How I Fly Read Free Page A

because of an accent?”
    She hugs back and says, “It’s just a front. I won’t actually murder anyone.”
    Patrick snorts. “That’s because you have this way of accidentally killing people by simply crossing a room.”
    “And you’re next on me list, Paddy.”
    “I know.”
    I meet Patrick’s teasing gaze in the reflection as Laura hands me a tissue, and he says, “None of us have brought up the fact that he just might be in Toronto when we get there. There were four slots given over to our project, and one slot did have his name on it. If he shows up—damn—Ellen, I don’t know what we’re going to do if we see him again.”
    My chest twists with longing, hope, and all kinds of fear, because Patrick’s right. It’s all I can do to keep a straight face. “It would be a strange miracle if he showed up.”
    “A strange nightmare, you mean?” Laura flips her curls back.
    “Guys, please. We all used to be friends, and if he is there when we arrive, I want us all to stick with the idea that we could at least be friends again. I’ve been through hell, and I have a feeling he’s been there, too.” I meet both of their gazes. “You know with his dad in the mix it must be true.”
    Laura nods. Patrick simply crosses his arms, not agreeing or disagreeing with me, just listening.
    “There will be no violence, no Irish banshee sightings, and a whole lot of trying to understand each other. Though the chance is dangling out there, I know him well enough to know he’s not going to be anywhere near the Western Ontario Arts School.”
    “Why?” Patrick asks.
    “He wouldn’t want to hurt me anymore. There’s no way he’ll show up unless he’s forced to or unless he’s figured out a way to not make it painful.”
    “Is there something you aren’t telling me?”
    I shake my head—like I’m answering “no,” but really I’m simply avoiding his gaze because there is something I’m not telling Patrick. Cam just might arrive to our summer school program, but it’s such a long shot that I don’t think Patrick needs to know about it. Considering Patrick’s wound so tight already, any additional information might send him over the edge of crazy. I say, “Let the record show that these are the last tears to be cried over my ex-boyfriend. I’m different now, and I’m ready to move on. Whomever—and wherever—Cam Campbell might be, even if he’s checking into his own dorm room right now, I’m sure he’s working through all of it, too, and we have to remember to just be…cool.”
    “Good. Fine. I’ve heard you. Now…let’s just go .” Patrick yanks the suitcase handle way too hard, as if just the thought of Cam has pissed him off beyond any ability to talk any further. He heads into the hallway, dragging my suitcase behind him. Glancing back at me and Laura, his tormented eyes shout all the words I’ve heard him mutter for months. That he might kill Cam Campbell on sight. That he wishes he, like all of us, could turn back the clock and make it all better. That he’d do anything and everything in his power to make me happy and to keep me safe from having my heart broken again ever. That he’s the best friend in the whole world. That he loves me.
    “Let’s just hope to God he’s not there.” Laura’s eyes are also full of doubt, anger, and some nervous fear. She pulls the hoodie off my shoulders because it’s slipping while I’m attempting to tighten band on my long braid. “Can’t have you tumbling down the stairs on them crutches just before our new life is about to start.” She tosses me one last look as she heads off with it, my backpack, purse, and laptop bag. “Hurry up, or I’ll send caveman Patrick back here to drag you down.”
    When the hallway’s gone completely silent, I hastily grab the necklace off the mirror. I won’t put it back on—and I will try really hard to get over him this summer, even if he does show up—but nothing can stop me from taking this to Toronto.