Page 15 of Shattered Rhythm

After packing up our belongings, we return to campus. Before parting ways, we arrange to meet up later today to plan out the choreography so we can begin practicing during our next class.

* * *

It’s only early afternoon, so I hop in my car and head to the studio, thinking I can get in some dancing before I have to meet with them again. After changing in the locker room, I make my way to the stage. With the assignment in mind, I practice for an hour and a half, trying out different moves to the song.

Now it’s time to head home, shower, and get back to campus to meet up with the others. As I walk out of the locker room with my bag over my shoulder, Ryder and River come around the corner. Great. I look like a sweaty tomato, and they’re everyone’s wet dream.

What was that fantasy about twins again?

“Hey, Liv, how are you doing?” River greets me with a bright smile.

“I’m good, thank you,” I reply, smiling back at him, then look at Ryder, who’s playing with his lip ring. “How are you guys?”

“Oh, we’re great,” River says. “We’re done for today and just heading out to get some ice cream. Want to join? We know a place,” he says, half whispering as if it’s a secret.

“I need to get home to take a shower, and I have a study date later,” I reply, smiling sadly. “Raincheck?”

His smile fades a bit, but he nods. “No problem, Liv. You’re always welcome.”

Ryder steps in front of me, tilting his head. “What’s your major?” he asks.

“Dance,” I say.

“Oh, that’s surprising,” he says with a huff.

“What’s your major then?” I ask back in the same tone.

“Music,” he says slowly.

“Oh, that’s surprising,” I tease, trying to imitate his deep voice. Ryder huffs a laugh, and River smirks. “And what’s yours?” I ask River.

“Computer science,” he answers, and my eyes go wide.

“Oh wow, River, that’s impressive.”

“Yep, he’s one smart cookie,” Ryder exclaims, ruffling River’s styled hair, and he shoves him away.

“Shut up.”

I smile. These two are fucking adorable. “So, another time? Sorry, I have to go,” I say with a wince.

“Yeah, another time. Don’t worry, Liv,” Ryder says, and I turn to head to my car.

CHAPTERTWELVE

Olivia

As I scream for my dad, Liam turns and takes a step towards me, revealing my father’s lifeless body lying on the ground. Shock and panic grip me, and I rush back up the stairs to my room to grab my phone, since the way out of the house is blocked by Liam. Then I remember Theodore playing with his model cars in his room on the second floor. The thought of Liam finding him sends shivers down my spine. I have to protect my little brother, soI rush to his room with a sense of urgency running through my veins. When I get there, he opens his mouth to ask what’s going on, but I quickly place a hand over it and usher him to his closet.

“Shh, Theo, please stay quiet. Please,” I plead with him urgently.We can hear Liam calling my name as he approaches down the hallway, both of us shaking.

“Angel? Olivia!” As Liam’s voice grows louder, the weight of guilt and grief crushes me as I think about him killing my parents because of our breakup. Now, he’s after Theodore and me, and I feel helpless to protect him.

We watch in horror as Liam’s shadow obscures the light shining through the crack in the closet door. Suddenly, the door is ripped open, and we both scream in terror.

* * *

Liv

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