Chapter 3

"Sarah, come on, be reasonable," Mark pleaded, his popular face etched with performative concern.

The other classmates murmured agreement, their eyes flicking between me and the bus door.

Jessie's influence was strong.

In my first life, I argued, I begged, I was desperate.

This time, I felt a cold calm.

"I'm feeling a bit carsick," I said, my voice even.

"I'll just wait on the bus."

I leaned my head against the window.

"You guys are free to wait for Jessie if you want."

Mark looked surprised, then annoyed.

"Seriously, Sarah? She' s probably freaking out."

The bus driver, a man with a weathered face, cleared his throat.

"Folks, that storm looks nasty. We' ve got a route that can get tricky with flash floods if this keeps up."

Mark scoffed. "It's just a little rain."

He didn't know. I did.