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“You’ve been to seven high schools in four years?”

Diana nodded and said, “It’s not so bad.”

“Of course, it is,” Cheryl replied.

Diana met her eyes then and swallowed. Cheryl was the most beautiful girl she’d ever seen, which meant she had to be extra careful not to say or do anything to give herself away. She was only about seven months from graduating and five months away from turning eighteen.

“That had to be hard. You don’t get to make any friends, do you?” Cheryl continued.

“Not many, no. I tried in the beginning, but then, I’d leave, so there wasn’t much of a point. I started sitting in the back of the room and alone at lunch then.”

“I’m sorry, Diana. Do you want to sit withmetoday?”

Diana almost said yes right away but stopped herself.

“You sit with all your friends, but thanks.”

“You can sit withus, I mean. I’ll introduce you around. Your dad just bought the shop. You’re not leaving now, are you?”

“I don’t think so, no. He had to take out a loan, and it’s not making money yet, so I think we’re here for a while.”

“Then, sit with us.”

“Would your friends even like me?”

“Why wouldn’t they?” Cheryl asked.

“I don’t know. I’m quiet, still the newest person here, and I don’t participate in things.”

“Do youwantto?”

“What?”

“Participate in things.”

“Oh. I suppose so. I’d like to join the science club, but Mr.Rose said it was full this year when I asked.”

“I can get you in. I’m not in that club, but Mr.Rose is also in charge of the school paper, and I’m his best features writer, so I’ll ask him for you.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I want to. If you’re only here for the rest of this year, you should get to do something you like, right? I know you have to work for your dad sometimes, but do you ever get to do anything fun after school?”

“It depends on how busy he is. Today, there’s just one car he’s working on so far, so I might be able to get done early or start late. Why?”

“Can you come with me after school, then?”

“To the soda shoppe? I don’t know.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t know any of the other people who’ll be there.”

“Okay. Well, we don’t have to go there, specifically. We can go someplace else.”

“Like where?”

“There’s someplace I like to go. I usually go alone, but I can take you. You might like it.”