Chapter 1

Ashley shifted in her hard plastic chair.

A sudden, sharp pain stabbed her right side, near her back.

It wasn't like a muscle cramp. This was deeper, angrier.

A wave of heat washed over her, even though the classroom was cool.

Ms. Davison was droning on about the Civil War, her voice a familiar monotone.

The big history exam was only a few days away. Ashley had studied for weeks.

She tried to focus, but the pain spiked again, making her gasp quietly.

"Ms. Davison?" Ashley raised her hand, her voice a little shaky.

The teacher stopped, her gaze sharp and impatient.

"Yes, Ashley? I hope this is important. We're on a tight schedule."

"I'm not feeling well, Ms. Davison. I have a really bad pain in my side, and I feel hot. May I please go to the nurse?"

Ms. Davison's lips thinned. She glanced at the clock, then back at Ashley, her eyes narrowed with suspicion.

"Pain? Just now? How convenient, with the exam review today."

Ashley felt her cheeks flush. "No, it's real. I feel sick."

"Ashley, we've discussed this. A little discomfort isn't a reason to miss class. Drink some water and sit down. Don't be dramatic."

A few students snickered. Ashley's stomach churned.

"It's not drama," Ashley said, her voice low. "I really think I need to see the nurse."

Ms. Davison sighed loudly, a theatrical display of exasperation.

"Every time there's a test or a challenging lesson, someone suddenly develops a mysterious ailment. Honestly, the theatrics in this class. Sit down, Ashley. You'll be fine."

Ashley sank back into her chair, the pain coiling tighter in her side. Her head was starting to throb.

Ms. Davison turned back to the board, resuming her lecture as if nothing had happened.

Ashley pressed her hand to her flank, trying to breathe through the throbbing. This was not fine.