Page 56 of Feel Free to Scream

A little voice I refuse to pay attention to whispers that I didn't have to tell them everyone had been drinking, or that there was probably drugs, too. I should have held my tongue. It's common sense.

Seems I don't have any of that.

"And in the meantime, I'mhomeless."

These people are horrible. They must know how desperate they’ve made me. They must know how much it costs to live in this town. This is another punishment.

"Don't be dramatic," he replies with an eye roll. "Look for apartments in southie. I'm sure you can find flatmates."

"Yes. For fifteen hundred, if I don’t mind bed bugs,” I snap. “Andwaste hours every day—hours I have to spend studying to stay here—on commuting and work."

I'm wasting my time, and losing my temper. To cut to the chase, I ask plainly, "Is there anything you can do?"

"What makes you think I'll help?"

I stare at him wordlessly, as his amusement grows.

"You know," he teases, "when people beg for favors, they usually offer something in exchange."

And here we go.

"You already had something from me."

"So sure it was me under the mask, huh?" Keller challenges.

I lift my chin.

Honestly, I don't know what gives me that absolute certainty. Sure, I thought I recognized the blond hair, a little wavy, on the longer side under his hood, but he's hardly the only one with blond locks at Rothford.Maybe someone else heard him call me little ghost and repeated it.

And yet, Iampositive. He just…wouldn't let anyone else do that to me. I can’t explain it. But I’d bet anything I’m right.

"Wasn't it?" I volley back at him.

Keller holds my gaze wordlessly for a few seconds before replying—and avoiding the subject all at once."That deal got you your scholarship back. A couple of hours of work for over fifty thousand dollars. You're saying that sweet ass of yours is worth more?"

That’s an answer in itself. I find myself blushing.

"I'm saying," I grit between my teeth, "if there's a way to help, please do it."

He seems to consider my words.

"I can't get you your room back in the dorm."

My heart drops.It’s all I can do no to sink to the floor and just cry, after everything. I think the only reason I don’t is the numbness.

What next?

Maybe if I take a bartending gig and limit my sleeping hours to four a night, I'll be able to juggle everything. Just maybe…

"What I can do…" Keller adds as I put the mug down, unwilling to remain here a second longer than I have to—not when I'm about to break into tears.

I lift my eyes to his, knowing they're red and wet and desperate.

"Is give you a room here, in the Vesper House."

What?

I look around at the rich, warm dark wood, the leather, and the expensive everything.

---