Justine Fontes - Deadly Drive

Text copyright 2013 by Lerner Publishing Group, Inc.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Fontes, Justine.

Deadly drive / by Justine Fontes.

p. cm. (Surviving Southside)

ISBN: 9781467703109 (lib. bdg. : alk. paper)

[1. Drunk drivingFiction. 2. Dating (Social customs)Fiction. 3. High schoolsFiction. 4. SchoolsFiction. 5. Mexican AmericansFiction.] I. Title.

PZ7.F73576De 2013

[Fic]dc23

2012027177

Manufactured in the United States of America

1 BP 12/31/12

eISBN: 978-1-4677-0966-8 (pdf)

eISBN: 978-1-4677-2964-2 (ePub)

eISBN: 978-1-4677-2963-5 (mobi)

S

ometimes I think I must be the oldest virgin at Southside High School. But I hope to change that soon! My name is Roberto Ramirez. Everyone calls me Rob.

Im a seventeen-year-old senior. Ive got lots of friends at school, and girls tell me Im pretty good looking. But Ive never had a real girlfriend.

My best friend, Adam, says its because Im too shy. Maybe thats true.

I think I might have finally met the right girl, though. Gabi Montoya transferred to Southside High this year from St. Michaels. Too bad her family is so strict. We havent had that much time alone together.

Im not going to say Im in love. Still, I cant get Gabi out of my mind! Her hair is perfect. Her eyes are more than perfect. Its not just that theyre this dark, intense brown. They also seem to shine whenever she smiles.

Gabis one of the smartest people Ive ever met too. She aces all her classes, but she isnt stuck up about it.

The best part is, I think shes really into me. She just seems kind of shy, like I am. Gabi isnt like all the other girls at Southside. She seems sort of pure. Old fashioned, even. Im crazy for these plaid skirts she wears. I could watch her pull up her knee socks all day long!

Unfortunately, its almost time for class. Everyone else rushes up and down the hall. Lockers bang open and closed all around me. I stand in front of mine like a lovesick zombie as Gabi strolls away.

Adam nudges me with his elbow. Dude! Youre staring again. He laughs. You have got it bad!

Adam and I have been friends for so long that I cant remember ever not knowing him. So I dont care if he knows Im crazy for Gabi.

I hate to see you suffering, man, he says. Why dont you just go for it? Girls get horny too, you know. Gabis probably waiting for you to make a move.

I shrug. Hes my friend, but Im a little sick of hearing about how many times hes hooked up with his girlfriend, Vera. Since they got serious last month, Adam hasnt stopped bragging about it.

Hey, I have a plan! Adam says. Why dont you, me, Vera, and Gabi sneak out at lunch on Wednesday?

The four of us have study hall together right after lunch on Wednesdays. And our afternoons are pretty light.

Remember that patch of woods I told you about? Adam adds. We could all go there for a picnic. Its not far from school. Wed be back in time for eighth period.

I remember hearing about the woods. Adam went on and on about him and Vera having this amazing time under the trees after school last week. He gushed, I thought sex was great inside. But out in the open its like youre one with nature. Like even the birds are cheering you on.

I shrug. That sounds cool. I wonder if Gabi will go for it.

Adam knows Ive never skipped a class in my whole life. Id never risk messing up my soccer scholarship.

Gabis even more of a straight arrow than I am. She already has several scholarships lined up. She plans to study premed at college, then go to medical school right after.

Adam grins his sly, charming grin. Youll never get anywhere if you dont try.

I guess it wouldnt hurt to ask.

Why dont you bring along some insurance, Adam says. Girls really loosen up with liquor. I never would have gotten into Veras pants without a little help from my man Jack Daniels.

Adam knows I can get booze. Ive brought some to a couple of parties. My parents hardly drink, but we have a cabinet full of booze because my dads a mail carrier. At Christmas, customers are always giving him cookies or bottles of nice liquor. He puts away the booze and forgets about it unless we have company. It isnt hard to sneak out a bottle now and then.

Adam smiles. This is going to be the best picnic ever!

I slap his hand high and low. Im so excited I almost go to the wrong class. What if Gabi says yes? What if we really do take things to the next level? Kissing her has been amazing. I cant even imagine going all the way

As soon as class is over, I race down the hall to catch Gabi before next period. I tell her Adams picnic plan.

She looks skeptical. Do you think well get caught?

Not if we get back on time for last period. Then I wink and say, Whats the point of being a senior if you cant have a little fun?

Gabi looks thoughtful. How will we get there?

Wont you have the SUV?

Gabis only had her drivers license for a little while. Her parents have been letting her drive their old car to school. Shes been bragging about driving almost as much as Adams been bragging about having sex with Vera.

Gabi smiles. It would be fun to use the car for a picnic instead of just school and errands.

We wont be going far, I add.

Gabis dark eyes twinkle with mischief. Youre right! Why shouldnt we have a little fun?

Then she presses her lips against mine and everything else vanishes. I forget were standing in a crowded hall with students pushing past us. My heart pounds under my T-shirt. Can Gabi feel it? I press closer to her and feel her heart beating almost as fast as mine!

How will I ever wait until Wednesday?