Page 43 of Make You Mine

These things suggest this note was written recently. Recently as in—as we were texting. Which leads me to believe he is close enough to me that he had enough time to do that and sneak the gift and note into my desk without me noticing.

I pick up the note and slide it into the pocket of my dress. That’s it. I’m going to figure out the handwriting. Find a way to get a sample of all the people at school if I have to and compare it to the note. I’ll start with the teachers.

Focusing back on the box, I avoid any more overthinking and open it.

A small, rectangular-shaped tube sits on it, sealed.

It looks like a…lipstick.

A wave of relief washes through me again.

Maybe I can do what he’s asking me to do this time.

“If I use it,” I mutter to myself. “Can I get my diary back?”

As expected, he’s listening. My phone must be bugged. The response comes right away.

Unknown:

That’s a good one, my wife. Who said anything about giving your diary back?

Ping.

Unknown:

I’m not done having fun with it. I’m still getting to know all your darkest desires. But I plan to make good use of it. With you, of course.

Fuck.

My words hover over my tongue, wanting to spell out vulgar words, wanting to wish him all the worst in the world. I hold myself.

“I guess there’s no lipstick for me then.”

Unknown:

If you don’t use it, you’ll get punished. Wouldn’t it be easier to be a good girl and follow my orders?

“I’m not good at following sicko’s orders.”

Unknown:

Ouch. I’m giving you a thoughtful gift, and that’s how you repay me? Why don’t you go to the bathroom and check it out? You might like it.

I make no effort in replying and cut our conversation short.

Okay. I’ll play. Maybe if I do this one thing for him, he’ll leave me alone for the rest of the day and I can figure out how to conduct my own little research with the handwriting.

I’m in the bathroom again in moments, and this time, two students squeeze by me as I stare at the mirror.

I open the lipstick cap. This shouldn’t be too hard.

Bzzz. Bzzz.

The girls next to me purse their lips, sneaking a curious glance at the lipstick tube.

I stare at the tube. My hand vibrating along with it.

What. In. The. Hell?