This isn’t one of the usual ones they do for pep rallies. It’s too late for that. And even though we’re already in May, it’s still a little too early for passing out yearbooks. All I know is that when we got to school this morning, our homeroom teachers told us to go to the auditorium after attendance and lunch counts.
I slow down as Hardy and I get closer to the building’s entrance. I still haven’t seen Ella. I wonder if she knows what’s going on. I’m scanning the sea of students for my girlfriend when Ava materializes in front of me.
She puts her hands on her hips. “Did you call an assembly without notifying the rest of us?”
I snort. “I’m glad you think I have thatkind of power, but I think we both know how little say we have around here.”
Ava frowns. “We have a lot of say around here. Remember how we got the school to install new water fountains near the lunchroom bathrooms?”
“Yeah, but I’m pretty sure that was already on the facility department’s work list.”
“Come on, Connor. Do you have to be so contrary about everything?”
“Not everything. I’ll have you know I hated the Golden Eye prom theme but didn't vote against it. And the dance was perfectly fine.”
She sighs loudly. “Apathy isn’t the same as being agreeable.”
Hardy, who has stayed back with me but isn’t standing next to me, chokes on a laugh. I glare at him before turning back to Ava. “I looked through all my emails and the school calendar when Mr. Robinson announced the assembly in homeroom and didn’t see anything. I don’t know what it could be about.”
Ava’s brows lower. “Me neither, but I don’t feel good about this. They wouldn't call a last minute assembly unless something was wrong.”
“I’m sure everything’s fine,” I say, but a heaviness settles in my gut. Ava is more high-strung than I can handle, but she makes an excellent point. Citrus Prep is orderly and predictable. A mystery assembly is concerning.
“Well, just in case, I’m getting inside as quickly as possible.I’d say I’ll see you inside, but I’m assuming you're hiding in the back like usual?”
I nod.
She rolls her eyes and turns on her heels before racing through the front doors of the building that leads to the auditorium.
When she’s gone, I turn back to Hardy, who is beaming. “Did you enjoy watching that?”
Hardy laughs. “I always enjoy seeing other people put you in your place. Why do you think Ella and I got along so well for so many years?”
“I assumed it was because she was best friends with the girl you were pining over.”
Hardy scoffs. “Give me some credit, Williams. Just because I knew Ella was awesome before you did doesn't mean I had ulterior motives for being her friend.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I guess Ava got into my head, and I’m just a little freaked out.” I scan the crowd for Ella or Lily one more time. I’m starting to worry that something might have happened when Ella comes up and grabs my hand.
“I’m surprised you and Hardy aren't inside already,” she says. “Your classes are so much closer to the auditorium than mine and Lily’s.”
I force a grin. “We thought we’d be gentlemen and wait for our ladies.”
Lily makes a gagging noise.
“What?” Hardy drapes his arm over her shoulder. “Is that really sohard to believe?”
“Are you sure it’s not because you wanted to see if we knew what this assembly was about?” Ella asks.
When Hardy and I don’t respond, Lily pokes Hardy’s chest. “I knew it wasn’t chivalry.”
“Fine, you caught us.” I lift my free hand in surrender. “Do you know what it’s about?”
Ella shakes her head. “No clue. I was hoping the student body president would know.”
“Why does everyone keep saying that? You know the position is mostly honorary, right?”
“Honorary is not the word I would use, but yeah, I know.” Ella squeezes my hand. “Maybe we should go inside and see what’s going on?”
