Page 2 of Rockwell Academy: The Twist

I remind my friends what we should be doing right now and as we cross the grassed area, I remember how it felt on my first day not that long ago.

Like Imogen, I was required to room in the dorm with another student. That soon changed when I met Frankie and he moved me and his cousin into The Elusive House.

Imogen may join us but is required to begin the semester playing by the rules and she is excited for the opportunity.

“I wonder who my roomie will be?”

“She’ll need to be tolerant.” Jack quips and Imogen nudges him hard.

“I’m the perfect roomie.” She answers back, and he nods, smiling at her with a fondness that has grown over many years.

Imogen is my unofficial sister and I love her as one. Jack—well, he’s maybe a little more than that and I am still confused about my feelings for him.

There was a time I believed we would end up together, but after one night of testing the water, it felt too weird, so we fell back into our roles of best friends.

I’m still unsure if it was the correct decision. Rockwell was a test if you like, but then I met Frankie and my mind was blown.

Jack accompaniesus to the dorm block and then says with his usual lopsided grin.

“I’ll leave you to get organized. I’m heading back to the house to unpack.”

He turns to me. “When you’ve finished here, bring Imogen across to meet the others.”

“The others?”

Imogen’s beautiful eyes widen with curiosity and he smiles. “Frankie, Siri, Jesse—remember? Everyone we’ve told you about.”

“Of course.” She smiles. “I can’t wait to meet them.”

Jack winks and my heart melts as it always does and as he heads off, Imogen sighs. “You know, I always thought you and Jack–”

I cut her off. “We’re friends, Imogen. You are aware of that and well–” I take a deep breath and force some excitement into my words. “He’s with Siri now and I’m with Frankie—for now, anyway.”

“What do you mean—for now?”

“We all have a decision to make, remember?”

“Ah, yes.” Understanding dawns in her eyes. “The Claiming. Now you must decide whether to stick or twist.”

Just hearing the words said out loud causes my heart to somersault inside me.

“Have you made your decision yet?” She asks, a thoughtful gleam in her eye.”

“Of course.”

“What about Frankie?”

“I don’t know.”

I hate how nervous her question makes me. “You’ll understand when you meet him, Imogen. He gives nothing away and I wouldn’t put it past him to be bored with the situation already and ready to move on to his next victim. So, watch out.”

Imogen shakes her head. “He would be a fool not to stick with you, Cassie. From the sounds of it you are a match made in heaven.”

“Hell more likely.”

She laughs softly and as we head inside the girl’s dormitory building, I hope her roomie is every bit as fantastic as she is.

2

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