick appearance in the kitchen during teatime. I kissed Mom's cheek and headed out the door hollering, "Be back soon!"
    I jogged to the curve that took me to my haven. Looking to make sure no one was around I slipped past the tree line and followed my tree markings. When I reached my spot, I spent the next few hours dancing and tumbling.
    At five thirty, I made my way out of the forest, careful to check for traffic before exiting the tree line. I ran to my grandparents' home, changed my clothes, ate dinner, cleaned the kitchen, watched the evening news with gramps, and said good night for the evening. When I