Page 7 of Tainted Tempos

“Massachusetts,” he says, a strange look crossing his face. “By way of Texas,” he tacks on.

“Oh,” I say. “I’m from here.”

“I know,” Bran says, flushing. “I mean, I figured. Your accent.”

“Right,” I agree, even though my accent isn’t strong. Shrugging it off, I ask him what kind of law he’d like to pursue. We have a normal conversation.

In fact, we get along well in class and regularly share notes and discuss the readings.

My mind spins and a copse of trees comes into view then. Bursting with colorful leaves that flit to the ground.

“I’m glad you came out last night.” Bran’s voice is smooth. He bumps his shoulder against mine.

“Me too.” I grin at him. “Thanks for walking me home last night.”

“Of course,” he says sincerely. His plaid shirt is rolled up on his forearms, and the back of his hand brushes against mine. For a second, I wonder if he’s going to hold my hand.

He doesn’t.

The next time I see Bran out, he’s different. Everything has changed.

Bran sneers spitefully, his fingers invading my mouth as I try to bite them away. “Come on, Mckenna. Give in!” he spits my name. “Tell me you want this. Want me!”

I jump up from the couch, splashing coffee all over my joggers. “Shit.”

“Here.” Allegra’s up in an instant. “Let me help you.”

Coffee drips off my hand onto the carpet. My fingers shake, causing the coffee to continue to dribble. I hold it away from me, watching the trembles that ripple along my fingers.

Levi reaches for the cup and places it on the table. His brows are bent together and the look in his eyes is discerning, as if he can see more than I’m letting on. Almost as if he knows more than I do.

I suck in a breath, wiping my hand down the seam of my pants. “I’m fine. I’m okay,” I rush out, trying to explain myself.

I sound panicked. Holy shit, I am coming unhinged.

Why can’t I remember? How could I mess up so badly?

“I’ll just go change,” I continue, rushing from the room.

Levi steps back and Allegra lets me go.

This time, I sit on the edge of the bed and don’t block out the voices in the living room.

“What the fuck happened last night?” Levi demands. “I mean, the pictures look like you guys were happy and in the moment, but...” He trails off.

“Something’s not right,” Derek agrees.

I close my eyes in shame.

It’s me. I’m not right. I’m…losing it.

And in the process, remembering things I’d rather forget.

The smoke from the bonfire fills my nostrils. Tall trees, endless stars, and“it’s my word against yours, Mckenna.”

I shudder as his voice echoes in my mind. Chills race up my arms and down my spine, as I wrap my arms around my center, holding myself together.

As my heart rate increases, I squeeze my eyes shut and drop my head into my hands. A staccato of heartbeats explodes in my temples.

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