Chapter 29

When I sank into my chair at my assigned desk in first period, my mind began to drift. I was acutely aware that the minions were gathered at the back of the classroom, whispering and giggling about me.

By the end of the lesson, I fully expected to find spitballs stuck in my hair or something even worse. But honestly, I couldn't muster the energy to care. Leonard and his crush were simply adorable. Excitement fluttered in my stomach, and I felt a warm happiness knowing he would get to experience everything I had missed.

I had only recently entered that phase of adolescence when everything seemed to shift dramatically. The conversations with my friends had evolved; no longer were we simply exchanging play-by-play accounts of whatever sitcom had taken the spotlight or gushing over our favorite songs. Our fan-girling over movie stars had transformed into discussions about real people—people our own age within our own school.

Sleepovers filled with late-night talks shi