new insecurities. The iron gates loomed over the dri

ood at th

was different. It was bought second-hand, the fabric slightly faded,

r. Her senses were dialed up. She could hear the whisper of tires on asph

d onto th

he Red Sea, if the se

ssed. Eyes followed her. Whispers

t the z

died in a t

lls like

she ev

ked with a rhythm that was e

hallway was lined with lockers th

r classroom. H

ed the d

m went

d in trash. Banana peels, crumpled papers, empty soda cans. Some

, her glasses slipping down her nose. She looked a

ping with condescension. "You're late. And f

ologize. She wal

ked at

ding down. In Arleen's past life, she would have

id ne

across the desk in

udly onto the floor. The sound wa

"Arleen! Pick that

t the teacher.

. She opened

up!" Mrs. Tate m

ish Dominance. Rewa

learn, Mrs. Tate. Are you here t

rply. No one spoke to

could explode, th

aughn w

e football team. Son of a senator. He filled the do

cruel grin spread

idn't sit in his own seat. He st

ryce said. "The

ir and leaned in. "Did your mom have to sell

the class was tent

up from her book.

hat? You gonna have

d the ch

red he

sed the bo

ked up

as no anger. There was only the calculation of a predator lo

nicely," sh

brain-the part that evolved to spot tigers in the gra

pride wa

her blazer lapel. "Li

bell

arring sound that

ager to regain control. "Everyo

s hand back. "Lunch, Brew

lked

icked up

Acc

slammed onto her desk. The questions

e precision. Her memory, enhanced by the System, pul

hed in fi

ing for the bell.

for th