Page 31 of Twisted Heathens
A quick jog across the empty quad and I’m back at Oakridge, sprinting for the safety of my room. Hands shaking uncontrollably, I manage to get the door unlocked and slip inside before I slump against the wood.
“Uh, hey.”
I nearly jump out of my skin, expecting some harrowing hallucination to be waiting for me. Looking up with fear, I’m shocked to find Kade sat in my desk chair, that bright smile plastered firmly in place.
“Jesus fuck, what are you doing here?” I shout.
He simply shrugs. “Waiting for you.”
“In my room? How did you even get in?”
He flourishes the spare key card. “Perks of the job.”
Seriously? This guy has an answer for everything. I shrug off my leather jacket, slinging it onto the bed. It’s only then that I notice the bags waiting on the mattress. Two of them, rammed full of stuff. What the hell is this?
“Care to explain?” I demand.
Kade clears his throat, a guilty look crossing his face. “Don’t get upset, but we couldn’t help but notice your lack of belongings. We sorted some stuff to give you. It isn’t much, but it’ll make us feel better.”
I stare. Gape. Try and wrap my head around what he’s saying.
“How… uh, what?” I stutter.
“Just some essentials. Nothing special, don’t worry.” He chuckles nervously, hand rubbing the back of his neck. “Look, Brooklyn. We just want to help you out, okay? Nothing shady, I promise.”
This is unbelievable. Do they pity me? Oh God, they came in here yesterday and saw the truth. How pitiful and empty my life truly is, utterly devoid of any meaning. They probably sat and laughed about me afterwards, trading jokes and insults.
Is this a trick?
Some kind of sick game?
Does he expect me to fall to my knees and blow him, just like Paul?
“Don’t freak out.” Kade stands, hands raised in surrender as he inches closer. I immediately pace backwards, putting distance between us while my thoughts spiral.
“Why are you doing this?”
“We’re just trying to help, that’s all,” he tries to placate.
That can’t be true. Nobody ever does anything out of the goodness of their hearts. Not in this world and especially not somewhere like this. Everything comes with a price, invisible strings attached that come back and bite you in the ass later on. He’s trying to manipulate me into owing him a favour.
“Please leave,” I order.
“What? Brooklyn, please. We’re just looking out for you.”
“I said go! And take your shit with you! Leave me alone. All of you.”
I point towards the door, my hand waving in the air. Every inch of my body feels hot, radiating indignation and fury. All sense has left my mind. Kade stares at me for a long moment, before nodding with resignation and gathering his coat.
“Keep pushing people away and you’ll end up alone. You’d do well to realise that.”
“Spare me the fucking lecture, Kade. I never asked for this.” I scoff.
He pauses in the doorway, casting a sad look back at me. “Neither did I.”
Then he’s gone. Slamming the door shut on his way out, clearly angry with me but unable to say another word without losing his temper. I’m left surrounded by their bagged gifts, feeling like the worst person in the entire world.
Twelve