Bonus Chapter: Panic

Author's Note

In celebration of Amazon Prime Video's newest series Panic, I am thrilled to be teaming up with Amazon Prime Video and Wattpad to write this exclusive chapter that puts my characters from this story into the world of Panic!

I hope this chapter intrigues and inspires you to learn more about Panic. Visit the #PanicWritingContest on Wattpad for the chance to put your creative writing chops to the test and learn more about the show!

To find out more about the contest, prizes, and how to enter, check out the #PanicWritingContest here: wattpad.com/AmazonPrimeVideo

Don't forget to watch the series premiere on May 28th, only on Amazon Prime Video, here: http://primevideo.com/

--

"The new kid is staring at you again."

My cheeks immediately turn warm, but I try to ignore it as I keep my eyes trained on the computer in front of me. "He probably just needs help with his homework or something," I say, playing it off.

Victoria gives me an exasperated look. "Oh, of course! Especially since we graduate high school in two days, I'm sure the honors AP Lit student over there needs all the help he can get."

I have nothing to say to that so I just shrug.

"I mean, it's so unfair," Vicky continues. "Why does he have to be smart and sexy? Ugh! Just look at him," she says, fanning herself.

I look up from my computer to give her a slight nudge. "Shh! He's going to hear you."

"He better! He's the only interesting thing that's happened around here in months. I swear, Panic can't come soon enough," she replies.

I can't disagree there. That's Carp, Texas for you. Population: 12,000. Our forgotten, dead-end town where the most exciting thing is a deadly game played by graduating seniors. It started out of boredom, but now the stakes could not be higher—$50,000 for the winner. For most of us, it's our only ticket out of here. For me, it would mean being able to afford NYU.

"On that note, I better go print this," I say, heading to the printers. The last few weeks I've spent all of my free time researching and applying to scholarships. If I don't get at least one, there's no way I'll be able to head to my dream school in the fall.

As I stare at the print job, I feel a presence next to me.

"Do you know how these printers work?"

I turn to face the person who asked that and meet a pair of stunning blue eyes.

It's the new kid.

"I don't think we've met before. I'm Leo. You're Mia, right?"

I take a moment to take him in. Wow, he's even more gorgeous up close. Vicky wasn't kidding. Up until now, I'd only stolen a few glances at him from afar so I'm a bit stunned looking directly at him.

"Umm...yeah," I manage to say, remembering he asked me a question. I get this weird sense of deja-vu, like this all feels familiar somehow.

"So she speaks," he says, looking at me quizzically.

What the hell is that supposed to mean? Okay, I'll admit, I'm not the best at public speaking or raising my hand in class, but it's not like I'm mute or anything.

Most days, at least.

Ignoring the comment, I hurriedly show him how to log his account into the printer. He's barely just thanked me when I grab my prints and flee the scene without saying another word.

***

We're gathered at the waterfall. Any other scenario and you'd think it's a normal high school party with music, booze, and dancing. Except there's a nervous energy surrounding us, buzzing with anticipation. The beginning of the rest of our lives is about to begin.

"Last collection, people! Pay up!"

Ugh. Ray Hanrahan is doing the rounds and is heading my way. His eyes are already roaming my body and I cringe.

"Nice suit, buttercup," he says to me with a smirk.

I roll my eyes. I'm wearing a one-piece swimsuit with a long-sleeve shirt and shorts. Ignoring him, I search my purse and reluctantly give up my last dollar.

Am I really doing this?

Ray doesn't seem to register my internal struggle and snatches it right up. "Pleasure doing business with you, my lady." Just as quickly as he arrived, he continues on his way, happily tormenting everyone around him as he gathers the funds for the game.

"He's just a ray of sunshine, isn't he? No pun intended," someone says behind me.

Leo.

God, that voice. I'd probably recognize it anywhere now.

He steps beside me and gives me a warm smile. It relaxes me yet makes my heart speed up at the same time.

"Are you entering the game, Mia?"

I clear my throat. "I was planning to, but ..." I stop to signal the massive cliff in front of us. "I guess it doesn't help that I'm kind of afraid of heights."

He simply nods, as if understanding. I was half expecting him to call me a chicken or make fun of me, but he just seems to be thinking it over. He then meets my eyes and it almost knocks me to my feet. Damn, they're so blue. He stares at me curiously and the suspense nearly kills me.

Oh, what is he thinking?

I'm about to ask him when the feedback from a bullhorn brings me out of my stupor. The crowd goes quiet as everyone turns towards the source of the noise.

"All right everyone, welcome to Panic!" Diggins calls out. "I will be your host this year. The winner will be taking home the grand prize of $50,000! You know the rules. No posting or tweeting, or you're out. First up—The Jump! Take a leap off the cliff and you'll gain 100 points. That easy. Let the games begin!"

Cheers ring out and suddenly there's a flurry of activity as people gather around a table to sign up and get their flares to walk up the cliff for the jump.

I take a deep breath, trying to steal my nerves. "I should probably go sign up," I tell Leo, starting to walk in that direction.

I don't get too far when I feel his hand on my arm. "Mia, hold on a minute."

I turn around to look at him. Heat spreads through my entire arm where he touches me. He must feel it too because he looks dazed for a minute before dropping my arm and facing me.

"We should team up," he says.

I shake my head, not quite believing what I'm hearing. Why would he want to team up with me?

"What do you mean?" I ask.

He holds up his hands. "Just hear me out. If we help each other, it'll improve our chances of winning and we can split the pot. The challenges are only going to get harder. I could really use your brain. You know this town better than anyone. I'll provide the muscle. Plus, no one here really knows me so we'll have that to our advantage."

I'm still pondering all of this when he continues. "Look, I'll even sweeten the deal for you. I'll jump from Suicide Leap to get an extra 100 points or immunity in a challenge."

"What? Leo, that's crazy."

He chuckles. "You know what's crazy? I feel this weird connection to you. I can't really explain it. You just seem really familiar to me." He steps closer and lowers his voice. "I think maybe you feel it too?"

I nod silently, not really understanding it either. I also feel an odd sense of relief, which he seems to share.

He leans forward and tucks a lock of hair behind my ear. And then my heart stops for a beat when he gently brushes his thumb against my cheek. "So what do you say, sweetness? Do we have a deal?"

I look towards the cliff for a moment and then back to Leo. He's grinning widely at me now. I grin back.

Somehow, jumping off a cliff doesn't seem that scary anymore.

"Deal."