Wild Awake

Things you earnestly believe will happen while your parents are away:

1. You will remember to water the azaleas.
2. You will take detailed, accurate messages.
3. You will call your older brother, Denny, if even the slightest thing goes wrong.
4. You and your best friend/band mate Lukas will win Battle of the Bands.
5. Amid the thrill of victory, Lukas will finally realise you are the girl of his dreams.

Things that actually happen:
1. A stranger calls who says he knew your sister.
2. He says he has her stuff.
3. What stuff? Her stuff.
4. You tell him your parents won't be able to
5. Sukey died five years ago; can't he
6. You pick up a pen.
7. You scribble down the address.
8. You get on your bike and go.
9. Things . . . get a little crazy after that.**also, you fall in love, but not with Lukas.

About the Author

Hilary Smith is 24 and lives on the West Coast. She is a volunteer speaker for the National Alliance on Mental Illness and is currently working on a young adult novel.