Page 48 of Oleander

When we were alone, she turned to me. “What was he here for?”

My head scrambled. I decided to stay as close to the truth as possible. “We normally study together on Thursday nights. I forgot to cancel.”

“Rude, Jude.” She grinned playfully.

My phone buzzed in my back pocket as we made our way back upstairs.

Unknown:

Come over on Saturday. I need you for something.

I typed back quickly.

Me:

How did you even get this number??

Unknown:

Luke gave it to me. You know, since we’re ‘friends’ now.

I ignored him until Ellie left – though my phone sat like a silent siren on my bedside for the next two hours. I could barely hold a conversation with her, my mind obsessing over what he might be sending me while I sat there and let Ellie kiss me.

When I finally looked, there was only one new message from earlier.

Caspien:

Come over by 12 on Saturday.

Me:

I can’t. I’m busy.

I had brushed my teeth and was getting into bed before he replied.

Caspien:

It wasn’t a request, Jude.

Then:

Caspien:

I’d hate for your girlfriend to find outhowmuch you like kissing boys.

I froze. My blood boiling in my veins. I could imagine him smirking as he lay in bed, enjoying every minute of making my life a living nightmare. I shoved my phone back into my pocket and resolved to ignore him and his threats.

Ignoring him lasted until I woke up on Saturday morning. There was another text from him.

Caspien:

I found your girlfriend on snapchat. I think I should message her and tell her what we did.

I was all the way awake in an instant, my fingers typing furiously, heart thumping wildly.

Me:

As if you would.