Chapter Eleven Page Two, Dani and Will, Downtown

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She knew he thought she wouldn’t do it. But Dani was feeling like putting off her homework. She grabbed her shoes and her jacket and headed out the door.

The weather was, like, kind of bad. There was a heavy overcast and clouds that threatened rain. The wind brought a sharp chill that cut through the thin fabric of her jacket. She didn’t pass anyone. She considered texting Elys again but figured Elys was just going to say that going to a warehouse Downtown was the boringest thing you could possibly do on a Sunday. Besides, Dani thought, didn’t Elys do her religious stuff on Sundays? The rituals and things?

Mary was probably going to be hung over from that party she’d had. Dani didn’t want to bother her.

Will caught up with her as she approached the warehouse. He was out of breath. “Wow,” he said, “Are you in a hurry to get eaten by psychic girls?”

“You caught me,” Dani said, “Also that sounds really lame. Were you on the drugs yesterday?”

“No,” Will said, “Come on, Dani, I’m being serious, you really shouldn’t go in there.”

“You said earlier you regretted saving me,” Dani said, “So I’m just going to go ahead and go in there. And maybe your regret will be reversed.”

“I’m sorry I said that, Dani,” Will said. His earnest tone surprised her.

“I’m not mad about that,” Dani said, “I’m never mad about the things you think I’m mad about.”

“What is it, then?” He asked her. They were standing outside of the front of the place. People were walking by occasionally, giving them looks. “What are you mad about?”

“I’m not mad,” Dani said. It was a lie. She realized she really was mad. She didn’t even know when she’d started being mad. Sometime after she’d talked to Will, maybe.

“Of course you’re not,” Will said, “Is it about mom and dad again? About how they don’t ever train you to do anything?”

“I don’t know,” Dani said, “Maybe I should be, that they treat me like I’m adopted and like I’m not going to be as good as you. Like, they expect so little of me but still push me. I, like, hate it. I hate that they train you and leave me alone. I’d definitely like some training! Maybe I could be the hero too, maybe you’re not going to be the hero and, like, they’re wrong.”

“If I could trade places with you,” Will said, his tone wistful.

“Would you? That’s what I hate about you, Will. You get, like, the coolest future career and you treat it like a joke. Like, who doesn’t want to be a hero? You go on adventures and be the person that everyone looks up to. You think it’s cool to be all, like, look at me, I’m the reluctant hero. We both know it’s just a mask. You’re just putting it on so you can pretend to have some emotional breakthrough at the last minute and come through and make everything ok.”

“I’m not putting a mask,” Will said, “Do you really believe what mom and dad say?”

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