Page 103 of Devoured

“Okay,” he says at last. Then, softer, “I’m sorry, Vanessa.”

The words are as honest as he’s ever been, and I exhale a sigh of relief. At least he believes me. Just as Calix did. They both believe me, trust me, even when they shouldn’t.

“It’s fine.” I shut the door without another word. I have no choice but to keep lying until this is all over.

Safe in my room, finally alone, I fall back on my bed. The buzzing returns—thoughts of chaos, sabotage, and revolution flitting between my ears. Turning on my side, I memorize what comes next. I memorize each move we’ll make and exactly how it’s supposed to happen until my lids grow heavy. I blink once, twice, my thoughts growing slower the longer I lie here. I need to get up. I need to move, but I’m exhausted.

I’ve been exhausted for a very long time, and fatigue settles over me like a warm, weighted blanket as I stare at the wall across the room.

Before I can comprehend it, before I can stop it, my eyes close, and I drift off to sleep.

35

VANESSA

THE LINOLEUM FLOOR SCREECHES BENEATH MY SNEAKERS as I race into second-period English.

Fluorescent overhead lights paint my skin yellow, a weak flow of air-conditioning barely streaming out of the vents. The air feels warm, thick with humidity, and my braid sticks to my neck. I try to fan my face, but it never helps. School in Florida may as well be held inside an active volcano.

Pulling out my chair—second from the left in the third row—I sit down, then set my fraying black backpack on the edge of the table. My thumb drive is right where I left it, tucked between the pockets of my plastic binder. Of course, that thumb drive only matters if Celeste isn’t late. And she’s always freaking late. I slouch in my chair, pulling out my phone to text her.

Vanessa:

You promised you’d be on time today.

She answers immediately, as if she’s just standing around in the bathroom, scrolling on her phone, trying to piss me off.

Celeste:

The bell hasn’t rung yet.

Vanessa:

The presentation, remember? If you aren’t here, you know Ms. Hanover will deduct 30% from our grade, and I’ll be forced to kill you.

Celeste:

is that a threat???

Vanessa:

This is the last time I work on a project with you.

Celeste:

Be right there

Celeste:

Celeste:

Celeste:

With a frustrated sigh, I run a hand over my hair and smooth down the worst of my flyaways. If she doesn’t get her ass here before the bell rings, I’m simply going to strangle her.

The clock above the whiteboard ticks. My leg jogs. I turn toward the door, but Celeste is nowhere in sight.

Actually… no one is in sight.