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be found out here, which calms my uneasiness a bit.
    â€œWell, I’m working on a school project with a guy, and I feel a little…unsure of how to handle it. We have to work together closely, and it intimidates me.” Not to mention the fact that we’re writing a poem together, which to me is like ripping out my soul and baring it for all to see. But even worse, for him to see.
    She raises an eyebrow, then scoots her back against the brick wall to make herself more comfortable. “Is that because you like him?”
    â€œI think I do. But I’m scared. I don’t feel ready for this.” I clench my hands in my lap, smoothing one gloved thumb over the other. The gesture calms me down a bit. I drop my voice down lower and force the next words out. “It’s Dominic.”
    Her eyes widen. “Really? Oh, my God. He’s so cute. Good for you!”
    A hot flush slips up my throat, over my face. “I need help. What should I do? I’m freaking out.” I’m scared to hope, to dream that something bigger could exist between us. Because even though I spend most of my free time researching a way to get out of my bondage with Sitri, there’s always the risk I won’t find the answer in time. And it’ll hurt even more to leave if I let myself fall for him, knowing Sitri will probably take pleasure in wiping everything from my memory when he dumps me somewhere new.
    A patient smile creases her face. She pats my hand. “It’ll be okay. If he likes you, he’ll take things slowly until you feel comfortable. And if he doesn’t… Well, let’s just say he won’t live long enough to regret it.”
    My heart swells at her protective words, and I grin. I wish I could hug her to show her how much she means to me, but I can’t take the risk. So I settle for squeezing her hand. “You really are a great friend.”
    â€œYeah, I’m the best.” Samantha giggles. “Anyway, I’m just glad I could repay the favor. I took your advice and got Rick alone this morning. I told him how I felt, but I did it really matter-of-factly so I wouldn’t look desperate.” She presses her free palm to her chest. “Isabel, he asked me out! We have a date tonight.”
    â€œThat’s wonderful!” I cry out. If anyone deserves to be happy, it’s Samantha. And I’m glad to see her bravery paid off. I wish I could get the same results for being courageous. I wish I could tell Dominic my budding feelings and know I had the same fighting chance with him that Samantha did with Rick.
    Shaking my head, I push those thoughts away. This moment isn’t about me; it’s about her. Focusing on my situation isn’t being a good friend.
    And right now, that’s the only sure thing I have to give.

    I slip into English class right as the bell rings, going straight for my desk. Dominic has taken his spot beside me again. His crooked smile makes my heart thud hard in my chest, and I offer him a shaky one back.
    â€œYou feeling better today?” he whispers. “Sorry if I upset you last night.”
    Shame washes over me. I feel like a heel, the way I lost control of my emotions and ran off. It was immature and rude of me. “No, it’s not your fault at all. I’m sorry.”
    â€œWell, I’m now even more sorry that you feel sorry,” he says, his tone deadpan.
    It takes me a few seconds to realize he’s teasing me. Some impulse makes me respond similarly. “Well, I’m sorry that you’re sorry that I’m sorry,” I say, swallowing back a chuckle.
    â€œOkay, class,” Mrs. Scott says as she perches her backside against the front of her desk. “We’re going to do group work again. You should have a tentative topic picked out by now, so start brainstorming how you’re going to divide up the work and what angle you’re going to take.”
    Dominic edges his desk