Chapter 78

• She moved as a unit toward the two boys, their eyes widening with each step. Annabelle was curious about what Nicholas planned on doing once they reached them. She glanced over to see his face relaxed in a huge, approachable grin as they came to a stop in front of Ashton and Grant. In the periphery of her vision, she noticed Principal Baldwin scurrying over to them to try and stop any confrontation before it started.
• “Hey, guys!” Nicholas said enthusiastically, and Annabelle got the feeling he was going the kill-them-with-kindness route. Both boys just stood there gawking at Nicholas. He turned to Aiden, “Hey, Aid, are these the boys that didn’t believe you were my buddy?”
• She wished she had a camera to take a picture of the complete reverence on Aiden’s face as he looked up toward Nicholas. His eyes were alive with disbelief, and Annabelle could see the pride brimming in them. “Yeah…” Aiden’s voice came out in a croak. The crowd around them had grown.