"You're superstitious?" His rough voice echoes above our heads, so he leans in closer and says, "I didn't really see that coming." "I'm usually not, but I guess that got ingrained. Everyone in my circle knows not to say that inside a theater." "Bad luck, I take it?" he asks. I nod and he observes the place one more time before following me out. "Not to be insensitive to our surroundings or anything, but I think bad luck's already done its business here." "Old habits...blow up in your face." I adjust my ponytail and try to concentrate on what's around us, but from the corner of my eyes I see Darren bite his lip. I'm not sure if he finds this new information about me endearing or insane. He follows me quietly for a few minutes before speaking again. "So theater, huh? Not sure I saw that one coming either." "Why?" My cheeks are warm, but I keep in front of him and look anywhere but his direction. "The theater kids back at my high school were...a lot different than you." I laugh a little louder than necessary. "There are definitely some characters in drama club. As far as style or individuality goes, I'm not much of a standout at school." "You would have stood out to me." "I don't need any tall-girl jokes from you, thanks." He shrugs. "That's not what I meant." Must. Look. Away. What else can I take a picture of? I point the camera to my feet and snap a few. "You're taking pictures of your feet?" His tone is equal parts curious and amused. "Oh yeah," I say, turning the camera on his sneakers. "I'll call it, 'Standing in Pompeii.'" "How original." Great. I've just made myself a certifiable nutcase." --