Page 21 of Rockwell Academy: The Twist

He chuckles softly. “I doubt you will find anyone better, though.”

He nudges me playfully and just like that, we are back.

Cassie and Jack. Our lives are intertwined and probably always will be. Whether that will be as friends, or something more in the future, but there are many experiences and challenges to face before we are ready for that.

He nods toward the house. “Do you think Imogen will survive this shit?”

“Rockwell?” I shrug. “Imogen is tougher than we give her credit for. She’ll have fun though, and she’ll have us. We’ll always be there for each other because we are the three musketeers, remember?”

We clink bottles and take a deep drag of the beer. Cementing our pact and setting one another free to live a different life for once. Knowing Jack’s feelings are the same as mine brings me an inner peace. I want him to explore other options. It’s vital and we owe it to ourselves and all that remains is to ask one important question.

“So, tell me, will you stick or twist at the ceremony next week?”

Jack’s smile lights up the dark sky.

“Why wouldn’t I stick? Siri is amazing and I’ve been holding back on her. She deserves my full attention, and I hope she feels the same.”

I wait for the despair to sharpen my soul at his words, but all I experience is relief. If anything, it’s the answer I wantedbecause knowing Jack was holding back and probably because of me hurt me deeper than seeing him happy with somebody else.

“Then I wish you well, Jack Anderson, and let’s put what happened between us last year inside a memory box and one day, who knows, that memory will be dusted off and we continue what was always meant to happen.”

“I’ll drink to that.”

I rest my head on Jack’s shoulder as I’ve always done and as his arm settles around my shoulders, I am in no hurry to return to the party. This is another special night we share along with many others and an understanding has been reached. Let’s hope all the confusion and dark days are finally behind us and we can live a carefree college existence with none of the baggage of the past holding us back.

10

FRANKIE

Iwatch Cassie leave with Jack and I hate how that affects me. They’re friends. Why wouldn’t they spend time together but I don’t appreciate the hold he has over her. I can’t compete with a lifetime of shared memories and I know she is struggling. Hell, I knowheis struggling and the misery on my cousin’s face merely sharpens my anger.

Luckily, I am distracted by my best friend Jesse who has granted us a rare appearance tonight.

He hands me a beer and smirks. “It’s a good turn out.”

“It’s always a good turnout.”

We watch Luca head into the basement and Jesse whispers, “What do you make of him?”

‘”I’m not sure. He’s a closed book and I wouldn’t trust him with my cat.”

“You don’t have a cat.”

I shrug. “You get my meaning.”

We watch Luca grab a beer and head over to Ali and Santi who smile their welcome. Jesse smacks his lips with appreciation as the alcohol hits his bloodstream.

“How long have we got your company for tonight?”

I refer to his usual trick of slipping off to meet Miss Sloane.

“When I get the call, I’m out of here.”

Jesse grins. “You know, I’ve missed her blend of creativity and depravity. Last night blew my mind.”

“And several cells from your nostrils I’m guessing.”

I’m aware that Miss Sloane feeds Jesse drugs. He’s high as a kite most days and that is of serious concern to me.

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