Chapter 19

In a nervous trance, Robin bit her nails rapidly as she took her seat in Mrs. Gustoffson's history class. She was planning to avoid Jack as much as possible today. So it didn't exactly help that he was also in the class, and to make matters worse, he sat right behind her.

Maybe he isn't here today, she told herself. Maybe he's sick and got mono. Wait! Isn't there a quiz today? Then of course he won't be here! He avoids quizzes like the plague. Ha, stupid me, I've got nothing to worry about!

Unfortunately, while she was thinking, she hadn't noticed Jack enter the classroom and take his seat. As the teacher handed out the test papers, Robin felt a tap on her shoulder.

"Hey, Robs!"

She turned around and saw him.

Damn! When did he get here?

"H-hey, Jack," she stuttered, and turned away.

"Well, aren't you the chatterbox today," he scoffed. "Oh, wait, I know…this is about what happened yesterday, isn't it?"

Robin remained silent, because she didn't exactly feel like discussing that at the moment.

"Well, I just want to let you know," Jack continued, "That your secret if safe with me."

Robin whirled around, forgetting about avoiding him.

"What secret? I don't have a secret!"

"Yes you do," taunted Jack. "You've got a crush on someone, don't you?"

Robin couldn't see it, but she just knew her face was flushed red.

"Look, I don't have a crush on anyone, it was just a dumb song, that's all."

"Just a dumb song?" said Jack in disbelief. "C'mon, you don't write a song like that without someone in mind. Look, Robs, you don't have to worry! Dean McFarris has no clue you're crushing on him."

"Dean McFarris!"

"Yeah…isn't that who your song was about? He was your science partner for two months! Who wouldn't get infatuated over someone they've spent the last two months dissecting frogs with?"

Robin didn't know whether she should laugh because he was absolutely clueless, or cry…because he was absolutely clueless. Actually, she was angry. Not angry at Jack, but at herself. She couldn't keep her feelings inside forever. She was a coward, afraid to admit she was in love with one of her best friends. She had to tell him how she felt, before it was too late!

"Jack," she whispered urgently, " I've got something important to tell you…"

"Ms. Strong!" snapped Mrs. Gustoffson. "There's no talking during a quiz! You can take a zero, and see me after class."

CHAPTER 20

It was lunchtime and the gang was seated around their usual table in the cafeteria. Jack was devouring his ham-loaf, Riley was flipping through Rolling Stone, Robin was scribbling "I will not talk during class" repeatedly on a piece of paper, and Scott was avidly reading a book titled The Power of Radio, Vol. 1.

Riley glanced up at Scott from her magazine.

"The Power of Radio?" she sniffed. "What is it with you and radios lately?"

Scott closed and set down the book. He leaned over the table facing the other three.

"Ok, the reason I've been so interested with radios lately, is because…well, I have an idea. A great idea. And you guys have to go along with it!"

Robin dropped her pencil and looked at Scott with interest.

"Scott…are you thinking of…what I think you're thinking of?"

"Spill," urged Jack. "What is this brilliant idea of yours?"

"Well," he said, lowering his voice to a whisper, "You know how we found all that stuff in my attic? All the RFR things? I was thinking how great it would be, to let our voices be heard. To let everyone know what's on our mind, yet no one can point fingers at us. We could play the music we like, too. It'd be a change from the usual Top 40…when's the last time you've heard a radio station with a mind of its own?"

"You want to start a radio station?" blurted Jack. "That's—"

"That's a great idea, Scott!" interrupted Robin. "I can't believe we never thought of it sooner!"

"Yeah," said Jack, his eyes growing large. "We'd be…like the Anti-Cougar!" Suddenly, his face fell. "But wait, how can we have a radio station, if we don't have any radio equipment?"

"I'm a step ahead of you," grinned Scott. "There's this radio transmitter at Radio Hut. It's perfect, but—I need you guys to pitch in to help pay for it. I already paid half the cost."

"No way," huffed Jack, crossing his arms. "I'm saving my money for important things."

"Oh, like dance lessons?" Robin said smugly. "C'mon, Jack. If we don't have a transmitter we don't have a station!"

"Ok, fine," said Jack with a sad sigh. "Riley, can I borrow some money?"

Riley, who had remained silent the whole time, didn't look up. Something Jack had said was floating through her mind.

We'd be like the Anti-Cougar.