Chapter 3

"I just need to grab my lucky pencil from upstairs," I said, pushing my chair back. "Can't do the SATs without it."

Mom started to object, "Sarah, we really should get going..."

"It' ll only take a second," I insisted, already moving towards the stairs. "Super important."

Dad grunted. "Alright, but make it quick. Traffic will be a bear."

I ran upstairs, my heart pounding. I snatched my phone from under the pillow.

No new messages from Michael.

I quickly typed, "Things are weird. Mom and Dad are different. What' s happening?"

No send button. No signal. The bars were empty.

Panic started to set in.

I hurried back downstairs, phone clutched in my pocket.

"Got it!" I said, holding up a random pencil from my desk.

Mom and Dad were already by the front door, car keys in hand.

"Let's go, let's go," Dad urged, ushering me out.

The drive to the testing center was tense, filled with their forced small talk about my bright future and how proud they were.

I stared out the window, the familiar suburban streets looking alien, threatening.

Our gated community was usually quiet, but as we approached the exit, I saw a familiar car parked just outside the gate – a sleek, black sports car.

Ethan' s car.

Ethan, Michael' s best friend. He was from that wealthy family in the next neighborhood over, always charismatic, always a little too smooth.

He was leaning against it, talking on his phone, looking like he owned the world.

What was he doing here?

As we pulled up to the gate, I saw my chance.

I quickly pulled out my phone, shielding it from my "parents." I opened the texts from Michael, holding the screen towards Ethan, hoping he' d see.

He glanced up, his eyes met mine for a split second. I saw a flicker of something – recognition? Surprise? – before his expression smoothed over.

He ended his call and walked towards our car as the gate slowly opened.

"Mr. and Mrs. Henderson! Sarah! Fancy meeting you here," Ethan said, his voice oozing charm.

"Ethan, what a surprise," Mom said, her smile a little too wide.

"Just heading out," Ethan continued, then he leaned closer to Dad' s window. "Mr. Henderson, I couldn't help but notice, it looks like you' ve got a pretty serious oil leak. There' s a big patch forming under your car."

Dad' s eyes widened. "An oil leak? Are you sure?" He craned his neck, trying to see.

"Pretty sure, sir. You might want to check it before you get too far." Ethan' s expression was all concern.

This was it, my chance.