Hey, they just needed some privacy.He smirks, and I start to feel uncomfortable.Would Angelica really pick up some guy when she’s supposed to be observing me?
So, how about a dance?he asks.
I shake my head.I’m going to keep looking for her.
Actually, I think they might have gone to the poolroom,he says.
Why did it take him so long to remember?He grabs my hand and leads me down the hallway to a dim room where a bunch of people are gathered around a large green billiards table.But Angelica is not here either.
Well, now that we’re here, do you want to play a game?Dougie offers.
He’s really starting to irritate me.Does he actually have any idea where she is?
I’m just going to….But when I go to leave, the room starts to spin a bit.I put my hand on the wall to steady myself.What could be wrong?It’s not like I had any alcohol.
You okay?Dougie comes closer and slides his arm around my waist.
No.I don’t feel good.I want to go home,I say.But my tongue feels thick and my words are jumbled.
Relax.I’ll take you up to my room and you can sleep it off.He guides me away.All I can think is that I really want to be back home.
7
THE FANTASTIC FOUR
VIKTOR
WHENIMAKE THE LONG TRIP BACK FROM GETTING A BEER, A SILENCE FALLS OVER MY NORMALLYchatty teammates.
What is it?I ask.
Sinc frowns.You were pretty harsh with that girl.
Mats nods.It’s not like you.Is everything okay?
I release a tensed breath.I’ve got some family stuff going on.But you’re right, I should have been nicer.
Evie makes me feel all kinds of confused.On one hand, she’s gorgeous, even more so when she’s feisty.But on the other, she’s fake and I don’t trust her at all.I thought I had scared her off last night, but she came right back at me.After tonight, I’m certain that I won’t hear from her again, and that will be best for both of us.
Coty laughs.You’re usually so charming, even when you’re rejecting women.But maybe you’re losing your touch.First Destiny, and now this woman.
What happened with Destiny?Burly asks.Sean Burlington is a sophomore forward who shows a lot of promise when he focuses.
When Zee broke up with her, she stormed out of our house and almost broke the front door on her way out.Woke up the entire neighbourhood.Coty exaggerates, as always.
It was the middle of the afternoon.Can we not find something better to talk about at a party?I’m not used to being the centre of gossip or drama.I prefer to bring the calm.
Hey, it looks like she’s already over you.Burly points towards the stairs where some guy has his arm around a woman.Even with her back turned I recognize the dark hair and endless legs.And once again, there’s a sensation of wrongness which I try to shake off.I never feel possessive about women.But the more I watch, the more something doesn’t look right.
I nudge Mats.Do you think she’s okay?
He watches them slowly climb the stairs, then shakes his head.He’s practically carrying her.And she didn’t seem drunk when she was telling you off ten minutes ago.
I sprint towards the stairs, dodging people left and right as I try keep sight of her.Mats, Sinc, and Coty are right behind me.
When I reach the second floor, I see a door closing down the hall.I speed up, but it’s already closed and locked when I get there.
Open the door,I yell and pound my hand against the door.
