The Skylar Experiment : The "X" in Apex

Chapter Thirteen - The Voice in the Woods

"Then explain to me how you already knew where I lived?" Not to mention the super weird discussion he had with Emma about this party while also talking about the vanished kids. "How did you know that?"

Luc's mouth opened and shut. For once, nothing poured out of it, confirming what I'd been dreading. I should have given him the slap he deserved, but I refused to stoop so low tonight. I could give Emma the benefit of the doubt, but clearly not him, not by a long shot.

Every ounce of reason in me warned that he was trouble—the bad kind.

"From now on, stay far away from me," I ordered and opened the door.

This was not going to work. I'll have to put my foot down with Mr. Santos to partner up with somebody else because even that was asking too much.

Fresh night air breezed through my hair as I walked on the terrace. I finished refilling the bowl when suddenly I thought oh, what the hell. I was at a party, and people enjoyed themselves at a party.

I went down the stairs, toward the students around the keg, and picked up a solo cup.

I've never had more than a few sips of wine in my whole life. My parents took great care in teaching me the known effects of substances on my precious, adolescent brain, but I figured I'd waited long enough. Not like I intended to make it a habit.

Adam was with friends and when he saw me, he all but pushed the other kid to pour my drink. I was just glad to be dealing with a familiar, friendly face.

"What's in it?" I asked. The liquid was golden-red and fizzy.

"Some sprite, some rum, fruit punch," Adam said. "I don't know the rest but it's good."

Interesting combination. He witnessed my first taste and chuckled when I swallowed hard. I wasn't prepared for the burn lighting up my throat and stomach. But I could do more of this stuff.

"You haven't done this often, have you?"

"Nope," I admitted, then took another swig. "Never been drunk."

"Oh boy. Take it easy with the cups, in that case. This thing's sneaky."

I scooted away for the next in line, and he joined me up on the terrace. Pretty sure it hit early. I was already having trouble keeping up with conversation.

"Where were you from?"

"Delaware, which is a strange place for Jen's mom to vacation in, but that's where they met. Not even at a resort, but at a pharmacy." Noticing my confusion, he explained his father was a pharmacist.

"What even is in Delaware?" I couldn't come up with any hallmark, like it barely existed in this country. I hoped it wasn't rude.

"Low taxes and businessmen," he said, and we burst out in cackles. And then he toasted my empty cup with his. "Beautiful channels and lovely beaches."

I couldn't cover up my bitterness as I stared at the dancing crowd below. "Can't believe I'm trapped in a landlocked state. We could have gone for Delaware or—oh, nevermind. Dad's new job. Yay."

Adam seemed sad for me, and I could tell he understood the frustration.

"I miss the waves, too. I still remember Slaughter Beach like the back of my hand."

"Oh my God." I slapped the railing. "No way, you surf?"

"Surfed. It wasn't competitive like you. It'd be comparing a figure skater to someone who can just move on ice."