The Ocean Read Online Free PDF Page B

It was set up like the solar system, jocks in the middle next to the cheerleaders, like they were the center of the universe. Then the groups fanned out depending on the popularity of the clique. Band sat somewhere close to the jocks because for some reason a lot of kids were in the marching band. Of course, drummers were cooler than the tuba players, so they were closer to the most popular tables. However, orchestra sat further out, and Chess Club was on the outskirts. I suddenly didn’t know where I fit into the picture. I could have easily sat with the popular kids, but then thinking of Gia, I wanted to be alone with her. Table for two –err three. As we moved through the line, Gia and Abby chatted about their days so far.
    “What do you have next?” Abby asked as we inched along.
    “Speech with Franklin, free period, and then Art Composition, final y U.S. History with Martin,” she sighed.
    “I have speech next.” I was relieved to find out I shared an easy class with her.
    “I have Art Comp seventh too,” Abby added, equal y happy.
    “Good, because aside from Alex, you guys are my only friends,” she laughed, and Abby and I smiled.
    “It must be nerve-racking coming to this school, being a new student junior year after you’ve been at the same school for so long.” Abby was voicing my thoughts.
    “Wel , we moved around a lot before we settled in Fishers five years ago. It would have been nice to graduate with my friends, but I feel worse for Alex; he’s a senior.” She swiped her prepaid lunch card. Abby fol owed, then me. “I mean we both went to the same junior high and then high school; it would have been nice, but what can we do? Oliver lives here. He wasn’t going to sel his house and the bar to move to Indy for us.” There was a deep sadness in her voice, almost like that was what she wished her father had done, to al ow them to graduate with their friends.
    “Wel , I’m glad you’re here.” Abby hugged her sideways.
    “Me, too,” I echoed a little softer.
    “Where are we going to sit?” Abby abruptly changed the subject, lightening the mood as we surveyed the cafeteria.
    “Over there, an empty table.” I pointed. Abby led the way. We weren’t sitting there very long before Alex and Mason joined us.
    “Alex, I can’t believe you gave Gia the wrong number!” Abby started in on him.
    “I read it back to you!” Alex defended.
    “You weren’t paying attention. Weren’t you watching Cartoon Network?” Abby was relentless.
    “Hey, there are some quality shows on that channel. Very educational,” Alex stil defended.
    “Don’t worry, Abby, I already ripped him a new one when I cal ed and got the China Castle. ‘Best al you can eat crab legs east of the Orient,’“ Gia said between bites.
    “That sounds real y good,” Mason piped in, scowling at his meatloaf. “Now I want seafood.” We al laughed. Chiz, who had been eating in the center of the room, sauntered over and sat beside Alex, discussing—what else—footbal plays. Abby and Gia began talking quietly and looking at their phones. Mason turned to me.
    “Good cal on that air bal Saturday, huh? She seems into you.” He winked at me as he drank his Gatorade.
    “Dude, I thought you did that on purpose.” I nudged him with my elbow. “Definitely, a good cal .”
    “I saw the way you were looking at her when she stood on the pier and you couldn’t even see her that wel . She’s hot,” Mason stated matter-of-factly,
    “but keep your eyes on that guy.” He motioned toward Chiz. Ah, Mason, wise beyond his years. We were always wary of Chiz.
    “You know why they cal me Chiz, right?” Chiz had somehow managed to drag Gia into their conversation.
    “Because you eat a lot of Cheese Whiz?” she asked innocently. I decided that I might just love this girl.
    “Dude! NO! But I do like Cheese Whiz on crackers.” He distracted easily; just throw something shiny in front of him. “Anyway, the ladies gave me that name