“It’s really cool. We learned about it in English this year. There’s this famous psychiatrist who said that everyone in the world—or in fiction, which is why we were studying it—can be sorted into one of sixteen ‘archetypes,’ or basic personalities. You can go online and take a personality test and find out which one you are. It’s pretty cool how accurate it is. Anyway, I think our big difference is that I’m an extrovert and you’re an introvert.”

“What does that mean?” I asked as Sam made his way back to us.

“In short, I get energy from social interaction, and you get it from being alone.”

“Oh, great! I’m destined for a life of loneliness!” I said.

“Don’t be silly. It’s not like that. Just look it up online when you get home. ‘Sixteen personalities.’ ”

“Okeydokey,” I agreed.

Sam had returned. “They’re in. Taylor’s going to grab us all a table, and then we can sit together and compare notes… and word choices!” he joked.

I smiled. “Great,” I said, crossing my fingers at the white lie.

“Super-fun!” said Sierra, and I knew she actually meant it.

“Juicy.”

“Thick.”

“Salty.”

“Crunchy.”

“Crisp.”

“Gooey.”

“Gross! Gooey?” said Anika. We all laughed.

“Well, the special sauce and cheese on mine were gooey,” explained Sam as he looked at his notes. We were all comparing word choices to describe the burgers we’d just eaten, which had turned out to be delicious, even after the long wait.

Despite my misgivings, I was having a great time. Taylor, Anika, and Sam from my class were all super easygoing and friendly, and their warmth carried me along. They all just assumed I was friendly too, and with Sierra there to grease the wheels of social interaction, everything was running smoothly. Plus, the three of them were as into food and writing as I was, and it was really cool to be hanging with kids who were interested in the same stuff. I guessed that was how Sierra felt about rock-band camp and Tamiko felt about her photo class.

It was just about time for us to head out. I’d told my dad to expect to pick us up around eight, and it was already eight thirty. I’d texted him five minutes earlier, and we needed to be out at the gate so he didn’t have to circle.

“Hey, you guys. Sierra and I have to go. My dad will be here any minute. Sam, thanks for organizing us all. I’ll see everyone in class on Thursday.”

Just as we were standing up to go, who should walk up but… Colin!

“Colin!” I said in shock.

“Allie!” He grinned. “When did you get back?” He looked around the table at the other kids and, recognizing no one, looked back at me in surprise.