But I can’t meet his gaze, so I look toward the manor instead, trying very hard to hold myself together. “Do you think the specialist will be able to help?”
“I think,” he says, dipping his chin, trying to gather my attention, “that if you’re going to avoid me until this is resolved, then it’s time to resolve it.”
I bite my lip, praying it can be resolved.
“Just do me another favor?”
I look at him, then.
“Stay away from Rafe while I’m gone. And try not to do anything reckless.”
His request makes my throat tight.
I’m not a cruel person.
I don’t want to hurt Jude. I don’t want to shut him out. But I don’t know any other way to protect him. Because being in his presence like this? Seeing him? Conversing with him?
There aren’t enough sheep in the world.
36
A CRACKLE OF ICE
The temperature drops when Jude leaves. A bitter cold front rolls into town and persists. WMTM’s chief meteorologist promises relief on Friday. But when Friday comes, Jude is still gone, it’s just as cold as Thursday, and the school boilers aren’t keeping up. Every classroom feels subterranean. By the time the final bell rings, all I want to do is go home and crawl under a pile of blankets.
Chairs scrape as students come to their feet.
Harper and I gather our things and step out into the hallway, where I nearly walk into Twig. Naomi stands behind him, feigning interest in a trophy case. They accompany me to my locker.
I love them. I really do. But they haven’t left mealone all week. Every time I turn around, at least one of them is there. Whether Jude put them up to it—his way of ensuring I don’t do anything reckless—or they’re simply worried about me, I don’t know. Whatever the case, I’m feeling smothered.
“Do you want to grab some pie at the Cobbler?” Twig asks, handing me my coat.
“I could go for some pie,” Naomi says.
“Pie sounds delicious,” Harper adds.
“I think I’ll pass.” I shut my locker and face my frowning friends.
They try to suggest something else—whatever I’m in the mood for—but I wave them off, claiming a headache. In truth, I’m depressed. Due, in large part, to Jude’s prolonged absence. But also, this standstill we’re in with Vorat.
Emma and Sienna are still missing.
Lainey and Griffin have been acting normal, which I find incredibly unnerving.
The plant isn’t around to give me anymore visions.
And despite my best efforts, the pearl—which is supposed to reveal hidden things—is redolent to reveal anything. Had it not behaved the way it behaved in the crypt, I would be convinced it is simply a pearl.
Twig gives me a ride home.
I assure him I’m okay. I’m a little sad, but that’sfine. Sadness happens. It’s not fun, but it’s part of life. I’m sure with some extra sleep I’ll be feeling much more like myself in the morning.
I retreat to my bedroom and wrap myself in a thick quilt that’s been languishing at the bottom of my armoire.
It smells like mothballs.
Which reminds me of Jude.
