Once in a Full Moon Page 0,31

fences, but the ramps and rails were clear. Several skaters were flying down the half-pipe as if they were performing for a competition.

Hayley Phillips appeared as surprised to see me arrive as one could imagine.

"I didn't know you skated," she said. A few of the other skaters gathered around her.

I was only partially intimidated.

But it did look like fun. The skaters appeared as if nothing in the world mattered to them as each one sped down the ramps or did one-eighties at the top of them.

"Can you tell me where Brandon Maddox lives?" I asked. "It's around here somewhere and I figured you might know."

"Because we live in Riverside, you mean? We must all eat together and breed together?"

"No. Because I've seen you talking to him," I said in a nonconfrontational tone. "That's all."

"I didn't think your type would be seen in our parts," she said.

"I don't have a type."

"What's this about?"

"Something for school. Can you help me?" I asked sincerely.

Hayley popped her skateboard with her back foot and caught it with one hand.

"That was cool," I said.

Hayley wasn't softening or coughing up any information.

"Well, if you aren't all alike, then why would you think we are, too?" I asked. "I guess you might not be so different from the snobs you think I hang out with."

I began to leave.

"She was the one who had Nash invite Brandon to his party," I heard one of the other skaters say. "She's the one who stuck up for him."

"Hey - " Hayley called.

I heard the sound of a skateboard rolling up behind me.

"Follow this road to the stop sign," Hayley said. "Turn left. It's the third house on the right. It has a private drive."

I drove through Riverside and along a curvy side street. The homes were spread apart farther than on my street, with room for a few houses in between. When I saw a sign marked PRIVATE DRIVE, I knew it had to be Brandon's. Nervously, I turned into it. The tree-lined road was narrow and bumpy and passed a frozen pond. The front yard was several acres long. The modest-looking house appeared historic - likely built when the town was founded, but recently restored. The white paint glistened against the black shutters. Patches of gray shingles poked through the snow-covered roof. A six-foot metal windmill gently spun with the chilly wind. Several wooden snowmen welcomed guests. A white railing enclosed the front porch, and a wooden swing made it seem cozy. I was hoping to leave the package on the front porch and disappear before I was spotted.

I didn't plan on their dog. It barked so loudly from inside the house I thought it would alert all of Legend's Run. At first I thought it was a wolf snapping at me from the front window, but as I approached the door, I realized it was a husky.

I gingerly placed the package and card on the porch. I didn't dare knock, ring the bell, or holler. All I wanted to do was show my appreciation and run.

I tiptoed down the wooden steps. I snuck a look behind the house. There was land for miles. Between the front yard and the back, Brandon's family must have owned all of Riverside. There was a huge backyard leading to a tree-filled hilltop, bird feeders of every type, a small guesthouse, and Brandon's parked Jeep.

It was then I saw the sticker more closely. WWF - World Wildlife Fund - not World Wrestling Federation! Now I was truly embarrassed. Brandon liked animals in the wild, not the ones in the ring. What was I thinking?

The screen door squeaked opened. Brandon was trying to calm down his dog. I pretended not to notice and continued walking to my car when I heard the screen door close.

"Hey... Celeste?" Brandon called.

I did my best to pretend not to hear.

"Celeste!" he called again.

I had no choice but to turn around. It would have been rude not to.

Brandon caught up to me. He was handsome in his chestnut-colored thermal shirt and jeans. It appeared as if he'd been working in the house.

He held the tray of brownies in his hand. "What's this for?"

"I just wanted to officially thank you - for that day in the woods. But it's nothing really... just a small token."

"No - this is great." Brandon seemed so pleased with my gesture. "Thank you. Would you like to come in and have one?"

I wondered how many students