Chapter 5: Behind the Mask“You okay?” Anika peers upward, shielding her eyes from the sun.
No, I’m not. I’m stuck. My stomach lurches toward my mouth as the buffeting wind sends me sideways again.
“Let the rope out, like we practiced,” calls the instructor. He leans over the parapet, gesticulating wildly. “You were doing fine a moment ago, you can do it again. You’ve got to. Can’t pull you back up now, sorry.”
There’s amusement in his voice. I guess he’s used to cowards like me, finds us entertaining. Gritting my teeth, I force my fingers to work and let the rope out another inch.
“That’s it, good.”
“Go, Lauren.” Anika whoops again. “I knew you’d love it!”
Seriously? I’m not a thrill-seeker or a daredevil, I’m not particularly adventurous at all, so why would Anika think I’d love thi
