Carry On: The Rise and Fall of Simon Snow

by Rainbow Rowell

“I know. But I still want this, if you’ll let me have it.” Baz finally turns to look at me. “What’s this, Snow?” “This,” I say. “I want to be your boyfriend. Your terrible boyfriend.” He cocks an eyebrow and stares at me, like figuring out what’s wrong with me is something he’ll never have enough time for. There’s a soft knock at the door. Baz stands up, straightening his suit, and walks to the door. He opens it and leans over, picking up a tray, then brings it back to his bed. There’s a pitcher of milk and a heavily laden plate from dinner. “Who’s that from?” I ask. “My stepmother.” “Why didn’t you just eat at dinner?” “I don’t like eating in front of people.” “Why not?” “Why do you ask so many questions?” “Is it anorexia?” “No, Snow, it’s not anorexia—do you even know what that means?” He sits on the far side of his bed and takes the napkin off the tray, shaking it unfolded. “My fangs pop when I eat,” he says. “It’s noticeable.” I crawl across the bed to sit next to him. “I didn’t notice the other night, when you ate in front of me.” “Well, you’re not very observant, are you.” “Or maybe it’s not as noticeable as you think.” Baz looks up at me, and his cheeks look fuller than normal. He smiles then, and I see them—long white fangs, trying to push out over both his lips.