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Could it?
It would be nice to have the Blades help with getting the residents of Caspian Springs to cooperate with me on my research project. I could complete my research much faster with their help.
“No,” I say out loud, shaking my head. That isn’t worth sacrificing my integrity. They already labeled me a slut, I’m not about to become one just to secure a spot studying under the prestigious Dr. Richard Thornton. I could get there on my own merit.
But could you … ?a nagging voice in the back of my head asks.
If you’re out of a job, you don’t have enough money to stay here in Caspian Springs. You’ll have to move home, you’ll haveto get another job. You won’t have another opportunity like this ever again.
Shutting my eyes, I press the heel of my palm against them as the threat of tears emerges, hot and heavy against my closed eyelids. I realize I’m not in the mindset to make a decision right now, I need to clear my head.
Stepping outside, I lock the door behind me and head down to the main road, breathing in and out slowly as I try to let go of the racing thoughts swirling around in my head.
Needing to take my mind off things, I pull out my camera. Even if I don’t have narrative research, I can still document my time here.
Some kids are hanging around outside the Quik-Mart playing a marble game, and I stop to snap a photo. The expression on their faces, determination and joy, buoy me. This is why I’m doing this job—for kids like this.
The weight of the Blades’ proposition hangs over me, and I wonder about their sudden interest. The three of them have gone out of their way to harass and bully me ever since I showed up, just to try to do some research. Why are they suddenly so interested in me now?
Maybe they only see me as a challenge. I’ve refused to bow to their tyranny so far, and since I’m an outsider, they see it as a threat to their rule. Once they figure out what makes me tick, they’ll probably get bored of me and leave me alone.
I pause to capture another shot—a tiny wooden bridge spanning a small creek. Caspian Springs is a living narrative of what it’s like to be a human being in the modern day; with each ripple in the creek whispering the stories of resilience, and every weathered plank of the bridge bearing the weight of shared existence.
Dr. Thornton's fascination with this place makes sense now. The town has a charm unlike any other, especially the wayits residents work together when faced with the pursuit of a singular goal.
It feels as though I’d not only be letting myself down, but I’d be personally letting Dr. Thornton down if I couldn’t complete the research for his study.
I turn, looking for more moments to capture on film but my phone chimes, alerting me of an incoming text. I stick my camera back in my bag and pull the phone out, half expecting it to be the Blades, having somehow gotten my number and texting me to demand an answer.
I’m relieved when I see it’s from Owen. But when I open it, my relief turns to anxiety.
Get something to us within two days or we will have to let you go from this project.
I feel my heart in my throat seeing those words. I can’t breathe. Panic grips me and I feel dizzy, light-headed, and nauseous. I knew this was a possibility, but I think I was trying to assure myself that this wouldn’t happen.
Everything I’ve done to get to this moment is now hanging in the balance. I can’t let it slip between my fingers.
Before I can stop to question myself, I find myself racing to my car, revving out of the parking lot, and rushing for the Blades’ bike shop.
Arriving at the shop, I jump out and spot the three of them bent over, working on a bike together.
I walk forward on shaky legs and try to keep myself together. “I … have an answer for you,” I tell them. They look up at me and I step forward.
“I’ll do it,” I say, the words hanging in the air. The room falls silent as their eyes lock onto mine and I hold my breath, waiting for their response.
Bastian’s grin is instant. “Great choice, Princess.”
I release a sharp exhale. Even though I’m terrified of what I’ve just agreed to do, relief still floods me from knowing that I will be able to keep my job and get my boss off my back.
“Where are you staying?” Caleb asks.
“The motel on Dumond,” I tell them, gesturing towards the road.
“That rat trap?” Dominic scoffs. “Nah, you’re moving in with us.”
My eyes widen. Oh God. What are they going to do with me now?
8
