Finally, the two ends of the capsule came apart. But instead of powder, there was clear liquid inside, spilling out into Delilah’s drink.

That was weird. Maria lifted up the glass and squinted at it. She didn’t see any residue.

“Hi! You got my drink?” Delilah was at her side so fast it was as though she’d teleported there. She grabbed the glass out of Maria’s hand and took a drink before Maria could stop her. “What, did you want a taste? Is it good?”

Maria shook her head. She couldn’t speak.

She could take the drink away from Delilah. Make up a story about a bug flying into it or something.

But then Delilah took another sip. Then another.

Soon the glass was almost half-empty, and Delilah was still looking at Maria with a smile.

It was over. She’d done it.

There was no going back from here.

7

PRESENT FEARS ARE LESS THAN HORRIBLE IMAGININGS

A thousand feelings raced through Maria as Delilah finished her drink.

Terror. Regret. Anxiety.

Eagerness.

She was sure Delilah would figure out what Maria had done.

She didn’t.

Delilah was making fun of a sophomore on the soccer team whose underwear always showed through her shorts. Maria forced a giggle. Her heart was racing so fast she was afraid she might actually die of panic, right here, in the dive bar next to the Kroger. Delilah just laughed as if nothing were wrong.

She’d gotten away with it.

Lily was right, of course. Everything was working exactly as they’d planned. By this time tomorrow, they wouldn’t have to worry about Delilah ever again.

Maria closed her eyes and waited for the satisfaction to wash over her. Nothing happened.

An hour passed. The girls sat at the bar, talking, laughing, ordering more drinks.

Maria couldn’t remember how this usually worked, but she was pretty sure Delilah should be high by now. Maybe Austin had given them defective drugs.

Maria started to relax. Maybe this was all working out for the best. She’d done what she’d promised Lily, and nothing had happened.

Maybe this was a sign. Maybe the universe had given Maria a second chance.

Then Delilah started to change.

At first it was barely noticeable. Delilah just smiled a lot, and giggled at nothing.

The stuff must’ve worked after all. Delilah always smiled a lot when she was high on oxy.

But then something wasn’t right.

Delilah kept staring into the desk lamp at the far end of the bar. Maria couldn’t remember her ever just staring like that before.

“Wow,” Delilah said. “Wow. Wow. Wow. Maria, I don’t know what’s up, but I feel so good right now. Do you feel it? So good. Wow.”

Maria didn’t answer her. Her heart was racing again.