Chapter 21 #2
“After that first evening, eating and laughing under the stars,” I told Willow, “we just, I don’t know how to explain it…
we felt like a unit. Like we belonged together.
Wes and Donovan became my everything. I didn’t even care that I was failing my classes, failing to find my magic.
I’d found something even more magical with the twins. ”
The smile on my face drops as I get to the next part of the story.
“When it was time for me to go back to England, they’d promised they’d come see me over winter break.
I landed at Heathrow, got back to my aunt’s house, and never heard from them again.
I emailed, called, and texted, but no reply.
And after a few days, I even emailed the school to make sure nothing had happened to them.
Dean Dartmouth, the one before Crankshawe, wrote back, saying I shouldn’t be pestering any student who didn’t want contact with me, and if I continued, I’d be considered a stalker.
He even talked about a restraining order.
So, I came to the devastating conclusion that our relationship had just been a fling—at least for them. ”
I lean my head against Willow’s shoulder, tears dripping down my face now. “I loved them so much. I know it sounds crazy to fall in love in just a few weeks, but that’s what happened. And I really thought they loved me.”
“Those bastards,” Willow hisses, “playing with your heart like that. You had no clue they were going to dump you so horribly?”
“Not at all, but when I thought about it, it all made sense. Wes and Donovan are best friends with Cosmo Drakeward. Cosmo Arsehole Drakeward, to use his full name.”
Willow shudders. “Yikes.”
“Exactly. And he hated our relationship with a capital H. I presumed he’d convinced the twins to ghost me.”
“Sounds like something he would do,” she replies, stroking my arm. “So is that why you’re so upset? Did you see the twins again?” —Poor Theo/effing boys—
I shake my head. “It’s so much more complicated than that.
So, yeah. I come back this year, completely freaking out about running into my exes, but that hasn’t happened.
Willow, it’s so crazy. I talked to Cosmo tonight.
Turns out the twins didn’t dump me—they decided to leave the academy and join me in England. ”
“Wait, what? But they never did? Why not?” she asks.
“That’s the million-dollar question. They bought flights to London and put all their belongings in storage the very day after I left, then just…disappeared.”
“What do you mean, disappeared? Theo, what are you talking about?” Willow’s mind flashes hot with thoughts of worry and caring. While I blink, she reaches for the rum again.
“Wes and Donovan emailed the school saying they were leaving,” I tell her, “but they never made it onto their flight.”
Willow shakes her head, looking lost. “Sorry, I’m being thick. The day after you flew to England, these scrummy twins of yours handed in their notice to the school, right?”
I nod, accepting the refilled drink.
“Then cleared out their rooms and put stuff in storage,” she says, narrowing her eyes. “And that’s the last time anyone saw them?”
“No, they came back to school and had one last conversation with Cosmo, which didn’t go well. The guys said bye, and that’s it. Gone. Neither Cosmo nor I have heard from them since.”
Willow’s face clouds.—Aw shit, maybe they did dump her— I watch as she forces a smile onto her face.
“They must have decided to visit family instead, or just travel the world, or something?” Suddenly, Willow sits bolt upright.
“Wait! Why did the old dean say the twins were here and that you were stalking them? What was that all about?”
“I just don’t know,” I say. “I don’t get it.”
Willow's eyes widen even more. “Yeah, that shit is totally sus. Something doesn’t smell right. So what do we do now?” she asks quietly, holding my hand. The ‘we’ warms my heart.
“I haven’t a clue. Cosmo has some private detective on the case, but he’s not exactly big on sharing information.”
“Fuck that guy. Cosmo might have his PI, but you've got me, Theo. I'm in. You're not alone in this.”
I rest my head against her shoulder. “Thanks. And thanks for being my friend, seriously.”
She pokes me and gives a grin. “Seriously, no problem. I’ve a million more questions, but you look exhausted. Do you want to stay in my room tonight?” she asks. “The bed will be a squeeze, but I’m game if you are.”
“Nah, I’ll brave the basement,” I tell her, “but thanks.” I give her another hug and refuse her escort down to my room.
As I head down the stairs, I feel slightly lighter, but still, I wish I could have told Willow about Manu. I won’t, though, I don’t want Professor Feniks to get in trouble. I don’t know what he has planned for Manu Hale—but I hope it stings.
Forcing my poor leg muscles to move some more, I finally make it to my room, but instead of immediately collapsing, I open the dresser drawer and pull out the bracelet the twins gave me. I attach it to my wrist and gently stroke the gold stars, pledging never to take it off again.