“And that means?” she asks quickly. There’s no longer the chaos of wild terror that was in her voice before.
“Good times are coming.”
Another breath, but it’s no longer shaky, it’s fortifying. “God, I hope so, Simona. I’m so done with all of this.”
“Nothing is going to hold you back, Heidi. Not this, not what Kai did. Nothing. And I for one couldn’t be prouder of who you are, and what you’ve done. Verdune Pharmaceuticals is going to go from strength to strength with you driving its success.”
I hear Heidi, making a strangled sound like a half sob and frustrated wail but she is back to being in control. Her next breath is measured, and a little distant, but it’s Heidi being Heidi, and that’s what is important. “I needed to hear your voice, Sim. I love you. Are you sure you don’t want to come back to the Estate with me?”
“No, you’ve got things you need to do. Plus, I’ve got to go back to Unity. After that, who knows, maybe I have somewhere I need to be.”
I hear a soft laugh from her. “Simona Vanderling, are youholding out on me? It sounds like there’s a story I should know.”
The four of us might share a lot with each other, but we also keep a lot of secrets to ourselves. “I promise I’ll be safe. I also know you’re only a phone call away if I need to. By the way, I love you.”
Heidi interrupts. “Sim, I’m sorry, I have to go. Dad’s calling.”
“Go be amazing and kick some ass. I know exactly where you are.” I hang up on her so she can speak with her father, but also so I don’t take her up on her offer of confessing everything.
I turn my own attention to the message I got while talking with Heidi. I wasn’t going to interrupt her to check.
My stomach drops as I reread the information on the gynaecologist’s appointment scheduled for a few days’ time. Seeing the detail of the appointment in black and white is quite different to hearing the threat from Brody’s father before I left for Unity. It takes me a second to remember the email confirming the appointment. At the time it seemed like something happening to someone else, but the date and time now is too realistic.
There’s no doubt in my mind this is Brody being spiteful after our run in at the hospital. Right now, I do what I’ve wanted to for so long, I do the opposite of what is expected. I type N and hit send before talking myself out of cancelling the appointment.
After first hearing the threat of having to undergo a medical exam to verify my virginity—despite no longer being one thanks to Brody, I’d googled other reasons why hymens break. There were a few options that would have medically worked. I could have joined the Unity Equestrian Club, their bicycling sports team, or even the gymnastics squad to hide what he did. And I nearly did, until I remembered Dr. Carlislewould be the one tasked with the examination. He’s loyal to the founding family and will always give them the answer they want whether it is moral or not.
The speed of the Range Rover drops, and I’m surprised to see we’re already at the airport. And like Hendrix promised there’s a small charter plane ready and waiting. As we pull to a stop he texts.
Travel safely. Rest up, and once you’re back in your room at Unity give us a call.
After a quick group text to the girls letting them know I’ll be in the air, I send more detailed messages to Hendrix, Dominic and Ryder. I flick my phone to flight mode as we start taxiing down the runway. Before we’ve levelled out, my eyes start closing. I let myself sleep knowing it will be the best thing to do.
The bump of the landing gears wakes me up. And I feel a lot better, clearer in my head than I did before. I’m still a ball of worry and anxiety but that’s nothing new.
Nigel and Dale stay in full protection mode on the drive back to Unity.
“We’re staying here, so if you need anything just call,” Nigel says as he walks me to the gate.
“I’m not sure what I’m doing yet but I’ll keep you in the loop,” I offer as I walk off.
Chapter
Thirty
SIMONA
The corridors are busy with students talking and rushing to and from class. No one notices me. Not even Bella as she and her group of friends leave the library, giggling and tripping over each other. Which is good, I don’t think I could cope with her right now.
Our little apartment is locked up tight. Opening the door, I find the mixed scent of our excitement and happiness hangs in the air. And even though it’s only been a few short hours since we were here, it feels completely different.
I’m pretty sure Heidi and Raney won’t be returning. I’m not sure what Tris is going to do but she travels so much as it is.
I’ll miss them like crazy, and I’m sure there’ll be days I will feel lonely, but I’d take living here alone than returning home any day of the week. I could easily ask the Torres Pack to stay with them, but I can’t risk showing my hand to the founding families, and Brody, until I know exactly what I want to happen. I mean, clearly, I want out of the pre-arranged packing, but Dominic and I never really got the chance to talk about how that happens.
Before I lose myself in figuring that out, I want to have a shower, wash my hair and get out of the dress.
Koz got everything right for Raney’s big day, including the dress. The colour mimics that mix of lilac and electric blue of wisteria so well, it looks like it was made of petals. Well, when we first changed into them, they did. My dress is ruined by dirt and awful memories.
