Chapter 132: Left Out

I pulled on my new blue sweater and jeans and tried to admire my reflection. Alison was right. The color was perfect. I just wished my mood was better so I could appreciate it more.

I sulked in my room the rest of the afternoon, ignoring my parents and even Sassy who tried once to get in. I held the door against him and he finally gave up.

At five to six, I landed in the kitchen and stood at the door to wait for Alison. She couldn't come soon enough as far as I was concerned. The rumble of an engine spurred me out into the driveway, but it was the wrong kind.

Quaid was climbing off his bike, helmet in hand, when I emerged from the house. He looked so surprised to see me I stopped in my tracks.

"Nice to see you too," I said.

"Syd." He came toward me, helmet between us almost like a shield. What was up with him? Then again, it wouldn't do to have Alison with her fresh crush on him see us hugging and kissing, I guess, so I was okay with the distance.

"News?" That had to be it. Why e