Page 39 of Harmony

My phone pings with an incoming text.

Sitting up, I open it.

Unknown: She wasn’t thinking. Neither was your friend Katie.

My blood turns cold. Fuck. They are listening to my conversations. I look around, trying to figure out how, but I would never be able to tell unless there was a sign that said “listening device here.”

With shaky hands, I type back.

Me: You can trust me. I won’t say a word.

Not even a second goes by before I get a response.

Unknown: Better not, otherwise Katie might develop a drug problem as well. Stay tuned for your next task and remember. We are always watching.

My breaths come faster as my pulse races.

What the fuck did I do?

I had considered calling Willow or sending her a message to update her, but these texts only reaffirm that we cannot be caught together. My vision starts to go dizzy as the seriousness of the situation sets in.

They implied that I was right. Shannon didn’t die of an overdose. Even more concerning is the fact that they not so subtly threatened Katie in the same way. Sweet Katie, who only wants to get out of this town.

I feel like I’m about to pass out, but I can’t. I can’t let them see they are getting to me.

Taking a deep breath, I hold it in, counting to four. Then I slowly let it out. I continue this until my breaths are coming easier, the dizziness is fading, and my pulse slows.

I’m not going to let these fuckers win. I’ll protect my friends at all costs. After all, they are the only family I have left.

-

Fourteen

Another Saturday nightand yet another party. This time I don’t know whose house we are at. I’m grateful that it’s some other poor soul’s turn to pass out drugs, leaving me and Katie to spend time together. Out of all the girls, she has become my closest friend.

I still miss Willow, but having Katie makes it a little easier.

“Do you want a drink?” Katie asks as we hover around the edge of the yard.

“No. I think I’ll keep my wits about me tonight.”

She nods. “I’m going to get one. I hate these parties.”

“Why do you come then?”

She shrugs. “Same reason as you. Tiffany makes it mandatory. Be back in a minute.”

“Make sure it’s sealed,” I call out to her retreating form.

Normally I wouldn’t leave my friend to herself, but I’m glad for the moment to myself.

After she slips into the house, I wade farther into the mass of people in the backyard, keeping an eye out. Obviously, I’m being watched. Between the last party, the note in my locker, and the text messages all prove it.

With everything happening so fast, I feel like the sensation of being watched will never go away. So far, my next task hasn’t been given. They are watching me. Waiting for the perfect task, the perfect moment to test my loyalty. Still, I can’t sit idle. I need to do something.

I want to get back to my normal life, be able to see and talk to Willow. Clear up this issue for Rocky. Make amends with Nate.

That means if I keep my eye out as I do something reckless and stupid, I might be able to see who is watching me.

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