Fall From Grace

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Seventeen

"That would mean both of our theories were correct."

My mind is blown.

"It would seem so."

I'm not sure what to do or how to process this sudden realization. Vivian and I are going to a party tonight, with murderers. "There is a cult within the sororities and fraternities on campus." I verbalize my shock. "And they're killing people and doing weird culty shit."

"It would seem that is the case, in other words, yes."

I need to do more research! As soon as possible, too. Read all of the literature about Greek life as a cult... But before I can do that, I need to go to this party and not let my paranoia take over, like it currently wants to.

"Why was your week so hard?' Sterling asks, changing the topic, actually sounding concerned for my well-being.

"Oh it was nothing." I shake my head, not really wanting to talk about it. I only brought it up earlier to make him feel bad, not to talk.

"If someone gets hit in the head and kidnapped by a cult, it would be perfectly normal to have some trauma."

"I know, I just don't like admitting it." I confess.

"As I said," Sterling places his hand on mine. "Perfectly normal."

His fingers are quite long and wrap around the width of my fingers. His touch calms down my heart that was beginning to panic. The thought of my paranoia is making me anxious, but is immediately soothed.

"Thanks, and I'm sorry for being so stubborn earlier."

"That's alright, it's one of your better qualities. Stubbornness can be good in the right moments."

"I think that was a compliment."

"It was."

Sterling's hand is still on mine, and my stomach is doing flips. I'm hyper aware of every inch of skin touching. I hope he can't tell how warm my hands are getting.

"I should probably get back to my dorm." I say, as I get too flustered to stay like this.

"Do you want me to escort you, to your dorm... to the party tonight?"

"No that's... that's okay. I can manage."

Okay, I am definitely read in the cheeks now.

"Well keep your phone on you." He tells me. "I won't be in the manor until late sunday night so I'll have service."

"Okay," I nod, and take back my hand, immediately missing the comfort.

Fuck this anxiety.

I'm coming to tonight's party prepared.

When Vivian's back is turned, I slip pepper spray in my knee boots. I put on a more practical party outfit for tonight, needing to be ready for anything, a sleeveless turtleneck bodysuit, jeans, and riding boots that I can put weapons like pepper spray in them.

I wish I had one of those ankle holsters for a knife or something like Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

"I'm so excited you are coming with us!" Vivian exclaims as she braids my hair. I asked her to do french braided pigtails, the playing with my hair calming.

"I'm not drinking though." I remind her.

"Who cares, you know we don't need to drink to have fun." She says, "I won't drink either."