Page 60 of Black Hollow: Awakening

“Go on,” Will said provocatively. “Let’s see what number was playing games with you. If it turns out to be mine, I’ll admit to anything you want.”

Blake took a phone from his jacket pocket, unlocked the screen, and went to his call history. Will looked at the display.

“Your last call was at noon,” he noted condescendingly. “From your mom,” he added, out of pure malice.

Alden looked completely stunned.

“That’s impossible.”

“And yet, here it is. So not only did I not call you, but nobody called you. You’re delusional, and instead of dealing with it, you barge into people’s homes for no reason because, after all, you don’t make mistakes.”

“You called,” Blake repeated stubbornly, though now he seemed neither angry nor self-assured. He was just confused. “I know it. You said…”

“I didn’t say anything,” Will cut in harshly. “Maybe you dreamed it. I hope so, because if not, you’ve got much bigger problems.”

Blake looked like he didn’t know what to do with himself.

“Are you leaving now?” Will prompted.

Alden finally moved toward the door. Will slammed it shut behind him pointedly.

Blake really was the worst.

January 6 | Monday

Will came to school sleep-deprived, even though things with Oscar hadn’t worked out. They’d finished the movie, and it had been pleasant enough, but after Blake’s intrusion, the mood had evaporated and they couldn’t seem to get it back.

Will had expected to see Dan, but his friend wasn’t at their first class. He concluded that Dan was avoiding him and had skipped the class they had together, but according to Norma, Danny wasn’t at the next two either. Will grew more and more worried.

During the third break, as he was pulling a textbook from his locker, Liam appeared beside him.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hey,” Will replied.

“Everything okay?”

“No. Danny wasn’t in class. I’m scared.”

“Come with me,” Liam said unexpectedly.

Will looked at him, alarmed.

“Where? Why? What happened?” he asked nervously, assuming it was about Dan.

“It’s nothing like that. Blake sent me.”

Will bristled at the very sound of the name. Alden hadn’t bothered him today, but he had been staring. As usual. Someone really needed to tell him how rude that was.

“Because?” Will grunted.

“Because he said that if he asked you to come himself, you’d definitely refuse,” Liam explained calmly.

“Well, now that I know you came because of him, I’m refusing anyway.”

“He’s worried.”

“He should be worried about himself!” Will burst out. “He’s not right in the head!”