He runs his hand through his hair. “I don’t like it when someone drives me.”
“Sounds good.” I laugh.
“What?”
“We’re the complete opposite. I don’t like driving. I didn’t even apply for a licence.”
“Why not?”
“It makes me nervous, I guess.”
“Well, if you need a ride, I’m here.”
“Aww, thanks.”
“It’s me who should thank you, Elsa.” His eyes soften at the corners. “It sucks to be the transfer student, but you’re making it easier.”
“I’m happy to. You kind of saved my life, remember?”
“You certainly aren’t going to let me forget that.”
“Hell no. I’m indebted to you for life.”
He bends over, grinning. “I’ll hold you to that.”
We resume walking and I show him the best places to find calm and peace, which aren’t much.
I glance up at him. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“When you found me in the pool, did you notice anything strange? Or anyone?”
He hums. “Not really. I was lost and found myself in the pool area and then I noticed a body floating upside down. Imagine my shock.”
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be. It wasn’t your fault.” He pauses. “Did you really trip and fall?”
“Yes.” No. I don’t know.
According to my nightmares and my episodes, the hand that pushed me could be a figment of my imagination.
That scenario means I’m hallucinating and have a worse mental state than I thought.
It scares the shit out of me.
I opt to change the subject. “Where did you use to study?”
“In another private school.”
“Really? Students in private schools rarely transfer, especially during the senior year.”
“We had to move because of my father’s work.”
That makes sense.
As we step outdoors, I lock gazes with Xander. He narrows his eyes on Knox like he’s trying to see past his skull.
Before he can make a move towards us, I tell Knox, “Let’s go.”
He lets me lead him to the garden.
I have no doubt that Xander will tell Aiden all about this.
Doesn’t matter.
Aiden will see the present himself tonight.
“You look hot. Like I’d totally do you, girl.” Kim stares me up and down as we stand in front of the mirror in my bedroom. “Why haven’t you been dressing up before, again?”
I add another clip to my hair, letting the ponytail fall to my back and straighten.
I wore a sleeveless little black dress that hugs my breasts and waist and falls to a little above my knees. I also put on mascara, lip gloss, and Aunt’s Nina Ricci’s perfume.
“Are you sure it’s a good idea, though?” Kim meets my gaze in the mirror. “You never dressed like this even when you were with King.”
My lower lip trembles and I thin my mouth in a line.
With Aiden, I always felt the need to be myself. I loved being myself and how much Aiden liked it.
Or that’s what he made me believe. It could be a game like everything he played thus far.
“King doesn’t matter,” I say.
“Then who does?”
“No one.”
She takes my hands in hers, making me face her.
Kim opted for skinny black jeans and a white top that drops off her shoulders. Her hair falls on either side of her face, the green highlights shining under the light.
“Ellie, talk to me. What’s going on?”
“I’m changing, Kim. Just like you changed in the summer.”
“What’s your excuse?”
“My excuse?”
“I had an excuse to change. I was done being an outcast and decided to do something about it. What’s yours?”
“I was hurt.” I laugh with a bitterness that slices straight through my chest. “My heart was stomped upon, Kim. All this time, I’ve been a bloody joke. A plot. A game. I feel like if I don’t blow off steam, I’ll explode.”
Her bright green eyes soften. “Is it because of King?”
“You know, people react differently when someone breaks their heart. Some would lick their wounds and run. Others would keep their distance and hide.”
“What camp are you?”
“Neither. I choose to fight for my freedom. I owe myself that much, don’t you think?”
“You do. I understand that more than anyone.” She hugs me from the side. “But be careful. King doesn’t lose.”
“He will now.” I wrap my arm around her. “I promise.”
Because I don’t have any more chances to lose.
As agreed, Knox picks me and Kim up.
During the ride, he jokes with us about the number of times he got lost in RES in one day.
Kim, who’s not big on making conversation with strangers, engages him and laughs at his easy humour.
“So she took the wrong sign?” Kim asks him.
“Imagine this.” Knox doesn’t take his eyes off the road. “I’m lost between those towers shit and there’s no human in sight.