TWISTED FATE (Twisted Path Book 1)

Chapter 1

Becca

(11 months ago)

The way my day begins is often the best predictor of how it's going to end. So, when I woke this morning cocooned under layers of blankets because my small space heater had conked out overnight, I knew it was destined to be a rough one. This is perhaps why the big red 'C' atop my latest AP Statistics test didn't surprise me, nor did the fluorescent yellow note stuck to it, that read: Mr. Blair would like to see you in his office at 2 pm today.

Now, just because I said I wasn't surprised, doesn't mean I'm not freaking out. In fact, since receiving that note, I've endured a good three hours and twenty-seven minutes... no, make that twenty-eight minutes of sheer torture in the land of "Oh crap! Oh crap! Oh crap!" Sitting here, watching the clock sluggishly tick by while waiting for the receptionist to utter the infamous last words "he's ready for you," is doing nothing but fanning the flames of my own personal hell.

"Hey, pretty girl. What are you doing here?"

Oh no, no, no! The fact that Shane Montgomery is here at the precise moment my life teeters on the brink of collapse can only mean one thing.

"I have a meeting with Mr. Blair," I respond, purposely averting my gaze to steer clear of that infuriatingly charming smile of his I hate so much. Afraid to know for sure, but unable to help myself, I ask, "And you?"

"Same," he replies, shifting in his seat. After several seconds, he pushes for the answer I'm not ready to give him. "Now, why do you think we've both been summoned to his office at the same time? Is there something you're not telling me, pretty girl?"

"For the umpteenth time, stop calling me that," I deflect, chastising myself for the annoying tingles that stir in my belly every time he uses that irritating nickname.

"Why? You like it."

"I do not." And that's when I realize my mistake. He was baiting me, hoping I would look at him, something I make a conscious effort to avoid.

"There she is," he ensnares me with his signature smile, and now I can't look away. "Tell me the truth, pretty girl. What are you keeping from me?"

My mouth opens and closes a few times as I attempt to formulate a response to his question. The way he's looking at me scrambles my brain rendering it impossible to piece a coherent thought together. Thankfully I'm put out of my misery when Mrs Wilson interrupts us.

"Miss. Franks, Mr. Montgomery, go on back. He's ready for you."

In an instant, my stomach sinks. The realization that the fate of my future hangs in the balance, to be determined by a man who never supported my taking on the challenge in the first place, doesn't bode well for me. Neither does the fact that I've deliberately avoided asking my unlikely ally for his help.

"Have a seat." Mr. Blair commands from behind his desk, his eyes fixed on his computer screen as his fingers glide across the keyboard. When he stops, he clasps his hands on his desk, his expression darkening into a scowl as he locks eyes with me. Under the weight of his scrutinizing stare, I look away.

"Mr. Blair, good to see you. How can we help you today?" Shane thankfully interjects, diverting his attention away from me.

"Well, that all depends on Miss Franks here." When his icy glare returns to me, the boulder crushing my chest gets exponentially heavier. "Becca, you came into my office on the first day of school and requested a schedule change. Do you remember that?"

Of course, I remember it. I'm not a complete idiot. Despite feeling offended and furious about his condescending tone, I bite my tongue to keep myself from making things worse. As his pause stretches longer than necessary, I realize the stupid jerk won't proceed until I acknowledge his perceived superiority.