Flee Read Online Free PDF Page B

her.
    â€œI’m sorry,” she said after a couple of minutes, pulling back and looking me in the eyes. I almost gasped at the breathtaking vulnerability I saw on her. For just a moment I could see her soul. It was pain. It was beauty. It was struggle. Then the look was gone. Replaced by a forced smile. She grabbed and held her nose. “Wow, Soccer Boy, you stink. Don’t they make deodorant in Mexico?”
    â€œYou’re not exactly sporting a powder-fresh scent yourself, you know.” The moment was gone and holding her was beginning to feel awkward, so I released her. And instantly regretted it. She had felt so right in my arms. “I’m really hoping there’s a men’s locker room with a shower somewhere on campus. Otherwise I’m in danger of becoming the most unpopular student here.”
    â€œHa. As if that was possible. We love fresh meat. But I’ll show you where to go. And thanks again. You made today easier.”
    Staff and some students had started to arrive. Several turned to look at us before proceeding to their destination. A few nodded at me and smiled. Yeah, fresh meat. And under a microscope apparently. Some of the football players seemed to be heading for the weight room for what I guessed to be a before-school work-out. Wade was one of them. He stopped and very deliberately watched me walk with Blake from the track. Blake stepped a little away from me, her posture careful and guarded, her eyes once again downcast.
    â€œMornin’, Wade,” I said when we arrived in front of him.
    â€œHey, Mateo. “ His voice was kind, but not as friendly as the day before. “I hear you’re going to be our new kicker.” He looked from me to Blake and back again.
    â€œI’m gonna try.”
    â€œHe’ll get the job done,” Blake spoke up quietly, and then pointed down the hall. “Showers are that way, Soccer Boy.” She then turned and walked away without a backward glance.
    Wade watched her for a moment before speaking. “Was she running here? Were you running with her?” There was a jealous edge to his voice. I decided to downplay it.
    â€œWe bumped into each other. She was here before me.”
    â€œOh. Did she…uh, was she okay?”
    â€œYeah, sure. Why do you ask?” I instinctively knew the private moment we had shared needed to stay private. I didn’t think Blake would appreciate me blabbing about her breakdown, and judging from her body language, especially not to Wade.
    â€œNo reason. I’m just surprised. I, uh, better get in there,” he said, gesturing to the weight room and running a hand through his disheveled hair. “Don’t worry, kickers aren’t required to lift weights before school. Just keep that foot in shape.”
    â€œWill do,” I replied, turning toward the locker room.
    ****
    My second day of high school passed similarly to my first, only now I found myself scanning the rooms when I entered them or looking in the hallways between classes for Blake. She was right. She was easy to miss. She entered the room right before the bell and slid into a seat in the back. She didn’t raise her hand or speak up during discussions and she was always the first to exit when class ended. Between classes she occupied herself at her locker or disappeared into the ladies’ room or the school offices. A few students spoke with her; most just smiled politely and stayed out of her way. One girl, though, seemed almost protective, talking with Blake every chance she got and following her movements with anxious eyes, as did Wade Robbins. He kept his distance but watched her carefully. Well, that makes three of us , I thought, convincing myself that it was okay to watch from afar as long as I concentrated my efforts on making other friends. And I stayed true to my word, using every opportunity to talk with the other students. By lunch I was feeling comfortable with my new