WHEN THE LAST BELL rang Julie nervously stepped out of class alongside Claire. Her heart was pounding by the time she reached the school’s front entrance where they found Victor waiting with a disarming smile.
Julie said, “Catch you later,” and Claire took the hint and walked away, looking over her shoulder with every other step. Julie then turned awkwardly towards Mr. Perfect. “Shall we go?” she asked, grinning sheepishly, holding tightly onto the strap of her backpack.
Victor turned and led her away towards Shepherd’s center street. “The first day I awoke in Rayburn I walked around the whole town. I got bored in fifteen minutes. I can’t imagine having to live here for sixteen years. Are you crazy?”
“I don’t think so?” Julie replied.
“Must mean you get out a lot. I took a bus to Houst
