Fledgling Read Online Free PDF Page A

help.”
    Ana sighed in relief. “Thanks, Laura, that’d be great. I promise I’m a quick study-this just isn’t a subject I’ve reviewed yet.”
    “No problem. So-you need help finding your next class?”
    They walked out together and into the busy hall.
    “That’d be great.” Ana read her schedule aloud, “I have US history with Ms. Walker.”
    “Ohhh-sorry. She’s a crab. If you sit with adoring eyes on her the whole time, you’ll become a favorite though. Her room’s just up those stairs, first door on your right.”
    “Great-thanks for the heads up.”
    “Hey, Ana…I normally sit out at the patio with my friends under the trees during lunch. You can join us if you’d like.”
    Laura’s invitation seemed to be offered in earnest. Ana was relieved to have someone to sit next to and accepted. “Yes-thanks. There’s nothing worse than sitting alone on your first day. I’ll look for you at lunch-see ‘ya.”
    Ana climbed the stairs one at a time, as other students brushed past her in a hurry. The morning dragged by. She went from room to room repeatedly being introduced in front of each class. Her pale cheeks remained a rosy pink in constant embarrassment. She kept her nervous eyes from wandering too much, not wanting to attract more attention. If she didn’t see anyone staring at her, she could try to imagine it was like any other day.
    She didn’t have much luck with that.
    When lunch period finally came she was relieved to walk onto the open patio. Groups of milling students stared at her as she walked by with her head down. She scanned the landscaped concrete courtyard until she saw Laura sitting beneath a tree at the far corner with some friends.
    Ana walked towards her, keeping her eyes on the ground, anxious Laura’s sentiment had changed since calculus. She was sauntering toward the tree when Laura noticed her, waving her over. Relieved, Ana waved back, her heart steadying in her chest. She sat down beside Laura and her friends in the cool shaded grass.
    The chatty girls frowned at Ana, and then Laura turned, making the introduction, “This is Ana. She’s new here.”
    A chorus of hellos welcomed Ana, then they turned back to continue their interrupted conversations.
    Laura greeted Ana warmly, “How’s it going so far? Met anyone?”
    “No-to be honest I’ve been trying to avoid being noticed. I take my time settling in.” Ana smiled, feeling sheepish and lowered her eyes. “The day’s dragging on. I’m just trying to get through it without incident.”
    Laura shrugged. “I’d say in a week, you’ll be old news and they’ll be busy staring at someone else.”
    Ana felt more eyes on her than she was comfortable with, staring down at the grass again. She sighed, “I guess I can do a week.”
     

 
    Chapter 6.
     
    Chance leaned against the school fence completely absorbed. His friends were laughing and punching each other in a mock fight. The sounds of their teasing fell on deaf ears; he wasn’t paying any attention.
    “Hey Chance-what’s up, man?”
    Chance turned to his friends, all of them snickering at him, his sinewy body tensing.
    “What?”
    “Um, whacha staring at? I asked if you were gonna be at the shop today?”
    The guys turned, following Chance’s gaze to a tall pine tree that rose from the edge of the patio. A group of girls sat below it eating their lunches.
    “Yeah… I’ll be at work after school. Kenny needs me to clean his office and put away a shipment of parts.” Chance acted like nothing happened but failed to ignore his friends’ sniggers and lurid comments. Anger surfaced and he snapped, “What’s the problem?!”
    In a burst of power, he pushed away from the fence making it shake and shudder as he stormed toward school. He only hung out with the guys because it was easier that way, it kept his mother from worrying. He preferred being alone rather than listening to their dribble. Days like this made it hard to remember what his reasons were