Page 13 of Hell House
I knock back the last of my drink, thoughts swirling with what to do with this information. I tend to keep my cards close to my chest. I learned at a young age that it didn’t take much for people to betray you.
“Let me know if you find anything good.” Pierce says pushing up from the couch before heading off to the kitchen. He was far too prideful. It would be his downfall, being arrogant enough to rely on his last name and his looks. He figured people wouldn’t dare cross a Ledger, so he gave his trust freely and easily. He smiled frequently, unburdened by the crushing anxiety I felt daily.
I wondered what that must be like, to feel free from the crushing weight that I carried with me wherever I went. I felt the Envy rise in my chest. I welcomed my old friend, basking in the emotions letting them flow over me.
I knew my fellow fraternity brothers hated the sins we’d been shackled to, but I relished it. It felt like I was finally awake. It allowed me to become the person I’d been to weak to be before. That night we drank out of the challises was the night I was fucking born. The Emmet from before was timid, scared, a fucking pussy. I’d vowed to never go back to that person. No matter what.
A ping on my phone notifies me of an incoming text message Salem had. I’d programed all of Salem notifications to have a different sound so I could differentiate between my own messages and hers. No one ever paid enough attention to notice I’d done this every time I’d hacked into a new phone. I immersed myself in their life for a week or two, before moving onto someone else. I’d occasionally circle back around to people I’d spied on before, especially my house mates. Couldn’t be too careful with people who lived in the same building as you.
Skye: Wanna meet up for burgers?
A read receipt appears. I sit up straight, watching as my phone mirrors Salem’s, her response coming to life before my eyes as she types back.
Salem: Sure. Cafeteria in 15?
Skye: See you there :)
I feel my lips pull up into a smile. Looks like I was about to bump into Salem once again this evening.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Salem
I’m early, burger already in hand while I wait at a free table in the cafeteria. I wished that I could have headed off campus to one of the pubs for something other than this sludge they’d called food. My stomach rumbles with hunger, but I’m resolved to wait for Skye to arrive before I tear into my burger. Those Knox manners my family drilled into me as a kid must have stuck.
I see a flash of blonde space-buns walking towards the table. I wave to catch her attention. She spots me, a smile forming across her face.
For the first time in maybe years, I felt like I was finally finding my footing. I didn’t usually make friends easily, and both Salem and Javelynn had been more than welcoming. We slid into our friendship naturally as if we’d always known each other.
“Javelynn has class until 7, so they won’t be joining us.” She says as she sits daintily next to me, tucking her long legs into a proper leg cross. She dips a fry into a side of mayo.
“So, I have no idea what my art professor wants from me.” She says between bites.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, every time she sees me, she scowls.” Skye mimics her teacher’s face which makes me laugh.
“Oh God, that’s terrifying. Never make that face again.”
“Now you know my pain. Every day it’s just this glaring.”
“No please. I can’t” I say laughing, trying to close my eyes.
“If I have to suffer then I’m taking you with me.” She tries to pull my hands away from my eyes.
“Am I interrupting?” A deep southern drawl as soft as honey says from behind us. I drop my hands and see the guy from earlier who’d knocked into me. Skye looks up at him with interest, but the stranger keeps his eyes glued to me.
“Um, no not at all.” I say finding myself playing with the ends of my ponytail. Oh my god, Salem pull yourself together- I mentally chide forcing myself to stop twirling my hair like a lovesick teenager.
“I wanted to apologize for earlier.” I could listen to his voice all day that I almost forget to respond, until I feel Skye’s elbow poking into my rib.
“Oh! Yeah, no- no problem.” I feel my cheeks warm with embarrassment.
“I’m Emmet.” He says, offering his hand. I look up into his deep green eyes that stand out against his dark bronzed skin. I give my hand in return, feeling our fingers lock together.
“Salem.” I manage to squeak out. He gives me a smile that’s full of intensity. God, this guy is so hot, I almost feel the need to fan myself. I feel like I’m ten seconds away from needing a fainting couch.
“I’ll see you around campus then?” he asks.
