They followed, looking guilty and running their fingers through their hair.
"Nothin'," Gino said, shaking a warning finger at her.
Betty turned, walking like a zombie. She had to snap out of this. She had to hide her feelings. Of course she knew she should have been feeling weak, defeated, crushed into the dirt. Instead there was a glow, a feeling of satisfaction warming her body. The pink marks on her wrists were barely noticeable, and she doubted anyone would comment on them.
"Oh, Betty, hi! You cut class?" Annie asked, rushing up to her friend.
"Just wasn't feeling well, Annie. I stopped off at the nurse's. I'll get an excuse and bring it to Mrs. Thatcher tomorrow. Gotta run."
She should tell Annie about what happened. Well, maybe tomorrow. Right now she wanted to rush home and think about what had happened to her.
The more she thought about it the more excited she was. That dreamy, drugged feeling was gone, replaced by something approaching exhilaration! Her step quickened. Reaching the outdoors, she stopped at the top of the stairs, surveying the other kids running home.
Maybe some of the others would have thought what she had done was wrong. But how could she help it? Strange feelings inside her had been released and there was nothing she could do except follow them.
Yes, she would talk to Annie later – and Gino and Hank. It would be nice, all four of them. No hiding, no lies. Just nice, fun Wednesday evenings. A kind of study group. Betty smiled, walking down the stairs, humming a tune as she walked toward her home.