Page 5 of Rockwell Academy: The Twist

“Come, I’ll show you where you’ll be living.”

As we head down the hall, Summer calls after us. “Don’t mind me. I’ll just wait here—on my own.”

We don’t look back and yet I’m smiling inside. Sisters are a pain and none more than Summer, but I love her with my entire black heart. However, she doesn’t need to know that because she would definitely use it against me.

3

CASSIE

Imogen’s room isn’t far from the one I shared with Siri.

“It’s a shame we’re not roomies.” She heaves a sigh and I smile.

“We would have been if we arrived at the same time. Mind you, Siri is great, you’ll love her.”

“I can’t wait to meet her. She sounds awesome.”

Imogen sits on the bed by the window. “Should I offer my roomie the choice of beds when she gets here?”

The anxiety in her expression softens my heart. Imogen is so kind; she always has been and I’m not surprised she is already placing her roomie’s needs before hers.

“If you don’t mind, then sure.”

She glances around with a soft smile. “I don’t care where I sleep. I am finally free and it feels amazing.”

She grins and her blue eyes sparkle with happiness. “Why did I resist this? It’s so cool.”

Imogen was supposed to come here last semester with Jack and me, but decided at the last minute she didn’t want to leave home after all and chose to study nearer the compound. However, she soon realized she was missing out and told herparents she had changed her mind. I’m glad of it and I still can’t believe my two best friends are really here, sharing in my experience at Rockwell Academy.

“Have you spoken with Frankie yet?”

Imogen refocuses my mind and my heart flutters at the thought of my dark, desirable boyfriend.

“No. I mean, we’ve communicated a lot online, but he’s been busy and so have I.”

“Are you worried?”

Imogen’s tone mirrors concern and I shrug. “Not really. It will be good to see him again, but he’s not my world, Imogen. Not like you and Jack.”

I make light of it, but I can tell she doesn’t believe it for a second. I don’t either, but I’m attempting to train my mind for disappointment. Frankie is a guy who shrouds his soul in mystery, and I can’t figure him out. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has changed his mind about us and I’m preparing my heart against the onslaught of that.

A gentle knock at the door commands our attention and as it opens, a stunning girl heads inside, along with her parents. I stare at them in awe because when God handed out assets, he apparently gave the majority to this family. They are a beautiful painting of when mother nature crafts a masterpiece and yet there is a familiarity surrounding them I just can’t place.

“Hey.” The girl smiles at us. “I’m sorry. I was told this is my room.”

I grin. “Don’t mind me. I’m here supporting my friend. Imogen is your roomie.”

The girl’s attention swerves to Imogen, who smiles happily. “Hi.”

She nods. “I’m pleased to meet you both. I’m Summer.”

Her smile is open and friendly and yet something surrounds this family like a force field. Power, darkness, reservation, andmistrust. Something holds them back and now I know who it reminds me of. Frankie.

From somewhere in the recess of my mind, I remember he has a sister – Summer. I drag my gaze to her father and it hits me square in the heart.

This is Frankie’s family.

“We should go.” Her mom says with a sigh. “You don’t need us now.”

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