Page 51 of Massacre Monday
It’s not like Mitch to miss lectures. Especially one in which we had our first quiz.
Fortunately, because I’m terrified of Professor Hall’s antics, I studied hard on Tuesday night for it. When I check my phone in the hall after we turn in our sheets, my score indicates that I failed with a note attached that says, “See me in my office.”
Swirling anxiety makes me see double. Is that really my grade? IknowI answered everything correctly. It’s a subject I’m interested in and have been extra motivated to do well.
Part of me thinks I’ll pretend like I never saw her note and just go on with my life. Having to be alone in a room with Professor Hall would be terrifying. Worse, I’d lose my temper and might do something stupid if she started arguing with me.
Deciding to shelf the decision of what to do for later, I head over to the dance studio to sweat off some stress. It’s been a long time since I wore my soft jazz shoes, but that’s what I put on, as well as some big band music, then set to work. Which turns out to be a lot more fun than I remembered. I’m free with my walk, my sashays, and able to flow with the tune however I want.
No restrictions or rules. Justfeeling.
Between the horrific happenings on Massacre Monday, Gwen, Mitch’s awful declarations, and Ryan’s engagement…I’ve taken a ton of Ls this semester. Topping that off with a failed quiz is making this entire academic year leave a sour taste in my mouth.
And it’s only the beginning of October!
Fortunately, channeling all my anger into the movements helps me become lighter, more capable, and focused on solutions. Especially when I run into my twin brother on the way to the house from the gym.
Throwing his longer black hair out of his eyes, he sprints toward me with a shout. “Hey!” He tosses his arm over my shoulders as I lace mine around his waist in a tight hug. Smelling him feels like home in a way.
“Hey yourself. I miss you.”
“I just saw you last week, but I miss you, too.”
With a sigh, we walk together across campus at a leisurely stroll. “I’m used to seeing you every day from over the summer…”
“Same,” he says, bumping his shoulder against mine. “It’s weird not hearing you yell at the TV or playing your depressing girl playlists too loud.”
“Those are vibe-curated masterpieces, thank you.”
He grins. “Whatever helps you cry into your vampire books.” Nodding inSigmahouse’s direction, he asks, “Want to hang out right now?”
A smile cuts across my lips, comfort settling my belly for the first time in nearly a month. “Yep. Movie and popcorn in my room?”
“Better than a stinky-ass room with three other guys, I can assure you.”
“Great! Let’s go.”
While we amble towardSigmahouse, we catch up on the events of Massacre Monday and more.
“And then Apollo tackled Hunter Remington like he was on the football field. He called it ‘strategy,’ but I swear it was personal.”
I laugh, the sound foreign in my own mouth. “You didn’t get pulled into anything?”
His eyes dart toward the horizon. “Not this time,” he says with a shrug. “I’ve been laying low.”
It still feels as though Oz isn’t telling me something. And I’m not saying anything about Ryan.
Are we growing apart or just growing up?
“Have you been hanging out with the Marauders a lot?” I ask.
“Nah. Just doingDeltastuff with Apollo. Lex Lynx got in. He’s…something.”
With a chuckle, I try to remember the last time I saw Evie’s younger brother. “I can imagine.”
“Yeah. He brought a knife to the pledge interview and licked it.”
“Holy shit.”
