Page 11 of Redeeming the Villain
When he died, so did I. My mind and body are just stuck here to live in a hell without him. My uncle hid Micah’s remains from me, threatening to dispose of them if I ever opened my mouth about the truth of what had happened the night Micah died.
For now, I can live with that distance between us if it means he stays safe, even if it’s away from me. One day, I’ll get Micah back, if it’s the last thing I do.
I’d break into my uncle’s house if I knew Micah’s ashes were there, but he already told me that it would be a waste of my time. That the urn is being kept somewhere I’d never find on my own.
And I believe him.
I’ve been keeping my head down, focusing on my classes and hockey. I’ve been distracted, surrounded by new people and a new school that have helped me hide from the ghosts of my past.
Everything was going to plan until Alora showed up here. Now, it’s like every thought and memory I’ve spent running from are all rushing back to me. My head feels like it’s going to explode.
If it’s not visions of my uncle’s fist or belt, my little brother forever still, or the countless freezing nights spent sleeping under the stars, it’s of Alora. All haunting nonetheless.
Strolling out of the arena, I spot her walking away from me across the quad, with her dog on her heel.
Without thought, I do what I probably shouldn’t and take a step toward her and then another, until I’m following her into the music hall.
Music, really?
I wouldn’t have guessed Miss Nepo Baby would care enough about anything that took genuine skill and effort. If it didn’t make her money, I thought she wouldn’t pursue it.
Maybe she’s just cutting through the building to go somewhere else; it’s just part of her path.
Twisting my fingers tightly around my backpack strap, I stay behind her, keeping a significant distance so she doesn’t get spooked.
Why am I following her? I have no plan or smart-ass comment locked and loaded if she catches me. Although I’m not concerned that she wouldn’t quiver before me if I stood tall and sneered.
Even with doubt and Stop signs flashing in my mind, I push onward after her.
She approaches the steps and very slowly ascends one at a time, her golden retriever doing the same beside her. I have to come to a stop at the hedges around the corner so I don’t catch up with her.
Once she slips inside the double doors, I climb the steps behind her and hesitate for a second as my hand hovers over the handle, once more debating whether to turn around or go inside.
I pull the door open.
Whoa, this place is insane.
The lobby is gigantic, stretching upward by at least thirty feet. Giant skylights fill the open space with natural light, reflecting off the huge chandelier hanging from the highest point. The second and third floors are open to the foyer, separated by a tall railing.
A swoosh of blonde hair in the corner of my eye reminds me why I’m even here in the first place, drawing me from my stupor.
She disappears around a corner, and I dig my heel into the ground, my long strides carrying me down the trail of her strawberry and vanilla perfume. I breathe it in without thought.
Drifting behind her, I can’t help but wonder if I’ve completely lost my mind. Chasing after her and watching her, just like I did in high school. But I never once caught her in the music room. Although I was never near it myself.
This feels all too normal. But I didn’t care about anything back then. I had nothing to lose. But now? Now I can’t be as reckless as I once was.
I have a scholarship to the most prestigious school in the country and am on a path to go pro afterward. I can’t lose that because of her.
She steps through a door to her left and closes it behind her and her dog. A sign hanging on the wall above the doorframe readsPractice Room.
Slowing my pace, I cautiously approach the door, spotting a narrow window above the doorknob. What is she possibly practicing?
Students turn and shuffle down the hallway, heading this way.
I quickly dig my phone out of my pocket and casually scroll through the home screen, pretending like I’m not trying to peep through the window next to me.
They pass by me, all three girls glancing my way with variations of a flirty smile. When I nod at them, they blush and scurry away.
