Call the Shots (Swim the Fly #3)(30)
“And then get ready for anything,” Valerie says. “You might get silence, tears, anger, a tantrum. Whatever it is, let her have her moment. Take what she gives you and don’t fight back.”
“What if she attacks me?” My throat starts to close up. I can see the whole thing playing out in my mind: Evelyn springing at me like a feral cat, scratching my eyes out, biting hunks of flesh from my neck. “Am I not supposed to defend myself?”
“You can’t hit a girl, dude,” Coop says. “That’s an epic code violation. Just wear some shin guards. And a chest protector. And a cup. Definitely wear a cup.”
Sheeshkabob. I chew on my tongue like a rabid dog as I try to remember where my old Little League equipment is. “I don’t know if I even have a cup anymore.”
Helen laughs. “I seriously doubt it’ll come to that. She’ll probably just cry.”
Valerie pats my arm. “It’ll be fine. Just know that if you do break up with her, there’s no going back. Even if you decide later that you made a mistake. So make sure it’s what you really want before you go down that road.”
I look at Val’s hand on me and think of Leyna touching my arm in Drama.
Oh, it is what I want.
No question in my mind.
INT. ROCKVILLE ZOO LABORATORY — DAY
All sorts of animals — dogs, cats, ferrets, a parrot — are in cages on the shelves in the background.
DR. SCHMALOOGAN, a mad scientist with crazy eyes, works with test tubes and beakers on a lab table. He mutters to himself as he mixes this with that.
DR. SCHMALOOGAN
Just need to get the right combination. If this works, then I’ll be the most famous zoologist in the world!
Two MEN IN GRAY SUITS storm into the lab. Dr. Schmaloogan looks up from his work.
DR. SCHMALOOGAN
How dare you come into my lab? Who are you?
What are you doing here?
MAN IN GRAY #1
Are you Dr. Schmaloogan?
DR. SCHMALOOGAN
Who’s asking?
Man in Gray #2 flashes a badge shaped like a jungle cat.
MAN IN GRAY #2
We’re from PUMA: Protective Union of Most Animals.
MAN IN GRAY #1
It’s come to our attention that you have been performing immoral acts on the zoo animals under your care.
DR. SCHMALOOGAN
That’s a bald-faced lie. I’ve only been conducting board-approved experiments.
MAN IN GRAY #2
Is that so? Did the board approve of you attempting to graft an elephant penis onto a hippopotamus?
DR. SCHMALOOGAN
For your information, that hippo was in a tragic pool-filter accident. I was simply attempting to —
MAN IN GRAY #1
Were you not also involved in the creation of a virus meant to increase the intelligence of chimpanzees?
Dr. Schmaloogan casually slides his beakers behind a large test-tube shaker.
DR. SCHMALOOGAN
I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave.
MAN IN GRAY #2
I’m afraid it’s you who will be leaving, Dr. Schmaloogan.
Man in Gray #1 pulls out a pink piece of paper and hands it to Dr. Schmaloogan.
DR. SCHMALOOGAN
What is this?
MAN IN GRAY #1
You are no longer an employee of the Rockville Zoo. Just be thankful that no charges are being filed. Please collect your things and leave the premises.
EXT. ROCKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL — DAY
JACK HARRINGTON and STACY PETERS hang out on the bleachers at the football field.
JACK
Don’t you wish that something exciting would happen for once in our life?
STACY
I thought last night was pretty ex —
Suddenly there’s a knock on my bedroom door. I stop typing.
“I’m busy.” I clench my eyes, trying to remember the next thing I was going to write.
“It’s Nessa,” a girl’s voice says from the other side of the door.
“Cathy’s not home,” I say. “I think she’s working today.” I glance at the Death Star clock over my bookcase. Only an hour before I have to leave for Evelyn’s.
“I know,” Nessa says. “That’s why I’m here. Open the door. I want to talk to you.”
Ugh. I don’t need this right now. I have to get this script written.
“One sec.” I save my Word file, then cross the room to open the door, and there’s Nessa — in full ghoul makeup — standing in the hallway. “What’s up?”
She cocks her head. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?”
“I’m kind of in the middle of someth —”