“Hey, Kasey” Spencer said.

“Hi.”

“I was wondering if you could do me a favor?”

Kasey smiled widely, exposing her braces. “Sure! What’s up?” She regretted her enthusiasm immediately and her cheeks flushed crimson.

Spencer handed her a folded piece of notebook paper. “Will you give this to Tara for me?”

Kasey deflated a little. She saw Tara—beautiful, gorgeous, lead-in-the-school-play Tara—paying the cashier for her hot chocolate.

After indulging in a moment of self-pity, Kasey realized she needed to say something. “Um, sure,” was all she could muster.

“Thanks!” Spencer said, handing over the note and rejoining his friends.

The marching band took to the field, and the sound of “Thriller” being played by horns and snares echoed in the cool autumn air. Kasey stood motionless until Tara approached. Careful not to burn herself, Tara took a sip of hot chocolate. Then she gave a puzzled look. “What’s wrong, Kasey? You look a little pale.”

“Nothing,” Kasey replied, stuffing the note in her coat pocket.