Equilibrium by Imogen Rose Page A

seat. He looked pretty awesome for someone who hadn’t showered. Down with the hormones, Stevens!
    “Start talking or I’m not driving,” Monica threatened.
    “What do you want to know?” I asked.
    “Everything! After all, I just picked up my BFF from her house where she spent the night–I presume–with the hunk in the back. Right? Who is he?”
    “I told you already,” I sighed. He’s a family friend.”
    “Family friend!” Monica practically snorted. “I don’t think so. I know all your friends. Hey, you!” she said, looking at David through the rear-view mirror. “Where are you from?”
    “Ah,” said David, his face breaking into a smile.
    I so hoped he would keep it simple.
    “I’m from Mountain View,” he replied.
    “Mountain View? In California?” Monica asked.
    “Yup, that’s right,” David nodded.
    “Isn’t that where Ariele moved? And your Mom’s there, too, isn’t she, A ?” Monica inquired.
    I nodded. “Yes, that’s right. I sort of know David from there.”
    “But you’ve never been there!” she exclaimed incredulously.
    I did some extra fast thinking. “Well, that’s where I went over the weekend.”
    “Oh, why didn’t you just tell me that in the first place?” she demanded.
    “Because I didn’t tell anyone, I just went. Even Dad doesn’t know.”
    “Did you suddenly miss your mom and sis?” she asked sarcastically.
    “I guess,” I mumbled and she laughed. “I saw Ariele.”
    She looked over at me puzzled. “Why on earth didn’t you tell me? You even asked if I had talked to her. Geez, Arizona!”
    “I’m sorry. I should have.”
    “No kidding,” she said angrily. “Well, so spill now or I’m going to flatten you.”
    No harm in telling her a bit about my visit, I could leave out the new brother and new dad bit…and the time travel. “ M , I was at Mountain View visiting with Mom and Ella.”
    “Did they have something to do with the ridiculous new look?” Monica interrupted.
    “I guess. I thought you liked it?”
    “I like it,” David offered from the back.
    “I’m sure you do,” Monica scoffed. “Did you have anything to do with it?”
    “Of course not,” I interjected. “Look, I woke up with blond hair, I’ve no idea how it happened.”
    “Priceless!” laughed Monica. “Your mom and Ella gave you a makeover when you were sleeping?”
    I pulled a face at her and looked out the window.
    “Oh, all right. I’m sorry ,” she said. “David, are you a family friend from Mountain View?”
    “Yup.”
     “What were you doing over at Arizona’s house?”
    “My family is moving up here, so I came to check it out and enroll in school. I’m hanging out with Arizona until our house is ready.”
    We arrived at school and Monica parked the car. “Guys, this doesn’t quite add up, but I’ll let it slide for now. So you guys are just friends, not hooking up or anything?” she asked pointedly.
    “Nope, just pals,” I replied hurriedly and rushed into the office for our late passes with David and Monica at my heel.
    “Not so fast,” said Monica, grabbing my elbow. “You will tell me the rest, right?”
    I nodded and turned to David as she hurried off to her first class. “Do you need me to show you to your class?” There was no way he was going to be able to get there without some direction.
    “I signed up for all the ones you’re in,” he winked. “So, lead the way.”
    I was kind of relieved. Yesterday had been an awful day at school. I felt so alone. Having David in my classes would certainly help.
    “Poppet, I’m coming to the first class and then I’m cutting the next few. I have some things I need to do.”
    “What?”
    “Tell you later,” he said infuriatingly, as he led me through to our first class.
    All eyes were on us, there were a few hushed murmurs. I caught Christian’s look right away and nodded at him. I could only imagine what thoughts were running through his mind as I took my seat. David was naturally