1269_UgliesFreeBook

392 Scott Westerfeld
“I know. Hold on,” Tally said, and shot away from the
roof.
The two of them teetered for a moment, almost losing
their balance. But Tally steadied herself, feeling Shay’s arms
wrap tightly around her waist.
“Whoa, Tally! Slow down!”
“Just hang on.”
Tally leaned into a turn, sickened by the sluggishness of
the board. Not only was it carrying two, but Shay’s wobbly
moves were freaking it out.
“Don’t you remember how to ride?”
“Sure!” Shay said. “Just a little rusty, Squint. Plus a little
too much to drink tonight.”
“Just don’t fall off. It’ll hurt.”
“Hey! I didn’t ask to be rescued!”
“No, I guess you didn’t.” Tally looked down as they
soared over Crumblyville, skipping the greenbelt to head
straight back toward the river. If Shay hit the ground at this
speed, she’d be worse than hurt. She’d be dead.
Like David’s father. Tally wondered how he’d died. Had
he tried to escape the Specials, like the Boss? Or had Dr.
Cable done something to him? One thought stuck in her
mind: However it had happened, it was her fault.
“Shay, if you fall off, take me with you.”
“What?”
“Just hold on to me and don’t let go, no matter what.
I’m wearing a bungee jacket and bracelets. We should