Page 39 of Crossed

“Ms. Paquette, this is Principal Lee, As I’m sure you know, the Festival of Fools is coming up. We’d love for Quinten to be part of the play we’re putting on, but since most of the rehearsals will be taking place off campus, we need you to come in and sign a permission slip. Thank you.”

A breath of relief whooshes out of me.

I had braced myself for the worst with this call, knowing everyone at that school is just itching for a chance to throw Quinten out, but maybe I’ve been projecting or putting the feelings of a few on the shoulders of all, expecting everyone to be the same. Hope flickers in my chest. They’ve never asked to include him in something like this before.

My stomach drops at the thought of taking part in something I’ve actively campaigned against for years. Well, not the festival itself per say, just the ridiculous, outdated name.

It’s insulting.

But on the other hand, how could I tell Quinten no to being part of something with his peers? To being treated like any other kid?

My chest pulls tight.

I can’t.He’ll need to learn to navigate this world that won’t change for him, and I’d be doing him a disservice by keeping him from spreading his wings just because other people are stuck in their ways.

Grabbing a small towel, I wipe the sweat from my face and pack up my meager belongings before locking up and heading home for a quick shower.

It’s less than two hours later, and I’m walking down the halls of Louis Elementary, the unease in my stomach growing even as that tendril of hope has fully taken hold, wrapping around my nerves and making me imagine that maybe we’re on the tide of something new.

Still though, I hate coming here. My experience in school wasn’t the best time, having moved around so much it was impossible to make friends. And being back in halls that smell like rubber sneakers and arts and crafts shoots the feeling of loneliness to the forefront of my mind. It’s so weird that no matter how much time passes, a simple scent can bring emotions you’ve buried for years roaring back as though they never left in the first place.

There’s a gymnasium to the left of the entrance, filled with the high-pitched squeaks of shoes and loud shrieks of children. I walk past it, taking in the wide hallways that are lined in colorful art, displayed like Monet himself created the pieces.

When I round the corner, I stop short in my tracks, seeing Principal Lee shaking hands with Father Cade, her smile wide and teeth gleaming, her neck craned uncomfortably to look him in the eyes.

Why is he suddenly everywhere I am?

His stare immediately finds mine, and like a moth to a flame, I take an involuntary step closer.

He pulls away from the principal and moves toward me, his hands slipping in his pockets as he stops just inches away.

“Amaya, we meet again?” He grins. “God surely has me in His favor.”

I lift a brow, a quiet hum filling up my body. “Stalking me, Father?”

He chuckles, his gaze looking up and down the empty hallway of the school before he leans in and lowers his voice. “And what if I am?”

I shrug. “It’s probably a waste of your time. I don’t live an interesting life.”

“Non, ridicule.” His voice curls around the French like smoke. “Youarethe interest.”

Something about his tone makes my stomach clench tight, and there’s a niggling feeling, like if I don’t step away now, I never will. But the weight of his energy pressing into mine is so intense, it’s physically holding me captive.

“What will it take to see you in my church?”

I snort, shaking my head as a small smile plays on my face. “A miracle.”

His eyes scan the length of my body. And I swear to God it feels like he’s stripping off my clothes piece by agonizing piece. I swallow,hatinghow out of control he makes me feel.

He’s a stranger, Amaya.

“Then I’ll pray for a miracle.”

A sharp stab of heat strikes between my legs, and I curse myself for having such a visceral reaction to somebody who is so out of reach that he’s not even on the map.

After losing my virginity to Parker when he first came back around once my mom left and I dared to say no, my sexual desire has been at an all- time low. Nonexistent.

My body hasneverreacted so viscerally to someone else before.