20. VERENA GRAVENHURST
TWENTY
VERENA GRAVENHURST
The tension between two lovers when something is amiss in a relationship can become unbearable to withstand.
That is precisely where I’m finding myself at this moment with Reed.
I find myself watching his movements. The way he smiles, the way he animates when he speaks to certain members in his circle, and how his expression and tone fall flat when he speaks to me.
Ever since my introduction to his father, there’s been a shift between us.
Reed has become distant, no longer giving me the safe and secure comfort of his presence.
Instead, I’m left with questions only he could answer, if only he would give me the time of day.
He’s been sneaking about, missing lectures, cancelling plans that we’ve made or coming up with excuses as to why he didn’t show up.
It’s completely out of character for the man I’ve come to know.
The dining hall is alive with students and faculty, socializing between classes.
I sit alone on my lunch hour, dragging my fork through my vegetables, playing with my food more than consuming it.
Mauve and I have alternating schedules today; when she’s in a lecture, I’m not and vice versa.
Spending time alone doesn’t bother me, but sitting alone, plagued by my own thoughts, however, is a dangerous place to be.
I peer up from my tray to see Reed walk through the doors.
Perking up in my seat, I wave my hand, beckoning him over to my table, but he doesn’t see me.
His eyes travel across the room as if in search of something, or someone.
He nods to Jenkins, motioning him to follow him out.
Jenkins stands abruptly, abandons his tray at the table and leaves the room with Reed without hesitation.
My suspicion grabs hold of me, and I decide to follow them out. Reed has been acting strange lately. Hurrying after them, I try my best to keep out of sight.
Quickening my pace, I struggle to keep up without being seen.
I skulk between doorways, behind other students walking about.
As they head toward the exit, my curiosity spikes.
Where could they be going in the middle of the day?
I know Reed has another lecture this afternoon, so why take off with Jenkins?
By the time I reach the exit, they’re long gone. My stomach sinks when I see that Reed’s car is no longer in the parking lot. Defeated, I make my way back into the academy, alone.
My suspicions have me trailing my boyfriend like some mistrusting lunatic.
For days, I’ve been hot on his tail, waiting for a moment where he’ll slip up and give me some insight as to what he is up to.
He’s too clever, though, and it feels as if I’m chasing a ghost, for every corner I turn and every lead I follow, it ends up getting me nowhere, and it’s entirely frustrating.
Today I’ve decided to take my sleuthing one step further.
Reed steps off the curb, waving a hand at a car that’s allowing him to pass.
My body is hidden behind another vehicle parked on the side of the road, keeping a good distance from my target.
I’m crouched low, using the car as a shield.
Reed reaches the other side of the busy street and stops walking, his body frozen as if waiting for something, as if sensing he’s being followed.
He peers over his shoulder in my direction, and I drop to the ground, making myself invisible from where he stands. Shit. Did he see me?
Taking a few deep breaths to tame my frantic heart, I carefully rise and peek over the hood.
He’s gone. I stand up straight, whipping my head in every direction, praying to get a glimpse of him, when I see a head of blonde hair slip into the darkness of a nearby alley. Well, that’s not off-putting at all.
I haven’t come this far to walk away now.
Plus, it’s Reed, I’m in no danger, this much I’m sure of.
Crossing the road, I hurry to the alley, hoping to catch up to him before he once again disappears.
Peering around the corner, I let out a muffled scream when a large body wraps around me, pulling me into the dark with them and pressing me back against a grimy brick wall.
A hand covers my mouth, and I squeeze my eyes shut, fear sending shivers down my spine.
“You’re a sneaky little thing, aren’t you, Gravenhurst?”
My body stills at the familiar voice filling the quiet alley, and my urge to run melts away. I open my eyes to see Reed giving me a smirk, a clear indication that he has bested me. He removes his hand from my mouth in good timing. I was just about to bite.
“You knew I was trailing you all along, didn’t you?” My eyes narrow into slits, not at all happy that he beat me at this little game of cat and mouse.
“Of course, I knew. I’ve noticed you following me around the academy for days. The question is, why?” His eyes narrow.
I shrug, feigning innocence. “Boredom.”
“You think you’re so clever, don’t you?” He tilts his head. “Stop following me around, Gravenhurst. You’re only going to land yourself in trouble.”
“Oh? How so? Enlighten me, Sullivan. Any secrets you’d like to share?”
Reed’s jaw tightens, and I can see the veins in his neck tense with my questioning.
His eyes darken. “There are things you don’t understand. Things that you have no business knowing.”
“Why are you keeping things from me? It’s like you’re trying to push me away. I know there’s something going on, and I don’t understand why you insist on leaving me in the dark.”
“Drop it, Verena.” Reed turns away, annoyed.
The sound of my first name leaving his lips ignites a fire within me that I’m not sure I like.
“I will not.”
Reed releases a sigh, and when he turns to face me, I can see his mask slipping.
I spin on my heel, but Reed catches my arm.
“There are things you can’t unknow, once you are privy to the information given.”
“I want to know. Please. I don’t want there to be secrets between us. A disconnect that keeps us on two separate sides does not make for a strong relationship. Just let me in, Sullivan.” I’ve been kept in the dark most of my life, and I can’t bear it any longer.
His eyes soften as he pulls me in closer, his words a hushed whisper.
“I would tell you if I could. But it’s not my secret to share, Gravenhurst.” I peer up at him, frowning, and he softly taps a finger against my nose.
“You’re just going to have to trust me.” He winks, and I know I should trust him, that his soft display of affection should soothe my worries, but they don’t.