Twist by Roni Teson

out when I shake my head no. Dad puts his hand on her back, and I feel like shit again.
    As they talk more about the Sage, which I think is Luke’s high school—not Louie’s—I don’t listen. I’ve got this gnawing thing picking at my brain and it’s something about B. Now, I want to know about Beatrice Malcolm. She’s under my skin, and for some reason my cheeks are burning.
    â€œLouie?” Dad says.
    â€œI’m right here,” I snap. He winces as if I’d slapped him. “What, Dad?”
    â€œTone, Lou, that’s all.” He shakes his head.
    I know he’s thinking that the perfect Lucas Drake would never be so rude to his parents. I can’t stand that guy, Luke.

Chapter 18
    Abby smiles when she sees me and then she seems blue.
    â€œWhat’s going on?” I ask.
    â€œWe’ve spent so much time together. I’m going to miss you,” she says.
    â€œWhy? Where are you going?”
    â€œYou’re done. Super genius student, Louie.”
    I follow her eyes as she scans me from head to toe and then says, “Ninety days and you are back!”
    â€œI don’t feel . . . back,” I say.
    â€œLet’s call you the improved package. Lou Drake—mature, debonair, handsome, calm guy.” She hugs me. “When do you return to school?”
    â€œI feel like I’ve already been there. Mom’s been bringing me books and assignments,” I say.
    But I did notice that my writing was slightly different, because I saw some samples in the margins from before
the accident
. My homework was coming back from my teachers with comments like
Excellent! Tremendous! Can’t wait to see you
. . .
    Abby sits across the table from me. I wonder if I’ll ever see her again.
    â€œHave you seen any of your friends?” she asks.
    â€œNope. My parents won’t let me—worried it’s still too soon. I’ve heard Mom talking on the phone about this big tragedy. Drama, drama, drama,” I say.
    She grins. “Lou, you said that so well. Two months ago that string of ‘dramas’ would have been ‘damas’ or ‘tamas’.”
    We laugh. I touch her hand and the moment our skin connects a zap, like electricity, runs through my body. No filter, no time to think—the words fly out of my mouth. “Have I ever kissed your hand?”
    â€œYou’re nuts,” she says with a giggle.
    We both freeze and stare at each other.
    A memory?
    Abby clears her throat and says, “Let’s say you did. Close your eyes and tell me what happens next.”
    I shut my eyes and she grabs both of my hands.
    My head swirls. The ocean waves crash on the shore and I feel sand under my feet.
    â€œWhat are you seeing,” she whispers.
    â€œThe beach,” I say.
    â€œDescribe it to me,” she says.
    â€œWe’re walking, holding hands, and the waves are chasing us.”
    â€œWhat beach is it?”
    â€œThe one with the pier.” And I feel great. I’m in the back seat of a car and a younger version of Abby is on top of me.
    â€œWhat’s that grin about?” she says.
    I pull my hand away, open my eyes, and jump up in one swift move. My body physically reacts to this vision. I hope she keeps eye contact and doesn’t notice.
    â€œ Your cheeks are red,” she says.
    She stands abruptly too, causing the chair to slide back, making a loud screeching noise against the linoleum, which is horrible, but it helps me to cool down.
    â€œWhew.” I make a low whistle.
    â€œWhat?” she says.
    â€œI think Luke had game.”
    â€œHuh?”
    â€œNever mind, I can’t completely piece it together,” I say.
    Abby motions for me to sit. She takes her seat and says, “Let’s have our last session now.”
    My crush on Abby has only grown. She’s tiny with thick, dark hair and bright blue eyes. And the way she puts her tongue on her upper lip when