The Real You

10. Hidden motives

SANDY

I was waiting for the class to end so that I can leave the campus premises and go home as soon as I can. Life had been very tough for the past three days. The city was talking about Skylar constantly and the Police had her grinning face plastered on the walls of the campus and also the city. There were newspaper advertisements announcing rewards for whoever manages to find her whereabouts first. They did receive a few calls but I and Claire knew none of them were legit. I tapped the pencil gently on my book and tried to focus on what Mrs. Neggs was saying. She animatedly moved her hands to explain the coordinate system. I was least bothered. None of my 'friends' were in my class and I didn't bother to hide the frown on my face. It seems like it has been etched forever on my forehead. I didn't think the events will accelerate so fast and I'll be stuck trying to choose sides. I didn't even know if I should be helping Skylar along with Claire. I don't see her making much of that standard progress she was talking about. If she still thinks her dad will help her, I hope she'll gain some brains soon.

The bell rang and I quickly picked my bag and dashed out of the room along with a few other guys who were chattering about some football match throughout the class. Mrs. Neggs usually ignores that lot who don't bother to listen to her. They've served so many detentions, now even she is bored to send them to the Principal's office.

Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go.

I kept repeating the word in my head as if that'll magically increase my speed. 

"Sandy!"

Oh no.

I contemplated about ignoring the voice and walking away or just turning around and giving a brief smile. I chose the second one.

I spun slowly and faked a grin, "John!"

"I've been looking for you everywhere" He came closer and gave me a hug.

"Why?" I didn't mean to sound rude but the word came out rather curtly.

If he noticed, he didn't show it on his face, "It is..ummm...why don't you join us in the cafeteria?"

"But...we need to go home..."

He nodded, " I know...but the cafeteria will be open for another hour anyway. Come. We all need to talk"

This is exactly what I was evading - being with the three of them and lying to their face. I can't pretend like I knew nothing. And even after knowing so much, I'm helpless. I know they love Skylar and they are assuming that their 'Mission Saving Skylar' is all about rescuing their dear friend from the vampire's clutches. But within no time, Skylar will want to be in his clutches. She will worship him. That's how things worked there. She is destined to fall in love.

"Okay" I sighed and shrugged to reposition my slipping bag on to my shoulders.

We walked in silence, mostly. John occasionally spoke about how everything was so tough and their parents were doing so much to get to the root of the problem. Of course, they didn't know what John and Sarah were aware of - The whole vampire episode. Claire told them about it and as expected, they weren't happy or forgiving. I know I will be noticing a lot of hostility between the Twins and Claire now. 

"You are not siding with Claire, are you?" He asked suddenly.

"Huh?"

"We are so angry at her for trading Skylar like that. I don't think we can be the same with her ever again"

And what would they do if they know about you, Sandy?

"No point dwelling in the past" I said safely.