“Okay, so when are we gonna escape?” Liam asked boredly.

We were sitting at lunch, and Liam had been asking me the same question for the last two days. 

“Oh, yeah, let’s go right now!” I said sarcastically. “Since we know how to escape and where to go! Come on, what are we waiting for?” 

Liam glared at me. “I thought you said no sarcasm.”

“We can be sarcastic when the other person asks a stupid question!” I declared.

“We know that we’re going to turn invisible, then go out a window, then we’re gonna go see my grandpa.” Liam said.

I sighed, knowing that I better answer to this, or I’d strangle Liam.

“Fine.” I said. “Where does your grandpa live?”

“In Springfield, Missouri.” 

I let out a strangled sound.

“We’re going from Pelston, Michigan to Missouri?!” I exploded. “How are we gonna do that?!”

Liam shushed me.

“People are staring!” A few people eating lunch around us turned to watch us.

“I wonder why!” I muttered. “You want two sixteen year olds to‒”

“To date?” Liam said loudly. “Yes! I love you!” I did a double take.
“I’m sorry, what?!” I choked.

“If it looks like we’re fighting about dating, it’ll be less suspicious!” He whispered, then switching to his loud voice. “Please, Nat! I want to be with you!”

I rolled my eyes. “Fine, sure! Let’s date.” I said, trying not to sound sarcastic. “In fact, I like you too.” I clearly winked for everyone to see. “See you around.” I flipped my hair and sauntered off to the girl’s rooms.

As soon as I left the room, I shuddered, disgusted with myself. That was so not me, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a different human in the mirror.

I walked into the girl’s dorm and sat on my bed. I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry or yell, or just shake my head in embarrassment.

I suddenly heard loud footsteps that were walking in a strange pattern. Thump. Thump. It almost sounded like someone was bouncing towards the door.

Oh no. I thought. This must be‒

“Naaaaaat!” Molly’s voice sang so loud, I could hear it before she opened the door. The door swung open and Molly bounced in, her eyes bright with excitement.

“Sooooo?!” She bubbled.

“Um, hi.” I could already tell what was coming.

“Soo are you gonna date now? I knew you guys must have something going on. I thought you were already dating, but I guess not! He totally likes you! Will you guys stay in touch over the summer? Summer break is in like six months, so you better get his number! Ohh, and when the weather is a little bit warmer, you guys can hang out in the courtyard! Oh, and‒”

“Yes, we’re dating now.” I interrupted, trying to speed things up. Molly squealed.

“I am so happy for you!” She beamed. “You know, I’m gonna”
“Would you excuse me?” I said. “I need to . . . go to the bathroom.” I quickly dashed out, leaving Molly still beaming and shrugging, and probably singing to herself. 

I was planning to go back to the dining hall before lunch break was over, but I ran into Liam in the hall. Literally ran into him.

“Ack!”
“Oof!” We both fell on the ground. I stared at him and he looked at me. We both burst out into laughter.

“I want to be with you!” I imitated Liam’s voice. 

“Fine, let’s date!” He said in a terrible impression of my voice through laughter.

“Where did that even come from!” I laughed, gasping for breath.

“It was the first thing that came to my mind, okay?” Liam snorted. He stopped laughing enough to help me up.

“Did you have to be so dramatic?” I asked, pretending to complain.

“What do you mean?” Liam exclaimed. “The drama was the main part! It draws the crowd in.”

I snorted.

“It was kiiiind of fun, though.” I admitted. “Acting out a love scene.”

“It’s about to get more fun.” He muttered, gesturing to the end of the hallway. The three headmistresses were stalking down the hall.

“VUT are you doing?!” Nova hissed.

“Walking back from lunch.” Liam answered. 

“LIAR!” Victoria accused.

“No, really, we were just‒” I started. Victoria turned to me.
“Lying?” She fumed. “I will not have lying in my school! You two are both expe‒”

“NO!” Violet yelled. We all looked at her. “We won’t expel them!” She said rather quickly. “Um, because we can just punish them here! Back to your rooms, both of you, detention in my office at four o’clock tonight!” She quickly switched back to her usual smooth but sharp tone. 

“But‒” Liam began. I shushed him.

“Yes, headmistresses.” I said. They stalked off, glaring at us like we might attack them from behind. 

As soon as they were gone, Liam looked at me with concern.

“Did Violet just say we shouldn’t be expelled or is there something wrong with my brain?” I asked.

“She obviously wants us here for a reason.” Liam said.

“I guessed that.” I muttered. “Do you think they’ve figured out we are the ones with abilities?” 

Liam’s face was pale and frozen with terror.
“Liam?” I asked.

“They know.” He whispered. “They know.”

“They know we are the ones?” I said softly. “What are we going to do?”
“We need to leave.” Liam answered. “Now.”