Chapter 30

"Is that-"

I trail off as I stare at the scene in front of me, unable to find the right words amongst all the questions running through my mind. And, honestly, I'm not convinced that what I'm seeing is actually real and that I'm not just imagining it. I hope I'm imagining it. I hope I'm having another one of those moments where the line between fiction and reality is blurring.

But then I look back at Jake. He's watching me with his head cocked to the side. He's got his eyes narrowed at me like he's wary of my reaction, but his lips are twitching as If in excitement. He's waiting for me to say something and, from that, I know it's all real. It's real, and he's pleased with himself for shocking me. Or maybe he thinks I'm excited - because he's shown me something that surprises me and makes Oakton a little less dull. And maybe I do feel a little bit of excitement. Maybe the fluttering in my stomach is a hint of exhilaration. And I feel so ashamed of myself for it.

I try t