Chapter Thirty


"Hey, Mandy!" Logan's smile lit up the hallway.

"Hey. What's up?" Mandy stared up at her tall friend, adoration glistening in her eyes. Oh no, what if my feelings are written all over my face? What if he knows? What if he doesn't feel the same way?

"I've started going to the weight room during lunch hour." He held up the sleeve of his baggy T-shirt and flexed his bicep.

"Wow. You're looking cut!"

Logan's cheeks flushed at the compliment. "Thanks! Want to go for a hike after school?"

Mandy's eyes sparkled. "Sure!"

"I'll pick you up at four. Have a good day, cutie."

****

Later that afternoon, Logan and Mandy were having an absolute blast. It was like they were kids again. Rocky Ridge Mountain was the perfect setting for one of their adventures. They hiked the trails and discovered a small pond. Logan taught Mandy how to skip rocks on the water. By the time the sky began to darken, they'd identified seven different species of birds.

Mandy led the way to their final destination. Her legs ached as she climbed to the peak of the mountain. She felt peaceful as she gazed out into the distance. She wouldn't allow memories of Valerie's attack to tarnish her enjoyment of the glorious view.

"Wow. You can see all of Montmorrow from up here," Logan said.

"This is my favorite spot," Mandy said. Her town resembled a miniature toy village. She found her house. The tiny gray splotch was surrounded by a dark green blur. "I feel so far away up here, like I'm on my own plane of existence. And nothing can bother me."

"Is something bothering you?" Logan asked. "You seem to be doing so well." Worry transformed the color of his eyes from amber to burnt copper.

She nodded. "I'm okay, but my life has changed so much. It's been tough. My counselor has helped me, but I still miss having a group of friends."

"You'll always have me," Logan said with absolute conviction.

"I know. I am so grateful to have you in my life. I would like some girlfriends, though."

"So get out there and make some new friends. Any girl would be lucky to have you as a friend."

"Really?"

"I think so."

As the sun descended, Logan's straight nose and full lips were silhouetted against the neon-orange-and-golden streaks of the stratosphere. His eyes seemed to match the dusky sky. The vista was spectacular. "I come up here all the time to clear my mind," Mandy said. "It's so tranquil." And romantic, she added silently.

"By yourself?" Logan's voice revealed his concern.

"Yes, sometimes."

"That's not safe. You never know what kind of creepers could be hiding out up here. Besides, there are some real steep spots. What if you got hurt?" The sun had crept halfway below the horizon. "Let's get going. This trail is dangerous in the dark."

"Okay. I had a great time today."

"Me too."