Page 84 of Fall

“Yes, I do. And as for what happened between you and me… We did what we did.” I shrug. “Can’t change that. If you’re looking for my approval to date her, it’s a resounding yes. I think you guys would be great together. She’s just going to need some time to figure out how to maneuver through her trauma. Do you want me to talk to her?”

Taylor’s face blanches at my offer. “Please don’t say anything.”

I chuckle at his irrational fear. “Fine. But promise me that you’ll talk to her. She deserves to know.”

We both hear the shower being turned off in the bathroom and the faint sound of Celeste singing to herself.

“Okay, but later. I’ll talk to her later,” Taylor says in a rush and gets up from his seat. “I have some errands to run off campus, but I’ll see you guys at dinner.”

I smile at him as he hurries out the door.

22

Ifinish washing the dishes that Taylor left behind, replaying his little rant in my head. I smile and look around the dorm, grateful for the little things. Never would I have thought that I would have genuine friends like Celeste or Taylor, but they’re so ingrained in my life now that I can’t imagine what my life would be without either of them.

I walk around the counter when my phone vibrates in my pocket. I absently take it out, sure that it’s Taylor reinforcing his request to not tell Celeste about his undying love.

But when I see the message, my smile falls, and my blood turns cold.

Unknown Number:Your time is up, little flower.

I pause my steps as I read the text.What the fuck?I immediately reply back.

Me:Who the fuck is this?

Unknown Number:Your rightful owner. See you soon, my pet.

I press the call button, but it just rings. I try again, but again, nothing. My mind races trying to figure out who this asshole who is trying to scare me is.

Who has my number?

Taylor and Celeste obviously, but this isn’t them. Micah, but he wouldn’t do this. He told me he was feeling better, but he’s still recovering from the beating he took.Isn’t he?Caleb has it. Does Elijah? Then there’s Ryan, Dr. Lewis… Alik…Fuck.

I have to get out of here. I need to clear my head and do some research. I’m going to track down this asshole once and for all. I get off the stool and grab my keys.

“I’m heading to the library. I’ll be back for dinner,” I shout to Celeste.

She walks down the hallway, towel drying her short wet bob. “By yourself?”

I look around the room before looking back at her. “Looks like it. No one else is here unless you wanna come,” I deadpan.

She tilts her head and narrows her eyes. “I can see that, asshole, but don’t you think it’s sorta risky going out by yourself after what happened?”

I roll my eyes. “That was weeks ago, and that was off campus. Ryan isn’t gonna show up here.”

“Yeah, but it’s also winter break, so there are less people,” she continues.

“It’ll be fine, Cele, I promise. I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”

She purses her lips. “A few hours, as in two. If you’re not back by then, I’m calling Taylor.”

I kiss her forehead, thankful that she’s not making a bigger issue out of this. I don’t need escorts or babysitters. I’m fine on my own.

“Thanks, Cele. Be back soon.”

As the door shuts behind me, she shouts, “I love you, too, nerd! Two hours!”

I chuckle and get into the elevator, putting my ear buds in. While there may not be a ton of students here, playing music while I walk around campus has become a habit.

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