We break for lunch around some benches and tables, away from the mats. Sub sandwiches and chips that we picked up from a deli on the way here. The turkey and cheese on my sub is refreshing and hearty. It has a perfect dash of lettuce and tomato to hit the veggie food group; now that I’m athletic, I’m trying to eat healthier.

Across the mats I spot a ghoul sitting cross-legged behind a brown boy being attached to a harness by his mother. Humans phase through it like it isn’t even there, because it isn’t. It has no power to touch you until you’re already dead.

I swallow sandwich and gulp down water and tell Fiona, “Allister told me he has a crush on me.”

I half expect the world to end, for ghouls and gods to break out into battle among the mats of the climbing gym, zombie titans and misty knights clashing swords and limbs.

Fiona’s not shocked by the reveal. Her eyebrows are lifting higher and higher with intrigue. “Well, that’s good news,” she says, and then tries to gauge my reaction. “Right?”

I shrug in agreement.

Fiona nods, like she’s known it all along, and takes another bite of her sub. “I see it on you guys,” she says, mouth half-full. “I figured there was something up.”

“You did?”

“Duh, you’re practically holding hands. In spirit, at least. If there were auras, your auras would be holding hands, you know? Great chemistry.”

I can’t help but laugh, because it’s literally true. “Our auras definitely hold hands.”

Weird how nervous I was to tell her. Fiona’s never seemed homophobic, but maybe I thought she’d only like me if our relationship went to the next level. It’s clear now she never wanted that. Fiona is cool just being an awesome friend.

“So, are you officially dating?” Fiona asks, excitement building in her voice.

“I haven’t given him an answer. I kind of just garbled some words and disappointed him.”

“Well, let me know when you finally go for it, because I’m happy to lend you my car if you want to be the one to pick him up. I know all that is far into the future, but planning is a virtue in some cases.”

I don’t know why I want to laugh. Maybe because the boy climbing the wall has reached the top, touched the big button, and now he’s screaming with excitement at himself. A chorus of strangers cheers for him as the ropes lower him to the ground, where he meets his smiling mother again.

Fiona didn’t judge me for stabbing Chad. In fact, she said he deserved it, and she’s glad I stood up for myself, despite how the school punished me as a result.

“I really like you, Fiona.”