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I’m on my bed, doodling in my notebook. I should be studying since I have another test coming up, but I know the work pretty well. My mind keeps drifting to Stone and the night we spent together.
He was different with me than he’s been before. He was different with me than he’s been with anyone. I want to believe that it was more than just the alcohol in our veins talking.
I’ve been with Stone when he was drunk before, too—I doubt he’s sober very often—and he wasn’t like that.
I like him. I’m not going to deny it. I don’t know where this is headed or if it’s headed anywhere at all. We didn’t talk much when we were together, not even afterwards. When I finally left that night, I didn’t want to break the spell by saying something stupid.
But I like him, and it’s a big deal because I don’t likeanyone. I don’t have time for things like that. Survival has always been all that matters.
Since I came to college, though, things have changed. I’ve been working hard to change my future, but I had to blend in, which meant acting like a student and having fun like the students did. Now, I’m starting to see the point in kicking back sometimes, not just working myself to death or fighting for my life but justenjoyingmyself.
I’m starting to let myself have more fun these days, and hanging out with Stone has become fun. It’s a shocker. He was the king of all dicks when I met him, but things have changed.
It’s not like I’m going to doodle my name with his last name or anything, but the idea that my future might entail more than just a better life and a job that could sustain me…
“Here you are,” Lacey says, walking into the room, and I stifle a groan. “I’ve been looking for you. We’re thinking about doing a girls’ night. Do you want in?”
I want to say no. Lacey isn’t the type of girl I like spending time with. But I’m in a good mood, and she’s done a lot for me as my roommate.
“Can I invite someone?” I ask.
“Like who?” Lacey asks.
“My friend, Kat. We study together a lot, but I’m not sure if you know her.”
Lacey narrows her eyes, thinking about it. Finally, she nods. “Yeah, okay. I guess it won’t hurt. But she can’t be a bore, okay? The moment things get strained, she’s out.”
I laugh. “Yes, ma’am.”
Lacey rolls her eyes. “Don’t be like that. I—”
A knock on the door interrupts her, and she gets up to open it. Two policemen stand in front of her, wearing their blue uniforms, and my throat swells shut.
“Raina Walsh?” one of them asks.
Oh shit.
Lacey looks at me. I want to lie. I want to tell them that I’m not Raina, but Lacey is here. I’m in trouble.
“Can we talk to you for a moment, please?” the officer asks.
I swallow hard and nod. Maybe, when we leave the room, I can make a run for it. Blood rushes in my ears, and my skin feels like it’s on fire.
When I pass Lacey out of the room, her eyes are wide. I know it’s only a matter of minutes before she tells all her friends that the police are here to see me, and word will spread like wildfire from there.
We walk down the hallway toward the communal area, and I will for it to be empty. My mind spins. I didn’t realize lying my way into college is something the police will get involved in. I didn’t do much harm, did I? Okay, I stole money a few times, but other than that…can’t they just kick me out?
I expect the dean to be in the communal area or the board of education, everyone who will tell me what a criminal I am. I try to think of a cover story, an excuse, something that will help me wriggle my way out of this.
I can’t think of anything. I bribed, I lied, and I cheated.
When we reach the communal area, it’s empty. There are no important figures, and there are no students and their parents.
The policemen sit down and offer me a seat on the couch opposite them. I perch on the edge, my hands clasped in my lap.
“I’m Officer Winters, and this is my partner, Officer Cooper. We had trouble tracking you down here, Raina. There wasn’t much evidence of where you’re studying at your place of residence.”
I narrow my eyes at them. I’m not sure what they’re talking about. My place of residence?
