I told myself this was good for them. They needed some best-friend time without girls.
Dragging my ass up to my room, I followed behind Kenna. The memory of her kissing Brock was still fresh and popped into my head at random moments throughout the day. Night seemed to be its favorite time to plague me with the image.
It was hard to believe that my relationship with her was so rocky and nothing at all like I had dreamed. I’d been so excited to finally meet my sister, but from day one, things had just been strained and awkward between us.
She paused in her doorway, the oversized sweatshirt falling off one of her shoulders. “I know I’ve said it before, but I am sorry. That kiss was before I realized how serious he is about you. I didn’t want to believe he had changed. But he has. He actually loves you.”
With a shrug, I tried to make it seem like I was keeping my cool. “I appreciate the apology. It might take me a little time to get over it.”
“Fair enough.” She twiddled with her hair, a nervous habit I noticed she did often. “You’re a lot nicer than you want people to think. I’m glad that he fell for someone worthy of his love.”
Surprised, I blinked. “Is this you waving the white flag?”
Her glossy lips twitched. “Goodnight.” She turned and closed the door, leaving me alone in the hallway.
Shaking my head, I went to my room, softly closing my door behind me. To kill some time, I brushed my teeth, washed my face, put up my hair into a low bun, and used the bathroom. Changing into a pair of black jeans and tossing on a hoodie the same color, I had the idea to blend into the night, making it easier for me to sneak out of the house. I glanced at the clock, seeing I had only fifteen minutes to get to the school. It would be close, but I was banking on Carter hanging around just because I knew he was eager for the chance to do whatever he planned for the night.
I grabbed the bag I’d packed earlier today full of provisions, including Mace, a flashlight, a video camera, duct tape, rope, taser pen, and a switchblade I’d found in Grayson’s room. Slipping my arms through the straps, I snuggled it over my shoulders and went to the door. It was risky sneaking out. I could be caught on the cameras or set off the motion sensors, and there was also the possibility that Brock would peek into my room at any time. Thus far, it had been me tiptoeing into his.
Cracking open the door, I stuck my head out into the dark hallway, listening for any type of movement. Satisfied that the corridor was clear, I eased the door closed and tiptoed past Kenna’s and Grayson’s rooms. Brock and Grayson were still down in the theatre room, and no sounds came from the other side of Kenna’s door as I passed.
I made it down the stairs, through the hallway, and out the kitchen back door without incident. Pressing my back to the house, I scooted along, careful to avoid the cameras and motion lights. There was a section on the side of the house that had no cameras and no sensors.
Each step I took, my heart pounded in my ears, and I thought about turning around at least a gazillion times. Almost did.
Would I regret sneaking out? Would Carter try to hurt me again?
A part of me was afraid of Carter. I’d be a fool not to be. Another part of me felt like I was just as fucked as he was, just in different ways. Not that I believed I deserved to be drugged, kidnapped, threatened with a knife, and held up at gunpoint.
Were there any other seventeen-year-olds out there with this much shit in their lives?
It would take me twenty minutes to walk to the Academy from the Edwards’ on foot, at least. I didn’t have that kind of time.
Jogging down the neighbor's grass to the street, I weaved around the willow trees that lined the end of the driveway and stopped where I had hidden a bike I’d found in the garage. Most likely Kenna’s or Liana’s.
I was just about to hop on and pedal my ass to the Academy, when I heard something. It sounded like tires crunching over pebbles, and as it grew closer, I heard the gentle hum of a car engine.
What the fuck?
Who was leaving the Edwards’ house at this time of night?
Unless I wasn’t the only one sneaking out?
I crouched down, hiding behind the large tree trunk, and waited until the car approached. It couldn’t be, could it?
My luck wasn’t that shitty, was it?
It was.
The car headlights were turned off, but I recognized the make and model. Kenna’s little white BMW, the one she barely drove that typically just sat looking shiny and pretty in front of the house, slowed down at the end of the driveway.
Where the hell is she going?
I suddenly didn’t care about my cover being blown and stepped out into the road as the car backed out in front of me. The driver glanced up, noticing me. Kenna and my eyes locked.
The car window rolled down, and I walked over. “What are you doing?” I whispered.
“I could ask you the same thing,” she retorted, brown eyes narrowed. “You gave me a heart attack.”