Page 135 of Dare To Take

Unless they’re waiting to make me pay for my absence later.

My stomach flips at the thought.

I find my earbuds, push them into my ears, and press play. The lyrics of ‘Numb’ by Linkin Park drown out my thoughts. Eyes closed, head down, I lose myself in the words. Something drips off my chin. I touch my cheek and discover I’m crying.

I can’t do this. I can’t do this.

I send a message to Sin.

Me: I’m not sure I can do this.

The dots move immediately, bringing me comfort.

Sin: Breathe, Kitten.

Me: You don’t understand. I don’t know what they’ll do to me if they find out I’m going to meet you.

Sin: Did anyone find out about our meetings before?

I sink down against the wall, and crouch, my whole focus on my phone.

Me: No, I don’t think so.

Sin: You know the place we go is safe.

The tomb is locked, and he has the key. I blink away the tears. My chest aches remembering the last time I’d been there. He’d rejected me. Yet here I am, begging for his help. I’m still in love with him, and I shouldn’t be.

Me: Nowhere is safe anymore.

Sin: Please trust me. Come to me tonight. Don’t change your mind.

My courage wavers, and I don’t reply. Two minutes pass, and the dots start jumping again.

Sin: Kitten, I need to know you’ll be there.

Sin: Arabella?

Doubt circles in my mind, but I give him the answer I know he wants.

Me: Ok.

Sin: Where are you? You’re not in art class.

Me: I’m in the girl’s restroom.

Sin: You need to act normal.

My lips twist bitterly at his words.

Me: I don’t have a normal anymore. Besides, if I’m in art, they’ll make me do something to Eli. He’s going to hurt me.

The dots stop, start, stop, and start again, and it feels like forever before the message comes through.

Sin: You’re scared of him?

I answer him honestly.

Me: Yes. I don’t want to provoke him. This isn’t my fault, but he’s going to take it out on me. I’ve seen what he can do. No one will stop him. I’m shaking just thinking about it.

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