I’ve been revising Fanning the Flames. Today I’m sharing an excerpt.

The rest of the school week flew by without any traumatizing events. Friday after their last class, Bryn, Valmont, Clint, and Ivy sat on the grass in the quad next to one of the few trees which had survived the Rebel attacks last semester.

Bryn inhaled and sighed in satisfaction. The fresh green new-growth smell was like a soothing balm. “I don’t care what we do tonight as long as it’s outside.”

Valmont leaned back on his elbows and looked up at the leaves in the tree. “I think we should build a tree house.”

“I’m game,” Clint said. “But I’m not sure the Directorate will approve.”

“And I’m not sure where the nearest hardware store is,” Bryn said.

“I didn’t say it was a practical idea.” Valmont pointed up into the tree. “See where the branches fork right there? That’s the perfect spot for a tree house.”

“I had a tree house when I was little,” Ivy said. “Until someone set it on fire.” She looked pointedly at Clint.

Bryn laughed. “I sense there’s a story that goes along with this disaster.”

“A tale of love gone wrong,” Clint said. “I was seven, and even back then I was trying to win Ivy’s heart. So, I set up a candlelit lunch for two, complete with Little Debbie snack cakes and fruit roll ups. And I lit the candle before I went to knock on her door because I wanted everything to be perfect. Only she wasn’t home, so I decided to go ride my bike, forgetting about the candle.”

“By the time I came home from the zoo,” Ivy said, “The firemen were at my house. You should have seen Clint being brave and confessing what he’d done.”

“Honesty is always the best policy,” Valmont said. “So did you forgive him?”

“I was mad for about a week, but I got over it.” Ivy reached over and ruffled Clint’s Mohawk.

“I never had a tree house,” Bryn said. “Because we never had a yard.” She eyed the branches above her. “We could build a platform of ice up there and pretend it’s a tree house.”

“That might hurt the tree,” Ivy said. “Tell you what. After Clint and I are married, you and Valmont can come help us build a tree house in our backyard.”

And there it was again, the easy certainty of Clint and Ivy’s future. They’d marry and live in a three bedroom house near their families. After awhile, they’d have children who’d grow up and attend the Institute and the cycle would continue. Nothing about her own future seemed certain or easy.

If her grandparents had their way, she’d marry Jaxon. It wouldn’t be a real marriage. Any children they might have would be created through artificial means, no nakedness involved. Still…she had always assumed that one day she’d fall in love with a guy like Valmont, move into a middle class subdivision and have a typical life. Instead, she’d live a lie in a ginormous mansion where she probably wouldn’t be allowed to build a tree house, even if she wanted one.

“Do you think Blues build mini-mansions in trees for their kids?” Bryn asked.

“Probably not,” Ivy said. “But you can come play in ours.”

Bryn lay back in the grass. “I’m having one of those, who-kidnapped-my-life? moments. So excuse me, while I have a small pity party.”

“I’ll be there for you,” Valmont said. “No matter what. Remember that.”

What would she do without Valmont? He was her link to a normal life. “You’re the best knight ever.”

“Why are you laying in the grass?” Jaxon’s voice preceded him as he walked toward her.

Bryn sat up. “We’re making plans for a tree house. What’s up?”

“Why would anyone want a tiny house in a tree?” Jaxon asked. “It makes no sense.”

“Then you aren’t invited to play in mine when I finally have the chance to build one.”

“Imagine my devastation,” Jaxon shot back.

She stuck her tongue out at him because it seemed like the thing to do. Surprisingly, he laughed which made her smile. “I know you didn’t drop by to make small talk, so what’s going on?”

“I have it on good authority that we’ll be called to my father’s office at six thirty tomorrow morning unless we go speak with him now.”

Bryn turned to Valmont. “You choose. Do it now or get up early and go tomorrow.”

“Is there a third choice?” Valmont asked. “Because I don’t like either of those options.”

Bryn pushed to her feet and held her hand out to him. “Come on. If we get this over with now, we can have the rest of the weekend to do what we want.”

Valmont let Bryn pull him to his feet.

Clint and Ivy stood, dusting off their clothes. “We’re coming with you,” Clint said.

“Are you sure?” Bryn asked. “Have you forgotten how delightful Ferrin is?”

“Nope,” Clint said. “But they’re liable to say you can’t share whatever information they tell you but if I’m there and hear it firsthand then I’ll already know.”

Jaxon opened his mouth like he was going to comment on Clint’s convoluted logic, but then he shook his head, turned, and walked toward the library.

“I think you rendered a Westgate speechless,” Valmont said. “Nicely done.”