Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 108721 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 362(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108721 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 362(@300wpm)
I sigh. “No, today’s the first time he’s ever done this. I’m okay. I’m just tired. It feels like all I’m doing is working or going to school.”
She reaches for my hand, but I jerk away and then hold my hands up so she can see the latex gloves I'm wearing.
I strip them off, trash them, then wash my hands in the sink. “What did you need?” I ask as I meet her eyes in the mirror.
She shakes her head. “Nothing important. I kind of want to drag you out of here and force you to have some fun. Sebastian is giving you time off, right?”
I shrug. “Yeah, he is. If only Tanya understood I'm not a twenty-four-seven staff member, then I could actually enjoy it. Maybe I need to leave the house on my off days.”
As I say it, I know I can't, not with Yanov running around, knowing where I am and who I'm with. I'll never feel safe out there alone.
“Why don’t you come out with me tonight?”
“To do what?”
“Socialize. Relax. It’s just a little party.”
“What party?”
“The party at The Mill. It's to celebrate the start of the recruitment season and all that. It's really a glorified excuse to drink and hang out, like anyone at this school actually needs one though, am I right?”
There's a noise from the bedroom, and Bel shakes her head. “I think someone is getting antsy out there. Come on.” She grabs my hand, and I let her, taking my trash bag in the other.
In the bedroom, I grab my supply bucket and broom and head out behind Bel. We go to the cleaning closet, and she helps me put everything away. Then she waits patiently while I dispose of the trash. I double-check that I have my wallet and my keys in my jacket pockets, and as I'm patting I feel an unfamiliar outline in my skirt pocket.
Oh shit. The pregnancy test. How could I have forgotten to put it back? Panic rises in my chest. If Tanya realizes it’s gone before I can replace it, I have no doubt that she’ll know it was me who took it. And then what? I need to get rid of it.
“Are you leaving right now?” I question.
“Yes, and I’m taking you with me. I won’t take no for an answer. You work way too hard, and you need a damn break.” She winks and then grabs my hand, dragging me out the door. I try to dig my feet into the ground and conjure up any response I can so that I can turn around and put the test back without suspicion, but there’s no use.
Crap. I’ll have to make sure I keep it hidden and that I don’t lose it.
“Could you slow down? I have tiny legs,” I grumble, and Bel lets out a laugh.
“I’m sorry. I’m just so excited.”
Her response makes me smile, and I let her lead me out to a sleek silver car that likely cost a fortune. She jumps into the driver's seat, and I slide into the passenger side. Once inside, she tosses a bag in my lap as she starts the car and buckles herself in.
“Here, I have some makeup if you want to use it. No pressure, but I didn't exactly give you time to get ready.”
“No, you basically kidnapped me.”
“Touché.” She grins.
I smile back at her, take my hair out of the messy braid I'd put it in earlier, and finger comb the dark strands. Then I dig through her bag and find some lip balm and a little bronzer. I refuse to use her mascara because...germs…and quickly shape my eyebrows. I look at my reflection in the tiny compact mirror and give a small nod. I look human and less like the pale maid version of myself. Not that anyone will notice.
In the ocean of sharks at this school, I'm the little seahorse simply trying to keep up. If anyone notices me at this party tonight, I'll be shocked. I do have to wonder, though, if Sebastian will notice my absence.
Who am I kidding? He’ll definitely be in attendance. At least one person will notice me. Nervous energy encompasses me, and I start to bounce my leg up and down. I’m out of my element here.
My anxiety rises as we pull up the long drive to The Mill house. I've been here a couple of times since I came to Oakmount, but this will be my first official party here. Bel parks the car in the driveway and exits the vehicle, urging me to follow. I exit the car a little more slowly, and she waits by the hood for me.
The second I'm near, she threads her arm through mine and drags me up the stairs to the huge double doors. “You’re going to have a great time. I promise.”