It helped that you and Anuja often paired up when there were real school assignments like science fairs. The rest of the time, you made sure you had at least one textbook on you so you could point to a chapter and go on about the ridiculous amount of homework they gave you for this unit, or talk about how the school's lousy computer erased your entire presentation so you two had to do it again.
Now, though, things are simpler. Reshmi, Anuja's mom, is grateful that Anuja has friends who were there for her when Karna went missing. She doesn't worry that they're harboring some secret, malicious motive.
"I just want her to be happy," she confided in your mother once.
Reshmi is happy to see you when you show up. "Anuja didn't tell me you were coming over," she says.
"It's kind of a surprise," you tell her.
"Good. Maybe you will cheer her up, then," she says. "She's been very quiet the last few days. I thought she was sick, but maybe it's just that school is about to start."
Anuja is lying in bed listening to music when you knock on the partly open door. She sits up in surprise when she sees you.
"Sorry to show up unannounced," you say. "I thought maybe I'd see if you wanted to go out somewhere today. Get away from Arbor Isle for a bit. Do fun stuff."
"Like what?" Anuja asks. "This isn't a field trip Mrs. McGlynn is sending you on, is it? I don't have it in me to play detective right now."
"No. We can do whatever you want."
She shrugs. "I don't know what I want to do. I wouldn't mind going out but my head is kind of fuzzy. I don't want to have to make decisions today. I do want to drive, though, so let's take my car."