Emerge: The Awakening Read Online Free PDF Page A

Vince laughed.
    “Whatever!” Brianna abandoned her sweet tone completely as she stalked off leaving Allie alone with Vince.
    “So, tree house in the jungle? That actually true?”
    “Yeah, we lived in Brazil when I was in middle school and I spent a lot of time with my dad out in the jungle. We had this huge tree house in the upper canopy with awesome views.”
    “You’re kinda cool, Allie Carmichael. I might have to reconsider my ‘no Cliffton girls’ rule. See you around.” He headed off across the courtyard.
    Wowsa. She grinned as she watched him go. She really liked him, but she also felt a huge surge of guilt about Gavin. She shouldn’t be flirting with boys so soon.
    “Allie?” She heard the hesitant voice across the fountain.
    “Senior Physics and Calculus? McKayla, right?”
    “Just Kayla.” She smiled. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I thought I should warn you. Vince and Aidan kinda hate each other.” Allie detected a note of sadness in her voice.
    “Ew, boy drama.” She wrinkled her nose. “Any advice?”
    “‘Fraid not.” Kayla giggled and Allie decided she really liked the shy older girl. She was certain they would be friends.
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    “You should have warned me basketball practice was at five-freaking a.m.!” Allie yawned as they headed for the locker room after her first practice with the team.
    “Would you have still tried out?” Sasha asked, swatting Allie with her captain’s jersey.
    “Probably not.” She dodged the cheap shot.
    They were quickly becoming close friends. She wasn’t always comfortable with Allie, but Sasha tried very hard to hide it.
    “I have a meeting with the coach, so I’ll catch up with you later if that’s alright?”
    “Yeah, sure. No problem.” Allie frowned. She found it incredibly odd how her new friends seemed to defer to Aidan as some sort of authority figure, but it really creeped her out when they started doing it to her.
    “I do not understand what he sees in you,” Brianna said, slamming her locker door with a bang.
    “Me either.” Allie smirked. “Who’re we talking about?”
    “Vincent!” Brianna rolled her eyes. “I don’t get it.”
    “You don’t have to, and seriously? You know he prefers Vince.”
    “Whatever, you can have him, just stay away from Aidan. He and I are social equals and you have no place in our circle.” 
    “We’re just friends. I haven’t known him long, but I do know you are not his type.”
    “Let’s let him make that decision.”
    Allie tossed her bag over her shoulder with a disgusted snort, watching Brianna storm off toward the courtyard. 
    “There you are,” Aidan called when she stepped outside. He was looking decidedly irritated. “I just barely managed to avoid Brianna again.”
    “Iced coffee? Cheers to that!” She took the drink gratefully.
    “It’s a bribe. You’re much less mean when you’ve been properly caffeinated.”
    “Har, har. At least you’re learning…in some things.” She arched her brow at his offered hand, tossing her gym bag over her shoulder instead. The deep attraction between them was always there, and as much as she wanted to put her hand in his, something held her back.
    As they turned the corner to the conservatory, they ran into Brianna, lying in wait for him.
    Allie steeled herself for more scathing remarks, but Brianna shoved past them, unable to hide the anger in her eyes.
    “What is it with that girl? I’m a perfectly lovely person,” she said dryly.
    “Well, let’s see. She claims you stole her spot on the team. She’s been chasing Vince forever, but he’s been steadfastly running in the opposite direction. Then you show up and manage to turn his head without even trying—and thanks for that,” he growled. “Because she is now turning her attention on me.”
    “Eh, some people just don’t like me.” She shrugged.
    “I can’t imagine why.” 
    “I’ve been warned to stay away from you.” Allie giggled.
    “Please tell