Free Skater Boy by Mari Mancusi Page B

happy. In fact, I had to swear my life away that I’d do better next time just to convince her not to call my parents.
    Sunday, I went to church with The Evil Ones (fell asleep after the first hymn) and then had to sit through a formal dinner with all their boring old friends and listen to my dad brag about me and my accomplishments. Of course, he doesn’t do this to stroke my ego—no way! He just wants them to think he’s all “Father of the Year” or some such crap.
    The only thing that got me through it all was my never-ending thoughts of Sean. Sean and his awesome kisses, to be precise. Every time I thought of him I got this warm, squishy feeling that made everything else seem halfway tolerable.
    But I realize yummy Sean thoughts aren’t going to work this time, as I watch Sister Mary Anne slam down Friday’s Chemistry exam on her shiny wooden desk. Nope, no fuzzy making-out memories can soften the blow of the big red “F” scribbled at the top.
    Can we say, so not good?
    â€œDawn, is everything okay?” Sister Mary Anne asks, her squeaky voice filled with concern. The kids call her Mary Mouse behind her back. “This isn’t like you.”
    â€œI’m fine,” I mutter, wondering how on earth I’m going to explain this to The Evil Ones. Maybe I can file papers for my emancipation before progress reports come out.
    â€œYou’re one of my best students,” the Sister says, smoothing her hands over her black habit. “I can’t understand this.”
    I wonder what it’s like to be a nun. To swear off men for life. I could not do that. I mean, what a missed opportunity. A waste of a good pair of lips. Maybe Sister Mary Anne has never met the right guy. If she had, I doubt she’d be able to live up to her vows.
    â€œI know. I’m sorry,” I say, staring at the dusty hardwood classroom floor. Wow, all the money The Evil Ones pay for tuition and the school can’t find a proper janitor.
    â€œIs everything all right at home?”
    â€œYes,” I say, feeling bad for not being able to explain. I know she’s genuinely worried about me and that’s nice. But how do I tell a nun I didn’t study ‘cause I’m dating a new boy? She’ll so not be able to relate.
    The Sister sighs and picks up the test. I watch in amazement as she tears it in half, then in quarters, and flutters the scraps of paper into the trash. I sure didn’t see that one coming.
    â€œI’m going to assume this was a fluke,” she says. “And I’ll allow you to retake the test tomorrow during class. I’m sure you’ll be able to get a better grade the next time around?” she asks, raising an eyebrow in question.
    Relief floods me. “Definitely. Of course. Thank you, Sister,” I babble, practically bowing to her in my relief. This is great. I can go home and study all night. Then tomorrow I’ll be able to ace the retest easy. The Evil Ones will never know the difference. Phew.
    At that moment, my phone buzzes in my purse. I say a quick good-bye to the nun and dash out of the classroom. As soon as I’m in the hall, I whip out the phone to see who texted me. Hoping upon hope it was Sean.
    I’m not disappointed.
    >Want to come over 2night?
    My heart pounds triple time as I reread the message. He wants me to come over? To his house? That’s like a second date. How cool is that? And this time we’ll be alone—no Starr and Eddie to interrupt us. Which means plenty of time for kissing. Man, I can’t wait to kiss Sean again. I think I’m turning into a nympho or something.
    Then my pounding heart sinks as reality kicks in. There’s no way I can go over to his house tonight. I’ve got to study for my Chemistry test. I can’t screw up my second chance at a good grade. That’d be suicide.
    My phone buzzes a new message.
    >My mom wants to meet u.
    Aww. He told his mom