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“It’s true.” Tally grins again.
“Think long and hard about whether you want to go there with Theo because once you do—”
I stand abruptly, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable with this conversation. “I appreciate the advice but honestly, it isn’t needed. Thanks for the pastry but I’ve got to go.”
“If you wait, we can give you a lift back,” Tally offers.
“It’s fine. The walk will do me good.”
“If you change your mind about the party, let me know.”
I don’t tell her that I can’t… because Theo stole my phone.
“See ya.” With a small wave, I slip out of the bakery and head toward the high street.
If Theo thinks he’s won this round, he’s sorely mistaken.
And tonight is the perfect opportunity to show him.
* * *
Ilay low for the rest of the day. Millie stopped by to see if I wanted to hang but I made up some lame excuse.
Hanging with her after spending the night with her brother felt a little icky. I like Millie, I do, and I sense she has a lot of really bad shit going on, which is why I don’t want her to get stuck in the middle of this thing between me and Theo any more than she already has.
By the time the sun sinks into the tree line, I’m almost climbing the walls. It’s foolish to try and infiltrate their party and get my own back but then, I never claimed to be smart.
Pulling on my black hoodie, I grab the backpack I picked up from a charity shop in town and go over to the window, cranking it open.
It’s a risk, sneaking out again. But I refuse to let Theo think he’s won.
I can’t.
Something inside, the jagged, broken pieces, won’t let me.
It’s bitterly cold tonight, and the frigid air makes my lungs smart as I shimmy down the trellis.
I take the same path as last time, but this time, I don’t feel the same buzz of adrenaline.
Because you care.
I shut down the little voice. So what if a part of me likes Theo. It doesn’t change the fact he’s everything I should hate. And given half the chance, I don’t doubt he would ruin me if he thought it would help him climb the sickening hierarchy this place is built on.
When the Chapel finally comes into view, my heart is a runaway train in my chest, making me a little light-headed.
Avoiding the front of the building, I slip around the side until I find the back… and the electrical box. Yanking my bag off my shoulder, I crouch down and pull out my supplies. Some gloves and a pair of wire cutters.
The party sounds in full swing and I hesitate for a second, a trickle of guilt rolling down my spine. Abi is in there. Tally and Liv too. But we’re not friends, not really.
Besides, this isn’t about me. It’s about Theo.
I wrench open the box and grab the small torch, shining it inside. I don’t exactly have a solid plan but after a quick Google search earlier, I’m pretty certain I can make it work.
A smile curls at my lips as I imagine the chaos that’s about to ensue. But just as I lift the cutters, voices stop me in my tracks.
His voice.
Dammit.
