Chasing the Sun by Melanie Hooyenga

Author:Melanie Hooyenga
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Left-Handed Mitten Publications

22

Neb

I let go of Sage and take a step back. “No, sir.”

“You’ve got ten seconds.”

I nuzzle a kiss on Sage’s cheek and whisper, “The anticipation was definitely worth the wait.”

Then I follow Mr. Mauro to the boys’ side of the campsite.

“I’m really sorry, sir.” The last thing I want is for this teacher, who seems really cool, to think I’m someone he needs to keep his eye on. Especially since school hasn’t even started.

“Relax,” he says, slapping a hand on my back. “I knew what I was signing up for bringing a group of high schoolers into the woods. But you actually need to stay in your tent all night.”

“Of course.” We reach my tent—he really did walk me all the way back—and I pause. The zipper’s still stuck halfway open. “I don’t suppose you’re any good at opening stuck zippers?”

He laughs again and kneels in front of my tent. After a couple minutes, he loosens the fabric and the door opens wide. “This gives me an idea about how to keep you all in your tents.”

This time I laugh. “Thanks for your help. And I promise I won’t be any trouble.”

“Good night, Neb. I’m glad you could join us.” He rests a hand on my shoulder. We’re about the same height and he’s maybe ten years older than me, but I get total father vibes from him. “Kit told me how excited you are for the eclipse, which made me like you before I met you. Now Sage has given you her stamp of approval.”

I snort from deep in my throat.

“And I’m really sorry to hear about your father.”

My smile fades.

“My dad died a couple years ago. It’s rough no matter how old you are, but you’ve had to deal with a lot.”

He’s still gripping my shoulder and the unexpected affection catches me off guard. Mom’s hugged me a few times but it always feels forced. Emotion builds in my chest so I nod.

“You may not have heard this about me yet, but you kids are important to me. If you need anything, my door’s always open.”

I clear my throat. “Thanks, I appreciate that.”

“Get some rest,” he says. “Tomorrow will be a big day.”

“Good night.” I crawl into my tent—there’s no standing in this thing—and stretch out on my bed. Stars fill the night sky, anchoring me to this place, this moment. Dad always said that no matter where you are in the world, the stars will always be there. Anytime I feel lost, literally or figuratively, I look up and know my place in the world.

The air mattress beneath the sleeping bag does a good job protecting my back from roots, but nothing will soften my thoughts. Sage is exactly what I expected from our text conversations, and so much more. One minute she’s confident and says—and does—exactly what she’s thinking, and the next she hesitates, like she doesn’t trust her own judgment. It sounds like things were bad with her ex, so maybe some of that’s still messing with her head.

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