All of It Read Online Free PDF Page A

I’m not psychic, Veronica.” He rolls his eyes. “And everyone is required to take English.” He’s already anticipated my next question. He says it as though it’s so obvious anyone could’ve figured it out.
    “Okay, I forgot about that. I’m actually surprised you even remember what books I had.” He’s consistently, continually, perplexingly, always one step ahead of me.
    “I have a very good memory,” he interrupts, tapping his temple with his finger again.
    “Yeah, I guess so. It’s Olympian. You’ve proven that today. But, that still doesn’t answer my question,” I persist. “How did you know, based on my
mood,
that I’d just come from French or English?”
    “They’re your favorite subjects, aren’t they?” He has this strange way of making questions sound more like statements.
    And suddenly I don’t want to answer. Where is this going? But I succumb to curiosity—which killed the cat, and will quite possibly kill Veronica as well—and I proceed, “Yeah, so …” I sound like a defeated child who isn’t getting her way.
    He sits back against the bench, takes a long drink and begins looking around the courtyard, subtly, yet unquestionably, indicating the conversation is over.
    Not so fast I think. Each word comes out softly, slowly, deliberately and hopefully persuasively, “How did you know?” I’m pleading now. “Please tell me.”
    He looks at me and for the first time I notice his unusual eyes. I can’t decide at first what color they are. They looked blue at first glance, but with the sun bouncing off them I realize they’re gray. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone with gray eyes before, at least not like this. They’re dark and stormy, beautiful. Mesmerizing.
    His smile and voice are gentle now. “That is my secret … for now.”
    I wait a moment to absorb, or try to absorb, what he’s just said. I look away from him at the art building in the distance. I can’t decide whether I am posing the question to him or myself and it comes out sounding that way too, barely a whisper, “You really aren’t going to tell me, are you?” The defeat is evident in my voice.
    “No. You’ll figure it out … someday. I hope.” The gentle smile remains. Maybe I’m imagining it, but it’s as if he isn’t talking to me, but trying to convince himself.
    I give up and finish my sandwich slowly. We sit in what should be uncomfortable silence for a few minutes. It isn’t uncomfortable though. Just the opposite—it’s strangely comfortable sitting next this mysterious stranger who knows too much about me.
    Dimitri finally breaks the silence after he’s finished his chips, “So, what was your other question?” He looks over at me only after he completes the question, tilting his head, genuine curiosity in his expression.
    It takes me a few seconds to remember that I even had another question. “Mmm … oh yeah, who was that you were talking to after P.E.?”
    “Muscly bugger, blond flowing locks, nice dresser … ?” The taunting is thick; he’s obviously stringing me along. The smile on his face gives him away.
    “You know who I’m talking about.” He’s trying to embarrass me and to some degree it’s working.
    “He’s a great guy, Veronica, but I really don’t think he’s your type. He’s probably a little young for you, too.” His tone is playful.
    I smack his shoulder with my hand lightly. “No, that’s not what I meant.” I feel my cheeks blushing. “He looks so familiar, but I can’t place him. I would swear I’ve seen him before somewhere.”
    He lets out a mock sigh of relief. “Oh, well in that case he’s my brother, Sebastian.”
    This little fact does surprise me. “Your brother, really? You two don’t even look alike.”
    “That’s because he’s adopted.” His voice is earnest.
    “Oh, that explains it.” I’m suddenly embarrassed again.
    “No, I’m just kidding. He got the looks and I got the brains.” He’s getting too good at messing