Page 6 of Orlando

Of course I already know who she is. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t obsessively stalk Orlando’s social media. Josie is his cousin’s girlfriend. Their relationship was reasonably new before I left.

“Yeah.” I nod my head like an idiot. I can’t be talking to her, no matter how nice she might seem.

“I remember you. You used to go here. Did you move and then move back?”

“Yeah, my dad needed to be in Chicago for a while. Now we’re back,” I say.

Josie sits down. “Chicago, what’s it like? I’ve never been.”

I stare at her.What the hell is she doing? Why is she sitting here?

When I don’t answer, she just smiles. “I don’t like seeing people upset. If I can help, I will. And I kind of noticed what a dick Orlando was to you in class. I have no idea what that’s about, but I have nothing to do with it,” she says, lifting her hands in mock surrender.

“It’s okay.” I shrug.

“It’s really not. Do you have any plans after school? Maybe we can hang out?”

“Ah… I can’t. Sorry. I need to meet my dad.”

“Some other time then,” Josie says while pushing up from the little table. “Let me know if I can help with anything.”

“Thank you.” I smile, and as Josie walks away, I realize that for the first time since I stepped through the doors here, it’s genuine.

I just need to make it through the last couple of classes. It can’t be that hard. Pushing myself to my feet, I pick up my bag and lunch.

Just a few more hours,I tell myself before stepping out of my little sanctuary.

I throw my uneaten food in the trash and dodge through the crowded halls towards my math class. Until a hand reaches out and tugs at my arm. I let out a squeal that’s quickly muffled by a palm that covers my face. And then I’m dragged into a dark room. I don’t need to see though. I know who grabbed me.

“Miss me?” his voice whispers into my ear.

My body stiffens. I stay still. Not uttering a word. Not even when he presses his body into mine and traps me between himself and the wall.

“Nothing to say, little ghost?”

Again, I don’t speak. His fingers trace down the side of my face.

“Why have you been crying?” he asks, almost as if he cares.

“I… I wasn’t crying…” I lie.

“Tsk, tsk.” Orlando’s head shakes. I can just make out the outline of his face in the dark. “Are we adding liar to the list of things you are?”

“What am I?” I find myself asking.

“A ghost. A fucking memory that won’t stop haunting me.” He leans in and inhales.

I close my eyes, willing myself not to react. He’d probably get off on my fear anyway. The warmth of his body leaves mine and I’m left cold. Then the door opens, and he’s gone. Just like that. Gone.

I stay in the closet until I hear the second bell. Only then do I step out, straighten my top, and make my way to my math class.

Chapter Four

Ileft school early. Told Dante he had to call a car to pick him up. I had to get away before I did something even stupider than I already have. Like pulling my ghost into a fucking supply closet and pressing up against her curves.

Aleeka’s body has changed. She’s gotten softer, but in a good way. I wanted to fucking strip her bare and inspect every inch to see how much. Everything I’ve missed for the past fifteenmonths. Which is why I forced myself to walk out of that closet. I want one more night with her. Just one. But I want her begging me for it. I want her to want me as much as I fucking need her. I never realized spending three weeks with someone could make you so addicted to them.

I thought we had something. I was just the only one who thought that. Now, I just want to fuck her out of my system. Move the fuck on and forget the name Aleeka ever existed.

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