Even though the Club converged in the courtyard as always, it didn’t feel like a normal day. We were scattered where we’d been a unit, distracted where we’d been focused, jumpy where we’d been as tranquil as a herd of cows. There was a spark in the air, as if lightning had struck too close. It lasted through lunch. Paige spilled yogurt all over herself, and our usual conversation was replaced by a miniature study group. It turns out Megan wasn’t the only one bombing quizzes. After the bell rang, a group of us went to the bathroom together to touch up our lipstick. Emily and Mimi were next to me. “What’s wrong with your hair, Em?” Mimi asked. “The back’s all…flattish.” Emily reached up to touch her hair and then twisted to look at it. “Really?” “Yeah, it’s…weird.” Mimi gave it a futile fluff and then shrugged. “You should fix it.” Gradually, everyone else trickled out, and it was just me and Emily. She was still swinging from side to side, trying to see what Mimi saw.
