Page 74 of Rockwell Academy: The Twist

“Jesse comes from a town that isn’t like any other.“ She wraps her hand around the coffee mug and appears deep in thought.

“He told me that he is expected to graduate and marry a local girl and live on a farm for the good of the community.”

“What century do they live in?” I shake my head. “That sucks.”

“It does. So, he told me he went a little wild when he came to Rockwell and kind of overindulge with the girls.”

“Disgusting. That’s no excuse.”

I roll my eyes and she nods. “I agree, but then he got involved with somebody he shouldn’t.”

I say nothing and she whispers, “A teacher.”

“Fuck.”

“I know. It’s bad. Apparently, Jesse says it’s a lot. She’s a little unhinged, and he wants out.”

“Then get out. I don’t see the problem.”

Imogen sighs. “It’s not that straightforward. She’s blackmailing him. She told him she would call his folks and tell them he is out of control. That he is drinking, taking drugs and promiscuous.”

“So what? He can counteract that by telling the bitch he’ll report her to the principal. She has more to lose than he does.”

“It’s not his word against hers, Summer. She’s got video evidence of him off his face on drugs and alcohol and naked with a–” Disgust flares on Imogen’s face.

“A what?”

“A guy.”

“No way.” I stare at her in shock. “Jesse is gay.”

“No.” She shakes her head. “He says she’s made it look that way, but if you look closely, you’ll see he’s out cold. She set the whole thing up to control him and he has no recollection of the event. He told me she is wild and when they meet up, she offers him alcohol and drugs along with depraved sex.”

Imogen’s lips twist in derision. “He wants out, Summer. He told me it’s gone too far, and he hates the woman, but she won’t let him go.”

“But how will The Claiming save him? I still don’t understand.”

“To give him a reason to break ties with her. He will tell her he has a steady girl and she will realize he’s telling the truth. Word spreads fast around campus and if she sees him with me, she’ll back off.”

“Have those drugs messed with his mind? That won’t stop her from carrying out her threats. It will only antagonize her more.”

“He assures me it won’t. She targets guys with no ties. Difficult home lives and guys with no morals. If she believes he’s happy and settled, he will be of no further use to her.”

“So, who is this psychotic teacher, then?”

“He won’t say, but he needs my help because he told me I’m the only girl he’s met who he wants to do this with. That he likes me and although a little unconventional, he is doing this for the right reasons. To get to know me better.”

“And you believe him—that he’s not merely using you?”

“I do.” Imogen’s pretty face is etched with worry and I hate how she has already gone from the sweet girl with no cares or concerns to somebody who appears to be carrying the world’s problems on her shoulders. Fuck, Jesse, what’s he playing at because he is obviously using her for his own agenda? She is such a kind girl she will want to help him and I’m not happy about this at all.

“What about you, Summer?” Imogen changes the subject. “Why can’t you sleep?”

It reminds me I have my own decision to make regarding that challenge, and I shrug. “Same as you. Somebody has asked me to sign up to The Claiming and I have a feeling it won’t end well.”

“Then don’t sign up.”

“But I want to.” I roll my eyes. “You see, I want to explore things with this guy, but my brother may not be happy about it.”

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