CHAPTER TWELVE – SCATTERBRAINED

Moments later, they were racing through the streets of New York on Jake's bike. Joan clung tightly to his waist, her heart pounding from a mix of exhilaration and fear. "This is insane!" she shouted over the roar of the engine. Jake laughed. "Isn't it great?" As they weaved through traffic, Joan caught glimpses of the city flying by. Despite her initial terror, she found herself enjoying the ride. They screeched to a halt in front of Joan's university building just as Tim pulled up in his car. Joan climbed off the bike on shaky legs. "Thanks for the ride," she said to Jake, handing him back his helmet. "Anytime," he replied with a grin. "See you around, Joan." As Jake sped off, Joan turned to face her brother, who was standing by his car with her laptop bag and a knowing smirk. "So," Tim said, "interesting night?" Joan grabbed the bag from him. "Not a word," she warned, but couldn't help the small smile that crept onto her face. As she rushed towards her classroom, Joan felt