Page 19 of Tether
“Down in the tunnels, after hours. We didn’t have sex, but we did do other things. I didn’t expect it to go as far as it did, but Mauve…” I sigh. Memories of last night flit through my mind. “It was amazing. He’s amazing. It just felt so…right.”
I can’t tell what she’s thinking, and I’m worried she may be judging me. Should I have shared this information with her? Panic begins to settle in my gut. She shakes her head, as if shaking off her own intrusive thoughts before she speaks.
“I don’t want to see you get hurt, Ren. I know you care about him, and your feelings are genuine, but sometimes an ugly heartcan be disguised by a charming personality and a pretty face. And sometimes it’s too late once the truth comes to light.”
Reaching across the bed, I place my hand gently over hers. The look in her eyes tells me she’s deeply concerned, and I have no other way to put her at ease than with validation that I hear her words.
“I appreciate you looking out for me. It’s new to have someone care about my well-being. It means more to me than you know.”
She nods, accepting my gratitude, and I decide it’s probably best to change the subject. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a blur of motion pass by my doorway and my heart stutters.Loxen.He didn’t hear what I just said to Mauve, did he? Mauve immediately notices the shift in my demeanour and narrows her eyes. She looks to the door, where my eyes continue to flicker, a clear indication that I am on edge.
“What’s with the sour face?” she teases.
I sigh. “There’s this guy…the groundskeeper…” I trail off, rolling my eyes.
A devilish smirk plays on Mauve’s lips. “I need ALL of the details.”
I snicker, amused by her sudden interest in a complete and total stranger.
“Well, for one, he’s a pompous ASS,” I speak loud enough in case heisstanding outside of my door, eavesdropping on our conversation.
She chuckles. “I’m sensing some tension between you two.”
“Not the good kind. He’s frustrating, self-righteous, and his ego is so big it could easily fill this entire room, depriving us of oxygen.” This has her doubled over. Her laughter brings a smile to my face, and I realize I must sound downright insane.
“Is he good-looking, though?” A coy smile graces her lips. I try my best to control my expression, but I must be failing miserably. A slow grin creeps up my cheeks as I bite mybottom lip.
“Infuriatingly so.”
It’s late in the afternoon when Mauve decides it’s best she heads home. I hand her the pleated coat she wore over and pull her into a tight hug before seeing her out. “Will I see you at the party tonight?” I ask as she walks out the massive dark oak doors.
Her brows furrow. “Party?”
“Yeah, at the Whitmore Estate. I was told most of the academy would be attending.” My smile drops from the look on her face, leading me to believe she had no idea there was a party happening tonight. My heart breaks for my friend, who has been left out once again. “Would you like to come with me? It would be a great time!” I try my best to sound excited, wanting to make this moment less painful for her, but she shakes her head and gives me a soft smile.
“I’ll see you at school on Monday, yeah? Have a great time tonight.” She hugs me again and promises to let me know that she’s arrived home safely before getting in her car and heading on her way.
I close the door and tip the back of my head against the hardwood, hating the overwhelming urge I have to go after her. No one should ever be made to feel unwanted, not like this. I exhale a breath, taking a moment to gather myself and then trudge back upstairs to get ready for the long night ahead of me. I’m in no mood to attend anymore, not wanting to be in a place that refuses to welcome one of the most amazing humans I’ve ever met. But I promised Reed I’d meet him there tonight, and I’ll admit, I’m eager to see him again.
THIRTEEN
VERENA GRAVENHURST
Laughter echoes around me, yet somehow I feel miles away.I don’t think grief ever truly leaves us. It becomes a part of who we are.Loxen’s words from the other night plague my mind. He said if we’re lucky, we’ll learn to see the beauty in it. Luck has never been on my side, though it certainly does owe me some favours. A warm hand gently squeezes my thigh, pulling me from my thoughts. The leather couch dips as Reed leans into me, his voice soft against the thunderous music wafting throughout the room. “It’s your turn, Gravenhurst.”
My head feels heavy, like I’m underwater, and the room slightly tilts as I peer over to the couch across from us. I’ve never been much of a drinker, but tonight the burn of the alcohol feels more bearable than the ache in my chest. My mood took a dip not long after Mauve left this evening, and I haven’t been able to shake my grim spirit since. Although the alcohol softens the edges, it’s not nearly enough to quiet my spiralling thoughts. God, I wish my brain would shut up. Just for one night.
“Truth or dare, Verena?” Reed’s friend, Jenkins, asks as he slouches in his seat with a sly grin on his face. The blondesupermodel from the drive-in sits next to him, with her long legs draped over his knees and a scowl marring her delicate features.
I take another sip of my drink. It’s a dangerous crimson punch that I can no longer taste the vodka in, and has most definitely stained my lips red. I’m not sure if the liquor is giving me a boost of confidence or numbing me enough not to care, but either way, the lone word slips from my lips. “Dare.”
His grin widens, and I instantly regret my choice.
“I dare you to get on your knees and kiss Reed’s shoes.”
The blonde tips her head back in a laugh resembling a hyena, like it’s the funniest thing she’s ever heard, and I grit my teeth.
“Jenkins…” Reed warns lazily under his breath. He leans into my side, taking a long swig of his beer. Jenkins holds his hands up in mock surrender.
