Page 71 of The Honor Society

My stomach twists into knots.

Unknown

The Dean’s List

I stare at the words. I don’t have it. Jude does. He got it that day and I know that Axel had him keep it so that Axel didn’t have both The Ledger and Dean’s List on him.

He has that and the page Jude ripped out. The one he told me I would get if he died. I stare out the door at an unknowing Jenner sitting on the couch watching Modern Family.

Meanwhile, I can hear my heart roaring in my ears.

My phone buzzes to life again.

Unknown

And Charlotte, this time, don’t miss.

The ending hasn’t changed. I have. The task hasn’t. He’s still The Proctor and I’m still me. I frown and stare back down at the phone.

Nobody calls me by my full name. It feels vulnerable. Sacred. I was told my father named me. I hate it.

Shit! I pace back and forth. “Almost done?” Jenner calls out.

“Yup, sure, yup!” I yell.

A knock sounds on the door.

“Sorry Jenner I⁠—”

“—not Jenner.” Jude crosses his arms. “You look pale as a ghost.”

“I, uh, I’m not feeling so great.” I touch my stomach.

“Oh shit, are you pregnant?” He sits down next to me.

I jerk my hand away “No, I mean I guess it’s always possible when you’re having that much sex. Stop smiling, no.” He doesn’t stop smiling. “Seriously, stop.”

“He deserves to be happy. You both do.”

“Yeah.” About that. He’s going to die. Someone whoever this person is, knows his identity and if I don’t get The Dean’s List…wow, then he really would be dead and I’d be asking Jude for the page anyway so it’s really not a lie. “Um, Jude.” I try to steady my breathing. “This is going to sound crazy…”

“Look around, Charlie, crazy went out the window a few Horsemen ago.” He smirks. “What is it?”

“The Dean’s List.” I lick my lips. “And the page that Axel gave you.” My eyes fill with tears. “I need them both.”

He goes very still. “Are you sure you know what you’re asking for?”

I sniff. “People will die. Axel will die if I don’t get this. Can you trust me, just this once?”

“If they get into the wrong hands, Axel’s as good as dead and who knows what will happen to Lilah.”

“Death.” I whisper. “Has to happen if you want to live.”

“Charlie, I want to trust you. I do.”

“Then trust Axel. He said you had them. He said to ask for them if something happened to him and I swear on my own life, something will if I don’t get them. Please. You have to help me.”

“Okay.” He whispers. “Okay, have Jenner drive you to my place after. I’ll grab you what you need. If you’re sure?”