Caught Between Worlds (The In-Betweens Book 3)

by Alison L. Perry

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  On Monday, I held my breath waiting for someone to make a comment about lice. This was exactly the kind of thing Olivia would thrive on spreading around. But it was quiet. I wondered why that was. I was sure certain people would be laughing and pointing at me by now. I was part relieved, part nervous. Watch me relax about it and then bam! Lice jokes city. That was the way of it as a teenager. You had to worry about never looking weak or stupid for fear of bloodthirsty females waiting to pounce on you. And they were probably doing it because they were worried about a different group of mean girls pouncing on them. What a sucky situation.

  The bell rang and I sprang out of my seat to head to lunch. It was my favorite time of day because I had an entire thirty minutes with Cam. Even though Harper had the same lunch, she still maintained her habit of spending it in the library. I wasn’t sure if it was because she was consciously trying to give us space or if she wanted the alone time. At first, I asked her to join us, but after two rejections, I got the hint and stopped.

  I was hurrying, which for me was never a good idea. But I was thirsty and anxious to see Cam, so I wasn’t paying the best attention. Someone pushed into me and I fell forward, knocking against the girl in front of me and making them stumble.

  Very slowly, she turned around. “Sadie,” she said evenly.

  “C-Carmen.” I didn’t know what to say. She stood there looking at me like I was an insect. Heat rushed to my cheeks. Oh God, why?

  “Aren’t you going to apologize?” The snarky tone was unmistakable. I turned enough to see I was now sandwiched between Carmen and Kitty. Why, why, why?

  I cleared my throat. “I’m sorry, Carmen. Someone bumped into me and I lost my balance.” I sounded intimidated and internally cringed. Why did I always sound so weak when I dealt with either one of them?

  She looked at me coolly. “It’s fine. Surprised me is all.” Her voice didn’t sound fine. In fact, she sounded… angry? Eager to put some space between us, I started to walk away with a slight head nod. But I stopped short, a cold sweat breaking out across my skin when I heard her whisper, “Watch your step.”

  I twirled back around and looked her in the face. The anger was still there, her eyes boring hot holes through me. Despite my terror, my mouth opened and I heard myself say, “Game on. Watch your step. What are you trying to say exactly?” I couldn’t believe my ears and apparently neither could Carmen. She walked toward me, stopping when we were toe to toe, looking down at me. The angry look on her face morphed into one of pure calm.

  “Sadie, do you want some advice? Wait”—she held her hand up—“it doesn’t matter. I’m giving you some advice. I don’t know what the hell “game on” means, but if I tell you watch your step…” She paused and looked me up and down. “It means Watch. Your. Step. As in don’t bump into me, don’t smack me in the face with a volleyball, don’t come anywhere near me. Got it?” She cocked an eyebrow, clearly waiting for me to answer. I shifted my feet before I had to take a step back to get air.

  “Yeah, I got it.”

  “Good, now get out of my sight, you little insect.”

  I heard Kitty’s laugh before a ringing took its place. Was it my ears? Wait, no, it was the bell indicating I should have already been in the cafeteria. I tucked my chin and hurried down the hall, the mocking laugh following behind me. Did Carmen just threaten me? And was Kitty aware?

  I slammed through the double doors of the cafeteria and searched frantically for Cam. He was in the far corner near the windows, arms waving in the air for me to see. I hurried over to him, panic threatening to overtake me. I didn’t even hesitate when I reached him and dropped my backpack, throwing myself into his arms.

  “Hey, what’s wrong?” he asked, patting my back.

  “I ran into Carmen, like literally. And Kitty was there and they were both being intimidating.”

  He kept rubbing my back. “It’s fine. You’re with me. It’s okay.”

  I inhaled deeply and straightened up in my chair. “You’re right. I don’t know why I let them get to me like this.”

  “Well, for starters, Kitty’s a bitch.”

  I was shocked. I’d never heard him talk like that. I kind of liked it.

  “Yeah, she is. And Carmen…” I trailed off knowing he had good memories of her and I didn’t want to start a fight.

  “Carmen is Carmen.”

  That wasn’t what I wanted to hear. “What do you mean exactly? You heard what my dad said about their family. They’re bad news.”

  “I know what he said. And I believe him. But she’s never done anything to me. She helped me.”

  “How about the fact she doesn’t like me? Isn’t that a problem for you?” I was starting to feel insulted that he hadn’t immediately taken up arms to defend my honor. What the hell was it about that girl that made people ignore her bad deeds?

  “Hey, I didn’t say I liked how she’s treating you. Don’t put words into my mouth.” His voice was rising and a few people turned around to look at us and whisper among themselves. Dammit, that girl caused problems even when she wasn’t around.

  I kept my voice down so nobody but Cam could hear. “You haven’t been exactly upset about it, either. In fact, you haven’t acted like she’s done a damn thing.” My throat was closing up and my nose tingled. I was about to cry, right there in front of half the school. I had to get out of there before I lost control of it. Standing, I grabbed my bag. “I’m going to the restroom. I’ll see you later.”

  He grabbed my hand and pulled me back down into my chair. “Don’t storm off. Let me explain.” He was pleading and I softened despite being upset.

  “I’m not sure there’s a good explanation, Cam. You’ve been great about staying near me and watching out for the shadows, but have you even stopped to consider that maybe Carmen is in the thick of it? You know what Kade told me. You know her brother is probably the one after me. But you haven’t exactly attacked that possibility head-on. In fact, you downright turn a blind eye when it comes to her.” The tears were coming now. “What really happened between y’all?” I choked out. “Tell me the damn truth!”

  “Shhh,” he whispered, folding me into his arms. “You’re getting worked up and it’s nothing like what you’re thinking. I’m not interested in her. I would choose you and your safety and well-being and happiness over anything else in this world.” He rocked me gently as he talked. “I guess I haven’t said much about her because there hasn’t been much to say. From everything you’ve told me, you’ve never mentioned her being involved specifically. Only that she creeps you out.” My head was against his chest and I felt his words as much as I heard them. He continued. “I used to be picked on and people were scared of me. Carmen changed all that when she came to my defense one time. After we hung out a bit where everyone could see, nobody bothered me anymore. So, I kind of feel like I owe her.” He kissed the top of my head. “But I swear that if she ever does anything to you… or even threatens to… she’ll answer to me first before anyone else even has a chance.”

  I pulled my head away and looked up at him. “You mean that?”

  He met my eyes, serious and steadfast. “I do, Sadie. I love you. Nobody’s going to hurt you.”

  I studied him a moment, but I knew in my heart he was being truthful. And he was right. She hadn’t actually done anything to me and I’d never said she did. He had no reason to go after her. It was that feeling of unease she gave me. Something inside made me decide not to mention the specifics of our current encounter. Technically, she didn’t threaten me. She told me to stay away from her. If I were honest with myself, our problems were my fault. I was the one who aimed a volleyball at her face on purpose. I was the one who bumped into her. When you looked at it that way, you could almost call me the bully. My stomach turned upside down at the unpleasant thought. Was I a bully? Before I could answer myself, I shook my head. Of course, I wasn’t.

  I sighed. “I love you, too. I’m sorry for doubting you.”


  “It’s okay. I can see why you would after looking at it from your point of view. I was an idiot not to do that sooner.”

  I squeezed him to let him know it was okay. “Yeah, but you’re my idiot.”

  “Oh, get a room already,” Kitty said as she flounced by on her way to the tray return.

  Cam and I grinned at each other.

  ***

  I stared at the paper in my hand, willing the big fat red F to change into a B. Or a C. Hell, even a D. Anything but what it was. This is what I get for drinking Dr. Pepper in the library.

  “Whatcha’ scowling at?” The clear voice cut through the chatter in the hallway and I looked up, blinking. Joy surged through me at Maddie’s bright smile. I threw my arms around her thin body and swung her around dizzily. “You’re back! I didn’t know today was the day. You didn’t tell me! God, it’s been forever.”

  She laughed and hugged me to her. “Not yet. Tomorrow. I had to meet with Mrs. Shannon this morning so I could reassure her I’m fine. She kept trying to talk my parents into keeping me home for another week until after Thanksgiving was over.” I released her and she stepped back. “Can you imagine how crazy I’d go if I had to watch one more rerun of Jeopardy with my mom?” She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and I noted how frail her arms looked. I could still see the faint bruises where her IV had been.

  “Are you sure staying home a few extra days is a bad idea?” I questioned worriedly. “You kinda look like you’re gonna fall over.”

  “I’m fine, Sade. I need this. I miss my friends, and weirdly enough, school.”

  I lifted my eyebrows. “Now I know something is wrong. Nobody misses school.”

  She laughed again and I gloried in its sweetness. God, I’d missed her. “Okay, okay. I believe you.” I glanced down the hallway. “Where’s Boone? I figured he’d be glued to your side if you’re here.”

  “He’s making up a Biology test he missed last week when the team was on their trip. He’s using his free period to take me home.” A dreamy expression took over her face. “My mom was going to pick me up, but when Boone volunteered, she backed off. I think they are finally realizing this is a serious thing.”

  “Well, they should. Y’all have been dating for how long now?”

  “Two amazing years.”

  I struggled not to roll my eyes. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, but she and Boone were like cotton candy. Sweet and fluffy surrounded by rainbows and flowers and hearts. But despite risking a cavity every time they were around, I was happy for them and would do anything in my power to stop a threat to that happiness. They were a bright spot in my stormy life and I’d be damned if anyone smothered it.

  Her touch on my arm brought me out of my thoughts.

  “Earth to Sadie. Hey, where’d you go? Everything okay?”

  I refocused on her. “I’m good. Except for failing this stupid English paper. I swear it’s Carmen’s fault. She distracted me that day.”

  Maddie’s eyebrows knitted together. “Who’s Carmen?”

  I froze. What did she mean, “Who’s Carmen?”

  “You… don’t know who Carmen is? Carmen Mathinson?” I watched as her face screwed up in confusion.

  “Why are you saying it like that? I’ve never heard of a Carmen. Does she go here? Is she a new student?”

  I ignored her questions, still thunderstruck that she didn’t recognize Carmen’s name. What was going on?

  “You’ve lived here all your life, right, Maddie? You’ve always been with this set of kids in school?”

  She was getting exasperated. With hands on her hips and an irritated expression marring her lovely features, she responded. “Sadie Criswell, what is going on? You suddenly look as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Why are you asking me these questions? And just who is Carmen?”

  I blinked. She was serious. How could that be? Everyone else in the town knew who Carmen was the instant she stepped back into Jefferson. But Maddie, a girl who loved to stay in the know on everything around us, had no memory of Golden Girl? Something fishy was going on.

  “You know what? Never mind. It’s no big deal. I thought you knew who she was, but I forget that you haven’t been here since she arrived.” The lie slipped out easily enough, but Maddie was still looking at me suspiciously. I tried to change the subject. “So, you’ll be officially back to school tomorrow?”

  She hesitated a moment, still eyeing me like she knew I was lying to her but couldn’t figure out why. Finally, her face cleared and she answered. “Yes. I’ll be here with bells on.”

  I couldn’t help but giggle at her Southern sayings. She laughed, too.

  An arm snaked around my waist and I yelped in surprise. Cam chuckled deeply and spun me around to face him. “Cam!” I said, breathless from the surprise and closeness of his sudden appearance.

  “Hi,” he said.

  I stared up into his eyes. They twinkled back at me with mischief and something a little more intimate than usual. All the noises from the hallway drifted away and it was only the two of us. I felt like I was falling… into him and a vulnerability I wasn’t used to.

  “Hi,” I breathed back.

  “How’s it going?” he asked, not breaking eye contact.

  I couldn’t think of an answer. His stare was hypnotizing me. I was completely under his control, not caring about our surroundings, who was there, or what we must look like.

  “Ahem.” Maddie coughed lightly. “Earth to Sadie, again.” She turned to Cam. “And hey, you. It’s good to see you.”

  Cam broke first. He turned his attention to Maddie and smiled. “Hey there, Maddie. You’re looking really good. How are you feeling? Ready to kick ass?”

  She giggled. “I don’t know about kicking ass, but I’m ready to get back into it.” She rolled her eyes. “You have no idea how refreshing it is to be out of my house.”

  “I can only imagine.”

  I tuned out as they chitchatted, remembering what I was thinking about before I’d seen Maddie. I looked at the offending paper and cursed myself again. I needed to watch my grades better. The last thing I needed now was to be yanked into the counselor’s office or put into a catch-up program. My parents had never been all that strict with me when it came to school, but I didn’t need to give them excuses to start now.

  Their laughter caught my attention and I turned back to them, putting the paper out of my mind. “What did I miss?”

  “Cam was teasing me about Boone. Speaking of which, I see him coming.” She gave me a light hug. “I’ll see you tomorrow! Gotta go!” She flitted down the hall where Boone was waiting for her with a huge hug.

  “Can’t wait,” I hollered after her.

  Cam turned me toward him again. “You know what I can’t wait for?” he whispered into my ear. I shivered at the suggestive words. He sensed it and pulled me closer. “I can’t wait to see you after school. Let’s go to our spot before you go home.”

  I readily agreed. Pulling my phone free of my back pocket, I texted Mom to let her know I would be staying after school with Cam to work on a project.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Hours later, I was lying on the grass with my head in Cam’s lap. He was propped up by the tree, legs stretched out in front of him, feet crossed at the ankles. He had a portable speaker hooked onto his backpack, and we were lost in the beat of one of his new band discoveries. After the song finished, I twisted myself up and he uncrossed his feet so I could lie between his legs. He rested his chin on my head and wrapped his big arms around me. I relaxed in the embrace, tracing circles on his arm with my finger. A slower song began and it lulled me into closing my eyes and focusing on Cam’s heartbeat, steady and strong. The longer I listened, the more I craved the taste of his skin between my teeth. Following instinct, I turned my head into his arm and dragged in a deep breath. I heard him catch his breath, felt how his embrace tightened, and I smiled with satisfaction at his movements. Slowly, I opened my mouth and allowed myself to
flick his skin with my tongue, the barest of touches that incited extreme reactions. Cam jumped and tightened his hold even more, almost pushing my head to his arm, and I was overwhelmed with a desire to pierce his flesh and indulge in a deep drink. His scent overwhelmed my senses and all I could see, feel, and desire was him. Before the moment had time to pass, I gave in to the urge and popped my fangs down. I nipped the skin lightly and watched a dark red droplet immediately appear. Without stopping to think what I was doing, I tasted the blood with the tip of my tongue.

  It was a mistake.

  He tasted delicious and it washed over me in waves. I closed my mouth around his wound and began to drink. I dragged mouthful after mouthful out of him, drinking as if it was my last drink on earth. I couldn’t stop, couldn’t open my eyes, too intoxicated with him to do anything but feed. I felt something push against my face and heard his breathing, erratic and heavy. His heartbeat was hammering and it urged me on. A small voice inside my head told me I should stop. That I’d gone too far, but I couldn’t… let… go.

  A moment later, my conscience finally took over and I forced myself to drag my mouth away. I was dizzy, hot. Everything blurred and I could only make out vague images. My heavy breathing turned to gasping as the reality of what I’d done set in.

  “Shit. Oh my God, shit. I’m so sorry.” My voice was ragged and I couldn’t raise my eyes to look at him. “I’m so damn sorry.” I tried to pull away, to distance myself, but he held me close, easily overpowering me in my shocked state.

  He slowly pulled my face away from his arm and half turned me so I couldn’t help but look at him.

  “Don’t apologize,” he whispered.

  My eyes widened. “What do you mean,” I whispered back. What did he mean?