Page 79 of Whatever It Takes

“No,” Loren tells his brother. “You’re not waiting in the car like you were cast out.”

“It’s fine, Lo.”

“The park did technically banish him,” Connor cuts in.

“Then the park banishedallof us.” Loren touches his chest theatrically. “I’m not leaving Ryke behind.” Ryke opens his mouth to protest, but Loren says strongly, “It’s Halloween. I call the shots, and I say we go to Queen Rose’s place and watchPoltergeiston surround sound.”

“Can we order pizza?” I ask suddenly, catching myself by surprise. I want this. To spend time with these people. They make me feel good.

“And there’ll bepizza,” Loren says certainly, his gaze latching onto Ryke, trying harder to convince him. Guilt crests Ryke’s eyes, not wanting to crash Loren’s birthday.

“And ding-dongs,” Lily adds.

Lo tries not to smile. “And ding-dongs. And surly-faced brothers named Ryke Meadows. Yeah?”

Ryke hesitates. We’ve only been through one maze, but it was fun while it lasted, and the clown-fight might go down in history. I can’t wait to show Willow the video. Hopefully, it won’t make her miss home even more. But maybe she’ll be glad I’m here to record it for her.

I hold onto that.

With a nod, Ryke concedes. “Okay.”

I’m going to spend a night watchingPoltergeistand eating pizza with Willow’s family, and I’m finally starting not to feel guilty about it. Maybe it’s because I want to be happy, even if I don’t deserve it.Just enjoy it. I think I will.

Justtoday.

17BACK THEN – September

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

WILLOW MOORE

Age 17

Ituck my white blouse into my navy-blue skirt, the Dalton Academy uniform as uncomfortable as I feel. I check the clock on my wooden desk.7:23 a.m.

Garrison said he’d be outside my apartment complex at 7:30, and since we didn’t exchange numbers, I should probably just go now and wait for him.

I grab my tattered backpack, wondering if this will be violation of some dress code. I’ve never attended private school before, and I would’ve gone to public school but Lo refused.

He said,I’ll pay for it. Don’t worry about it. It’s one of the best schools in the city.

I told Loren that I’d pay him back. Every cent, and that was that.

In the elevator, I update ryumastersxx’sblog, restraining a smile at his username. Ken Masters is one of the most popularStreet Fightercharacters, and his rival and best friend is named Ryu. Every time I’ve refreshed his page, gifs and edits are the only new content.

This time though…it’s different.

Rules:Complete the form by answering each section truthfully. Once you’ve finished, tag other users to complete the task. Begin by sourcing the person who tagged you.

He did it. “Oh my God,” I whisper, so caught off-guard that I forget to push the lobby button. I do and then eagerly and yet tentatively read his answers.

What was your…

Last drink:lightning bolt! + vodka

I’m suddenly scared to read the rest, but like a fiend or junkie, I just can’t stop. I have to know more.

Last phone call:can’t remember. Everyone just texts now