Secrets And Lies

Chapter 48: A Scheme To End All Schemes

Ryan

I booked it down the hall way, trying to avoid my brother and our friends. I wanted to pull out my hair every time they opened their mouths. They wanted to know what I planned to do for Senior prank day, and no matter how much I explained that I had no freaking idea they still didn't stop asking. My brain had been fried since the day at the diner and I couldn't think of anything else.
I needed to avoid them them at all costs. I was even trying g to avoid Axel, but that had more to do with what had happened at the diner and him wanting to know what the next step was.

I wouldn't be able to avoid them for long, but I'm pretty sure I had a good ten minutes on them because they always showered after PE, when I would opt to take mine at home.

I made it to the library and zigzagged my way through the aisles of books. Finding the most secluded spot, in the non-fiction section, I sat on the floor against a wall to catch my breath.

It wasn't long until a shelf jostled followed by the sound of books falling to the floor had me getting up and peeking around the corner.

I chuckled quietly as I saw what made the noise. Sloane had ran into the shelf and was muttering curses under her breath as she bent down to pick up the books off the floor. I didn't know why she chose the library of all places to spend her free period, but I was glad for the distraction.

I missed seeing her clumsiness on a daily basis. I admit that I had been worried for her first day of school after what had happened at the diner and they way she looked, especially after Axel told me what went on. But she came the next morning bright eyed and bushy-tailed as usual. Sloane was a morning person and usually that annoyed me. But it didn't then, I was relieved that she seemed to be okay after she looked like she would lose it that day.

After putting the books back Sloane rounded the corner and almost ran into me.

"Damn it, Ryan!" She choked out, rubbing her arm that I assumed hurt from her fight with the shelf.

"Sorry."

Sloane shook her head and crossed her arms. "I'd ask why you're here so early, but I'm guessing you're in hiding."

"Yep." I motioned her to follow me where we both sat on the floor.

"Everyone hounding you about the other day?"

"That and senior prank day." I admitted.

"What do you expect? I've been getting the same thing from your brother." She rolled her eyes, but smirked.

"They are demanding something "epic".  And I haven't even been able to think about it."

"Then don't think about it." She suggested.

"You have any ideas going on in that "Fae" brain of yours? Remember it has to be over the top."

"Ry, don't be like Quade." She shook her head on a laugh.

Sloane successfully ended the conversation by pulling out her phone and wireless earbuds. I sat there for a minute watching as she closed her eyes and leaned her head back. She looked exhausted. I wondered if she wasn't doing as well as she let on.

I reached over and pulled one of the buds out of her ears, causing her eyes to pop open.

"How you holding up?" I asked.

"I'm fine."

"You look tired."

"I am. With work and coming back,  my mind is going a million miles a minute. I came here to try and quiet it, but you seem to have something you want to talk about. So, spill."