Devil on the Rooftop [Book 1]

Chapter 27 - Arisa

Loyal Wilson did not have feelings for me. He couldn't. I refused to believe someone like him would ever be interested in me. Even though he said he was interested, even though he tried to handle me in unsettling ways, and got so close to me that I sometimes thought he was going to kiss me. Despite all that, I couldn't accept Hino's assumption.

My eyes were on the popcorn ceiling in my bedroom, but my mind was thinking back to what happened yesterday.

"You're wrong," I told the rooftop losers. "And if for some insane reason you're not...that doesn't mean I have to do anything about it."

Khaleel ignored me and spoke directly to Hino. "Did you ask him if he liked her?"

Hino nodded. "He was quick to change the subject."

"Oh shit," Khaleel cursed. "He's going to put her on the do-not touch list isn't he?"

"He might," Hino shrugged.

Khaleel shook his head. "I'm out!" he exclaimed. "I'm going home. I can't think about this right now. I just need to get out of this fucking building."

"I'm with you," Hino nodded.

They left me in the art studio with zero explanations. I had to find my way out of the basement by myself. I walked the halls of the academy lonesome, burdened by the reminder that the human lie detector might be crushing on me. I packed my schoolbag at my locker, thanked the security guard stationed by the front entrance for his services, and made me way off campus.

The walk home was slow and tiring. By the time I reached my front porch, I was completely frazzled. I couldn't even give my mom an honest answer when she asked how my first day at Jackheights went. I wanted to tell her everything. I wanted to get her advice on some of the troubles I was facing, but I didn't have the courage to say anything. I was still having a hard time believing that Loyal had a superpower. From what Khaleel told me about his upbringing, the ability to hear lies sounded more like a curse than a gift.

The next morning, a gentle knock came at my bedroom door. "Are you awake Arisa?" My mother's voice greeted me. I was awake. I actually hadn't been able to sleep very well. I skipped my morning run, which was a rare occurrence, but I was too frazzled to do anything. So, I stared at my popcorn ceiling and tried to rationalize my thoughts about Loyal.

"I'm headed to the office for an early deposition today," my mother added.

"Go ahead," I said, sitting up and crossing my legs. "I'll have toast for breakfast."

"There is yogurt and fruit in the fridge too," she went on. I didn't get a chance to see her but I could hear her struggling to put on her heels in the hall. "Eat up and have a wonderful second day."

"Bye," I called back.

"Don't forget to wear your uniform!" I heard her say. "I had time to pick it up from the post office last night. I left it on the sofa for you."

"Thank you!"

There was no point prolonging the inevitable. I had to put my best foot forward and face the rooftop losers and their leader. I couldn't let all my big talk from yesterday be just that. I had to back it up with conviction. Wearing the school uniform was a good place to start.

Fifteen minutes later, I stood in front of my vanity, and stared at my beaming reflection. The Jackheights uniform surprisingly suited me. I loved the fit of the blazer. I loved that I could pair it with my favourite blue studs. The skirt complimented my legs and my socks made them look longer than they actually were. Hopefully, it would help discourage people from staring at me too.

I wanted to make a good impression on my teachers and Matilda. She had quickly become my favourite person at the academy. Although her taste in boys was questionable, she was a sweet girl who stood up for what she believed in. Tomasia, on the other hand, was a completely different story. I could do without becoming friends with her. A, because she was related to the human lie detector and b, because she was the student council president. The school gave her too much power over its students, and now she knew about my relationship with Wade Cainan.

Loyal's angry reaction played in my mind. I ruffled my hair and hung my head. "How am I supposed to act in front of the jerk knowing he might have feelings for me?"