The Elites

14 | puzzle

Chapter XIV: Puzzle

You apologise, but why?

Stop saying sorry. It wasn't your fault, Scarlett.

They hurt you, ruined you and tore you apart as if you were a doll. It was their fault alone.

I love you.

Sent by Candace at 6:00 A.M.

***

HARRIS SAT IN front of me, a warm cup of coffee in his hands as he gazed out the window aimlessly, watching the cars drive by. Opposite him, I sat quietly, sipping on tea which warmed my inside during this cold day. It had been approximately 4 days, 6 hours and 23 minutes since I last had contacted someone, since I've found out Zane's secret, since I watched the video.

My phone rang relentlessly, Stryker's name popping up, but never once did I answer it. I avoided him during lunch, lesson and anywhere where he'd usually be. I couldn't bear to face him, to look him in the eyes and pretend that nothing happened. Over the last few days, a realisation had hit me — I had feelings for Zane. That was a problem, a huge problem for me because I couldn't get myself involved with him. I had no doubt that once he found out what I've been doing, he'd never look at me the same way again — he wouldn't want to even be near me.

A part of me pained at the thought of that happening, but it was inevitable.

"So?" he asked, breaking the silence. His eyes flickered over to me; he wanted an answer, he wanted to know, but I knew, behind those layers he had shielded up, he was afraid to hear the truth. "What was in the video?"

Sighing, I placed my cup down, running my hands through my hair. The video. Watching Scarlett as she carefully revealed the hidden secrets of the Elites, but, at the same time, speaking amicably to the Elites during lunch. I hesitated, trying to gather my thoughts, anxiously bouncing my legs underneath the table. I clasped my hands together, leaning forward, his eyes tentatively waiting for my reply.

"There's not much to say," I began. "Scarlett mentioned something about the Winter Formal. Did you record anything that day?"

He frowned. "Why are you avoiding my question?"

"Can you answer my question?"

"Answer mine first."

For the longest minute, we had a stare off, waiting to see who would give in first. His eyes creased together as he adamantly refused to speak so I exhaled, leaning back in the chair as I took a sip of my coffee. The weather was cold today, white sheets of snow had melted away and left in its place the wet, icy ground. January used to be my favourite month, a fresh new year, a fresh new start — so, why did it feel like I was still in the past?

"Do you really want to know, Harris? Are curious or do you just want to feel less guilty?" I asked. He gave no reply. "Because, if you want to know, I'll tell you what I watched, what I heard. But that's only if you really and truly want to watch."

He didn't answer me, steadily holding my eyes and I knew he was conflicted, different types of emotions flickering through the depth of his eyes, but one thing stood out for sure — fear. The fear of the unknown. He was scared, that was all I needed to know his answer.

"Did you guys record during Winter Formal?" I repeated.

Harris shook his head, glancing down. "No. Scarlett told me not to, I would get caught and she didn't want to risk that. The venue we were at was the Harrington Hotel, she mentioned that the hall we had rented out and smaller rooms all had security cameras — I think she was going to use those."