Chapter Fifteen
Tourists crowd the BART subway station as Mom and I stop near the outbound platform. She paid a fare to come through the gates with me, even though I told her I’d be fine.
“It takes seven minutes to get through the tunnel before your stop at West Oakland. Please text the moment you meet the Lubecks so I know you made it there safely.”
“I will.”
A gust of air shoots across the platform, blowing people’s hair into their faces. The brakes of an approaching train squeal before it comes to a stop.
“Have fun. Don’t forget to text.” Mom watches as I board the train. I keep catching her staring at me like something’s off. I first noticed it at dinner last night, and it happened again after I got dressed this morning. I wear these black shorts and my Nationals T-shirt all the time. It must be more than my clothes.
The train car is almost empty. Normally, I’d find a seat, but I’m not sure I can sit still, even for seven minutes. I stay by the doors, still thinking about Mom even after they close. I was so sure we’d have a talk after her call with the Lubecks. But all she said last night was that Hayden’s parents seem like “very nice people.”
The train zips out of the station and into the Transbay tunnel. I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, and it stays put. Any longer and it’ll distract me while I skate, so it’s probably time for another haircut. I scroll through texts on my phone, gripping the rail with my free hand to keep my balance.
The most recent message is from Hayden, sent last night. Hanging out: achievement unlocked!
I scan my other messages, eyes snagging on Tamar’s name. She’s third from the top, below Hayden and Mom, but the text is still bold and unread. I tap on it, and messages from yesterday fill my screen.
11:34 a.m.: I’ve been practicing moves in the field for a flippin hour
11:34 a.m.: Send help, why are inside twizzles so hard??
11:35 a.m.: Anyway, can’t wait to see u tomorrow and watch a new movie!!
My body goes stiff, hand tightening on the rail in a white-knuckled grip. How did I miss these? Yesterday was hectic, but I’ve never forgotten a hang-out date with Tamar. Never squared. I text her back fast.
9:52 a.m.: I can’t meet today. I’m sorry! Can we do tomorrow?
“Approaching West Oakland.” The intercom crackles to life with the conductor’s tinny voice. “Next stop: West Oakland station.”
I pocket my phone as we exit the tunnel, rising above the edges of the city. I hop off the train into the glow of midmorning sun. The San Francisco skyline peeks out across the bay through a cloud of perpetual fog. Following the trickle of passengers down an escalator from the elevated platform, I swipe my fare card at an electronic reader.
“Hey!” Hayden waves to me. “We’re parked over here.”
Seeing him makes me feel like skipping. I pick up my pace as he slides open the back door of a minivan and hops in. I take a seat next to him in the middle row.
“Good morning!” A woman twists around in the driver’s seat. Her blond hair is a shade darker than Hayden’s, but their smiles match.
I say hello back, then buckle up before remembering I still have to text Mom. As the van turns out of the parking lot, I let her know I found the Lubecks. No reply from Tamar yet.
“Hayden mentioned you go by A?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Such a gentleman,” Hayden says. I can tell he’s teasing me, but last week’s delight at being seen as a boy now twists into guilt. Sticking out my tongue, I try to ignore it.
“A it is, then.” Mrs. Lubeck looks back through the rearview mirror. “Boys, introduce yourselves.”
I glance behind me at two boys in the back seat. The older boy wears glasses and is focused on a phone, the younger a tablet. Their blond hair and fair complexions make them look like younger versions of Hayden.
“Boys.”
“Mat—”
“—liot.”
They speak over each other. The older boy looks up first.
“I’m Elliot.” He slides his glasses higher onto the bridge of his nose, then points to the smaller boy. “That’s Mattie.”
Elliot looks like he’s eight or nine, Mattie about five. Elliot nudges Mattie, who finally drags his eyes away from his device. He meets my gaze, eyes narrowing. “What kind of name is A?”
“Mattie!” Mrs. Lubeck calls. “Remember your manners.”
I actually don’t mind. It’s better than other questions Mattie could be asking.
“I don’t know. A short one?” I shrug.
Mattie shoots me a gap-toothed grin, then looks down at his tablet again.
“So.” Hayden clears his throat. “We were going to take you to this cool outdoor arcade, but I got outvoted because someone decided they wanted to see a puppet show. Two someones.” He glances toward the back seat. Mattie and Elliot ignore him.
“That’s okay. Where are we going instead?”
“It’s this place near Lake Merritt, called Fairyland. Have you ever been?”
“Fairyland?” I shake my head.
“Don’t worry. It’s not super girly—or else Mattie and Elliot wouldn’t want to go, either.”
I stay quiet. Girly isn’t usually my thing, but that doesn’t automatically mean it’s bad.
“It’s supposed to be like Disneyland,” adds Elliot.
“That sounds cool.” I’ve never been there, either. All our money goes toward skating expenses.
A lake comes into view. People are out picnicking, just like on a nice day in Golden Gate Park. It takes Mrs. Lubeck a few minutes to find a parking spot.
“Electronics, please, boys.” Mrs. Lubeck holds out her hand.
Mattie and Elliot pass over their devices without protesting, eyes fixed on a sign with oversize letters. FAIRYLAND. It’s spelled out in a wacky font and a rainbow of colors.
We head toward an arch in the center of a tall row of plants. I look closer and realize the leafy greens are shaped like a dragon. As Mrs. Lubeck rummages through
