“You’re always saying something,” she cuts in. Clearly, they have a routine, these two. I’m jealous. I find myself aching for Nix, who has had my back since the first day of middle school.

Chaz shakes his head at me. “See what I put up with? I guess it’s good you’re here—you can take some of her crap.”

“What Chaz wanted to say—”

“You think you know? Do you?”

“You tell anyone who will listen!”

Tawny spoils it. “They’re moving to the city together after graduation!”

I can’t help it: I gasp. After graduation. Oh god.

Leeza is genuinely surprised at the look on my face. “We’re not living in sin or anything. Just roommates …”

Quick recovery time. “Oh—no—I just … I always wanted to move to Manhattan.”

Chaz likes that. “Doesn’t everyone?”

Tawny blinks. “Not me. My mom says it’s dangerous. There are gang fights in broad daylight!”

Leeza rolls her eyes. “She’s going to college in Iowa.”

“I got a scholarship. So did Chaz. I made him apply, but he turned it down even though it’s way safer in Iowa, and cleaner, too. Where are you going?”

My real answer is Boston Conservatory, but only if I get back to my time, so what comes out is “Home, I hope.” Immediately their faces darken. Leeza starts to explain, but Chaz shushes her, having already heard about me.

“I’m sorry about your mom. Will she—is she …?”

He’s at a loss for words, really wanting to know if she’s dying or just sick, but how do you ask that of someone you just met? And how do I answer? Ms. Silverthorn and I never even picked a disease! I don’t have to answer, as it turns out.

Gordo and Ma Elena are approaching our table. (This teenaged girl stuffed into tight jeans and wearing all that makeup is totally not a version of my mother I can call Mom.) Ma Elena hugs Leeza and greets Tawny politely, while Gordo just broods behind her, eyes scanning the cafeteria for people he likes better.

She asks me how I’m settling in, and it’s hard for me to sound casual, considering who she is (or someday will be). “Good,” I say. “Classes are easy so far, and I already met these guys.”

“Perfect.” Her smile is so natural and effortless. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it so unfettered. She jabs Gordo, and he finally forces out his own tight smile, the antidote to hers.

“Sorry I gave you crap. Townies keep vandalizing stuff. I’m just doing my part for the school.”