No Accident Read Online Free PDF Page A

feet and tell them to keep it down for Will’s sake when Dustinspoke again. “Sorry, Dad,” he said insincerely. “I’m going to bed.”
    Chad listened for his father’s furious response, but by some miracle that was the end of it. He breathed a sigh of relief and began to work out a problem. With a little luck he could get through the assignment and still get some sleep before morning.

Chapter Eight
    When Chad got to school the next day he was feeling pretty good. His trig homework was finished, his parents had been relatively civil to each other at breakfast, and Will was in a good mood.
    â€œHiya, handsome.” Kelly wrapped her slender arms around him and gave him a squeeze. “You look great,” she said. But she wasn’t looking at him anymore. Chad followed her gaze across the hall. She was focused on X, who was leaning against her locker surrounded by a bunch of girls.
    â€œGlad to see you, too,” Chad said.
    Kelly turned her eyes back his way, twirling alock of blond hair between her fingers. “I’m going to miss you so much when I go to California,” she said, poking her lip out in a pout. Chad almost winced. She was talking really loudly. She could see that he was standing right next to her, couldn’t she? “But when you visit, Aunt Christine can get us into all the good parties and movie premieres. Won’t we look great on the red carpet?”
    â€œSounds fun,” Chad replied, brushing a lock of hair off her face and wondering where the heck he could get the cash for airfare or redcarpet attire. He’d find a way. Kelly was worth it. And this was the first time she was talking like they would still be together after the move.
    Chad closed his locker and took Kelly by the hand so they could walk to class together. As they passed X’s locker, the new girl dropped one of her books in front of them.
    â€œS’cuse.” X flashed Chad a breathtaking smile. For a split second Chad forgot all about his girlfriend. X was beautiful, even in her weird school uniforms. He noticed that the uniform she wore today had a shorter skirt and brighter blazer than yesterday’s version. But thetightening grip on his hand brought him right back to reality.
    â€œSome people,” Kelly hissed.
    Halfway through trig, Chad realized he’d forgotten about the extra chemistry assignment his teacher had given out the day before. And since chemistry was right after lunch there was no way he could get it done in time. Besides, he wanted to spend as much time with Kelly as he could, effective immediately. His girl would be gone before he knew it. That meant he had to find Tom and do some quick copying at the break. Luckily he spotted him in the hallway right after class.
    â€œHey,” he said, taking a few quick steps to catch up with his best friend. “How you doin’?”
    â€œHangin’ in,” Tom replied.
    Chad looked around to make sure no one was listening, then leaned in close. “Listen,” he said. “Could you help me out with those extra chemistry problems? I didn’t get to them last night…”

Chapter Nine
    Tom stared at his friend in disbelief. Was Chad really asking him to cover for him again? Did he think he had nothing better to do than hand over his homework? Tom hadn’t minded the first few times Chad had asked for help in a pinch—but this was getting to be ridiculous. What did Chad ever do for him?
    â€œSure, no problem,” Tom heard himself saying. He opened his backpack and pulled out his chemistry notebook. “It’s the last four pages.”
    â€œThanks, man,” Chad said, taking the notebook. “You’re the greatest.” He gave Tom a clap on the back and crossed the lunchroom to Kelly,who was already waiting at their table. Kelly smiled up at him, and Tom felt his face get hot. His so-called best friend had it all—a great reputation, good