Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 26

Monday morning

School had the vibe of the day before a long holiday break, which was like a Friday on steroids, yet the excitement was subdued and emotions were all over the place. Freshmen saw an end to their peon status, and sophomores had found their rhythm, their clique, and the hope of better days ahead. Juniors had been in the que for eleven years, and now they could finally move up to the top of the toterm pole. Seniors saw their future in front of then, feeling the remorse of closure, the excitement of greater things ahead and the pressure to succeed. Of course, everything hinged on the finals, and Evan couldn't get his mind on school, even with the added pressure of not having a car all summer. His lunch tray slipped and splashed slop onto the table.

"Hey, don't waste it," Jason said.

Evan shook his head. "In a week and a half we won't be eating this stuff."

"I'm gonna miss it," Jason said.

"I'm beginning to wonder if you're even human."

Jason shrugged, and said, "So, what's going on?"

"I'm going to race," he said, instantly feeling the crushing weight of his plan. "My dad's going to China and I'm going to race. Cindy's gonna set it up, but nobody can know, not even Deana or Gloria, so don't let it slip."

"Dude, remember when your dad told you you couldn't go to the water park, and we went anyway? Didn't he knock your head off and ground you for two weeks?"

"If he's in China, he won't find out," Evan said, sounding more confident than he felt. "Besides, it's worth the risk. It's a great opportunity and if I do good, who knows, maybe I'll get to drive Cindy's car when she goes to college. Uncle JC knows I'm a good driver, he always tells me that."

"Yeah, but that's go-carts and you haven't done that for awhile."

"Jeez, you say you'd get head from your sister, but you're trying to talk me out of-"

"Shh, that goes in the same category as the other thing we don't talk about." Jason looked around to see if anyone was staring at

them. "I'm not trying to talk you out of it, just checkin' to see if you've thought it through. I'd hate to lose a friend."

"He'll never find out. At least not until it's too late. Oh, we're going to the races, first Saturday night of summer, to watch Cindy race, and I'll get to see Dale's car run. I'm gonna stay over at your house, so we need a cover story for your mom."

"Wow, I've finally rubbed off on you," Jason said proudly. "Lies and deception." He did his best sinister laugh. "Soon, who knows, maybe you'll do your sister."

The girl's room had cleared out, but Deana stayed in front of the sink, looking in the mirror. "Will you hurry up," she said.

"I'm done," Rebecca said, and came out of the stall.

"It took long enough," Deana said.

"You try changing your clothes in there. It ain't easy."

"Why couldn't you just change at 'nastics?" Deana said.

"Ah, I dori't know," Rebecca sald. "I guess just wanted to get it over with. Hey, why don't you ask Evan to stay with you at gymnastics?"

Deana stared at the little gymnast in her spandex, with her T-shirt knotted at her side, exposing her belly. A nervousness crept up her spine.

"Dee," Rebecca said, "are we okay? We really haverit talked about it."

"Of course," she said, her fingers clenching. What had been the most significant event in her life since her mother died had been reduced to, "it". This wasn't the time or place for them to talk about it.

Rebecca inched closer. "We haven't talked about what happened, and I was afraid you might think-

"No, I don't," she said. "It was good, everything's good."

"It was good, great, but I hope I didn't give you the wrong idea," Rebecca sald.

Deana moved back until her ass was against the sink. Her mind scrambled to figure out what her friend was trying to say. Does she think I'm a lesbian and she isn't?