Page 149 of Between Secrets and Obsession

Thank God.

It’s been two days since I overheard Eric tell Ty he’s leaving, and I’m scared like hell that his replacement is going to somehow be worse than Eric. Ty is my only saving grace while being stuck here.

Even after that happened, Ty never acted like anything was wrong. He helped me in the gym yesterday and this morning as if things weren’t about to change. I want to ask him about it, but I’m worried I’ll set him off or something since Victoria can hear us on the cameras.

What happens after he goes? Is he put on another mission? Fired?Killed?

I can’t even stomach the thought of Ty not being here because he gives me some hope that things will be okay. And he keeps me company since he’s the only one who doesn’t seem to want to murder me.

“Ty, I have a question,” I ask him as I finish my cool-down on the treadmill.

“What is it?”

“Do you think I could text my sisters today? Just give them a little ‘I’m alive’ update?”

His eyes finally meet mine, his lips in a firm line before he speaks, “That should be fine. I’ll need to supervise you, though.”

“Of course,” I say, knowing the rules. I’m just glad I’ll get to talk to them for a couple of minutes.

“Go clean up, and I’ll get Eric on board. Meet in the kitchen when you’re done. I’ll have your phone then.”

“Okay,” I say softly. “Thank you.”

He replies with a curt nod before walking away. Once I’m done stretching, I go to my bathroom and take a quick shower. I’m anxious as hell to communicate with them. They’re worried to death because ignoring their texts isn’t normal for me. They’re going to know something’s up although we chatted when I arrived and told them I was fine.

“Here you go.” Ty hands me my phone as soon as I step into the kitchen. “I’ll read over your shoulder so you don’t have to hand it to me every time you send a message.”

I smile wide at his generosity, and I’m surprised Eric isn’t here to supervise. “Thanks!”

But my lips turn into a frown at the numerous missed calls and unread messages.Shit.

Sophie

I talked to Joel, and he says you’re missing classes?? You don’t ever skip dance rehearsal, even when you’re dying sick. What’s going on, Mads?

Great, she’s talking to Joel. No doubt he’s worried about me now, too. But she’s right. I love it too much to miss it.

Lennon

I understand you’re in hiding, but tell me if I can do anything for you. I know a thing or two about unbearable heartache.

My throat goes dry as I think about what Lennon went through when she lost Brandon. She was a mess and luckily had Hunter to pick up the pieces, but who’s gonna help them all when I’m gone for good?

The morbid thoughts hit me at my lowest points.

No messages from Liam. According to Victoria, he knows I’m here and could see me on the cameras. Does that mean he’s stopped caring? Is he not worried?

Did I really mean as much to him as he said?

Questions swarm my mind as my chest tightens with what she’s making him do for her. Imagining them together makes me sick.

I respond to them in our sister group chat. Lying about my phone being dead or having to replace it feels cheap, especially because they’d know better. There are too many ways to stay in contact for them to believe I was unable to through social media or email. I have no other choice but to play the broken heart card.

Maddie

Sorry, I haven’t been in the mood to check my cell in a few days. I’m not skipping classes, I told my professors. Don’t worry about me. I told you before, I’m fine, and I just need some time and space.

Sophie