Remember

Chapter 7: The Power of Deduction

"Where are you taking me?"

Sawyer's hands tighten around the steering wheel.

I'm sitting in the passenger seat of what I think is a black expensive car. It looks expensive. Everything about Sawyer looks expensive, actually, which only makes his personality more disappointing.

Before I got in, he gave me two rules.

Don't touch anything.

Don't talk.

I've already broken one.

Sawyer releases an exaggerated sigh.

"The mall."

I wait.

"And?"

"And what?"

"You sounded like there was more."

"There wasn't."

"Oh."

His jaw tightens.

"Now shut up."

I turn toward the window.

Rude for no reason.

For the next few minutes, I actually manage to stay quiet.

Then I remember last night.

Maybe the rumors are true.

I shift in my seat.

Don't ask.

Sawyer glances at me.

I look straight ahead.

Don't ask.

He looks back at the road.

I last another ten seconds.

Sawyer groans.

"Jesus, spit it out."

"About those rumors you mentioned..."

I trail off when I see his expression.

He looks like he's reconsidering leaving me on the side of the highway.

"Never mind."

"Good."

I sink farther into my seat.

Maybe I don't want to know.

Rumors can't be anything good.

Then again, how are there rumors about me at all?

I've barely been here long enough for people to know I exist.

I glance toward Sawyer.

His eyes remain fixed on the road.

Maybe he'll tell me eventually.

Wishful thinking.

The nearest real mall is apparently an hour and a half away.

By the time we finally reach the city, Sawyer and I have spoken exactly four sentences to each other.

It's been wonderful.

He parks and gets out before I can even unbuckle my seat belt.

I stay inside for a moment, taking in the enormous building and the rows of cars around us.

If I get separated from him, I'm absolutely never finding this car again.

"Opal, hurry the hell up."

I freeze.