Page 76 of Speak

They always had that weird synchronicity almost like the twins. Except she was more Edgar Allen Poe meet Cher from Clueless and he was always so Jonathon Taylor Thomas.

I grunt at the memory of how they were always together. How it felt like I had to tear him away for practice. He was always following her. To the library, the dining hall, the gym, the everywhere.

My eye twitches at the happiness he’s exuding in their picture. But something is in his eyes. Worry? Fear?

I roll my eyes at the caption:‘Just like old times. *heart-eye emoji* Go RMU!’

I go to her profile since he tagged her in the one he posted.

Nothing has been posted for years. The last picture she posted is an action-shot of Axel in his uniform.‘Go Yellow Jackets!’

It’s of the night we fucked her up.

I darken my phone screen and throw it on my desk, my fingers raking through my hair in frustration.

I unfollowed Axel years ago, crying, alone in my room after my father had beaten me within an inch of my life. How he could hurt me so easily when I was his only son, his only child, never made sense to me. He thought I was bi. But for him to find out I was gay, not just bi but fully, I-suck-cocks-and-take-them-in-my-ass-and-can’t-get-hard-for-women gay? I wasdisowned. The scandal reached Seraphina, a duchess, my betrothed. It was her family that called off the wedding.

AndAxel? Axel unenrolled and then transferred to Hartford to be closer to Raven. Fucking Raven. I had to unfollow him because my world had come crashing down all around me. And his? Axel Monroe had fuckingthrivedat Hartford. Thrived so much more than he ever did at RMU.

Axel Monroe, the only man I had ever loved, left me behind, posting pictures of his new friends, new adventures, new favorite food places,girlfriends… after what I’d done…

I grip my phone harder.

It was his turn to feel this kind of pain. Thisagonythat never went away.

Me: What’s your plan?

Chase: Seduce her. Get her back to ur dad.

Me: Perfect.

Two Weeks Prior

Chase: I need $10K. I found out where R is staying when she’s off-campus. I have a hacker that can get me in.

Me: Sent. What’s the plan?

Chase: *knife emoji* *rope emoji*

Me: *OK emoji*

One Week Prior

Father: Chase is dead. Police believe he overdosed. He drowned in the pond at RMU by SDC house.

I don’t respond.

Axel: I just heard the news. I’m so sorry. I know you don’t care to hear from me. I’m so sorry.

Me: Can I see you? Please?

Axel: I’m sorry. I don’t think that’s a very good idea right now.

Me: Axel…

Axel: I can’t. I’m sorry. I’ll see you at the funeral.

Me: Don’t bother.

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