Page 68 of Under the Bed

Kaleb isn’t here to help me if my professor strikes. I can’t see him anywhere. He isn’t running into the classroom, cleaver raised. He isn’t here to murder Professor Dempsey.

If he were here, hiding, he wouldn’t stand for it. He’d do something about it.

If Kaleb were here, Professor Dempsey would’ve been dead by now.

So, yeah. I’m guessing I’m all alone.

While I’m contemplating how to slip out safely, my phone starts vibrating in my bag.

“Sorry.” I snatch it, waving it in the air.

“You could?—”

“It’s important. See you tomorrow.” I whip around, darting out faster than Eddy did.

“Tomorrow at five.” His voice echoes in the hallway, sounding completely unfazed.

Maybe something happened to him. Maybe it was nothing.

I’m not sticking around to find out. I shout, “Thanks,” and hightail it toward the door that leads outside the building.

Where it’s safe.

Well,out of hereisn’t exactly safe, either. While Kaleb isn’t inside the building, he’s definitely nearby.

He’d touch me. Kidnap me. Violate me.

It’s still safer than being in that classroom.

It’s a hell of a lot better than being around other men.

Cold breeze howls as soon as I push the door open, whipping at my hair. A couple huddles to my left. Two girls and a guy in warm clothes take a left onto the brick path, disappearing out of sight.

My phone vibrates incessantly, reminding me of its existence. For the first time since it started vibrating, I look at the screen.

“Val, hi.”

“Oh, thank God.” She’s out of breath, her voice choked. “Thank God you picked up.”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Except I know the answer the moment I ask her that.

The delicate finger on my nightstand. The cruel things Marina said to me yesterday about Kaleb.

Ice closes around my throat, colder than the night air.

I curl my fingers around the pocketknife in my coat. When Joe—Professor Dempsey—came at me, I freaked out. Forgot it was there.

I remember it now. One of the pocketknives that I carry with me everywhere I go. A false sense of security.

It won’t stop Kaleb from taking what he wants before I can talk some sense into him. But I have to try.

“Marina.” One word from Val. One word and my bravery vanishes.

The truth is a cold shower. It’s a torch burning the flesh off my bones.

He didn’t have to do that. I would’ve never listened to her.

He could’ve left evidence.

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