“Good,” he replies. “Then we needn’t speak of this again. Next time, I’m sure you’ll make the right choices.”
I swallow hard. “I will.”
As we drive out of Sunnycrest’s gates, I look back at the ominous building. What secrets reside within its walls? The border between its world and mine is thin. When we cross backinto town and rejoin civilization, the neighborhood looks the same, yet everything feels different somehow.
I grab a strand of hair from around my face to twirl it, and my stomach flips when I find a chunk missing. One strand is at least three inches shorter than the rest. I choke down the vomit rising in my throat. The snipping. The scissors. His collection.
Although I’ve left Sunnycrest behind, a part of me remains there. With them…
CHAPTER
SIX
ERIN
“You’re coming straight homeafter the concert,” Dad orders as he drops me off outside the academy. “Remember, I’ll be watching.”
I nod solemnly. The last few days have passed in a blur. Aside from practicing piano and joining my family for dinner, I’ve done little else. Dad confiscated my phone as punishment and insists on driving me to and from school until further notice. He removed the television in my room, and I’m only allowed to use my laptop for schoolwork—anything fun is blocked by strict parental controls. He needn’t worry about me breaking his rules anymore, though. I’ll do anything to make sure I don’t return to Sunnycrest.
Dad’s blazing stare torches my back until I pass through the doors and find respite in the hallway.
Mia launches herself at me as soon as she sees me, almost knocking me sideways.
“Erin!” She hugs me tightly. “I’ve been calling you all weekend. Your dad wouldn’t let me inside the house when I came to visit. Is everything okay?”
“Sorry, I’ve not been ignoring you,” I say. “Dad took my phone.”
“Someone said he showed up at the party,” Mia says, pulling away from our hug. Her eyes soften with pity, guilt playing on her lips. “How bad was it?”
I shrug, playing it down. Even though I trust Mia, I can’t tell her what happened, especially when three psychopaths are involved. “Pretty much what you’d expect,” I lie. “No phone for a week. Rides to and from school. I’m basically grounded for the rest of my life.”
“I’m so sorry,” she says, falling into step by my side as we make our way to our lockers. “It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have pushed you into going to the party.”
“Don’t blame yourself,” I say, feigning a smile. “I had fun.”
“How did your dad even find out where you were?” she asks. “Is he tracking you or something?”
I shrug again. It doesn’t matter. “He has a way of finding out things.”
Mia wouldn’t understand. Her mom is so relaxed. She has no curfew or rules. I can’t imagine having that level of freedom.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” Mia looks at me with concern and loosens my tie. “You seem a little on edge.”
“I’m fine,” I say. “It was an intense weekend, and I’ve got a lot on my mind. That’s all.”
She frowns but doesn’t probe me further, for now at least.
“Your hair looks different,” she comments. “Did you get layers?”
To balance out my hair after discovering the missing strand, I cut the other side to match, giving me choppy layers at the front. It’s a little lopsided, but my waves disguised it enough for Mom not to notice.
“I fancied a change,” I say, stroking the end of the strand Two cut. “I better go or I’ll be late for English.”
“I’ll catch you at lunch,” she says.
“Actually, I’m rehearsing with Mr. Meyer, but I’ll catch you later,” I say, making a hasty retreat before she asks more questions I’m not ready to answer.
I stop at my locker to grab my books. When I slam the door shut, I jump out of my skin. Everything falls from my hands, sending papers and pens flying everywhere. Nate, who was leaning against the locker next to mine, kneels to help gather them up. He’s wearing his school football jersey with purple sleeves and a white body.
