The Escape Plan (Only Magic in the Building)

by Katie Bailey

“What’s for you won’t pass you” was Gran’s favorite. She loved the idea that we don’t get to control our own fates, that life has its own funny way of working things out. That if something is meant to be, it will be.

Andrew studies me like he’s trying to work me out. Almost as if he’s evaluating if I’m a worthy opponent… Eejit.

In turn, I look at him like he’s a bug that I’m deciding whether or not to flick out of the way. Apparently, Keeley brings out my protective side. “I don’t think we’ve officially met,” Andrew says coldly. “I’m Andrew. Becks, was it?” “You can call me Beckett,” I say pleasantly, and Keeley snorts with sudden laughter. She claps a hand over her mouth, like she’s trying to force the outburst back in.

Her eyes widen, and I pull my thumb away quickly. She looks back down at her sandwich and busies herself pulling a pickle off it. She doesn’t like pickles. Noted.