Chapter 52
CASSIE
As the weeks pass, life settles down and we enjoy life at Rockwell as any other student would. Parties, study, and hobbies. Time spent with friends, date nights and more sex than can be healthy. There is a Claiming challenge every friday night because the list is even longer as the students decide to add some spice to their life and they now pass without a hitch.
I never discovered what happened to the predator and Frankie changes the subject every time it comes up. I can kind of guess, but some things are best left because I don’t want anything to burst the bubble I’m living in right now.
I’m late for class when my phone rings and as I glance at the caller, a huge smile breaks out across my face.
“Who is it?” Jack is walking with me and I stare at him with excitement as I answer it.
“Imogen.”
He smiles softly because we are the three musketeers back at home and despite two of us being here without her, she lights up our phones whenever she can. She knows as much about life here at Rockwell as I know about Mountain Grove where she opted to go.
“You’ll never guess what, Cassie.”
“What?”
“Is Jack with you?” She asks, her voice brimming with excitement.
“Yeah. Shall I put it on speaker?”
“Please.”
As I switch to speaker, Jack says gruffly, “Hey, darlin’. How are things?”
“Well–” She pauses for dramatic effect.
“You see, I’ve missed you guys too much and as Mountain Grove sucks, my folks have agreed I can join you both at Rockwell Academy next semester.”
“Oh my god!” I squeal in delight as Jack’s grin splits his face, and she laughs happily.
“Can you believe it? It’s all set and I’ll be heading back there with you after the holidays. Mom tells me I’ve already been assured they will place me in whatever house you’re allocated and we will be back together again.”
“I’m so happy.” My eyes shine as Jack catches my smile and nudges me playfully, saying, “You’ll love it here.”
“I can’t wait.” She sighs. “Listen, I’ve got to go because I’ve got history, but I’ll call you later for all the intel.”
“I’m so happy, Imogen.” I reassure her and I am. The three of us are family and, more than that, best friends. Now we have Siri too and Frankie, well, friend isn’t exactly the description I’d give him, but he’s an important part of my fucked-up Rockwell family and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
* * *
It’s the night before we head for home for the holidays and as expected, The Elusives are throwing a farewell party. The guest list is restricted to Centurions and there are quite a few now. Frankie has amassed an army and they only lose their status as part of his elite club if they decide to twist when college resumes next semester.
“Tell me what happens at the Twist ceremony.”
Frankie is watching me apply my make-up as he reclines on the bed, his arms behind his head as he gazes at me with a lazy expression.
I moved in here the second night and never left and despite using my assigned room for study, I’m more than happy here.
“It will take place during the first week in the ceremonial chamber. Each couple will kneel before the grand master and he will ask the same question of all of them. Stick or twist.”
The mascara wand hovers in mid air as my eyes connect with his through the mirror.
“If one member decides to twist and the other wants to stick, they are broken and must enter the challenge again.”
“I wonder if Kennedy will stick with Amos.”
Frankie grins as I chuckle softly.
Their story has been an interesting one. Despite her immediate hatred of the situation, Kennedy made it work for her and subjected Amos to a makeover that was the talk of Rockwell. He now looks really cool and was styled perfectly by the queen of style herself. Subsequently, he has undergone an epiphany and is now one of the most desired guys on campus outside of The Elusives and the Jocks.
“I think she likes him.” I smile as I picture how cute they are together, and Frankie shrugs.
“If you say so.”
I catch his gaze in the mirror and a shiver of uncertainty passes through me.
“What’s up?” He can read me like a book and I shrug.
“I’m just wondering what our pledge will be.”
He raises his eyes. “If you are considering any other word than stick, you are on a warning.”
I laugh out loud. “So, I take it you are going to stick?”
He grins. “I haven’t decided yet.”
I throw my hairbrush at his head and he dodges it, laughing as it hits the wall.
“Tell me about your friend.”
He refers to Imogen and I grin. “You will love her, Frankie. She’s nothing like me.”
“Then you’ve got that right.”
He holds up his hand as I take aim with a can of hairspray, and as I lower it, I smile. “She is my sister from another mother and looks like an angel. All soft blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She is gorgeous and will turn many heads at Rockwell Academy. Plus she’s smart.”
I can’t stop now I’ve started and gush, “She knows three languages and gets top marks in everything. She’s musical, not sporty, although she’s fab at tennis.”
“Tell me about her parents.”
“Flash and Jennifer.”
He raises his eyes and I grin.
“Flash is easy going and the joker of the compound. He is drop dead gorgeous too and Jennifer is the kindest soul you could ever meet, apart from my mom, of course.”
I have a warm feeling inside as I picture my family back at home, happy it won’t be long before I’m reunited with them.
“Jennifer is really Imogen’s aunt and when her sister died, she took her in. They came to live with us when Jennifer’s husband at that time threatened to take Imogen away from her. The Reapers dealt with the situation and after a while, she fell in love with Flash. They got their happily ever after and make a great couple. They were three broken souls that became whole when they made a life together. It worked for them and still does.”
“That sucks.” Frankie shakes his head.
“Has anybody in this freaking place lived a normal life? If they have, I’d love to hear it.”
His anger makes me laugh and as I finish up with my lipstick, I nod toward the door.
“Let’s go and party with the others and get it over with because I have plans for us tonight.”
“ Plans ?” He raises his eyes and I nod mysteriously.
“It involves a robe, a mask, and an empty dungeon.”
His eyes light with desire, and I smile. “But not before we celebrate the end of the semester with our friends.”
I hold out my hand and as he joins with mine, I have a feeling that our next year at Rockwell will be the best one yet.
* * *