Page 4 of Claimed by the Fallen
Then, Annie clears her throat. “Actually, Mr. and Mrs. Messenger, can I steal Ronnie for a minute? I’m sure my parents will want pictures of us,too.”
“Of course,” Mom says, finally looking up from her digital camera. She waves me toward Annie. My dad drops his arm. “Have fun, Ronnie. We’ll see you in afew.”
I wave goodbye, then latch onto Annie’s arm. Joey walks next to us, easily keeping pace with Annie’s long legs. I know I’d fall if I wasn’t holding onto her for balance. The ground surrounding the football stadium isn’t level like the field. I’m eager for the chance to switch out of the dangerous heels the moment I’m in my parent’s car. I’d stashed a pair of my favorite boat shoes in the backseat for exactly thatpurpose.
Joey waits until we put distance between us and my parents before asking, “So, what’s the verdict on the concert tomorrow? You down,Ronnie?”
I rack my brain for an excuse to get out of the concert, but I’ve gotnothing.
“I don’t know…” I trail off. Annie leads us to the left to avoid a family photo. We duck under low-hanging branches on an evergreentree.
After we straighten, Annie immediately attacks my indecision. “Come on, Veronica. Don’t be lame. It’s your birthday weekend! You shouldcelebrate.”
“I will celebrate at dinner,” I offer weakly. I know that’s not the type of celebration shemeans.
“The concert doesn’t start until nine,” Joey states. “Your dinner is at five. That’s definitely enough time to makeit.”
I tilt my head back and sigh. “I know, I know.” I just have no desire togo.
What can I say? I’m a creature of habit. I enjoy staying home on Saturday nights and watching movies or reading books. Standing in a crowded music venue doesn’t sound like fun,b
ut both my friends and I know there is little chance of me winning theargument.
“Fine,” I mutter. “I’llgo.”
Joey whoops and Annie squeals. She grabs me tighter, pulling me closer. I lose mybalance.
To counter my weight, I lean back. Seeing my predicament, Annie releases my arm. I don’t expect it, and the freedom makes me reel backwards. My back collides into a talltree.
At least, I think it’s atree.
Hands land on my arms to help me balance. “Whoa!”
I recognize the voice and cringe.Please, don’t let it behim.
“You alright?” I hear the voice again and know my hopes are in vain. Slowly, I rotate my neck to face PrestonMcKenna.
“Uh…” I stare at him, at a loss for words. “Yeah. I’m good…Thanks.”
Preston’s hands are still on me. His strong fingers feel like they’re burning holes through my gown’s oblong sleeves. Heobserves
me for another moment before dropping his hands. “Noproblem.”
I rotate my feet so my neck and spine are aligned. “Sorry about that.” I shift, unsure how to extricate myself from the awkwardsituation.
“No worries, Veronica.” Preston smiles charmingly. “Accidentshappen.”
I open my mouth to reply, but a snooty voice interrupts, “No one is surprised when accidents happen around you,freak.”
I look around Preston and see Tina Peters, the most popular girl at our school, sneering down her perfect nose at me. I feel my cheeksheat.
Preston looks at his girlfriend. “Chill out,Tina.”
“What?” She blinks innocently. “I didn’t doanything.”
Annie and Joey appear at my side. The latter wraps my hand in his and turns us around. “Let’s go, Ronnie. Our families arewaiting.”
Joey pulls me, helping me navigate the uneven ground, while Annie glares menacingly at Tina. The three of us walk towards the crowd offamilies.
