Chapter 2

Something Special, Something Sacred

“We get to go on the simulators today!” Harrison said excitedly in class. He stood up. You meant now? The guy that sat behind me was out the door first. I had on heels so I couldn’t hurry. Harrison waited for me and opened the door when I finally approached. The air was chilly but I didn’t want to run back to get my jacket.

We walked next door to what looked like three sit-down arcade games. The graphics were good. The plastic seats were so worn that I expected glitches in the programming but the driving simulation was smooth.

“You do know how to drive,” Harrison said after I had completed the course. “How are you just good at everything?” he asked quietly. He had once said that about track-and-field events. I wasn’t good at basketball. “Is that the ring?” he asked me before I had a chance to compliment him on his basketball skills. I looked at the dark blue plastic ring on my left hand that matched the bracelets he had given me. Yes!

“Told ya I still had it,” I said as I held up my left hand. It had been in my jewelry box along with the jelly bracelets which were still too big for me. Harrison looked emotional. Or maybe it was the darkness that made his eyes seem darker. “Should we let the next students in here?” I asked Harrison as I leaned towards him. It seemed like everyone was excited to get some practical education. He was seated as close to me as possible.

“Naw, we’re in here for 20 minutes,” Harrison said to me. The light from the simulator…