judelow

Sharpness' room is quiet. Ty has gone to practice, and Flotis and Spongs are stuck in the library, the perfect moment to retrieve the coveted envelope from the book.

Sharpness runs his finger along the edge of the thick paper. He wrote this letter in desperation, wondering where to put his feelings for Jude.

• Oh, and what is this?

Sharpness winces. Judlow stands in the doorway. He's wearing his purple sweatshirt, as always, with a backpack slung over one shoulder, his tousled hair sticking out in all directions from another day of poring over textbooks.

Sharpness's heart sank. He tried to slam the book shut, but Judlow was faster. His slender fingers caught the envelope and he deftly pulled it out from under Sharpness's hands.

"Wow, are you writing poetry?" Judlow smirks, raising an eyebrow. "Or a letter to your secret lover? I didn't think you had time for romance between your workouts."

"Give it back!" Sharpness's voice breaks. He feels his face burning and reaches for the letter. "It's not yours!"

"Oh, come on," Judlow snorts, deftly dodging the question. He twirls the envelope in his hands. "Come on, I won't laugh. Now, who's this for? This..."

Judlow doesn't finish.

Without a word, Judlow turns and runs down the hallway. He hears the sound of footsteps and a shout behind him:

• Jude, stop! don't read!

Judlow bursts into his room. Parker and Donnat have gone to retake the exam, and Flank is in the Grox's room. Judlow slams the door in Sharpness's face, turns the key, and leans his back against the door.