Page 52 of Under His Protection
“You, too,” I say, smiling at her as she stands and picks up her tray.
“Later,” she says as she walks away.
My phone chimes again, and I pick it up, thinking it’s Philip again, or maybe my mom or dad.
UNKNOWN – How was breakfast? Did you save some for me?
My stomach tightens, and I feel sick as I set my phone face down on the table.How does he know I’m here?And how in the hell did he get my number?
I glance around the crowded cafeteria looking for a familiar face. If he knows where I am, he must have followed me here.
But all of these people are strangers.
Maybe I’m becoming paranoid.
Maybe it’s all in my head.
I realize now I shouldn’t have thrown all the evidence away. I should have kept it, for my own sanity at least.
I stare at my phone knowing if I called Philip and told him what’s going on, he’d drop everything and come running. I just know he would. Same with my dad. And my mom, too. And Dave.
I can’t eat another bite, so I throw what’s left on my plate away and carry my tray and eating utensils to the return station. It’s time for me to head to my political science class anyway. I don’t want to be late.
I make it to class just seconds before it starts. I sit here listening to a lecture on states’ rights, and it’s all I can do to pay attention. I make a mental note to get a digital recorder like Layla’s. In the meanwhile, I’ll do the best I can to take notes.
When class ends, I walk outside and sit at one of the many picnic tables and try to read my hardcover copy ofJane Eyrefor my Brit lit class. We have a quiz on the assigned reading at eleven. I find myself reading the same sentence over and over, and none of it registers. It’s a good thing I practically know this book by heart, otherwise I’m sure I’ll fail the quiz.
My attention keeps getting diverted to the area around me as I search for an explanation.
Is he watching me right now?
The hairs on the back of my neck stand up, and my flesh crawls.
When my phone chimes with an incoming text, I nearly jump out of my skin, thinking it’s him again.
Mom – Hi, sweetie. Just checking in. How’s school?
Me – Hi, Mom. Good. Just busy. How are you and Dave?
Mom – We’re fine. We miss you. Can I interest you in a homecooked meal this weekend? Let me know, and one of us will come pick you up. Or, invite Philip. That’s even better.
Me – That sounds great. I’ll ask him.
Mom – Good. Love you!
Me – Love you, too.
I make little progress with my reading assignment, and before long it’s time to head to my lit class. On the way, I run into one familiar face.
“Haley, hi,” Ryan says as we cross paths. “How’s it going?”
“Fine.” Of course, that’s a lie. For a moment, I consider confiding in Ryan, letting him know about the weird things happening. I mean, he is the advisor for my dorm. But before I can say a word, he starts talking.
“We’re having a Faulkner Hall movie night Friday in the community room. I think the movie isAvatar—the first one.I hope you can join us.”
I force a smile I don’t feel. “I’ll think about it.”
“Please do.”
