Her friend joins her laughter. “I know, weird. We’re probably just nervous. I mean, it’stheedance of the year and everything.” She exchanges a glance with her friend. There’s a hidden message behind that.
“Yeah,” Artemis agrees, turning to me. “You like to draw, right?”
“Yeah.”
She waits for something, maybe for me to elaborate, but I’d rather not talk about thatright now. Or at all. If not for my art, chances are I wouldn’t be sane right now. It’s the only thing that gets me through the days, after what happened to my parents a month ago.
“Cool,” she says, averting her gaze. “Hey, Jay? How about some music?”
He’s quick to turn on the radio, choosing an oldies station. He and Jenna start humming, giving each other smiles like they’re the only two people on the planet.
Artemis’s gaze on me can bur holes into my head. I shift in my seat, focusing on the trees whizzing by. I can feel her wanting to talk to me, but she must change her mind and stares out her window, too.
When we finally reach the school, we pile out of the car and make our way to the gym. The place is decorated with an undersea theme. There are mermaids in the corners, blue streamers hanging from the ceiling, and blue lights bouncing off the walls.
“Wow,” Artemis says. “It’s beautiful.”
Jenna and Jason walk off, leaving the two of us alone. She glances at me and I at her. Now that her jacket is off, I get a good look at her dress. It’s blue, reaches just above her knees, and glitters in the light. Compared to my old suit, we kind of look funny.
But Artemis doesn’t notice or care, and I’m not sure why I do.
“I’m going to get a drink,” she tells me. “Want anything?”
“I can get the drinks.”
“Thanks, but that’s okay.” She smiles shyly before walking off. I watch the couples dancing on the floor. Most look happy, some not so much. One thing for sure is that no one was bribed to take a girl to the dance. I’m a jerk. I guess it didn’t hit me how much of a jerk I am until I saw Artemis. She put a lot of effort into this dance, with the dress and the hair. And she seems really excited. ShethinksI asked her because I’m interested in her. Like I said, I’m a complete jerk.
“Here you go,” she says, handing me a cup of Coke.
“Thanks.” I gulp it down.
Her gaze roves around the dancing kids, then flicks to me. I keep my eyes on the wall, trying to convince myself I’m not as much of a jerk as I think I am.
Chapter Six
Artemis
We’re just standing there like two strangers, which I guess we are. Ryan looks so hot in that suit. It’s white, not black like most of the guys here. There’s just something about him that yells for him to be stared at. That’s probably why many girls are glancing his way. I tell myself he came with me, that he won’t ditch me for them. Mom spent hours on my hair and makeup. Did Ryan even notice? He’s barely looked my way, hardly said more than two words.
What is it about this guy that makes my heart pound so hard I’m about to pass out? Sure he’s so good-looking, but there’s more to it. There’s a lot hidden behind those mysterious, beautiful blue eyes of his. I want to know what.
He’s staring at the walls like he doesn’t want to be here. Or maybe it’s me?
“Why did you ask me to the dance?” I blurt before I can stop myself.
He slowly faces me, eyebrow lifted. “What?”
I wave around. “Everyone looks like they’re having fun, except for you. Why did you ask me if you don’t even want to be here?”
His eyebrows scrunch. “Who said I don’t want to be here?”
I roll my shoulders. “Lucky guess?”
He shakes his head. “No, I do. It’s just that…” He blows his hair out of his eyes. Why is it so long? Why does he hide behind it? “Dancing isn’t my thing.”
“Mine, either. But I still want to have a good time.”
He doesn’t say anything. Gosh, I’ve never met anyone who hardly talks. Or hardly shows any expression. I don’t get him, not one bit. It’s like something is forcing him to be here.
