Page 96 of Cruel Steps

I didn’t know why it surprised me. No one ever did. I sank into the couch, the last of the fight leaving me.

“Here’s my card. If there are any other gifts, call me, and I’ll send out a cruiser to document them.” She paused long enough to make me look up. “I wouldn’t leave the area. I’ll be in touch.”

She headed out the door, meeting Holden as he returned. Once the door shut, I slumped back onto the couch.

“Great. She thinks I’m making it up and responsible for hitting Hope. We should’ve kept it to ourselves,” I mumbled.

“It was the right thing to do, Mer. We’re not equipped to handle this. We might be revered on campus, but we’re not actually gods.”

I snorted and turned my head toward him. “Ugh. Fine. I just wanted something to happen. I hate this limbo feeling. Nothing’s resolved.”

“For now, we’ll go about our lives, but with more vigilance when it comes to your safety.”

“Okay.” I blew out a breath, my lips vibrating together. “Thank you.”

“I should head out,” Holden said, pointing to the door.

“Just stay, man. Hope’s still at the hospital, and we’re both here.”

Holden looked at me, and I nodded. We were friends now, not enemies, and friends had platonic sleepovers all the time. Right?

“It would be easier.” He cleared his throat. “Will you be sharing a bed?”

“Yep. Be jealous,” Colter teased. Holden laughed, but seemed to relax all the same.

We took turns using the bathroom and changing for the night. I peeked over my shoulder at Holden before I closed Colter’s door.

“Night, Holden.”

“Night, Em.”

Climbing under the covers with Colter, I realized I didn’t even recognize my life. I’d stood up to Hope, had a stalker, and somehow, I’d become an inspiration to others at Hayward. Or, at least, that was what the notifications led me to believe.

Tomorrow would be interesting.

I arrived on campus early, and Colter walked with me to class. I caught several stares from students along the way. Most of them were friendly, offering me a wave. Some whispered, pointing at me when I passed, while others watched me with trepidation. Based on how they were dressed in skirts, heels, and had Greek letters on at least one item in their possession, I’d label them as the Zeta’s—Hope’s sorority sisters.

The reminder of Hope brought forth the looming decision I needed to make today. I had no clue what to do. It felt more like one of those go-in-and-wing-it scenarios. Probably not the smartest, considering futures hung in the balance, but I didn’t feel equipped to deal with it.

Colter kissed my cheek before leaving me at the Humanities building. At least I wasn’t late for once. I stepped into the lecture hall and took a seat in the back, saving a seat for Cody with my bag. A few minutes later, he entered and headed to me with a big smile. He had two coffees in his hand and gave one to me as he sat.

“Good morning, Peanut.”

I rolled my eyes but smiled. “I’ll let it go since you brought me coffee.”

“You love it, and you know it.”

I sipped my coffee and tried to ignore the people around us, but they didn’t seem to take the hint.

“You’re Emerson, right?” a girl with black hair asked.

“Um, yeah.”

She smiled. “Oh, good. I just wanted to say I thought what you did was very brave. I was bullied in high school, and I wished I’d been able to speak up. I avoided Hope here, but I’ve heard stories.”

“I didn’t mention anyone,” I mumbled, uncomfortable with her praise.

She waved me off. “It wasn’t hard to figure it out. If you ever need anything from the AES Club, let me know. I’m Kendra.”

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