Chapter 4: Secrets, SATs, and a Paperweight Promise

“Savannah, something’s up with you.” Mariah said, narrowing her eyes as we sat together for the third time, my mind wandering.

She poked my arm, suspicious. “You’ve been in la-la land lately. Spill it.”

“Look at you—dreamy eyes, pink cheeks, giggling for no reason. Out with it!” Mariah leaned in, hands poised to tickle. “Confess or else!”

“Ah! Stop! I’ll talk, I’ll talk!” She tickled me until I was in tears. “It’s… it’s Logan.”

Mariah’s eyes went wide as saucers, her mouth forming a perfect O.

She scratched her head. “No way, you actually like him?”

“Why not?” I shot her a look. “What’s wrong with him?”

“Uh… nothing, really. He’s smart and cute. But didn’t you used to say you couldn’t stand him?”

“That was before—I was young and clueless. Now I see him differently!”

“Alright, alright. Your best friend’s going broke, though.” Mariah sighed. “I just ran into your brother and made a bet—I said you liked Ethan, and if I’m wrong, I owe him fifty bucks.”

“Fifty bucks? Big spender!” I teased. “Caleb never bets unless he knows he’ll win.”

“Ugh, not only do you not comfort me, you mock me. You ditched your girls for a guy.”

We joked around for a bit, then Mariah said, “By the way, isn’t Logan taking the SATs next March? I heard he’s locked himself away to study.”

“Yeah.” I rested my chin on my hand. “I want to give him a lucky charm. What should I make?”

“Uh… a friendship bracelet?” Mariah offered. “I’ve never made or given one, so I have no clue.”

“A bracelet’s too basic. Besides, he’d never wear it.”

“Then… a keychain?”

“If a bracelet’s out, a keychain’s not any better.”

“I’m out of ideas. Now, if you wanted a baseball bat, I could help.”

“Wait, I’ve got it!” I grabbed her hand. “What if I make him a piano-shaped paperweight? That way, he’ll see it every day when he’s writing.”

Mariah’s eyes lit up. “That’s actually adorable. Don’t forget to sign the bottom.”

“Savannah? What are you up to?” Caleb knocked on the door. “Mom made apple-cinnamon oatmeal and told me to make sure you eat. Hurry up.”

“Wait, wait!” I scrambled to sweep wood shavings into a corner, covered the half-finished paperweight with a sketch, and stuffed the knife and ruler in a drawer.

“Coming!” I called, opening the door.

“What’s going on in here?” Caleb strode in. “Why does it smell like a woodshop?”

He set the oatmeal down and cranked open the window. “You need some fresh air in here.”

I ate my oatmeal, silently praying he’d leave soon so I could get back to work.

“Why’s your desk such a mess?” He turned and reached for the sketch covering the paperweight.

“Wait, Caleb!” I rushed to stop him. “I’ll clean up later. You go ahead.”

“Alright.” He grabbed the bowl and headed out.

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew the sketch away.

I froze.

Caleb looked at the rough, piano-shaped wood and smirked.

“What’s this? You making crafts now? Who’s it for?” He grinned mischievously. “If it’s not a hairpin or comb, it’s a paperweight or ornament. Mariah loves gold and silver, so it’s not for her. If it were for Ethan, you’d give him snacks. Lily and Autumn aren’t close enough. Don’t tell me…”

He eyed me, eyes twinkling.

“A charm for your brother, since he’s taking the SATs?”

Huh?

“You’re taking the SATs too?” I blurted.

He raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t know your own brother’s taking the SATs?”

I coughed, embarrassed. “Well, you’re always out playing and eating, never studying…”

“All of us who studied with Dad, except Ethan, are taking the SATs next year. Not everyone’s trying to be valedictorian like Logan—just a little review is enough.”

“Aren’t you worried Dad will ground you if you bomb?”

He shrugged. “I’m used to it. Thick skin.”

Then he frowned. “Wait, if you didn’t know I was taking the SATs, who’s this for? Could it be…”

“No, no!” I jumped up, covering his mouth and shoving him out. “I’m just making it for fun!”

Turns out, my brother really is an overachiever.