The Crash Years, Anonymous [8 ebook reader TXT] 📗

bad we are,” Garrett replied before turning to the gang.
“Get him.” Denver’s eyes widened.
Alec took off for a mad sprint through the trees. Denver saw that he was a good runner, but because Alec didn’t know Nelson very well, it would only take a short amount of time before he would be found by the gang. Denver had to help him.
Running wasn’t as easy as Denver had remembered. His recent smoking had clouded his lungs, and he was gasping for any available air. But he had to find Alec, and he kept listening for the gang as a way to wedge himself between Alec and them.
Finally he had found Alec. He was standing on the top of a hill, obviously thinking that he had outrun the gang. Denver knew that though the gang didn’t know where Alec was, that they also wouldn’t stop looking. And standing on top of a hill was not exactly the best place to hide.
ALEC HARRISON @ the backwoods
They were gone. He was so dumb. Of course a simple punch was not really going to “do it” for the gang. They were obviously going to come back for more. But for now he was safe, and he was trying to spot his house before they found him again. He knew he wouldn’t be alone for long.
Suddenly he heard someone running towards him. His adrenaline kicked in again. But before he had time to think or dodge out of the way, the runner had knocked him from his feet, sending them both tumbling down the hill he was just standing on.
Trees rushed past them, barely grazing against Alec’s hair. Thorns and brush clinged to Alec’s clothes, ripping them in the process as dry dust filled his nostrils.
Even when they reached the bottom of the hill, the person still had a grasp on him and was reaching for his face. Thinking the person was going to strangle him, Alec kicked and pulled on the attacker’s arms, trying to pry him free. His eyes opened.
“Denver.” His arms fell at his sides.
“Uh, hey,” gasped Denver as he was trying to subdue his wheezy breathing.
And suddenly Denver was kissing him before stopping, hovering his face just inches over Alec’s as if to hear a reply.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” asked Alec, a smile forming on his lips.
As if rambling would be the only suitable answer, Denver replied, “don’t go to detention. I’ll get better. I like you the way you are. Please don’t change.”
“Sure,” Alec laughed before pulling in Denver for another kiss.
ANDIE BARRY @ the Nelson College prom
Andie had never felt more awkward. It looked like Wase and Milos were having a good time, but Andie could feel everyone’s gaze on her as they saw her balloon of a stomach. She reassured herself that she would tell anyone who asked that it was a costume, but so far no one was asking. In fact, no one had come and talked to her at all. She started to make her way to the lobby when a cool hand touched her elbow. It was Wase.
“Andie, there’s a guy I want you to meet. He says he knows you, so… maybe you guys can talk? He’s chaperoning for his younger brother, Harper, over there. Go have fun.” Wase smiled before heading back to the dance floor with Milos.
“Andie! I didn’t think you’d be here,” beamed Noah as he walked across the dance floor. Andie couldn’t believe it. She immediately felt self-conscious.
“Yea, well… I didn’t think I’d be here either. It’s rather embarrassing.”
Noah saw Andie’s expression and his smile faded. She looked as though the entire world had shut her out. Something evidently hadn’t gone right between last week and now.
“Come here,” Noah reassured, giving Andie his hand, “come with me.”
Andie looked from Noah to the crowd of younger teens whose eyes widened at the site of her coming towards them. She leaned over so she could whisper to Noah.
“Are you sure you want to do this? You’re about to dance with a whale.”
Noah’s eyes softened.
“You look beautiful tonight, Andromeda. Now come dance with me.”
Andromeda allowed herself to rest her chin on Noah’s shoulder and dance slowly for a moment. It worked almost like a lullaby. The music entranced her into thinking that moments like these should last a bit longer. So this was what proms were like.

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Publication Date: 01-28-2012

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