Page 65 of What Happened on Roslyn Street?
“No. It’s that you are transparent. You don’t look or act like you belong.”
My stomach sinks. “No one else seems to notice.”
Except for Professor Cruz. He had his reasons to doubt me.
“They don’t pay attention,” he says. “That’s why we’re in this situation.”
It’s true. Even Margaux buried her head in the sand until I yanked it out. Whether it’s Caldwell’s gift of sight or my stubborn loyalty to Poppy, we’re the only two willing to push forward with the investigation. I like to think Margaux would have found her way here eventually, but…
He’s right. She has fangs—and deeper ties to this school than either of us.
“This is me.” I stop outside of Professor Cruz’s lecture hall.
It’s nerve-wracking to be here again, considering our last conversation, but I tell myself it was nothing. He was only trying to keep his students safe, and I can’t blame him for that.
But I don’t regret keeping my suspicions from him. If I had given in that day, I wouldn’t have Caldwell and his magic on my side.
“A shame,” he says. “I was hoping to steal a few minutes with you. Alas… we have to part ways.”
“Has anyone ever told you that you’re very dramatic?” An echo of an earlier sentiment.
“Yes,” he says, his eyes twinkling. “Many, many times. I like it best when it’s coming from you.” He leans in, his lips brushing against my cheek so softly I hardly feel it.
It’s over, a whisper of a moment that passes by.
My lids are heavy as I gaze up at him, and I want more. I rise onto the tips of my toes, a hand moving around his neck to pull him back in.
“We’re taking it slow, remember?” Caldwell chuckles and places his hands on my shoulders, pushing me onto flat feet.
“But—”
He steps away, his gaze dark and penetrating. “Enjoy your class, Tobey. I’ll meet you after.”
That’s all. He doesn’t give me another kiss or a moment of his time before turning to leave.
I’m left with a deep want, a desire that cannot be fulfilled—and one I’m still too scared to put into words.
A bright voice from behind me kills the moment. “Tobey!”
Amelia’s strawberry hair catches my attention.
Jun is following behind her. He gives me a slight nod before walking past us, likely only here to see Amelia to class.
“Hey,” I say weakly, lifting a hand.
Amelia has been a good friend since my first day here, and I feel horrible. I’ve been so preoccupied with everything else, and I’m especially preoccupied at this moment.
“It’s been too long!” she chirps. “I mean—technically, it’s only been two days since we sat next to each other, but… you know what I mean!”
“I do.” I force a smile. “We can sit next to each other today. Come on!”
Amelia follows like an overly excitable puppy as we make our way through the classroom, settling into our usual seats. We’re a few minutes later than I would like, and Professor Cruz has already started his lecture.
That doesn’t stop Amelia from continuing to pester me.
She leans in, whispering under her breath. “Did I see you with Caldwell?”
I nod.
