Chapter 29

Linden High School started its break on the fourth of June. By the time Stephen had lugged home a backpack full of textbooks, it was already noon. His parents were at work, so he had to handle his own lunch. He called Zachary's landline to ask if he had eaten yet. As Zachary mumbled that he was in the middle of lunch, Stephen said, "Save some for me." Then, he hung up and headed straight to Zachary's house. After lunch, Zachary asked Stephen about his afternoon plans, suggesting they find a place to study. "Study?" Stephen shook his head. "What's the point of studying now? Since when are you so studious anyway?" Zachary wriggled in his seat. "Stephen, I'm just nervous, you know?" "I can tell," Stephen teased. "Alright, I'll take you somewhere to ease your pre-exam jitters." "Where is it?" "You'll see when we get there." Just as Stephen was about to head out with Zachary, he received a text from Bailey. She asked about his afternoon plans and whether he could take her out.