Page 117 of The Monster I Am
He gives me a knowing look. “We all have our tactics and signature trademarks to cover our tracks. You can’t assume you’re the only one hiding in plain sight.”
My mind locks in, running through all the possibilities before I land on the most likely. “An alias.”
Parker taps his nose sardonically before turning back to the computer.
I can’t help but laugh out loud at the irony of it all.
Well done, Bex. Checkmate again.
I'm still fully prepared to take Parker out if required. But as we sit here, working away, I actually think the guy might be starting to grow on me.
I guess heisthe Cedar Height's version of me.
And I’m pretty damn amazing.
Chapter thirty-seven
Bexley
Dream big, they say.
We’re told that we can manifest things if we wish hard enough. According to that logic, Rylan was absolutely correct. Three dicks and endless supply of coffee? Let’s just say that working in a coffee shop and having three boyfriends by the end of senior year wasn’t on my Bingo card… but I hit those goals anyway. And it couldn’t have happened at a better moment.
By the time I bounce into Willowbrook, I’mliterallybouncing despite having been awake since my alarm went off at five in the morning.
Final exams are kicking off today and to celebrate, Hazel took pity on me and said I could have as many staff coffees as I want while on shift.
I’ve had three so far, discarding the empty cup into the trash bin as I walk through the entrance.
Nothing can ruin my good mood. This could just be a sign of insanity, because what reasonable person would feel ecstatic about exams, but honestly, life feels pretty good right now.
Sure—I spent the weekend boarding up the windows at my house, packing personal belongings in between studying, but final exams mean one thing…
Our time at Willowbrook is coming to an end.
Finally.
Maybe if you’d asked me a few months ago how I’d feel at this moment, quite possibly I could have been more relieved to get away, but there’s something special about the prospect of graduation that just makes me hopeful.
No more arrogant cheerleaders. No longer being harassed and tormented by Dean Lannister. Just freedom—pure and simple.
Rylan was discharged from the hospital over the weekend, and while the doctors said he’d have some lingering symptoms from the concussion for a bit, he seems to be himself.
We’ll just consider his car and my house collateral damage. Things can always be replaced. Well, his car can. Some of my items will never be the same—never have the same memories attached. But this is our opportunity to leave the feud behind, to start fresh and write our own stories.
Mom would want that for me.
I can’t let them win.
There will always be a way to buy a new tombstone, go grocery shopping, print photos. They will never take the memories I hold in my heart. Those are mine, and mine alone.
Plus, I do feel a little petty about the fact I’m boning their sons and their idiot friends forgot to read me the Miranda rights.
Three dicks and endless supply of coffee indeed.
“Good morning!” I say cheerfully, jumping on Archie’s back. “Miss me yet?”
Arch groans, stumbling for a moment before grabbing my legs to hold me up. He starts piggybacking me toward the auditorium, where we’re scheduled to hear someveryimportantlecture from Dean Lannister and Principal Samson before the first exams start.
