“Keep me safe? Safe from what? I didn’t know there was any danger on campus. Is there something I should be looking out for?” I laughed as if it was no big deal and marveled at my acting skills.
“No, that’s not what I meant. I just mean, you know how college campuses can be; you can never be too safe. Plus, you’re new, you know.”
“Oh, I guess he’s that way with all his girlfriends.”
He snorted and seemed to relax as we walked in step together. “Cody doesn’t have girlfriends; you’re the first one he’s shown any real interest in since I’ve known him.” I’d heard it before but hearing it from one of his closest friends held more weight somehow, and it was hard to hide the pleasure hearing those words gave me.
I wanted to go fishing, but I was after something else this time around, so I stayed on track this time.
“That can’t be true. I know for a fact that there are a lot of girls on campus who’d love to go out with him.”
“No doubt, but he’s never shown any interest until you.”
“Oh wow, that makes me feel special. No wonder some of them look at me like they’d like to scratch my eyes out.”
“They’re mostly harmless, except for that Susie idiot.” He got that look on his face again like he’d said more than he should’ve, and again I pretended not to notice. “Susie? Who’s that?”
“No one of interest, forget I said anything. Just know that my boy is really into you. If any of those girls get in your face, just let me know, and I’ll straighten them out.” He joked with a smile before leaving me at my classroom door.
By the time lunch came around, I was bursting at the seams to tell Jess and Alexis what I’d learned. I still didn’t know who Susie was, and for all I know, she could be innocent, but it was all I had to work with for now, so I’ll go with it. Jess and Alexis were already sitting at the table when I walked into the cafeteria, but Cody and his friends had not yet made an appearance.
“Hey, guess what. I ran into Steve earlier, and I think I got a name.” I didn’t even say hello first as I dropped my bag on the table. I think my manners have been lacking since I moved out from under mom’s ever-watchful eyes.
“Really? That was quick; who is it?” Jess asked as she pulled me down to sit next to her.
“Susie, that’s all I got. I couldn’t push for a last name because he’d have known what I was up to.”
“It’s a start. Now, all we have to do is figure out how many Susies we have on campus.”
“That’s what I’m thinking. The way he said it, she seemed to be the only one who refused to take no for an answer, so I’m thinking it won’t be too hard to find her. But we might have to work on one of the others if I don’t want to give myself away. Steve obviously said more than he intended, so I have no doubt he’d be more guarded next time.”
“Leave that part to us. Now that we’ve got a name, I doubt it will be hard to find her. But how are we going to prove that she is the one who sent the picture?”
“I’ll think of a way.” Already in my mind, I had this road map of how things would go. That’s something I’ve always been good at, trying to imagine a situation from all angles and coming up with the one that worked best.
As far as I’m concerned, the person who’d gone to such lengths to come between Cody and I wouldn’t be too shy once confronted. It’s a weird little trick I have, probably stemming from too much isolation as a kid, but I’ve hardly ever been wrong, if ever. No one knows I do this, of course, except my dad, who likes to tease that I’m his little detective. But this would be the first time I put my skills to real use.
I can’t believe how excited I was to be proactive in my own life for a change. I guess the saying is true, love makes us stronger and sometimes in ways we’d never imagine. Or it could be that with my first real taste of freedom, I was finally able to find my wings. I guess we’ll see.
There was no fear, no wanting to run and hide at the first sign of danger like I’d been taught. Instead of my usual angst when faced with opposition, my heart raced with excitement and a little bit of vindictive spite.
The things I imagine doing to this person once I find her is a whole other story and something that would have mom dragging me back home to lock me away behind closed doors for the rest of my natural life.