Going Wild by Lisa McMann Page B

couldn’t control it.
    By the time she neared the driveway she was calm enough to realize she’d have to explain her sodden appearance. Not to mention her missing backpack, which she’d left backstage, filled with the weekend’s homework assignments. As she began to think of an excuse, she looked up and stopped short. Sitting on her front step was Maria, who was staring incredulously at her phone screen.
    â€œOh,” Charlie said. Her hand flew to her hair to smooth it. “Hi. I, um . . . you found my house.”
    Maria looked up and studied her, a strange expression on her face. “What happened to you?” she asked. She stood as Charlie approached.
    â€œI got a little wet,” Charlie said.
    Maria frowned and folded her arms. “Explain.”
    â€œI—well, I was working on the set for the play.”
    â€œYeah?”
    â€œAnd I got hot,” Charlie said carefully. It wasn’t a lie.
    Maria tilted her head.
    â€œAnd, uh, I got sprayed with water, and I feel cooler now. Gotta stay hydrated here in the desert. I’m learning.”
    â€œIs that right?” Maria stared her down.
    â€œYep,” Charlie said weakly. “So, what are you doing here?”
    Maria clicked her phone off and shoved it into her back pocket. “I got a text message from Kelly that the girls’ bathroom by the auditorium exploded. And there was water everywhere.” She crossed her arms.
    Charlie blinked. “Oh, really?” she said, feeling the blood drain from her face. “That’s horrible.”
    Maria didn’t waver. “She said you’d been there, but you just disappeared.” When Charlie didn’t offer any further comment, Maria uncrossed her arms and put her hands on her hips. “Spill it, Chuck,” she said. “I’m on to you. I know what’s up. You might not read comics, but I do.” Her eyes threw out a challenge. “And I know exactly what you are.”
    Charlie’s heart thudded. Her voice faltered. “Y-you do?”
    â€œPlease. I’m not stupid,” she said. She leaned forward, a joking smile playing at her lips, and said quietly, “You’re a superhero.”

CHAPTER 16
The Secret’s Out
    â€œI ’m a—what?” Charlie said, and then she laughed in spite of her situation because the thought was so ridiculous. “No, I don’t think so.”
    â€œI’m serious,” Maria said, with mock sincerity. “You know what I mean—you’re, like, what do you call it? Emerging. Just realizing your powers, like Peter Parker after he gets bitten but before he figures out he’s Spider-Man.” She punched Charlie lightly in the arm. “I can’t believe this is happening right here in our little town. Superheroes usually live in big cities. . . .” She trailed off, scratching her head. “Hey . . . you’re from a big city.” She wagged her eyebrows. “See what I mean?”
    â€œMaria, stop.”
    Maria narrowed her eyes. “Okay.” She studied Charlie for a long moment, and then tilted her head in earnest. “Wait, though. The more I think about it . . . and you . . . and the strange things you’re doing . . .” She paused, deep in thought. “Nooo,” she whispered. And then slowly she said, “But . . . seriously. Do you have any other explanation for the weird things that are happening?”
    Charlie dropped her gaze and didn’t answer.
    â€œHave you always been able to run really fast?” Maria asked. “And heal overnight? And . . . and did you break the bathroom? I mean, look at you.” Her voice softened. “You can trust me.”
    Charlie stared hard at the driveway. “I don’t know what you mean.”
    â€œCome on,” Maria said, putting her hand on Charlie’s arm. “Were you born like this? Or did something, you know, happen to you? Is that why you moved