Parisa nods but doesn’t say anything. She still wants high school to be something it’s not. She still wants it to be the best years of her life, and she knows we only have a year left to make that happen.

“Silver lining to an impending global pandemic,” I say. “Today could be our last day here.”

Whaddya know? I think. Maybe I’m an optimist, too. The bell rings, and we pack up our belongings. Wes carefully places his guitar in its case, and I wonder why he feels the need to bring it to school every day. It’s like his emotional support instrument.

“See you tomorrow,” Parisa says.

“We’re not grabbing coffee after school?” Wes asks.

I realize we forgot to tell him that our unfortunate drug binge led to a two-week estrangement.

“Not today,” I reply as I walk off toward art class. Friends forever? I hear Andrew’s voice in my head, and now his words sound more like a question and less like a declaration. I wish I knew the answer.

Parisa

You there?

Gabriela

Yes and no. It’s Wednesday. You know I’m at work.

Parisa

I know. Sorry. I’m bored though. We’re sitting on the bleachers waiting for Mr. Felder to show up. He’s always late. Wes thinks he’s got a drug habit.

Gabriela

That would explain why he’s so jittery all the time.

Parisa

Maybe he just needs to switch to decaf. Is Katie’s busy right now?

Gabriela

Nah. It’s the post-lunch, pre-dinner slump. But slower than usual. Sucks for tips.

Parisa

You think people aren’t going out as much cause they’re scared of Adema?

Gabriela

I don’t think so. I don’t really think that’s gonna become a thing after all.

Parisa

Well, Wes and I will swing by after practice. You know me. I’m a big tipper.

Gabriela

You have to be when you sit in a booth for three hours and nurse one cup of coffee.

Parisa

I’m a slow drinker. What do you want from me?

OMG. I just caught Andrew looking at me.

Gabriela

Flip him off for me.

Parisa

I can’t. Mr. Felder’s walking over. I love how Andrew talks to me and Wes in marching band because Lizzy isn’t around to see it.

Gabriela

I’m surprised she hasn’t made him quit yet. It feels like she’d guilt him into thinking it’s too dorky.

Parisa

Hey!

Gabriela

I don’t think it’s dorky. I’m just saying someone like Lizzy would.

Parisa

True. Okay, gotta go. My lips are so chapped. I don’t feel like playing horn at all right now.

Gabriela

I hear girls who play French horn are really good at BJs.

Parisa

LOL. Gross.

Wait, really? Never mind. Don’t answer that.

PARISA