Read Online Acting Out by Katy Grant - Free Book Online Page A

sure.
    Lance scratched his ear. “Uh, I don’t think we can leave. The counselors told us to stay around the dining hall for the whole dance.” His feet kicked against the porch rails.
    â€œReally? That’s weird. I wonder why they’d even care. Have you ever played Destroy All Humans?” I asked. Think, think, think. What excuse could I make for us to leave the dining hall?
    Lance went off on what a great game that was. I noticed there were steps at either end of the porch. The ones we were closest to were by the parking area, and there were lights shining on all the Pine Haven vans and trucks we’d come over in. At the far end of the porch, though, there weren’t any lights. And there weren’t very many people hanging out there either. If we did try to leave, that should definitely be our exit.
    â€œIt’s sure crowded out here. Let’s move down there where there aren’t as many people.” I headed for the far end of the porch and Lance followed, telling me about the time he leveled out all of Rockwell’s buildings. So far we hadn’t broken any rules, but my heart wouldn’t stop pounding. It was easy for me to talk about what a rule breaker I was to everyone. Now it was time to really prove it. But how could I convince Lance to go along with me?
    Maybe I should tell him I needed to make a phone call. I had a poor sick grandma in the hospital who might not make it through the night. Couldn’t he help me find a phone somewhere?
    â€œI have this old copy of Tips and Tricks. It has a strategy guide that helped me get through all the levels of that game,” said Lance.
    â€œReally? I would love to see those. Do you remember any of them?” I asked. How exactly does one get from the subject of aliens conquering Earth to a poor sick grandma? My poor grandma used to love watching me use my disintegrator ray to reduce my enemies to dust. But she’s really sick now, and . . .
    â€œWell, it’s in my cabin. I brought a stack of Tips and Tricks with me in case—”
    â€œIt’s in your cabin?” I said. “Can I see it? Please, oh please? I’ve been stuck on level eighteen forever. I’ve gotta see that guide!” Okay, now this just might work. I felt a little braver now. I reminded myself that JD didn’t get nervous when it came to getting into trouble.
    â€œUh, I don’t think we’re supposed to—”
    â€œOh Lance, don’t tell me you’re one of those nerdy guys who’s always worried about following all the rules. I know you’re not like that.” I was down the steps before he could get another word out. “Which way is your cabin? We can be there and back in ten minutes. Nobody will ever know we’re gone.”
    I walked fast, going in the opposite direction of where all the counselors were at the other end of the porch. It was pretty dark now, and I hoped we wouldn’t get all the way to Lance’s cabin before somebody saw us. It would be okay to get into a little trouble, but I didn’t want to cause a huge uproar. Lance trotted to catch up with me.
    â€œNo, really. I think we should—”
    â€œIs this the way?” I pointed down a dirt path that looked like it might lead to some cabins.
    â€œNo, that goes to the Mites cabins. I’m a Newt. Our cabins are that way, but—”
    â€œThis way? I’m so glad you brought those magazines with you. Looking at strategy guides will be so much better than being stuck at this dance.” I couldn’t really see his face in the dark, but he was at least keeping up with me now. The grass was all dewy and wet, and the crickets were singing like crazy.
    â€œUh, JD—I’m not sure we can—”
    â€œC’mon. Don’t be so nervous!” My gosh, were all boys this shy? If they got this stressed over showing a girl their strategy guides, how did they ever get up the