Lane Assignments

Chapter One

Chapter One

Nearly eight years earlier...

7/30/09

Kate: So how's the new fancy-pants neighborhood in Dallas?

Ana: Nice, but it's not home. I miss you and I miss my room.

Is your new room nice?

Yeah it's bigger, and it has a window seat.

That's cool. Hey, give it some time. You'll settle in.

=/=/=/=

9/7/09

Kate: Weird to start school without you tomorrow.

Ana: We don't start til next week. New school, new people (sigh).

How's it going? Met anyone there?

OK. #3 is giving me the creeps, tho.

?

He stands too close, he has bad breath.

And...

He's always watching me. Like he's checking me out.

Creeper! Ana, are you okay? You should tell your mom. Or Ray. Are you afraid he will try something?

I'm OK. Have a good first day at school.

=/=/=/=

3/11/10

Ana: Ray is coming to get me. I am coming home.

Kate: WHAT HAPPENED?

Ana: I'll tell you when I get there.

Kate: Where are you? Are you safe?

Ana: Hospital. Yes.

Kate: ? OMG

Ana: I'll talk to you later. Promise. xo

Kate: xo

=/=/=/=

Sunday, March 14, 2010

APOV

It feels so good to be back in my bed, in my old room with my books and stuffed animals and little-girl bedding. I'm home where I belong. And I am never, never leaving here again.

"Annie?" My dad knocks softly on my door.

"Come in."

Ray opens the door and sticks his head in. "Are you in bed already? It's only 8:30."

"No... I'm just resting. And it's comfy here." I'm all tucked in, lying on my side with my knees pulled up to my chest.

"Kate's here to see you."

"Kate! Come in!" I squeal, popping up into a sitting position.

Ray moves aside and my best friend comes in. She's not her usual blonde ball of energy, though. She looks wary as she closes the door slowly and comes over to perch on the edge of my bed. I open my arms to Kate and pull her in for a hug.