章 14: Chapter 14: Sleeper

RUTHIE PEELED AWAY FROM the curb, ranting about her parents' stupid rules before moving on to complain about her teachers and the mountain of homework they'd given her. According to her, that should never be allowed the first week of school. I didn't disagree. When she got like this, it was better to just let her vent. It was a Ruthie bubble that just got bigger and bigger until it popped and then she could see everyone else again.

When we arrived at my house in record time, I frowned with disappointment because I had yet to hear the whole scoop about her and Val. I had no idea that she'd been carrying a torch for him all these years. I wasn't exiting the car until I found out what was going on.

"So, what's up with you and Val?" I asked, giving her a look that I hoped told her I wasn't leaving without an answer.

She squeezed her eyes shut, as if she could block out my question.

"Ruthie," I prompted. "What are you thinking?"