"Is that all?" I said quietly. "I'm kinda busy." Rory laughed. The girl gave him an evil stare. Her mind filled up with images of me and Terrence kissing in the hallway.
"You should be ashamed. First you steal a dead girl's boyfriend. Then you go behind Jen's back! You're sick and I hope Terrence sees you for the backstabber you are!" I took a breath. Shoppers were staring and I was becoming the center of attention – something I didn't handle well.
"I'm sorry, Jen?" I responded, still calm. "I don't know a Jen." The cheerleader looked furious. Her eyes got wide and her chest pounded like crazy.
"Uh, hello! Jen happens to be my best friend?"
"So?"
"And Terrence's new girlfriend!" I would've thought she was making it up but her thoughts didn't lie. Terrence and Jen had a date tonight.
"Hold on," I protested. "Are we talking about the same Terrence here?" The girl stepped closer. I thought she might smack me this time.
"Back off," she said in a harsh voice. Her posse followed as she stepped past me, bumping my shoulder. I was speechless. What was going on?
"Was that a joke?" Rory pushed our cart closer to the register. He'd just witnessed his first almost-catfight ever. He had a lot to learn about girl-world.
"She was telling the truth," I muttered. Instead of gloating, Rory felt bad. Yes, he didn't like Terrence but that didn't mean he wanted me to get hurt. He just hoped that I'd figure things out before it went too far.
"Maybe this Jen girl asked Terrence out and he couldn't say no?"
"Don't try to be nice." I thought about Terrence – the feel of his lips and the fun we'd had together. "Well, I guess this explains why he was so weird yesterday."
"I wish I knew what to say," Rory replied.
"Just admit that you're a geek and that'll make me feel better." I smiled, but inside I was dying. The one person who made me feel normal, pretty, and confident was a liar. Maybe there was an explanation for all this but what if there wasn't? My stomach felt sick. I just wanted to go home and lie on the couch.
"No, I'm not doing that." Rory began unloading our cart.
"Then I'll blame you for everything that sucks in my life," I answered. Rory just ignored me and kept unloading. "Ok, I'll admit something first. It's possible that you might be right." Rory grinned.
"And that would make you?"
"Wrong," I admitted. The cashier rang up our groceries. I rubbed my head again but I didn't have a headache. Talking to Rory helped. It helped me concentrate. Maybe I could do this grocery store thing after all.
Chapter Fifteen
Abandoned
Monday felt like the longest day of my life. I sat through each class, my mind full of accusations. Word about Terrence and Jen got around quick. I still hadn't seen Terrence since Friday, and I was dreading that moment. As much as I craved his attention, his touch, and his ability to make me feel normal, I knew that when I saw him I'd fall victim to thought-spewing. My burning curiosity wouldn't permit me to hold my tongue. I had so many questions I didn't know which ones to pick first.
At last, the bell rang. Finally I could go find Emma and get out of here. I stared at nothing and stood up with a raised chin, pretending not to notice the glares coming from the girls next to me – cheerleaders no doubt. I also pretended not to care that half the boys in class thought I was easy. Pervs.
"Rough day?" Rory was waiting outside my classroom. An unexpected surprise but walking with him calmed my nerves. I blurred out everything around me and focused on Rory. His mind was spinning fast like always. Here and there, a thought would be released – I've got another Chem paper, my shoelace feels too loose, I should've peed before class.
"Is it possible to be hated by the entire school?" I asked. Rory grinned and adjusted his glasses. His green colored shirt matched his eyes – bright eyes that were always hidden under bulky glasses.
"You're asking the wrong guy, Bridget. No encounters with Terrence I take it?" The sound of that name put a sour look on my face. I'd heard it over and over again all day. I'd never realized how many cheerleaders I had class with.
"Terrence, Terrence, Terrence," I repeated. "Don't the girls at this school have better things to think about?" Rory followed me to my locker where I filled my backpack with the books I'd need for homework. The halls were busy. Students pushed their way through the crowds. Some even stumbled around, still hung over from the weekend.
"I'm going to take that as a no." Rory leaned against the wall. I could see him looking around. He poked my shoulder and I looked up.
"What?" I didn't mean to sound so impatient but I was starting to get a headache.
"He's coming over here," Rory whispered. "Terrence." My chest suddenly went heavy. The thoughts in my head started spinning out of control, a habit I'd picked up from Rory. I picked at my fingernails, anxious to get this over with. Rory looked down at the floor as I slammed my locker.
"Hey," I said casually. Terrence had an expressionless face. He didn't look overjoyed but he moved close like nothing was wrong, side-stepping in front of Rory.
"Bridget," Terrence replied. "There you are. I was hoping to see you at lunch."
"I had stuff to do," I replied. Rory chuckled and I saw Terrence roll his eyes.
"Do you have to be here?" Terrence turned around and gave Rory a rude look.
"He's fine Terrence," I quickly commented. Rory grinned and folded his arms, listening intently. "Is there something you wanted?" Terrence acted confused but I knew the game. Guy dates girl. Guy gets bored and dates other girl. Guy continues to date both girls like nothing's wrong. Why? Because the guy's an idiot who doesn't think girls talk. Uh, hello? Girls do nothing but talk. Word always gets around.
"Is something wrong?" Terrence asked. I let out a huge sigh. Obviously, I was going to have to spell it out.
"How was your date Saturday night? I trust Jen didn't have to leave unexpectedly?" I could hear Rory chuckle again. He was loving his front row seat. "Shush, Rory."
"Oh that," Terrence responded looking shocked. I was getting better at reading his expressions. "Bridget . . ."
"Save the speech," I interrupted. "I don't want to hear it. I'm not an idiot, Terrence. And I'm not a dumb blonde either. Your free ride ends here."
"Listen Bridget, I'll make this up to you. I promise," Terrence pleaded. Make what up to me? I raised my eyebrows. This was frustrating. My emotions were swirling out of whack. Part of me wanted to scream and the other part of me wanted to curl up in a ball in my room.
"Really?" I asked. Terrence put a hand on my shoulder. I still liked the feel of his touch, even though I despised him at the moment. "How? Are you going to take me to your house? Introduce me to your family?"
"If that's what you want," Terrence agreed. Rory tried so hard to hold in his laughs that he started coughing.
"Actually," I said putting a hand on my hip. "That's exactly what I want. Let's do that. Right now." Terrence looked shocked again. He opened his mouth but no words came out. I thought he would hesitate or make an excuse, but he actually looked pleased.
"Right now?" He smirked. "Like I said; if that's what you want." I nodded. Rory kept smiling and covering his mouth with his hand. This is going to be good, Rory thought to himself. Bridget, can I come too? I shot Rory a disappointed glare.
"Are you sure?" I asked. It seemed strange that Terrence didn't act nervous at all.
"I was saving our visit for another time, but now is better than never." Terrence grabbed my hand. Things felt like they could easily go back to normal. And the worst part was, I was still attracted to him. I was starting to see why the majority of girls at school gave their lying boyfriends second chances.
"Uh, ok." I was stunned. "Give me a minute to tell Emma I don't need a ride." Terrence looked excited - more so than he had on our date.
"You know where I'm parked. I'll wait." He left without giving Rory a second glance.
"Bridget, I don't like this," Rory muttered. "This is weird."
&n
bsp; "I know but he deserves a chance to explain, doesn't he?" I listened to Rory's logic. His gut told him to stop me, and he wanted to.
"Then make him explain now," Rory suggested. I adjusted my shoulder strap and took off towards the parking lot, Rory trailing behind me. "Come on Bridget, don't be stupid."
"I'm not being stupid. I'm just trying to figure out his deal. Don't you want to know why he wrote the wrong address on his school form?"
"Well yes but . . ."
"Then don't worry about it," I continued. Rory was upset that I wasn't listening. He thought my feelings for Terrence were clouding my judgment.
"For once forget about your little crush and look at the facts." Rory jogged to keep up with me.
"Stop worrying." I stopped to catch my breath. I could see Emma waiting by her car. She dug through her purse for car keys. I took a step outside but Rory grabbed my arm. I'd never noticed it before but he was strong. His biceps were comparable to Terrence's but Rory hid his under long sleeved tees.
"Bridget." Rory pointed to his head. "Listen to this for just a minute. You said you could feel emotions sometimes." I nodded. "Well, focus on mine for a minute, please." I looked at Emma waiting in the parking lot.
"Fine," I agreed. "Just for a minute and then I'm leaving."
"Ok." Rory took a deep breath and concentrated. The thoughts in his mind slowed down. He let me in without hesitation.
I too closed my eyes and blurred out all other thoughts but Rory's, which wasn't that hard considering half the school had already left. Thoughts were shoved into my head – threads of facts that all connected together in multiple ways, forming patterns. I could feel an empty pit of worry in my stomach similar to my mom's worry.
The worrying quickly turned to genuine feelings of concern, and then to the fear of losing a friend. Rory's thoughts made sense. He had connected all the dots, and all arrows pointed to Terrence. Terrence was the stone left unturned. I couldn't deny the logic in Rory's head but what else was I supposed to do? I'd just been offered an explanation – a look into Terrence's home life. I needed to know why he'd lied.
"Alright get it," I said quietly. "I know this is risky. But I might not get another chance to figure out the truth."
"Fine then I'm coming with you."
"Are you insane?" I protested. "Terrence would never agree to that." Rory was already nodding. He didn't need to be a mind reader to know what Terrence thought of him.
"Not in the car, genius. I'll be in the truck." I didn't like that idea. But Rory wouldn't let me go until I agreed to something.
"Rory, that's a dumb idea," I argued. "Your truck is too loud and it sticks out like a sore thumb." Rory grinned. He loved his truck, even though most of the girls at school thought it was hideous.
"You'll just have to use your charm. Keep him distracted."
"Whatever," I muttered. "But if he stops and curses you out, I had nothing to do with this." Rory looked pleased. He stepped in front of me and jogged to the parking lot. The air was cool and I could feel moisture in the air. The ground was wet. There had been light rainfall during class. Emma saw me and waved. She finally found her car keys. I ran to catch her before she got into the driver's seat.
"Hey Em," I shouted out of breath. "I don't need a ride."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah," I replied with a smile. "Terrence is going to drop me off." Her eyes went wide.
"Terrence?" Emma responded. "Just remember not to lollygag, Bri. Your mom will fly off the handle if you keep coming home late."
"Thanks for the advice," I casually responded. Emma smiled. Then her smile faded and she gave me a hug.
"I heard about Jen," she said softly. "I wouldn't worry though. Apparently, they didn't really hit it off." I let Emma hug me. It felt good to know that she really cared. I could always count on her honesty and sincerity.
"Yeah," I replied. "That's what we're about to discuss actually." I half smiled.
"Good luck. Don't let him get away with anything just because of the accent."
"Trust me. I don't plan on it."
* * *
I was expecting a rundown house, maybe at the edge of town. Something that looked pathetic compared to the fake address on Terrence's school contact form. When Terrence turned onto a dirt road, I started nervously cracking my knuckles. A tall house with hanging shutters and chipped paint came into sight. It was the abandoned Allen House. A run down boarding house used to house miners back in the 1800's. No one ever came near it, except maybe on Halloween.
"Uh, Terrence," I said in a shaky voice. "Where are we going?"
"We're paying a visit to my family." He smirked and sped up to the abandoned house. It was dark inside. Terrence's black BMW was the only car in sight. "I realize it's not what you were expecting."
"No not really." I glanced in the rear view mirror. There was no sign of Rory's truck but I knew he was somewhere behind us. I was really glad I'd taken his advice. My stomach was beginning to tie itself in knots.
"It's just temporary," Terrence laughed like nothing was wrong. He killed the engine and unlocked the doors.
"Are you even sure anyone's home?"
"Someone's home." He walked over to open my door and grabbed my hand. "Just stay close to me. This'll only take a minute."
"Ok," I responded. "Good cuz my mom's expecting me home . . . like any minute now. She's waiting for me."
"Ok Bridget. I get it." We walked up to the front door. The windows were boarded up and the porch creaked. The wooden railings were falling apart and the yard was made up of mostly rocks and dirt.
"This is where you live?" I muttered.
"I told you. It's just temporary." He twisted the knob and the front door squeaked open. I could smell the rotting wood inside. I tried not to cringe. There was a cobweb above the doorway. It looked like no one had swept this place in decades. Terrence rushed inside, still holding my hand. Everything was dark and I could feel my heart beating fast.
"Terrence," I stammered. "I think I'd rather go home." He kept pulling me further into the house. Every floor board made noise and I felt the cobwebs on my face as I walked through them. I resisted Terrence's pull and wiped at my cheeks. Terrence's grip got tighter until I could feel his fingers pushing against my wrist bones. "Terrence, come on. Let go."
"Sorry Bridget," he responded. He sounded annoyed and not the least bit sympathetic. I tried not to panic. Rory had been right. This Terrence wasn't the Terrence I knew. I had no way of listening to his thoughts. His voice was steady. He acted like nothing was wrong. I stared at his eyes. They were still a soft blue.
"Terrence!" I shouted. It was time to get answers. I had no intention of being dragged any further into the abandoned house. The stench was way too strong. I was having trouble breathing. "What's going on? Let go of me now!" I thought his grip couldn't get any tighter but it did. I could almost feel the bruises starting to form.
"I can't let you go Bridget." His voice was calm and confident. All my muscles tightened. My throat was so tense that I had trouble swallowing. The feeling of terror – of impending doom – overcame me again. Why was Terrence doing this? What did he want?
"Terrence! Stop!" I never thought I'd resort to screaming. I lunged back and yelled as loud as I could. My voice was shrill and I struggled helplessly. Terrence looked impatient. He ignored my cries as if he'd seen it before many times. He grabbed both my wrists with one hand and swung his other arm underneath me. In one swift movement, he picked me up like it was nothing. I kicked but he was strong. He'd done this before and he had it down to an art. There was no hesitation, not even an apology. "Let go of me, you psycho!"
Terrence carried me deeper into the house. He turned the corner and I saw what looked like a living room with dust free furniture. Terrence bumped me against the wall as he jogged down a staircase. I was exhausted from the screaming and the kicking. Nothing worked and I was out of breath. I felt a migraine coming on.
The musty smell got worse. Our surro
undings got darker and darker. Terrence carried me into the basement. Every part of me was screaming. I used all my remaining energy to try and kick free again. Terrence was stronger than he appeared. He threw me into a corner. My back slammed against the concrete. But despite the burning pain all up my spine, I jumped to my feet. It was too late.
A door slammed in my face and I heard the sound of a rusty lock. I shook the door – banged on it as hard as I could. It was solid. There was no getting through without assistance from the other side. I kicked the door so violently that my big toe went numb. I was angry – angry at Terrence but most of all angry at myself. How could I have been so stupid? The fact that Terrence's thoughts were masked should've roused my suspicion a long time ago.
I could barely make out my surroundings. Only a small stream of light came from under the doorway. There were boxes everywhere. Not the type of boxes you buy new from the store, but dusty, molding boxes that added to the disgusting smell. I was locked in a closet with rotting walls. My urge to go berserk wasn't as strong as I thought it would be. I had gotten myself into this mess by being ignorant – by ignoring Rory's warnings and Agent Squires' instructions.
The floor upstairs creaked. Gentle footsteps came closer. I listened by the door. It was solid but still thin enough for eavesdropping. Terrence was still in the basement. I could smell his cologne. He greeted his guest with what sounded like a kiss on the cheek.
"As usual, I had to see for myself." The voice was soft – a female not much older than me. The British accent sounded similar to the way Terrence spoke. Her voice somehow managed to sound wistful and commanding at the same time.
"So sorry it took so long," Terrence replied. "This one was a little more distant than the others." Both sets of footsteps came nearer. I waited. My mind was going crazy trying to come up with a plan. All I came up with was making a dash for it as soon as the door opened. My heart pounded as I waited for the sound of a turning lock. Instead I saw shadows beneath the door – they blocked my light – and heard soft scratching on the doors opposite surface.
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