“I'd tried normal and I'd failed at it. Me... a failure. Unlike the ACT, I couldn't retake this part of my life and erase an unpleasant score. There was no blank canvas to start a new painting or sketch pad for a fresh drawing.”

“Mrs Collins brushed past me. My mind remained blank as i watched her walk down the hallway. For the first time, i missed the brain cells i'd fried.”

“I had no idea i'd traveled into my own universe until Echo's cold fingers squeezed mine. "Want to do normal?" And my heart clenched in pain and joy at the same time. I missed my parents beyond words and this beautiful nymph understood.”

“What if there's another fire? You're not going to be there to save me.""I'll always save you." Because I would. I'd move heaven and earth. I'd willingly walk into hell and stay there. I'd give up anything and everything for him.”

“Ryan has this blank, way too innocent expression. "Don't worry, Mr. Risk. I'd love to help Elisabeth."He turns to me and smiles. This smile isn't genuine or heartwarming, but cocky as hell.Bring it, jock boy. Your best won't be good enough.”

“She gave me the same smile I'd seen on Saturday night. That type of smile caused men to write those pussy-ass songs that Isaiah and I made fun of. I'd sit in Mrs. Collins's office for hours and wake my ass up early to go to calculus in order to see that smile again.”

“You 're my world, so i'd say that evens things out.”