The Academy - Hoax by C. L. Stone

Author:C. L. Stone [Stone, C. L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Arcato Publishing, Inc.
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Awkward Lunch

We both turned to see Brandon and Axel come into the room. Brandon seemed okay, in the same dark clothes and baggy sweater as before, carrying a food tray.

Axel brought a second one, loaded with a coffeepot and cups. He had changed into khakis and a Hawaiian shirt and looked like a tourist. His expression was dark, but his hair was wet, combed back and tied neatly in a ponytail.

As they came in, filling up the tiny room, I began to feel claustrophobic. I wasn’t sure I could handle all three of them in the same place, especially having just found out that they were plotting against Blake.

Uncomfortable or no, we needed to talk about it. Now.

I had opened my mouth, but I froze as Axel and Brandon got out of the way of the door, revealing more people behind them.

Kevin carried a jug of water and Henry had another food tray.

Marc raised his hands and looked up at the ceiling. “Thank God,” he said, motioning toward the food. “Someone feed her.”

I grumbled, tempted not to eat to make him uncomfortable, but the smell of salt and meat made me change my mind.

“Hey, it’s you,” Kevin said with a smile as he came right over and held up a fist. I bumped it with mine. “Good to see you back. Don’t go swimming without me next time.”

He seemed really upbeat, different from how he usually was around me. I wondered if the others had talked to him, too: Pretend to be nice to her while we talk her into staying with us.

Then I caught it. There was a tightness in the corner of his eyes, and an edge to his smile. He was tense about something.

My heart pounded. The secrets were many among us, even after I’d wanted to open up. I didn’t have the nerve to say anything to Kevin, who shouldn’t have been involved. I avoided looking Marc, Axel, or Brandon in the eyes. I couldn’t trust myself not to say something I’d regret, like demanding they tell me their real thoughts and not just say what I wanted to hear in an effort to try to get on my good side.

“Avery made sure to get burgers from the good specialty restaurant,” Axel said, putting his platter on the cot, balancing it carefully. The computer table was too full of computer bits, ashtrays, and notes.

Henry and Kevin sat on the floor by the door, backs against the wall, sharing a plate of food.

Kevin was our age, but I rarely saw him unless we were in the middle of some trouble, like now. He was tall, with hair cut close to his head. He was cute, but I’d started to think of him as that older brother who was never home anymore. He was usually a little tense, even on normal days.

It was odd seeing Henry with Kevin. Henry was so much older, but they talked like they were friends, commenting on the hamburgers and fries and sharing ketchup packets.

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