15

I try. I really try to concentrate during class. It’s impossible. For one, Kim seems out of it, barely taking any notes. And it’s worrying me shitless. For two, RES’s football team’s forward line surrounds us like a pack of wolves with the big bad wolf right behind me. Aiden hasn’t said a word, but he doesn’t have to. His presence can’t be mistaken even if he remains silent. I can feel his eyes digging a hole in the back of my head and feasting on my brain. Mrs Stone starts talking about a preparatory test. I concentrate on her for the first time since the class started. “You’ll perform a known script and add your special touch to it. The more creative you are, the more bonus points you will get.” I love bonus points. It’s my perfect chance to build up my record for Cambridge. “Can we pick who we perform with?” A girl at the front of the class asks. “Partners will be chosen at random,” Mrs Stone says. “Swapping partners is prohibited.” “Can we go solo?” “Absolutely not,” Mrs Stone says