Page 18 of Unpredictable

“Sadly, no,” I tell Sage before looking at my parents. “Did you know that BA offers an accelerated course when it comes to Finishing Class?”

“I did not,” Dad says while Mom shakes her head.

“They do, and Ms. Biel thinks I should do it.”

“What would that do for the rest of your schedule?” Dad asks, setting down his spoon and giving me his full attention.

“Nothing really. I would have to do my sociology class at home, which isn’t a big deal. Most of my classes this year are online anyways. I was going to do them in the library with Mrs. Lincoln watching.”

“Is that something you’re interested in?” Mom asks with a frown.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Sage chimes in.

I offer her a grateful smile before turning back to Mom. “I am. I’m only taking one class in order to graduate. Why drag it out if I don’t have to?”

“What would you do after Christmas?” Dad asks.

“Honestly? Probably keep up with my online classes until next fall. I have no desire to transfer to on campus halfway through the year.”

“That makes sense.” He taps the table.

“I think she should do it,” Sage offers up.

“You’ll stay at home?” Mom asks while biting her lip.

“I would. Through the summer most likely.”

Mom and Dad look at each other and have a silent conversation.

“Let your mother and I discuss this when we get home. I’ll have an answer for you by morning.”

“I’ll give you the information she gave me when we get home.” I smile.

“This is so exciting!” Sage gushes.

???

August turns into September, and September turns into October in the blink of an eye. I’m lying on my bed scrolling through costume websites trying to figure out what I want to dress up as this year when my phone starts ringing.

S.S.

Secretum Societatis.

I answer on the third ring. “Hello?” I say, trying to sound inconvenienced.

“Miss Davenport?” a chipper, female voice on the other end asks.

“Yes.”

“Hello, my name is Marnie, and I’m calling because your name was brought to our attention.”

“It was?” I sit up, giving her my full attention.

“Yes, someone recommended you to be an interviewer. Is this something you would be interested in?”

I can’t help the smile that floods my face. The interviewer is the person that evaluates the potential participants in the yearly virgin sacrifice. The whole process is kept quiet, except the fact that anyone who is a member may be chosen to be an interviewer.

Nervous, but excited energy fills me.

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