Hidden Away

Part 13

I was still brooding over that question in school on Monday. We'd spent the entire weekend researching the grimoires and there'd been nothing useful so far. Zachary wasn't in class for some reason, which just sent my thoughts spinning even faster. I hadn't done anything to blow my cover, but i still couldn't help the rising panic in my chest. What if Zachary was the one who found out about my great grandma and stole the book? What if he was planning to ambush us today? I needed to talk about this to Lucien. As soon as the bell rang, I dashed out of my seat-  only to bump into someone's shoulder. For one heart-stopping moment, I thought it was Zachary, but- "Kenna?" My friend was standing infront of me, a giant book in her arm as usual.  It was strange how it was wrapped in brown paper, though. Did she find a new indie bookstore?
"Did you lose your phone?"

"Uh...what? My phone is right here?" I pulled it our and promptly froze. Oh shit! A beat of cold sweat rolled down my face as I stared at the screen. Hundreds of unread text messages. Missed calls. Ignored notifications. Kenna's face was expressionless as usual... but I could feel some kind of dark energy radiate off of her in waves. "Ah...haha...ha...look, I've just been really busy I've got to go...bye!" I rushed passed her, but she caught me by my wrist, pulling me back towards her. "Do you even give a damn about me anymore? We haven't talked in weeks. I've waited for you on the roof every single day. You didnt even come find me after what had happened at the festival."

"I-I was to...I'm really sorry, Kenna! I'm seriously dealing with alot of crap right now. Look, I have to leave, so-"

"With someone else, right? Found someone new to latch on to? If you're done using me, at least have the courtesy to say it to my face." Using you?! What the- "its not like that at all! I'll explain some day, I promise-"

"Some day? Heh... of course you don't have time for me anymore. Our relationship meant nothing to you, did it?" I cant believe shes guilt tripping me.

"Kenna, has it never occurred to you that I might have a life of my own too? I'm always the dumb one, the one who needs your help, your advice, your company... I appreciate that you're always there for me, but- why cant you just let me deal with things by myself sometimes? This has absolutely NOTHING to do with you." I glared at her, seething. "Let go of my wrist, Kenna." But, Kenna held onto my writs tighter than ever. I raised my head to glare at her- and saw that her eyes were wet. The sight shook me to my core- I'd never seen her even remotely upset before. "...didnt know know?..." she was speaking so softly, I could barely hear her. "I was the one who needed you all along... please... stay with me, just for today?" Something in my mind twisted, sliding out of place. I'd originally wanted to go home and talk with Lucien as soon as possible, but now... slowly, as if in a dream, I took out my phone.

Me: will be back late. Let's talk tonight.

Lucien: something happened?

Me: its complicated
Me: I have to go, Kenna needs me.

Then Kenna and I... we went up to the roof . As usual? As usual. I dont remember what we did or talked about. Did she tell me to meet her again or did I just imagine that? The rest of the day was a blur... I found myself walking down the streets at night, all alone. Heading home? "Home...for now..." My voice didn't sound like my own. It was hoarser, deeper than usual. My head hurt. "Nnh..." I stopped for a moment, breathing heavily as i leaned against a neaby wall for support. Just then, I heard footsteps. Boots clicking, sharp and clean on the sidewalk. The person came to a stop a short distance away from me. "Oh, Hey!" My eyes widen a little in shock. W-what? Why is he here at a time like this?

"Whoah, h-hey! Zachary!"

"Are you okay?" there it was again, that fake concerned voice. And of course, my knees chose that particular moment to buckle under me. I could already see Zachary taking a step forward so he could support me. Like hell I was going to let that happen. I grabbed the telephone pole at once, leaning back on it. "...fine. I'm fine. Really. So you can just-" I stopped as i realized that Zachary was giving me a slightly horrified look. "You... what are you talking about? You can't even walk straight. May I at least see if you have a fever?" he looks so worried. Damn, his acting skills are just getting better and better. Ugh... he's not going to leave me alon eunless I do what he wants, is he?