My brothers were in the kitchen by the time I went downstairs, and from their normal expressions I assumed they’d already talked, too. Peace. It was a beautiful thing. I was grateful that things at home were okay now because I still had to deal with the problems at school. Problems I expect would be made worse by Gray being picked as first-string quarterback. Then there was the dark boy, and trying to forget about him. Although I was happy for Gray, and glad that Trick wasn’t angry anymore, I didn’t feel so great. I couldn’t stop thinking about Jesse Raven. Before, every time I saw a tall boy, or one with black hair, I’d thought of him. Now I didn’t even need reminders. I looked at the rising sun, and thought of his face in the moonlight. I gathered up my books, and remembered how gently he’d handled a flower. I brushed my hair, and my fingers tingled with the memory of the liquid silkiness of his. I breathed in, and my nose expected to smell dark, sweet spices.
