Page 120 of Satan's Spawn
“You better stop talking about my best friend like that, I may just have to punch you.” I turn to her and warn, semi seriously.
There’s that small smile I know is there.
“I’d love to see you try, California.”
“You’re beautiful, Hen, don’t you dare think otherwise for even a second.”
“You too, Bee.” She manages to say with a squeeze to my shoulder right before Mrs. Fairly calls for us to stop the “chit chat”.
I guess it’s back to being a nobody now that Saint is halfway across the room, casually eating his sandwich as I’m forced to wait until I’m hauling ass to second period to enjoy mine.
* * *
Half the dayhas passed and, as usual, the void in the four walls of this building grows deeper with the absence of Crayton. The whole school can feel it, even though no one seems to be talking about it. Not even the Ice Queen herself. She doesn’t have much to say at all, really. Especially not to me. There’s been an unspoken ceasefire between the two of us, and I can’t deny it’s felt good to not have to always be on high alert.
Being seen with the Royals at my side sure does have its perks. Even if they’re only hanging around to make sure I hold up my end of the bargain with their leader.
Their leader.
Crayton always finds a way to claw his way inside my head.
I’m enjoying a delicious eggplant parmesan hero for lunch, which will likely be ruined in a matter of seconds after I ask yet another question about the guy my friends have demanded I stop thinking about.
It seems like everyone around me is relieved by a missing Crayton except for me.
I’m still trying to convince myself it’s because I want answers, but deep in my gut I know it’s so much more than that.
Answers, yes. Reassurance, even more.
I need to know if I’m repulsive enough to scare off the devil in disguise.
“So, Archer,” I smile nervously through my bite of sandwich. “Any whispers in your grandfather's office?”
Archer groans, and Hendrix drops her burger onto the plate midway to her mouth.
“You are literally the only person who gives a shit that Crayton’s gone.”
I smile, my mouth falling aghast. “Not true. I overheard the janitor talking about it.”
They both look at me like they call bull shit.
“I’m serious.” I lie.
“I told you, Bex, this is pretty typical of Crayton to disappear at some point during the year. He’s probably off collecting the souls of the damned or some shit.”
“Doesn’t he get in trouble?”
“Not if his Dad can help it.”
“What about his Dad? Have you heard any details that can help me?”
Archer shakes his head. “Not much, really. My grandfather’s office isn’t exactly easy to snoop around in.”
I smile genuinely at him. “I appreciate you trying.”
Archer nods. “And I promise to continue doing just that.” He takes a bite from his salad, then adds, “But you should be happy Crayton’s not here. You can actually relax.”
That assumption has my eyes dragging to the table barely ten feet from us seating three of Crayton’s closest friends.
