Girl on the Run Read Online Free PDF Page B

There would be a lunch buffet, welcoming announcements, and the official opening of Kamp Krystal Lake.
    The boys made a dash for the food lineup, putting as much distance between me and them as they could. Once I had my plate of spaghetti and meatballs, I scanned the long rows of tables and benches that were filling up. Not one familiar face. Anonymity, I now understood with a sinking feeling, comes with a price.
    The tray felt dangerously lopsided in my sweaty hands as I walked around groups of kids, hoping to find any empty space to slink into.
    â€œJust Jesse,” Kirk said, right behind me. “You’re still here. That’s a good sign.”
    I straightened my back, and switched to offensive mode, ready for another staring contest. We were both in flip-flops and my eyes came to his chin. He stared at my necklace. For a second I couldn’t breathe. He cleared his throat, making eye contact again. “The boys’ cabins can seem a bit rough for a girl.”
    â€œYou have no idea how tough I am.” I turned away, purposely paused for a moment, and then faced him again. He was still standing there, half a smirk on his face. I reached into my pocket and handed him Spencer’s iPhone, like I was Perseus giving Athena the head of Medusa. “Here you go,” I said. “Apparently Spencer was under the impression he’s above the rules.”
    The look of surprise on his face was gratifying. Of course, I didn’t mention that Spencer threw it at me and then it fell to the floor and smashed.
    A huge belch from the far end of the room made us both turn.
    â€œTime to join your table,” he said, nodding to my Three Musketeers.
    Well, that victory was short lived, I thought. “I’m still waiting for the other kid,” I said.
    â€œHe’s already with the others.”
    A head of thick black hair had joined Spencer and the twins.
    â€œHis name is Scotty,” Kirk said. Then he walked by me without a glance.
    Jerk.
    I plunked my tray beside Spencer’s and sat opposite the new kid. “Hi, I’m Jesse,” I said.
    â€œI know,” he smiled. “I’m Scotty.”
    â€œDid you get a chance to unpack your stuff?” I asked.
    â€œYup,” he nodded. “I know my way around. I’ve been coming here for a while.”
    Since meeting Devin, this was the first pleasant conversation I’d had all day. Scotty was my favourite already. And what about Devin? Where was he? My eyes scanned the room, but there were too many people. I tried not to get my hopes up; he was probably nice to all the new girls.
    Yeah, that’s me, the new girl, still striking out with the boys. Grandma’s condoms might as well be a pair of moon boots, since I have a better chance of travelling to outer space than having sex this summer.
    What was wrong with me? I couldn’t care less about making out. Besides, what I really wanted I could never have. What I really wanted, I didn’t deserve.
    I half-listened to the boys’ discussion about the latest horror video game. High praise was being given to the amount of blood spilled. I twirled my spaghetti on the spoon, watching Liam talk with Duff. Their hand movements were so fluid it was quite beautiful, actually.
    â€œIt’s rude to stare,” Liam said.
    â€œI’m sorry,” I said. “I find it fascinating. Do you think you could teach me?”
    Liam and Duff exchanged a glance.
    â€œUm, yeah,” Liam agreed. “Sure.”
    They taught me about ten signs in a few minutes. “The real secret to doing it well,” Liam said, “is to practice every day.”
    â€œThanks,” I smiled. Hurdle number two successfully cleared. But I was cautiously optimistic. I hadn’t had this many highs and lows in one day since Grandma and I broke the record for most consecutive turns on the Cyclone roller coaster last summer vacation.
    Spencer had finished with his meal, and