Page 127 of Counting On You

Chapter Thirty-Four

Vicky

It’s barely lunch, but the day already feels like it’ll never end. Minutes feel like hours, and hours like centuries. I try to focus on the morning session, and the cognitive behavioral therapy following right after, but all I can think about are Kade’s words. Kade’s lips. Kade’s touch. It seems as though he isn’t just occupying all my thoughts; he’s in every part of my body.

Of course, he couldn’t have possibly meant what he said, yet a part of me can’t help but wonder what could happen between us if his feelings were real.

Sylvie nudges me, drawing my attention back to her. “Are you attending the dance therapy?”

I stare at her, absentminded for a few seconds, as her words slowly sink in. I used to love dancing, not just because it used to be my outlet and the only way I could ever forget my worries. Maybe it’ll help me take my mind off Kade. “Count me in.”

Kade wasn’t at the group session. He didn’t get lunch. The day’s finally coming to an end while the growing uncertainty in the pit of my stomach seems to be increasing. The more I think of him, the more I’m not sure what to think and make of him.

“You’re crushing, aren’t you?”

I blink. “What?”

“It’s so obvious that you two are an item,” Sylvie says matter-of-factly. “You need to be careful. Someone was transferred yesterday because they did it in the lounge room and the staff saw them.”

I don’t feel like denying the obvious. For one, Sylvie would never believe it. And then there’s also the fact that I trust her. “I thought you said everyone does it.”

“Of course. Doesn’t mean it’s allowed though. The worst place you could ever choose is the library.”

I almost choke on my drink. “What?”

“They have hidden cameras in there, probably to keep people from stealing books. Some people apparently didn’t know and did it anyway. The hooking-up part, not stealing books. No one wants those.”

All the blood rushes from my body.

I feel so faint, I might pass out.

“Since when does the library have cameras?”

She stares at me like I’m from outer space. “Duh. Like forever.” Her brows shoot up. “I’ve heard someone’s about to get into a lot of trouble.”

“How do you know?” I whisper.

“Why are you so weird?” Her expression turns suspicious. I open my mouth to lie when awareness flickers in her eyes. “Wait…Don’t tell me… you…”

I nod, closing my eyes.

When I open my eyes again, Sylvie’s staring at me.

“Please don’t tell me you did it in the back of the room.”

“We did.”

“Fuck.” She shakes her head. “What are we talking about? First base?” I shake my head. “Second base? Shit. Third base. What the hell!”

My cheeks flame up. “We went all the way, all the bases covered. And probably more.”

“You’re going to be in a shitload of trouble.”

“Are you sure the cameras are real?”

“Absolutely positive.”

“Oh, God.” I draw a deep breath, but no oxygen seems to be reaching my lungs. “Someone must have watched the video.”

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