Page 66 of Wicked Scandal

The fear that begins to overtake her tells me this is serious. It isn’t something small. But what’s worse is it’s clear she has wanted to leave for a while now. After what I saw the other day, I know there is more to this than what I can comprehend, but she needs to feel safe and secure to tell me so I can actually help her.

A thought crosses my mind. An irrational one, but a thought, nonetheless. “Run away with me.”

She cracks a smile, one I didn’t realize how badly I needed to see until now. “You’re insane.”

“Insane and serious.” Taking her hands in mine, I squeeze gently. “I mean it, Cat. We can leave Willow Creek together. Go somewhere where no one will ever find us.”

“He would find us.” Her hands tremble beneath mine. “Besides, I would never allow you to do that for me.”

“I’m not asking your permission. I’m telling you that I want to run away with you, Cat. I’d risk everything for you. Don’t you know that by now?”

I will throw her over my shoulder right now and take her to the next state over if I have to. This time, I’m not taking no for an answer.

“Okay,” she spits out, taking me by surprise.

“Okay?”

“Graduate high school and give me a couple weeks while I try to come up with a more realistic plan, and if it doesn't pan out, I’ll run away with you.”

All I heard was her agreeing to run away with me and that is enough to have me scooping her up in my arms while spinning her around.

She giggles and it’s a beautiful sound. One I want to hear every day for the rest of my life.

I put her back on her feet and she stretches up to kiss my lips. “I have to get back to the dance and chaperone. We have to keep things on the down-low for a while. That’s the only way any of this is going to work.”

“Of course,” I tell her. “But please don’t ghost me again. It scares the shit of me when you do that.”

She cracks a smile. “I’ll try to contact you when I can.”

I kiss her again before I watch her walk away. I hate not knowing when I’ll see her again, but at least now I know I will.

This isn’t the end, it’s only the beginning.

CHAPTER 20

WILDER

“Let’s welcome the Willow Creek High class of two thousand and twenty-four graduates.” Principal Hargrove’s voice booms over the loudspeaker, signaling the start of the ceremony. The sound of clapping and cheering echoes through the stadium as we begin our walk down the red carpet on the football field. It was always assumed that Rome and I would walk together when we graduate, but I gave him the thumbs-up to walk with Elodie and I have no regrets. Except one—I’m stuck with Sam. It’s only a short walk and a few pictures, though, so I’m sucking it up while she’s eating it up.

The stands are filled with proud guests and their excitement for us is obvious in their loud chants. I look around, searching for one attendee in particular. Mayor Jenkins is here to give a small speech so I can only guess Cat is here, too. Yet, I don’t see her with him.

Sam and I take our seats and when the last pair are seated, Brady Newtown is called to the stage as this year’s valedictorian.

“Welcome, community members, friends and family, and most importantly, my fellow graduates. We fricken did it, guys!”

“Yes!” I beam with my hands in the air, along with my classmates.

He continues his speech and there are a few laughs, even a few tears. Then, my teeth grit when Mayor Jenkins is called to the stage.

Everyone claps for him, but I roll my eyes and look down, not willing to give him an ounce of my attention. That scumbag doesn’t even deserve to be alive, let alone the mayor of this town.

“Good evening, my beloved community, and congratulations to our graduates. During my years in office, it’s been an honor to be part of these ceremonies. I remember my high school graduation on this very stage many, many years ago.” Everyone laughs but I just scoff. “It’s my hope that every one of you will follow your dreams, reach your goals, and remember where you came from…”

I shut out everything else he says because it’s all hypocritical nonsense as far as I’m concerned. Reaching beneath my graduation gown, I pull my phone out of my pocket, hiding it beneath the long teal fabric as I type Cat a message on SnapTok.

WildMisfit: Are you here?

As I wait for a response, I flip my phone upside down underneath my gown.

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