Dead and Beloved Read Online Free PDF Page B

in my mind and it helps me get through each day. The time gives me the chance to finish one of my essays for Stanford. I tuck it into the envelope but decide to wait before mailing it, wondering if I should get Jessica's advice on it first.
    On Friday, cardinal and gold banners line every hallway. The excitement in the air this morning builds up the anticipation for the game. First period is cancelled for a rally in the gym.
    Alta beat Viewmont two years ago for the state championship. Since then, we've been dying for payback. Though the varsity members of that team are gone now, the rest of us never forgot. I was a sophomore then and was at the game, dressed and ready to play. I never made it on the court, though. Alta picked us apart and we lost by twelve points. More than ever, I wish I could play.
    “Tonight is a night we'll never forget,” announces Mr. Todd, the principal, to start the rally.
    If he only knew.
    Everyone cheers, including me.
    The cheerleaders line up and, one by one, the basketball team enters the gym. The students, faculty, everyone explodes with yells and cheers. It's so loud that the echoes ring in my head. I cheer along. I know these guys. I've played with most of them since elementary school. None of them were on the court that night we lost to Alta. My revenge will be in their hands tonight.
    After the rally, little else is talked about in class. An officer from the student council, a cheerleader, or someone from the basketball team comes in every period to promote the game.
    Jason Davies, one of the starting guards, gives me a nod when he visits Geometry. We don’t have any classes together and I’ve seen him only a few times since my return to school. “I wish none of this had happened to you,” he says to me. “We could use your outside shot.”
    I smile back. Not at his surprising kindness, but at the stunned looks from everyone. I’m the only senior in the class, having missed out on a full year of math; the other kids are sophomores or juniors. They didn't know me when I was normal, when I dribbled a ball to every class and the teachers didn't care. They weren't at the rally two years ago when Andre and I were pulled from the sophomore team and given varsity uniforms for the game that night.
    “Good luck,” I tell him. “I'll be there tonight watching you win.”
    More shocked looks from the other students and even a gasp.
     
    ~ O ~
     
    After special arrangements and a call to my lawyer, the hospital allows me to go the game. The admissions attendant even sends me with luck for the team as I step into the shuttle. I've taken care to make myself look as good as possible tonight, though the cologne I borrowed from the zombie across the hall smells more like soap to me than anything a girl would like to inhale. Still, I tried.
    The high school is a madhouse when we arrive and the shuttle driver circles twice trying to find a place to park. He settles on a spot across the street and follows me inside the school.
    “Might as well enjoy myself,” he says to me as we're let into the gym. “Where can I find a good seat?”
    “They're all good,” I answer. “I'm gonna sit in the student section. I'll meet you at the shuttle after the game.” I scamper up the bleachers before he has a chance to follow me. The last thing I want tonight is a chaperone.
    The game starts and I still haven't seen Jessica. I stand up and search the other side of the gym, but there’s no sign of her. Students are stomping and cheering. Despite the excitement, I have a hard time concentrating on the action. The gym starts to blur. My stomach sinks. As the game goes on, my forehead warms.
    With ten minutes left in the second quarter, Jason steals the ball and makes a couple great moves before laying it in to tie. Our side of the building explodes with cheers and everyone is on their feet yelling. Everyone but me. Jessica is still not here. More and more, I think she's gotten lost, her parents have kept her