I heard someone clear their throat immediately behind me. Looking over my shoulder as I grabbed a book out of the top of my locker I saw the long hair and striking blue eyes of a stranger. I only recognized her because she was friends with HER.

"It's rea…

"Are you," the oaf of a child paused for effect, "...in?"

Arlis shifted his weight. He eyed his would-be comrades, an assortment of boys he'd seen in the schoolhouse. Generally, he'd seen them in the back of the room, doing anything but pay attention. …