Haunting

Chapter 3

        Monday morning I wait patiently outside the bathroom while Dev showers. He finally exits with a towel wrapped around his waist and dresses quickly.

        The day begins normal enough. I drift behind him as he attends his classes. By lunch he looks exhausted. I know he didn't sleep well last night; he hasn't since the club. Still, he manages to put on a good show when Trent and Ben catch up to him outside the cafeteria.

        "Hey, man," Trent calls.

        "Be prepared for English," Ben says with a grimace. "It was brutal."

        "Isn't it always?" Dev heads inside and straight to their table. He stops short when he notices it's already occupied.

        "Oh, yeah. I forgot to mention we invited Cassidy to chill with us." Ben tosses his bag down, shooting her a flirty smile. "How have you been settling in?"

        She looks up, eyes skimming over Ben and locking on Dev. She returns the smile, but it's clear it's forced. Her slim fingers pick at the sleeve of her pale green sweater. "Hey, guys. I'm fine. Still trying to get used to the halls. I can't count how many times I've gotten lost already."

        "You'll get the hang of it," Trent says.

        Cassidy watches the pair wander over to the lunch line then turns to Dev. "Look, I can leave if you want me to."

        He frowns. "I didn't say that's what I wanted."

        She shrugs, biting her lower lip. "I didn't miss how you bolted at the club. Your friends are just being nice to me because of Mike. I doubt they'll be offended if I find somewhere else to sit."

        Scrubbing a hand down his face, he sighs. "It wasn't like that. My leaving had nothing to do with you. I hadn't been feeling well in the first place. I shouln't have even gone out. This sounds like the most pathetic excuse, doesn't it?"

        Finally she grants him a smile. "As long as I didn't somehow offend you, I don't really care what the excuse is."

        "Hey, at least you get to head out of town."

        They look up as Ben and Trent return, both carrying trays piled with food. As they near, Ben shrugs. "Yeah, but it's eight hours in the car with my dad and two little kids. Just imagine that for a moment. Marco and Amber don't do long car rides well."

        "What are you two talking about?" Dev asks.

        "Our plans for Thanksgiving," Trent explains.

        "Dad, the twins, and I are heading up to see my uncle." Ben sets his tray down and immediately begins on his fries.

        "Good luck." Dev laughs and shakes his head. I know he's remembering the game days we used to spend at Ben's. His brother and sister would appear every so often to tackle Dev, Trent, or me. Containing that much energy in a confined metal box for eight hours? I almost feet bad for Ben. But at least he will get to celebrate.

        Trent pops the tab on his lemonade and takes a big swig before speaking. "My grandparents are going to be down all week. Just a normal family get together. What about you, Cassidy?"

        "Oh, Mike and his parents are coming over to celebrate with my mom and I. Nothing terribly special." She looks to Dev, smiles. "What are your plans, Devin?"

        It's like a heavy weight descends on the three guys. They each freeze, Dev so still I can barely see his chest rise and fall. Trent and Ben slowly turn to face him, gauging his reaction. Slowly he releases a tense breath. He should be able to say he's spening the day with his girlfriend. He should be able to say they'll make a cranberry glazed turkey and more pies than the two of them could ever hope to eat. That after dinner they'll stay up all night watching How I Met Your Mother. Instead he says, "I don't have plans."

        Cassidy frowns, glancing between the three. "Well... If you want, you coud join us. I mean, no one should have to spend Thanksgiving alone."

        I see the pain in his eyes, know he wants to tell her he has nothing to be thankful for this year. But then she would ask questions, questions he isn't ready to answer just yet. "I'll...think about it."

        Ben and Trent relax slightly. "So... Who else hates reading classics for English?" Ben asks.