Page 11 of Shadows Within
He raises his glass toward Deluca.
“Deluca here was just telling me how proud you made us all by handling a recent… situation.” He clears his throat.
“You always make us proud, Callum,” Deluca says, like it’s a genuine compliment and not forced in my father’s presence.
“Just doing what needs to be done,” I say.
Father motions for one of the waiters to bring over the tray of champagne. He grabs a glass and hands it to me. I take a large sip, probably bigger than I should.
For the rest of the night, I play the part—I nod and smile when Mother grabs my arm and introduces me to donors. I trynot to show that I’m really itching to get out of here, roll my designer sleeves up, and get my hands bloody.
Trash
Scarlett
I’ve read the same sentence from my textbook three times, but information isn’t processing like it usually does. I try again. I can’t focus today. It’s been one of those days where I haven’t been paying attention to my feelings and they are telling me to slow down. Either that or I’m about to get really stressed. I used to lose focus a lot four years ago, after the incident at the party, I had to pull myself together. I’m sure a gym session will help.
Sophia sits across from me, smacking on gum as she reads her textbook. Deeply focused, she highlights sentences and takes notes, clearly processing things well. She flips her long curled hair over her shoulder.
“You look like you’re going to scream. You good?”
I sigh. “If I read this chapter one more time, I’m going to start charging it by the minute.”
Sophia laughs. “Want to take a break?” I shake my head.
“No, I’m good, I just need to–”
A shadow sweeps over the table. My stomach churns with anxiety—I can already feel who it is. I glare behind me and see Chase, my not so nice ex-boyfriend. I’m not sure why I dated him for so long. Maybe it’s because he made me feel something. Or maybe I felt like settling was my only option.
“I didn’t think I’d catch you in the library, Scar.” His smile is accentuated by his blonde hair and dark eyes.
“Well, here I am.” I smile at him but I’m sure he can tell it’s forced.
“Sophia. Always a pleasure.” He looks at her for a minute before his eyes land back on me.
“Cut the crap Booth, it’s never a pleasure.” Sophia rolls her eyes, unimpressed.
He pointedly ignores her.
“Didn’t think you could go this long without texting me back.” His eyes don’t break contact with mine.
“Well maybe that should’ve been your first clue, Chase.” I hold his gaze.
“I just want to talk... can’t you give me a few minutes after we’ve spent years together?” He sighs dramatically and puffs his chest, like he’s owed my time.
“We have nothing to talk about.”
“So that’s it… after everything?” He can try and pull at my heartstrings all he wants, but he should know better. I’m about to tell him to leave us alone, but Sophia cuts in.
“She said she has nothing to talk toyouabout.”
“I didn’t know you needed a bodyguard, Scarlett.” He laughs immaturely and looks at Sophia with an ice-cold glare.
“Only when the trash from the past doesn’t know when to leave.” She pops her gum to finish her statement.
Chase looks back at me and narrows his eyes. My body stiffens.He doesn’t control me, not anymore.I hold my chin high as he throws his hands up and stomps away. I know this isn’t over, Chase never lets anything go.
After that encounter, Sophia and I decide that we’re done with studying. We pack up our things and walk out of the library. I do a double take as we leave. In the corner of my eye, I see Callum, sitting at a desk by the back of the room. Why is he here now? He must have a million better places where he can study, his family practically has shares in the entire town. I can’t remember seeing him at the library in all my previous years at Langford. Why does he keep showing up and why do I feel like it means something? I know it’s his school too, I just find it weirdthat since the start of this year, we’ve had more interactions than ever before.
