Page 43 of The Prom

I agree with her. It’s almost comforting to be anonymous and as we settle down on the ground, she hugs her knees to her chest and says softly, “Tell me about you and Jesse. How’s it going?”

My stomach flips and I’m grateful for the beer.

“Okay, I guess.”

She must sense the reluctance in my voice and say sharply, “What’s he done?”

I wonder whether to confide in her about the night the sprinkler activated, but having already discussed it with Drake, I decide to keep it to myself.

“I’m not feeling it, Summer. I hoped The Claiming would bring us closer but it’s not happening, for me anyway.”

She places a sympathetic hand on my arm. “I’m sorry, honey, that sucks.”

“Not everyone is as lucky as you.” I shrug. “It sucks seeing you all so happy, though. The Claiming worked out for all of you, but I can’t find the same happiness with Jesse. Do you think it’s because of his, well, problem?”

We are all aware of Jesse’s fascination for our former teacher, and Summer sighs heavily. “Did you know he is still seeing her?”

“Yes.” I admit sadly and Summer hisses.

“It’s a fucking disgrace. You shouldn’t have to put up with this. He’s gone against the rules and if I were Frankie, I’d toss him in the cells to rot for the duration of the semester.”

I love how defensive she is on my behalf, and yet I only have compassion for Jesse.

“I blame myself if I’m honest.” I admit and she growls, causing me to chuckle softly. “No really. I mean, if I was, well, giving him what she obviously is, he wouldn’t have the need to go there. Perhaps I’m the problem, Summer.”

“No fucking way Imogen, and stop being such a doormat.” She says furiously, “Jesse’s problems are of his own making and nothing to do with you. If he was fantastic, you would be all over him like a rash. No. it’s obvious you’re not into him and I don’t blame you. Leave it with me, I’ll have a word with my brother.He’ll get you out of it and if he refuses, I’ll slice his balls off in his sleep.”

“Summer!” I can’t help laughing out loud. “You’re so fierce, he should be very afraid.”

“You know it.”

She chugs some more of her beer and groans. “Do you think they’ve started yet?”

“Doubtful.”

She leans back on the grass, a strange sight in her golden mask and hood.

“This is gonna be a long night.”

“Hey, girls.” Before the final word even registers, the familiar voice is behind us and as I turn, I note the centurion standing close by.

“Jesse.”

I gasp, now concerned that he picked up our conversation, and Summer says quickly, “What are you doing here?”

“I came to spend time with my girl. You can swap with me, Summer.”

“No way. If you believe I’m walking through that tunnel alone, you’re joking, and I’m definitely not haunting the woods like a crazy ghost from the past alone. Anyway, I thought you was on cell duty?”

“Frankie changed his mind, and I decided Imogen was better company than Luca, so if you don’t want to spend time with your guy, I’ll leave you to inform him of that.”

Jesse has said the magic word because the idea of being with Luca is an offer she couldn’t resist if she tried, no matter how close we are as friends.

Jesse adds, “I’ll walk you back through the tunnel and Imogen can wait here for me.”

I’m not certain that’s a good idea knowing what Jesse is being groomed for, but I comfort myself knowing that he wouldnever survive if anything happened to the most protected girl on campus. If Frankie didn’t get him, Luca surely would. However, she surprises me by saying roughly, “Fuck off, Jesse. I want to be with Imogen and enjoy some downtime from the guys. It’s only two hours at the most, for christ’s sake, so thanks, but no thanks.”

Jesse is surprised as he stutters, “But–”

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