Chapter 14

The question lingered in my mind all night. It woke me up a few times and made it quite difficult for me to fall asleep again. Was there a chance with me and Ty?

I wanted to be excited about the trip the next day. I wanted to look forward to exploring works of art. I wanted to be curious about Mrs. Ruby’s surprise. Instead, all I felt was nervous. Nervous that I’d have to talk to Ty. Nervous that he’d want to talk to me. Nervous that he wouldn’t. I couldn’t figure out what I was more nervous about.

As I arrived at class the next morning, I thought twice about going in. Maybe if I turned around and went back to bed, the whole day would disappear and I wouldn’t have to deal with any of it.

Instead, I forced myself to step through the door. If I just didn’t show up, that would only cause more attention to be focused on me. I’d go and get through the day and then it would be over. 

“No need to be dramatic, Apple.” 

“What’s that?” Alana looked over at me. “Are you talking to yourself again?”

“Maybe.” I cringed. Then I grabbed her hand. “Will you be my partner today?” 

“Sure.” She smiled. “I think we’re going to have fun.” 

“Great.” I squeezed her hand, then released it.

As long as I was partnered up with Alana I could easily get through the day. Although I had rehearsed a few of Candy’s conversation starters in the mirror, I wasn’t sure that I’d ever be able to actually use them. 

“Everyone!” Mrs. Ruby clapped her hands together. “Listen up! We’re going to have a great trip. But in order to make that happen, we all need to pay attention, stick together, and cooperate!” She swept her gaze over the gathered students, then sighed. “Does anyone know where Ty is?” 

“I’m here!” Ty rushed through the door. “Sorry, Mrs. Ruby, I—”

“Nope, no time for excuses.” She waved her clipboard at him. “You’re the first in line. Everyone line up behind Ty and we’re all going to walk out to the van together. It’ll be a little cramped in there, but I think we’ll be fine.” 

I lined up behind Alana and did my best not to think about where Ty had been and why he might have been late. That lasted for about thirty seconds. Halfway down the hall, he glanced back at me and I met his eyes. 

An electric jolt ran through me. Why was he always so late? Why did he look at me like that? Why couldn’t I look away from him? 

“Everyone in the van! Hurry! We are running behind!” Mrs. Ruby shooed us all onto the van with a swish of her clipboard through the air. 

As I settled into the seat next to Alana, I calmed down some. From his seat all the way in the back of the van, Ty likely couldn’t even see me. I didn’t have to worry about him catching my eye. In fact, packed into the van, I doubted there would be any chance for conversation. 

“Mick and I have been looking for a new place to eat.” Alana chattered beside me. “I’m hoping to scope out the cafe in this museum and see what we might like.”

“Wait, what?” I looked over at her. “You know where we’re going?” 

“Sure, it’s this amazing museum with a giant spiral staircase. Not too many people know about it, that’s why I suggested it to Mrs. Ruby. There are some great pieces to see. Plus the staircase is really cool.” She grinned. 

“That sounds like fun.” I began to relax. Yes, this trip still had a chance to be fun. 

When we arrived at the museum, Mrs. Ruby hurried everyone off the van. As people began to pair up on the sidewalk Mrs. Ruby clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. 

“Everyone will have a partner. I took the liberty of pairing you all up this morning.” She began to call out names of partners. “Alana and Jesse.” 

“Jesse?” Alana peered at the boy. “I don’t think we’ve ever said two words.”

“Good luck.” I frowned. 

“I’m sorry, Apple, I’ll see you later.” Alana walked over to Jesse. 

“Now everyone, I did my best to pair you together with people that you might not have a lot in common with, because I’m hoping that you can pick out a few paintings in the museum and compare your opinions on them. I always find that getting another person’s point of view on art can totally change my perspective.” 

Although I actually liked her idea, I braced myself as I waited to see who she would pair me up with.

One by one my classmates were paired, until there were very few left. Me, a few other classmates, and Ty. I shot him a brief look and found him looking straight at me. 

No, no, no. I closed my eyes and held my breath. When I opened my eyes again, I saw a faint smile on his lips. 

“Let’s see.” She looked over the list on her clipboard. “Ty, you’re going to be with Apple. Oh, that works out perfectly, doesn’t it? I’m sure the two of you have gotten to know each other at art club.”

My heart sank. It would be impossible to avoid having to use my conversation starters if we had to spend the day together looking at art. I cringed at what he might have to say about my favorite paintings. What could he like? I doubted that he’d ever been to an art museum. Did he even have a preference? 

“Great.” Ty looked at me. “I mean, if you’re okay with it.”

“Sure, of course.” What could I say? The last thing I want to do is be alone with you. I’m pretty sure that melting into the ground would be better than anything I’m experiencing right now.

No, those wouldn’t be very good conversation starters. I tried to picture myself calm. Maybe if I could imagine it, I would become it. 

As the class funneled into the museum, I hung back a few steps. As soon as I walked through the door, I would be faced with hours alone with Ty. My skin tingled from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. How would I survive? 

“Let me get that.” Ty reached behind me to grab the door. He held it open for Mrs. Ruby, who stepped inside. Then he looked at me. “Just you and me, huh?” 

“I guess.” I offered a nervous laugh. 

“This should be interesting.”

“Yup.” I stared at him. 

“So, are you going to go in?” He gestured to the open door. 

“Oh right, I guess I should. That’s what doors are for, right?” My eyes widened with every word I spoke. How could I make it worse? I started through the door and caught the tip of my shoe on the tip of his. “Oops, sorry.” 

“It’s fine.” He smiled as he stepped in behind me. 

“Are you sure? I mean, maybe you should sit down for a little while—make sure that I didn’t break any toes.” 

“I’m sure.” He took a few steps further into the museum, then stopped and looked up. “Wow!” He tipped his head all the way back. “Would you look at that?” 

“It’s amazing.” I stepped up beside him. 

“Race you to the top?” He grinned. 

“Not a chance!” I gasped. 

“I was just kidding.” He laughed, then shook his head. “I’m sure there’s plenty to see. We can take our time.” He paused. “Unless you want to split up. I’m sure Mrs. Ruby will never know the difference.”

“There you go wanting to break the rules again.” I frowned. 

“There you go, judging me again.” He quirked an eyebrow. “I’m not the one that looks like she’d rather be anywhere else than with me right now. I’m just trying to be polite. It’s up to you. I’m not going to force you to do anything that you don’t want to do.” He crossed his arms. “So, what’s it going to be?” 

I studied him for a long moment. It would be easier to go with his plan. We could split up. I could hide out. I could enjoy the art. But that spark that burned inside of me wouldn’t let me turn and walk away. 

“Okay. Let’s just find a couple of pieces to compare opinions on. That’s the assignment, right? Then we can go our separate ways.” My heartbeat quickened as I looked at him. “Deal?”