The Mermaid's Mirror - L. K. Madigan [25]
"Dude, you know I can't even help it. With a mom who teaches English, I'm doomed."
"Or fated."
"Preordained."
"Destined."
They giggled.
"I smell garlic," said Pem. "Let's see what Mama Mia is making for dinner."
"Okay, but first I need to get the salt water off me," said Lena, heading for the bathroom. "Do you have an extra towel?"
"They're in the cupboard," called Pem through the door. "You can wash off the sand, Leen, but you can't wash off that smile. You'd better cheer down before you see your parents."
***
The next day Max was waiting for Pem after school.
Lena saw him leaning against his car in his trademark Hawaiian shirt, glancing around casually, as if to say, "I just happened to end up parked here in front of my old high school. No reason."
But Lena knew instantly he was here for Pem, and turned to tell her.
Pem, of course, had already seen him, since she had super-strength Max Radar. Her face was alight. "Oh, my God," she whispered.
"I know!" Lena whispered back.
Just then Henry, Max's brother, walked up to the car.
"Oh," said Pem. "Maybe he's just here to take Henry home."
"No way," said Lena. "He's here for you."
They kept walking, and sure enough, when Max saw them, he smiled and waved.
Pem waved back.
"Hi," he called.
Pem and Lena approached the car.
"Need a ride?" called Max. "I was just here to pick up Henry"—Right, thought Lena—"but I'd be happy to take you and your friend home." He nodded at Lena.
"Sure," said Pem, affecting the same casual air.
Everyone stared as Henry flipped down the front seat, indicating that Pem and Lena should get in back. Max frowned, but Henry didn't seem to notice.
The girls glanced at each other, then climbed into the back seat of the Mustang.
That was the last day Pem rode in the back seat.
The next day Max was there again, to "pick up Henry," and he offered them a ride home again. This time when Pem accepted, Max relegated Henry to the back seat with a cock of his head. There was a split second of awkwardness before Lena joined him, then Pem slid gracefully into the front seat as if she owned it.
Lena actually rolled her eyes the third day Max was waiting outside school. Why didn't he just ask Pem out, instead of going through this whole Oh-hi-I-just-ran-into-you-here scenario?
When he offered them a ride home, Lena declined, much to Pem's consternation.
"Come on, Lena!" she whispered.
"Why?" asked Lena. "Why can't you just go without me? Why do I have to be there?"
"Just ... it seems like it's more natural if you're there."
"What's the big deal? Henry is there."
"Yeah, but you know my parents would get all horrified if they saw me riding around in a car with a college guy! At least if you're with us, it doesn't seem so ... like, private."
"It's not private! You're riding around in broad daylight with Henry in the back seat. You don't need me. Your parents probably wouldn't mind at all."
"Lena, come on. I'd do it for you."
Lena sighed. It was true. Pem would do anything for her, including letting Lena stop off at her house and shower before going home from her surfing lessons. "Okay," she said.
"Thanks," said Pem, squeezing Lena's elbow. Then she opened the door of the Mustang with an air of possession, and pushed down the front seat so that Lena could get in back.
Making a face at her, Lena climbed in. "Hey, Max," she said.
"Hey, Lena."
"Hi, Henry."
Henry glanced over at her, then quickly looked away, his face reddening. "Hi," he said.
They drove without speaking, the hip-hop music of Friendly Frenzy booming from the car's speakers.
Max took Lena home first.
"Thanks, Max," she said. "Talk to you later, Pem."
"See ya."
"Bye, Henry."
Henry lifted his hand briefly.
Relieved to be out of the car, away from the loud thumping bass and the silent slumping brother, Lena went into her house.
CHAPTER 13
The song in Lena's mind was bittersweet, full of lilts and trills, but with a minor-key melancholy. She hummed along, trying to memorize it. I hope I remember it when I wake up, she thought.
"Lena," said a voice in her dream.