Page 38 of Unspoken Truths

Ignacio hasn’t been home yet, and he’s been spending the night in Jared’s pool house. I went over to see him a couple of times over the weekend, and found my best friend brooding. He got some of it out of his system by face fucking me before telling me about what the cameras have been picking up at his house.

People have been in and out, though I think some of that has been business related. Not one appeared to be wearing the white coat I expect to see when someone is going to be committed. It was a bit disappointing, but it seems that the little mouse has an ally in her stepfather.

While Emil Reyes appears to be a legitimate business man on the outside, not all of his work dealings are. His family has always been involved in the mafia, though no one blinks an eye at it. It takes a lot to remain as wealthy as the families who send their kids to Carlysle Prep. They’ll do whatever it takes to stay in this cushy life.

“Yeah, I don’t know what that’s about,” I mutter. “Did your parents mention getting a call from Emil Reyes?”

“Oh yeah,” he says with a snort. “Emil has everyone whipped into a frenzy about this, particularly those with younger kids at this school. I don’t think my mom has ever been so happy that my sisters are in boarding school. Explaining sexually explicit material isn’t something she wants to do right now or ever.”

Emil has apparently been very vocal this weekend and called everyone possible to put together an emergency board meeting with parents involved. He doesn’t believe that Mr. Lee is a good fit for the school. I’m led to believe the same, he just wants to protect himself and the school, ensuring the environment appears as healthy as possible for our young minds.

The actual safety of those who attend the school doesn’t matter. I’ve been carrying a weapon to school since we entered the sixth grade, which is when he began his term as headmaster. According to the charter the board has written up for the school, he’ll remain as the headmaster for another five years unless he’s found unfit for some reason.

If I was a parent and gave a shit, I probably would be up in arms as well. Especially with how dangerous and influential Emil is. The little mouse won some kind of lottery when her mother married him. I still want to drive a wedge between them just to see if we can.

“I expect there will be at least one more person fired,” I murmur. “Let’s head to class.”

“I need to grab my shit,” Theo grunts. “I’ll be right behind you.”

Nodding, I stroll slowly down the hall, looking for all the world as if I’m not in a hurry. People move out of my way subconsciously, while not really registering why. This is where I thrive, being ignored, but still commanding respect.

It works for me.

Miss Hailey is throwing things into a box as I stroll past her door making my footsteps slow to a crawl. Her hands are shaking badly, and she keeps dropping things.

“Have to leave this damn city, maybe I just need to move to Canada? Would they follow me there?” she asks herself, making my brows draw down.

Ah what now?

Glancing over my shoulder, I catch Theo’s gaze as he shuts his locker door, jerking my head toward Miss Hailey. Sliding the strap of his backpack over a shoulder, he has no qualms making waves as he shoves people out of his way.

“What gives?” he asks softly.

“I don’t know, man. I think someone may have paid her a visit. She looks really twitchy, and she’s talking to herself,” I murmur. “You don’t think…”

“Well, she fucked with Daddy dearest’s daughter,” Theo says, shrugging. “Liliana’s father is feral when it comes to protecting his daughter, and Emil would be willing to look the other way on this one.”

Oh well. Casualties sometimes happen in times of war.

“Do you want to see what you can dig up?” I ask him, checking the time. “You have a few minutes before we need to be at homeroom.”

“Yeah, I’d better. I don’t like to assume shit. I’ll be quick,” Theo says, slipping into the classroom and shutting the door behind him.

Smirking, I leave him to investigate and maybe get a morning treat as I walk to class. The little rabbit thinks she’s well protected because her stepfather had a teacher threatened. No one can keep her safe from us, and we’re just getting started.

* * *

RACHELLE

It’s difficult to smile and pretend nothing is bothering me. I’m basically on a watch by my Mom, therapist, and Emil. Liliana is walking me to class and even the bathroom to make sure I’m not cutting.

She took back her knife, which I can understand, but it feels as if I’m losing my freedom too.

Slinking into my seat, I let my mind drift in class. I miss the days where I could go to the beach and just sit and clear the craziness happening in my head. I’d rather have a permanent shadow than go back to the prison of a hospital.

“Miss Thomas?” the teacher asks, while I curse myself for not paying attention. I know better than to do this.

“Yes, ma’am,” I say sweetly. I’m desperately hoping that she’s not about to ask a question I don’t know the answer to. It’s my afternoon Precalc class, one I have a handle on, but it’s still very obvious I’m not paying attention.

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