Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
My head pops up when I hear Reggie's bedroom door open. I walk out of the guest room and down the hall to his room. I lean against the door frame and knock on his open door softly.
"Hey." I say and shove my hands in my back pockets. "How was the debate?"
"You'd know if you went." He says coldly and I drop my eyes. He sighs, "You can't stay locked inside forever."
"What am I supposed to do? Cheryl is missing and I have no idea where she is, she hasn't answered any of my calls or texts." I shrug.
"You're not gonna find her in my guest bedroom." He sits down on his bed and motions me over. I sit down next to him and start playing with my hands. "I know that you're scared. You think every corner you turn she's gonna be there but I promise I won't let her hurt you. You got that?" I nod. "Good. So you're going to school tomorrow." I open my mouth to protest but he stops me. "That wasn't a question."
"Fine." I sigh. "But, really, how was the debate?"
"Pretty good, I think Josie and I have a pretty good shot at winning this." He smiles.
"Right. You and...Josie."
"It's getting kinda late, we should probably go to bed." He says.
I nod, "Yeah, I'll see you in the morning." I say. I go in to kiss him but he stops me. "You can't seriously still be mad at me."
"I'm not mad at you." He snaps. "I'm hurt. I feel like I'm your second choice."
"But you're not. I picked you. And I could have gone to him when I found out that my Uncle was the one responsible for my parents death, but I didn't. I could have gone to him the other night, but I didn't. I came to you, because I need you. If you can't see that then what's the point? I give up." I stand up and walk out of his room and go back to the guest room. As soon as the door closes behind me tears start to fall.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
I head toward the classroom where the Serpents have their meetings so I can talk to Toni. I hope she can help me find Cheryl. Just as I go grab the handle, the door swings open and Serpents start to file out.
