Page 29 of Rockwell Academy: The Twist

Imogen smiles, but it’s lost a little of its shine and Jesse says softly, “I’ll walk you back. Make sure you get there safely.”

I chuckle. “Will she though, Jesse?”

He winks. “I give you my word as a gentleman.”

“Then run like hell, Imogen, because you, Jesse, are no gentleman and I would stake my life on that.”

He pretends to be wounded and Imogen laughs, a little of her earlier happiness restored.

Jesse adds. “I mean it. I’ll walk you both home if you like and then you’ll see I’m an angel dressed like a demon.”

“I’ll catch you up.” I roll my eyes. “I can’t find my phone. It must have dropped out of my pocket somewhere.”

Imogen says with concern, “I’ll help you look for it.”

I wave her offer away. “It’s fine. I’ll retrace my steps.”

“I can call it if you like.” She offers,and I roll my eyes.

“It’s on silent. It always is because I can’t stand being dictated to by my phone. I answer it when I’m good and ready and it irritates the shit out of my mom in the process.”

Imogen laughs out loud and I wave them away. “Now go. I won’t be long.”

As they leave me to it, I huff with frustration. Now, where did I leave my phone?

14

LUCA

Iwatch Summer begin her search and smile to myself. It’s always so easy. When Frankie left, I took that as my signal to act and spying Summer’s phone on the bar gifted me the perfect opportunity.

A slight of the hand secured it in my pocket and as I leave Ali to hit on some girl that’s been flashing an open invitation all night, I follow her outside.

The party is still going but there are less people now. A few huddle in groups around burning oil drums and some make out on the ground, oblivious to anyone surrounding them.

She heads to a seating area and huffs with frustration and as I approach, her eyes collide with mine.

“Lost something?”

She nods. “My phone.”

“Is this it?”

I remove it from my pocket and her eyes widen in surprise.

“Where was it?”

“You left it on the bar. I grabbed it before anyone could take a fancy to it.”

“Um, thanks.” Her smile is bright as she reaches out and as I hand it to her, I stare deep into her eyes.

“It must suck being you.”

“Why?”

“You have no freedom, despite thinking you do.”

“You’ve met my brother, and yes, you’re right, my life sucks.”

---