Science Bowl

Prologue

"High school."

Jax perches on a tree branch, swinging his legs. One knee is scraped, the other covered in grass stains. He cranes his neck to look at Ellis, who's leaning against the tree trunk, arms folded. "What're you talking about, Ell?"

Ellis looks up at Jax and shrugs. "We're in high school now. Weird, huh?"

"Not really," Jax says with a laugh. "It's not like anything's different. We're just a year older."

The boys dropped their backpacks at the foot of the tree when they arrived, and Ellis begins kicking his bag absentmindedly. He doesn't know how to tell Jax.

Thankfully, he's saved from saying anything by the arrival of Emily. She's started hanging out with them more frequently lately, even though before a month or two ago neither of them had ever spoken to her before. "Hey guys!" she shouts, dropping her bag next to Ellis's and swinging herself up into the tree next to Jax. "Summer break, isn't it awesome?"

Jax nods, smiling so brightly it hurts Ellis's eyes. "I'm so happy," he says, falling back against the tree trunk. Ellis feels a twinge in his chest, but forces it down. This is no time to be getting sentimental. He has to save all the gooey feelings for when he actually tells Jax.

If he actually tells Jax.

It would be easier not to tell him at all. Ellis sighs. What if he didn't? What if he just vanished into the night like some sort of fugitive?

"Well, I've got piano practice in half an hour," Emily says. She hops down from the tree, dusting off the back of her jeans. "See you guys later!"

And just like that, Ellis and Jax are alone again.

This is how I always wanted it, Ellis thinks. Just me and Jax. Is that too much to ask?

"I should be getting going soon, too," Jax says. "Mom's grilling tonight." He doesn't move, though, staring off into the sunset.

They both speak at the same time. Jax laughs. "You go first."

Ellis swallows. He doesn't want to say it, but some part of him knows he has to. "My parents... they're sending me to West Peak next year."

Silence.

West Peak Academy, the most prestigious private school in the state. The very thought makes Ellis shudder. Sure, he's not doing that well in school, and maybe Jax is more of a bad influence than he'd like to admit.

Jax is smart, though, and Ellis is creative, and together they've always gotten through it.

Together.

How is Ellis going to survive alone?

"Okay." Jax's voice is small, and it breaks Ellis's heart. "But we'll still be friends, right?"

"Best friends," Ellis says, ignoring the tears pricking his eyes. "Forever."

"Forever," Jax whispers.