Rise of the Evening Star Page 0,1

a new student in her homeroom! Mrs. Price came down the aisle handing out yearbooks. Kendra doodled absently on one of her book covers. Why was the creature here?

Surely it had something to do with her. Unless repulsive goblins routinely infiltrated the public school system. Was he here to spy? To cause trouble? Almost certainly he was up to mischief.

Glancing up, Kendra caught the goblin staring at her over his shoulder. She should be glad to be aware the new kid had a hidden identity, right? The knowledge made her nervous, but it would help her prepare to counter any threat he might pose. With her secret ability, she could keep an eye5 on him. If she played it cool, Case would have no idea shecould see his true form.

* * * *

Shaped like a huge box, Roosevelt Middle School was constructed so that in winter the students never needed to go outdoors. Interior hallways connected everything, and the same room where they held assemblies doubled as an indoor cafeteria. But beneath the June sun, Kendra found herself seated outside for lunch with three friends at a circular table connected to curved benches.

Kendra signed Brittany's yearbook while munching on a croissant sandwich. Trina was signing Kendra's, Alyssa was signing Trina's, and Brittany was signing Alyssa's. It was important for Kendra to write a long, meaningful message after all, these were her best friends. Have a great summer might work for acquaintances, but true friends required something more original. The key was to mention specific jokes you had shared, or fun things you had done together during the year. At the moment, Kendra was writing about the time Brittany couldn't stop laughing while trying to give an oral report in History.

Suddenly, uninvited, Casey Hancock plopped down at their table holding a lunch tray loaded with cafeteria lasagna, sliced carrots, and chocolate milk. Trina and Alyssa scooted aside to make room for him. It was almost unprecedented boldness for a lone boy to settle in at a table with four girls. Trina appeared slightly annoyed. Alyssa shot6 Kendra a look as if she had just won the lottery. If onlyAlyssa could see what her new crush actually looked like!

I don't think we've met, Case announced, his voice pinched and gravelly. I'm Case. I just moved here. Just hearing him speak made Kendra's throat sore.

Alyssa introduced herself and the others. Case had been in two of Kendra's classes since homeroom. He had been well received each time he had stood up front for an introduction, particularly by the girls.

Case lifted a forkful of lasagna to his toothless mouth, affording Kendra a glimpse of his narrow black tongue.

Watching him chew made her stomach churn.

So what do you do for fun around here ? Case asked around a mouthful of carrots.

We start by sitting with people we know, Trina said.

Kendra covered a smile. She had never been so grateful to see Trina giving somebody a hard time.

Is this the cool kids' table? Case replied with mock surprise.

I'd planned to start at the bottom and work my way up. The comeback left Trina speechless. Case winked at

Alyssa, to show he meant no harm. For a scab-faced goblin, he was pretty smooth.

You've been in some of my classes, Case said to

Kendra, wolfing down more lasagna. English and Math. It was hard to look into those squinty eyes and keep her face pleasant.

That's right, Kendra managed.

I don't have to take the finals, he said. I finished up7 at my old school. I'm just here to hang out and meetpeople.

That's how I feel, Brittany said. But Kendra and

Alyssa get like straight A's.

You know, Case said, I hate going to the movies alone, but I have no friends yet. You guys want to catch a show tonight?

Sure, Brittany said.

Kendra was stunned by the outlandish bravado of asking out four girls all at once on the first day at a new school.

This was the smoothest goblin of all time! What was he after?

I'll come, Alyssa said.

Okay, Trina agreed. If you're on your best behavior, I

might even let you sign my yearbook.

I don't give autographs, Case replied offhandedly.

Kendra, you coming?

Kendra hesitated. How could she sit through an entire movie beside a foul monster? But how could she abandon her friends when she was the only person who knew what they were getting into? Maybe, she conceded.

The crusty goblin took a final bite of lasagna. How about we meet outside the theater at seven? The one on

Kendall by the mini mall. Just trust