Bite Me! by Melissa Francis Page A

you did, it gives you worry lines around the eyes, then? Doesna seem like somethin’ I’d do willingly if it made me look old before my time.”
    â€œNo. The running helps the worry lines. I actually feel better now.”
    â€œOh, dear me. That sounds dreadful. You must’ve looked a fright before. Doesna seem fair, aye? Such large worries being put on such young shoulders.”
    â€œI’ve heard people say life’s not fair more times than I can count.”
    â€œThere’s no’ a truth greater than that one. However, if life were fair, it’d be a smidge more boring, I think.”
    â€œYes, ma’am.”
    I smiled and turned toward the stairs.
    â€œAriel, dear?”
    â€œYes?”
    â€œFate is a funny creature. She puts obstacles in your path to see what kind of character ye have. Life isn’t fair, life is a test.”
    â€œAunt Doreen, if that’s true, then I’m in a heap of trouble because I haven’t studied one lick.”
    Â 
    Malia and Bridget were waiting for me at my locker between first and second period.
    â€œSo, did you study for Crandall’s torture session this morning?” Malia asked.
    â€œNo, but I had plenty of time, so I should have. I didn’t sleep a wink.”
    â€œYou do look like shit, even if your outfit is kickin’,” Bridget said, giving me the once-over.
    â€œYou’re the second person today to tell me that. I must really look bad.”
    â€œJust tired,” Malia interjected, shooting Bridget a look. “Which is understandable, given the circumstances.”
    Bridget raised her eyebrows and tightened her lips.
    â€œIt’s not every day you get to be the last person someone will ever kiss,” I muttered.
    â€œThat makes it sound romantic. It wasn’t romantic. I’m sorry he died, but he shouldn’t have done that to you, AJ. He was a prick and though he didn’t deserve to die, he surely didn’t deserve you, either.” Bridget’s hackles were up and she was in full-fledged-friend mode.
    â€œThanks, Bridge,” I said as the bell rang. “I guess it’s time to face the music that is Crabby Crandall. Hey, are you going to Noah’s memorial service today?”
    â€œYou haven’t heard?” Bridget asked.
    â€œHeard what?” I asked.
    â€œNoah’s body is missing. They can’t find it anywhere. My mom thinks he was accidentally cremated and the funeral home doesn’t want to admit it. Apparently this funeral home has a history of mixing people up,” Bridget said.
    â€œAccidentally cremated? Really?”
    â€œWell, what other explanation would there be? That Noah just got up and walked out on his own?”
    Fear tickled my spine.
    What if he hadn’t been misplaced or accidentally cremated?
    What if he had walked out on his own—?
    Oh, God.
    I needed to puke.
    â€œHey, we’ve gotta go,” Malia said. “I finally got my schedule this morning. It looks like I’m in three of your classes, starting with Mrs. Crandall’s. Are you okay? You look a little pale.”
    â€œI’m fine,” I said, shaking the fear from my head. “Let’s face Crabby Crandall together, then. See ya, Bridge.”
    As we walked toward class, a couple of jocks ran past us, nearly knocking us over. They missed us, but not Meredith Taylor. She was just turning away from her locker when they bumped into her, sending her books and papers flying.
    â€œWatch it, meatheads!” I yelled, rushing to Meredith’s aid as everyone else in the hall just laughed. “We’re not required to wear helmets in the hall, but maybe we should be. Here, let me help.”
    I gathered her papers as she picked up her books. “Thanks,” she said. “You didn’t have to—”
    â€œSure I did,” I replied with a smile.
    She smiled back.
    Meredith hesitated. After a few awkward seconds she