Read Online Out of the Ashes by Valerie Sherrard - Free Book Online Page A

he’d never want to break up with me.
    By the time we’d been back in school for a week I was pretty confident that Nick was going to ask me out.He went out of his way to talk to me and always gave me little hints that told me he was interested.
    Then today on my way to history class he had just passed me in the hallway when he turned and called out, “Hey, Shelby.”
    I stopped in mid-step with the usual thrill running through me. Still, when I spun around to face him I did my best not to look too eager.
    â€œOh, hi Nick,” I said, as if I hadn’t noticed him walking by only seconds before.
    â€œAre you doing anything tonight?”
    My heart leapt right up into my throat. Well, I guess it didn’t, but it sure felt like something was there. The best I could do was shake my head “no.”
    â€œCan you come over to my place later?” He reached his hand out and touched my arm in the most casual way, as if he didn’t even notice he was doing it. His eyes looked right into mine. “You’re a whiz at English, and I need some help with a stupid essay we have to write. I can’t get anywhere with it, and it’s due tomorrow.”
    â€œHow much do you have done?” I managed to ask. I had a lot of homework of my own and a project in science that I’d sort of let slide for too long.
    He smiled and shrugged in the most adorable way. “None actually. And the coach is going to suspend me from the basketball team if I don’t bring my marks up. I could sure use your help.”
    I hesitated. If I didn’t get my science project finished, I’d lose points for it being late. I really needed most of the evening to finish it and get the rest of my homework done.
    â€œYou said you weren’t doing anything,” he pointed out with another smile. “But if you can’t make it, don’t worry about it. I think Allison would probably give me a hand.”
    Allison! That conniving witch has been throwing herself at Nick forever. I could just picture her using the excuse to sit really close to him, batting her eyes and giggling. The thought almost made me sick.
    â€œNo, it’s no problem. What time did you want me to come over?”
    â€œRight after supper.” His hand trailed down my arm and squeezed lightly before he took it away. “I’ll be waiting.”
    After he left, I thought for sure I was going to be late for my next class. My knees were so weak I could hardly move, making it impossible to hurry down the hallway. I just got there and slid into my seat as the teacher was standing up to take attendance.
    Mr. Rittner was up there talking on and on about Hannibal and elephants and some pass, but I really didn’t hear much of what he was saying. There was something about a battle, but if anyone had asked me after class which side had won I couldn’t have answered.
    Thoughts of spending time alone with Nick raced through my head. He could have asked anyone to help him, but he’d chosen me! I knew it was just a matter of time before Nick Jarvis and I would be a couple. I’d be the envy of half the girls at Little River High.
    Once home, I raced through some of my homework and then hardly touched my supper because my stomach was all tied up in nervous, excited knots. As soon as the kitchen was cleaned up I headed off to Nick’s place.
    He met me at the door with one of his adorable smiles and led me to the kitchen table where his books were piled.
    â€œSorry about the mess,” he laughed. “My stuff isn’t all that organized, but I’m sure you can find what you need.” He flipped through a couple of binders and pulled out an assignment sheet.
    â€œHere we go.” He passed it to me and then fumbled through his stuff for a pen and some blank paper. When he gave me the pen his fingers brushed against mine ever so softly, sending a jolt up my arm.
    I read the assignment and was a little