Chapter 19

For the next several weeks, it seems the Idols are content to watch and wait. But if they think they’ve beaten me that easily, they’ve got another thing coming. At Lower Banks Middle School, a stunt like that would’ve been met with closed fists and blood spatter. I’m not saying I’m going to start a full-on brawl with the Idols (surely the cowards would gang up on me, and I’d lose), but watching that book burn, while upsetting, was not the final nail in my coffin.

“Parents’ Week starts on Monday,” Miranda says, settling beside me in the ‘cafeteria’. Not exactly the best descriptor for this place. That word denotes red plastic trays, pizza on paper plates, and long lines. This is … nicer than the nicest restaurant I’ve ever been to. The sign outside says ’Dining Area’, but the students here just call it The Mess. “Are yours coming?”

I take a bite of my pasta, and try not to wonder how much this plate cost the scholarship fund.

“My dad should be here,” I hedge, trying