Page 11 of Rockwell Academy: The Twist

“I know, but, well–” She hesitates and then sighs. “It’s just he holds back a little.”

“In what way?”

“I mean, don’t get me wrong, he gives me a lot of attention and yet we never move past kissing.”

I hate how happy that makes me and say with concern, “Do you think Frankie warned him off?”

It’s the only reason I can think of and Siri shrugs, “Possibly, but I asked him about that and he denied it. It’s almost as if he’sjust passing time with me and his heart is with–” She hesitates and then exhales sharply. “I think his heart is with you, Cassie.”

It’s as if she dropped a grenade into the room and it hits me hard. “Me?”

My breath comes fast as she nods miserably. “I watch him when you’re around and the expression in his eyes is heartbreaking.”

“You’re wrong.”

I attempt to reassure her, but she shakes her head. “It happens too many times to be a figment of my imagination. He has feelings for you that are getting in the way of his freedom to explore something with anyone else.”

“But we’re friends, that’s all. Family.”

“Then someone should tell his heart because he’s so deep in with you, he can’t dig his way out.”

I’m not sure what to say and she sighs heavily. “I’m aware you don’t feel the same. You are mad about Frankie and I suppose that is half the problem, for Jack, anyway. He’s jealous, and it’s eating him up inside and I don’t know how to change that.”

“So, what are you saying, Siri?” My voice is even but my emotions are all over the place and she says sadly, “I may have to twist when the question is asked. I don’t want to, but I deserve one hundred percent of someone and will never accept anything more than that.”

I choke on her unhappiness. It’s all around us and my heart hurts for her—for both of them. It worries me that she’s right. Not that I would admit it, but our relationship has subtly changed since I met Frankie and it was evident through the holidays. Jack kept his distance from me and preferred to spend most of his time with the Reapers. He trained so hard he was exhausted and didn’t seek my company like he usually does. It’s as if a canyon has opened up between us and I hate it. It willbe up to me to put things right and yet I haven’t a clue how I’m going to proceed with that.

Siri sighs. “Anyway, you don’t want to deal with my problems so soon into the semester. It’s good to be back, isn’t it?”

“It is. Like coming home in a way.”

“I wonder if this semester will be as exciting as the last one.”

“I doubt it. I hope not anyway. That was a lot to deal with.”

“Agreed. I understand that Abigail won’t be coming back. There are too many memories that would impede her recovery.”

“I’m sad about that.”

Abigail was attacked last semester by a psycho and even though he was caught, it didn’t erase the memories.

Siri forces some brightness into her voice.

“Anyway, this is a new beginning and it will be a good one. Your friend Imogen is here and so is mine, Summer.”

“I’ve met her already.”

Siri’s eyes dance with happiness at the mention of her friend.

“I heard she’s sharing with Imogen. That worked out well for all of us.”

She lowers her voice. “We have a new resident, too.”

“Who?”

Siri shivers. “Luca Romano. I met him in the hallway and I’m not lying when I say he is seriously hot.”

“Is that why you’re suddenly having doubts about Jack?”

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