Page 72 of The Addict

Good people, my brain said.

Until six o’clock came along. When the rapist was invited back inside.

I shook my head and tried to focus on the last few math problems.

Right when I immersed myself back into inequalities, I felt a hand rest on my shoulder and lightly squeeze.

Oh my god, he followed me here.

I leapt from my seat and spun around, only to be met with the face of a friend.

“Chelsea, jeez.” My hand clutched my chest. “You scared the crap out of me.”

Chelsea stood behind me, appearing frightened. “Damn, Delane! I scared you? Hell no, you scared me. What’s wrong with you? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

I shut my eyes, trying to slow the crazy rhythm of my heart. My palms were sweating and breathing seemed like an extra chore. “I’m just tired, that’s all,” I whispered.

“You look terrible!” Chelsea shouted, examining the shoddy make up job I attempted this morning before leaving the house. The goal was to cover the bruises, but I guess it wasn’t as effective as I thought. “What actually happened the other night?” she insisted.

I locked eyes with my best friend, and for some reason couldn’t help recalling a silly pact we made when we were young girls. Never keep secrets from each other.

I was about to shatter that promise.

“Yeah,” I lied. “I was fine. Someone harassed me at the bar after you left. I went down to the station that’s left of the Hansen estate because I had to file a complaint.”

Chelsea nodded, completely enthused and believing every word out of my mouth. “Shit,” she murmured.

I almost felt bad.

“Well, it was late and they offered me a place to stay.” I shrugged. “I was still a little startled and had no way to get into my house without my keys, so they let me sleep in a guest room for the night.”

Chelsea was silent. “Okay?” I asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Chelsea sighed and crossed her arms. “You have yet to mention the male voice speaking to you while we chatted.”

My eyes widened and I was sure that a flicker of panic crossed my face.

Chelsea winked, affirming my theory. “You thought I forgot? Hell no. So, spill.”

I grabbed up my books and papers, standing. “Alright, you see–”

Laughing at Chelsea’s excited expression, I pushed past her and made a run for the door. She was right on my tail, but my quick dash gave me a good lead.

“Get back here Delane, you have much needed info!” she shrieked, stumbling after me.

“In your dreams!”

It wasn’t as though I could tell her about my problems anyways. I couldn’t let details about Noah or Silas get out or the safety of my friends and family could be put at risk.

I would be put at risk.

It was time to live normally.

If that was possible.

To me, it was as if the Hansen’s no longer existed.

Chapter eighteen