Free The Ones by Daniel Sweren-Becker Page A

alone.”
    â€œOh. Kai. I didn’t realize he was in charge of our relationship.”
    â€œHe’s not. And neither are you. You’re not my babysitter.”
    â€œRight, I’m sorry. Your mom’s freaking out, I’m worried sick, but from now on I’ll just wait until it’s crystal clear that you’re in trouble before I lift a finger to help. Wouldn’t want to embarrass you again.”
    As James walked off ahead of her, Cody realized she was being a jerk. She caught up with him and grabbed his arm.
    â€œYou didn’t embarrass me, okay? It’s just that … you heard what they were talking about down there. I didn’t want us to look like ignorant kids,” she said.
    â€œYeah, I did hear them. And honestly, they’re all crazy.”
    â€œJames, keep your voice down.”
    â€œI’m sorry. But they’re talking about a national network of college students that’s going to run around—doing what? Planting bombs? Can we just get out of here, please?”
    Now something scarier occurred to Cody, an issue that was much bigger than their petty bickering. She was almost afraid to ask, but she had to.
    â€œYou actually think we deserve this, don’t you?”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œYou agree with them, the rest of the country. You think we are a mistake—a problem that needs fixing. That we shouldn’t be treated the same as everyone else.” Cody glared at him. “Am I right?”
    James struggled to formulate a response. “Not exactly, okay? I just … I understand why people think it’s unfair. We have an advantage, don’t we? And if there needs to be some adjustments to make things fair again, I don’t believe that bombing government buildings is an appropriate response.”
    â€œ Adjustments? Kids are getting killed! No one should be punished simply because of how they were born. I thought we always agreed on that.”
    â€œWe do. But whatever is happening in there,” James said, pointing back toward the church, “that’s not the solution.”
    Cody’s heart sank as she realized how big the rift was between her and James. But she knew this wasn’t the moment to convince him. She needed to get him away from the rest of the Ones and explain things in the car. Make him understand that he was now obligated, at the very least, to keep quiet about this. She had vouched for him.
    As she pushed James toward her mother’s car, she heard Kai call out from behind her. “Cody!” he yelled. “Wait up a second.”
    Cody and James stopped at the edge of the street, and Kai jogged over to them. He stood between them and put his arms around both their shoulders. Cody thought it was supposed to be friendly, but it still felt a little weird.
    â€œI’m glad you two made it today,” Kai said. “I know there may have been a lot to take in, but I hope you felt it was worthwhile.”
    â€œYeah, thanks for including us. We’re honored to be part of this,” Cody said.
    â€œOkay, great. That’s what I expected,” Kai said. Then he turned to look at James. Cody fixed her gaze on him as he stood silently for a moment.
    â€œYup. Ditto,” James said.
    â€œWell, listen … I think there’s a real opportunity to get you guys organized over at the high school. Like I said inside, it can’t just be us old geezers—if this is going to work, we need every One to be involved.”
    â€œYeah, I totally agree,” Cody said.
    â€œHere, take my number,” Kai said, handing her a slip of paper. “We should bounce some ideas around. And don’t worry, it’s not my regular phone. This one is safe to call.”
    Cody took the paper and slid it into her pocket. She could feel James staring daggers at her. And yes, they were definitely daggers, not butter knives. Cody wanted to pull Kai aside and ask