Katy's Homecoming Read Free Page B

snotty to Katy over the course of the day. Although she didn’t like being ignored by the popular girls — usually they acted as if she didn’t exist — being the target for snippy comments and condescending looks was even worse. Shelby had told her not to let it bother her—they were jealous because theseniors had chosen Katy as an attendant. “It’s not you, Katy, really. It would be anybody who got picked. They’ll get over it,” Shelby had assured her. Katy hoped they’d get over it soon. Being constantly dissed was not fun.
    Katy glanced around the room, but she didn’t spot Bryce. She knew he was at school today because she’d seen him in earlier classes, the cafeteria, and the hallway. He’d smiled at her twice, but he hadn’t tried to talk to her. Her hopes had risen and fallen so many times she felt like she’d been stuck on a roller coaster. Sighing, she slipped into a desk and opened her backpack. She removed her oration about relying on faith for strength to overcome hardship. She’d memorized the six-minute speech, but if she read it, she might be able to think about something besides Bryce. Bending over the page, she forced her eyes to focus on the first line:
Into every life, a little rain must fall —
    “Bryce!”
    At Marlys’s shrill cry, Katy turned her head so fast one of her ribbons smacked her on the jaw. Bryce strode into the room. His gaze found hers, and Katy held her breath. Would he come over to her desk to talk to her? But Marlys dashed across the floor and captured his arm.
    “I thought you’d never show up. I got this great idea yesterday on staging, and I want to try it to see if it works better than what we planned before.” Marlys dragged Bryce to the far corner of the classroom. He sent Katy an apologetic look but then turned his back and started working with Marlys. Katy watched for several minutes, hoping he might look at her again, but he didn’t turn around.
    Disappointed, Katy returned to her written speech.
Just
work, Katy. That’s what you’re here for — not for flirting with Bryce.
She needed to be ready. On Thursdays the students performed for each other in preparation for weekend meets. They never got through all of the performers because there were too many of them to fit into an hour, but everyone needed to be prepared in case Mr. Gorsky drew his or her name from the fishbowl on his desk.
    Students milled around, chatting in small groups or practicing. No one approached Katy’s desk. She watched out of the corner of her eye as Mr. Gorsky talked with Bryce and Marlys. He gestured, pointing to various spots on the floor, then Bryce and Marlys apparently tried what he suggested. He nodded, and finally he turned to face the entire class.
    “All right, everyone, find a seat and let’s quiet down. Bryce and Marlys are going to do their duet act first —”
    Marlys groaned, bending her knees as if she was going to faint, but then she bounced up, slung her arm around Bryce’s shoulders, and giggled. Katy experienced a brief stab of jealousy. Marlys was so at ease with boys. So was Jewel, and even Shelby, although Shelby wasn’t as flirty as Jewel or Marlys. Katy bit her lower lip, battling feelings of inadequacy. How did a girl learn to be comfortable around boys? Katy had always felt a bit on edge with boys her age. Of course, before the deacons had given her permission to attend Salina High North, she’d only been around one boy her age: Caleb Penner. And he could make anyone edgy with his constant teasing.
    Katy tried not to scowl when Marlys grabbed Bryce’s arm again and dragged him to the front of the classroom. As soon as everyone was seated, Marlys stepped forward.She put her hands behind her back and announced the title and author of their play. Then she and Bryce launched into their duet act about college students who visit a campsite called Gilded Pond, only to discover it’s in the middle of a swamp.
    The play was humorous, and both Bryce and