Push and Shove: The Ghost Bird Series: #6 (The Academy) Read Online Free Page A

reached out, tracing one of the wings on my back. “We got a lot of stuff that day. She had the jeans tucked away for the longest time. I forgot we got those for her until she was wearing them the other day.”
    Gabriel wagged his head. “So much shit has happened, I can’t remember. We’ll have to go through them. I don’t remember this thing. It looks too big for her.”
    “It’s comfortable,” I said.
    A chop landed on my head. “Shush,” Gabriel said.
    The boys and I gathered at Kota’s clunky sedan parked on the outer edge of the school lot. I didn’t think Gabriel would be joining us, but I guessed his plans had changed since Mr. Blackbourne told him to stay near me.
    I spotted Kota approaching from among a small crowd of students heading out to their cars. He carried a thick physics book under his arm, while lugging his messenger bag over his shoulder. Underneath his faux school uniform he had a very strong physique. Most people probably didn’t notice, because he wore black-rimmed glasses. Combined with the neatly trimmed hair and the formal way he wore the collared shirt and tie over his medium build, he appeared to be an average nerd. The glasses did compliment his high cheekbones and a pair of emerald green eyes. If anyone ever gave him a second look, they’d probably notice his handsome features.
    His gaze swept over the other students and then landed on us. He nudged his glasses up and his eyes darted to me, to Nathan, and then settled on Gabriel. There was a slight hint at curiosity but it was gone in an instant with an accepting nod. He must have been used to the boys opting to ride home with him at the last minute.
    Nathan waved shortly at Kota. “We’re in trouble.”
    Kota glanced briefly at me and then at Gabriel. “What now?”
    Nathan started explaining and was just up to the part about Mr. Blackbourne telling me to take it easy when Gabriel nudged him in the ribs hard.
    “Ow,” Nathan said. He rubbed at the spot. “Gabe, what–”
    Gabriel made a zipping motion over his lips and jerked his head toward the school.
    We all turned and I spotted Marie, my sister. Her T-shirt was tight against her thin frame, and her long brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail. Her head was down as she walked toward us.
    “Everything okay?” I asked her as she got close. She’d been taking the bus lately. I didn’t think she liked riding with the boys.
    Marie’s head picked up as she got closer. Her eyebrows scrunched together, and she glared angrily at me. She turned her attention, noting the three boys. Her lips clamped shut, and she clutched at the straps of her book bag. She wasn’t going to answer.
    Was something wrong? I wasn’t sure how to ask in front of the boys. I locked gazes with Kota, silently asking for help.
    He didn’t miss a beat. He opened the front passenger door. “Want to sit up front?” he asked her.
    Marie gave him a slight nod, a small thank you, and wedged herself into the seat. Kota closed the door for her.
    We all got in. I sat in the back between Gabriel and Nathan.
    The ride was silent on the way to Sunnyvale Court. I occasionally exchanged glances with Gabriel and Nathan. They asked me the same questions I was asking them mutely. What’s wrong with her?
    Marie said nothing, and the moment Kota parked the car in the driveway of our two-story, gray house, she jumped out and ran inside.
    We clustered around Kota’s car in the driveway. My sister had retreated into the house and I felt guilty about not being able to do more for her, and sad that she wouldn’t let me. The last few times I’d tried, she never talked, and she pushed me out the door. Although before, she’d never seemed this upset. It was unsettling.
    “I don’t think she likes riding with us,” Gabriel said. “I don’t know why she does it.”
    “She doesn’t have that many friends,” Nathan said. “And the ones she has don’t have cars. You know how crowded those busses are. I can’t