Upgrade (Augmented Duology Book 2) by Heather Hayden (best reads .TXT) 📗

inhaled them, sucked his orange juice carton dry, then began stacking trays and empty containers. “It was great to meet you guys. Viki, let’s head out? I need to grab some stuff from my locker.”

Neela pouted. “You don’t want to stay and chat a little longer? There’s plenty of time before class.”

“I really don’t want to be late. Viki says Ms. Waldron’s strict.”

Neela shrugged. “See you later then.” She paired the farewell with one more sweet smile that earned her another surreptitious eye roll from Annabeth, who was still on her phone.

“Later.” Dan gave them a nod and scooped up the trays. “Lead the way, Viki.”

“Will do.”

He was already walking away, so Neela took the opportunity to glare at me. I offered her a disappointed look in return. Were you always like this, Neela? Thinking back, I couldn’t be sure. The four of us had always been a tight-knit group. I’d never really noticed how she treated other girls, besides the occasional argument over a guy. Perhaps I’d been blinded by friendship.

It still hurt to be treated that way, though. I swallowed the lump in my throat and led Dan to the far side of the cafeteria.

He tossed his tray into the disposal, which whisked everything away to be cleaned with a cheerful thump. “I’m sorry we won’t be able to practice today. I totally spaced about the unpacking, but I really need to get it done.”

“It’s fine. We can always do it some other time.” Unless Neela charmed him away first.

“How about Tuesday, after school? If you enjoy urban running, I usually run in the mornings on the weekends, too. Annabeth would probably want to join us, right? Maybe Neela and…” He paused, looking sheepish. “The quiet one?”

“Mel,” I said. “She and Neela don’t run much.” To be exact, Mel hated sports. Neela wasn’t a bad runner, but she wasn’t a good one, either. She usually gave up after a few blocks when running with Annabeth and me.

“Mel,” he repeated. “Well, we can always run together, with or without them.”

I nodded in agreement. As we walked out of the cafeteria, I glanced back over my shoulder. Neela and the others were deep in conversation. Talking about Dan? Me? I winced and looked away.

“Is something wrong?” Dan asked.

“It’s nothing. Class is upstairs.” I pointed down the hall toward the stairs. “Where’s your locker?”

“That way, I think.” He checked a note on his phone and nodded. “Locker 314.”

After he grabbed what he needed from the locker, we headed for English.

Mel was waiting outside the classroom door. She brightened upon seeing us. “Hey, Dan, Viki! Could I sit with you?” She twirled a strand of dark blond hair around her finger.

“Sure,” Dan said. “Do you like the front of the room, or the back?”

“Front.”

“Compromise with the middle?” he asked.

She nodded enthusiastically. He looked at me, and I gave another shrug, wondering if my shoulder joints would wear out by the end of the year. But, honestly, I didn’t care. There was a warm feeling in my chest that made me happy—even with other options available, Dan was still making an effort to hang out with me. Maybe he simply felt sorry for me, but I didn’t think that was the case. I knew what pity looked like, and he didn’t show any sign of it.

“Let’s grab a seat before the teacher gets here, then.” Dan led the way in, a few other students pushing their way between us.

Mel grabbed my arm, halting me in the doorway. “Hey, Viki?” She lowered her voice. “What do you think of him? Is he nice? He seemed nice at lunch. Do you think he’s interested in you?”

I stared at her. “What?”

She frowned, edging to one side to let other students pass and drawing me back into the corridor with her. “Are you mad at me?”

I yanked my arm away. “Why would I be mad at you?” I asked, shoving all of my frustration into my lowered voice in the form of sarcasm. “Maybe because you and Neela and Annabeth ignored me for the entire rest of the semester last year? And then ignored me all summer, too?” I took a deep breath. “It was nice of Annabeth to speak to the track coach, but friends don’t treat each other the way you three have been treating me. I really don’t feel like hugging and making up with you.”

“Neela’s the one who was upset with you, and she didn’t want us hanging out with you,” Mel said. “I’m sorry, Viki, I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“Well, you did. And if you or Neela or whoever wants to chase after Dan, feel free, but I will never, ever forgive you if you undermine our friendship.”

She flinched under my glare. “I said I was sorry.”

“If you really feel bad about it, show it.” I looked into the classroom. Dan waved from his desk, his backpack and a pile of books claiming the two desks on either side of him. He looked concerned, and I forced a smile onto my face before turning to Mel. “Look, he’s new to the school and wanted me to show him around. And he likes track and Realmshards. I miss having someone to hang out with. I miss having friends.”

Mel bit her lip. “Annabeth didn’t mention it at lunch, but she argued with Mr. Halway last year, after he kicked you off the team. He almost threw her off, too, said he would if she didn’t drop the matter, and her parents got really mad. They insisted you were bad influence and she had better stay away from you. And they called Neela’s and my parents, too, to warn them.”

I stared at her as my heart tried to jump sideways. “What?” Annabeth was always the perfect daughter, good grades, good at