“I love it.” I take a bite of my sandwich.
“Even AP math with Mr. Snoozeville?” The girl sitting next to me raises an eyebrow.
I laugh. “Even him. He wasn’t that boring.”
“Only because you’re an ace in the subject,” Robbie replies.
“What do you have after lunch?” the girl asks.
“Study hall and then writer’s room elective. I’m really excited about that.”
“Oh, that’s cool,” the freckled guy pipes up, and then he reaches inside his backpack. “Look what Mom sent, guys.”
“Brownies!” the girl exclaims excitedly. “Those are the best. Gimme it.”
He pulls the plastic container away from her greedy hands. “Wait. Chiara first since she’s new here.”
I shake my head. “Oh, I don’t know. Eating sugar now would probably make me sleepy.”
“Drink a shot of espresso,” Robbie chimes in. “You need to eat one of these brownies. They melt in your mouth.”
“All right. Twist my arm, why don’t you?” I grab the smallest piece from the box and then take a bite. “Fudge. This is really good.”
“Told ya.” Robbie smirks and then grabs a piece too.
I devour my brownie in three huge bites, regretting going for the smaller piece. But I won’t be a glutton and take another one.
Ten minutes later, we go back inside. Robbie and his friends head to their respective classes, and I go to the library to get some reading done and check my emails. I forget to buy coffee before, but I feel fine, which is surprising. Maybe I’ll get sleepy later.
It’s not until I have five minutes left of study hall that I begin to feel strange. I’m light-headed, and the library seems to be spinning out of control.
What the hell?
I think it’s time for that coffee after all.
I pack my things, and when I stand up, I almost fall on my ass. Bracing my hands on the desk, I take deep breaths, waiting for the dizzy spell to pass.
It helps a little, and I manage to walk out of the library without kissing the floor. But once in the hallway, things become worse. I keep seeing everything double. I flatten my back against the wall and text Robbie.
ME: What the hell were in those brownies?
ROBBIE: Nothing. Why?
ME: I’m seeing double, FFS.
I wait for his response, getting more panicked by the second. Finally, the three dots appear.
ROBBIE: Harold thinks you might have eaten one of his special brownies by accident.
Porca miseria!
I have several choice words that I’d like to yell at Robbie and Harold, but that wouldn’t make me suddenly sober.
ME: I have writer’s room now. What am I going to do?
ROBBIE: Wear sunglasses and try to not draw attention to yourself.
Great. My first day of school and I managed to get high by accident.
Disaster seems to follow me wherever I go. Fate must hate me.
At least I know nothing will top that.
14
Chiara
In my current state, it takes double the time to get to writer’s room class, which happens to take place on the other side of the building. Why not make my life more difficult, right?
When I finally stop in front of my destination, I find the door shut because class has already started. I pull my sunglasses down and take a deep breath, hoping I can walk in without drawing too much attention. I open the door slowly, cringing when the hinges creak loudly. Merda!
This is an auditorium-style classroom, rather large for high school. This must be a popular class. I hug the wall, striding up the stairs without looking at the front of the room. I spot an empty seat in the last row, and I’m halfway there when the teacher’s booming voice makes me stop in my tracks.
“I expect all my students to be punctual. Next time you’re late, head straight to the principal’s office.”
My heart begins to drum madly inside my chest.
Holy shit. I know that voice.
