The crisp smell of autumn floated through the halls of Battle Axe Central High School. Outside, the trees blazed with shocking reds and yellows. Inside, the students finally felt like they had found their stride. Classes grew easier, or at least more familiar.
John liked this time of year. The air was as crisp as the leaves on the ground. In other places that his father had been stationed, fall barely existed. One day, the leaves were green on the trees. The next, ugly brown leaves littered the ground.
Here, fall stretched into three glorious months. The cool wind caressed his fingers as he ambled through the doors of the school. As he walked inside the doors, he saw Madelyn and waved at her, but she quickly averted her eyes away from him.
John sighed in frustration. Under Corinneâs training, he had finally been able to start talking to Madelyn. Their conversations were even more than a few sentences, which was a record for him. But a few weeks ago, something had changed.
Madelyn started avoiding him and everyone else. He had tried several times to talk to her, but it was no good. The minute she would see him coming, sheâd quickly walk in the opposite direction or slip into the girls bathroom. Even he could take a hint. He did not understand girls.
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A voice startled him out of his reverie. âHowâs it going, brother?â Donovan asked. He had stepped back from Emileeâs window in the front office and brushed a piece of brownie off his chin as he sidled up to John.
âOh, itâs going okay,â John said, âI just wish I hadnât messed things up with Madelyn.â
âI got some good news for you, then. You know how I said Emilee is Madelynâs friend? Well, Emilee got Madelyn to agree to go on a double date with us.â
Johnâs heart jumped a few beats. âReally? I thought she was avoiding me.â
âNaw, she just had some family stuff come up. Thatâs what Emilee said.â
âOh, okay. When are we going to meet?â
âThis Friday night, brother,â Donovan said, his grin stretched across his entire face.
âBut wait, isnât the Assessor coming on Saturday?â John asked hesitantly. He had heard this Assessor lady was bad news, and he did not want to make a bad impression with her.
Donovan gave him an exasperated sigh. âYouâll be fine. Youâre the first Ferus weâve had in years. Theyâre not going to banish you or anything. And what are you going to do, sit at home with your dad? He wonât care if you leave to have some fun. He barely even acts like you exist.â Donovan knew how to press the right buttons.
Johnâs face flushed crimson. âOkay, you win. Iâll go.â
Donovan raised his fists in triumph. âGreat! Oh, and this time, try not to mention cupcakes.â