Grace:

  “I’m super trustworthy. I swear,” Jackie promised as she followed me into the living room. Her fingers tangled, betraying her unease.

  I kept my distance from the complete stranger I unwittingly invited into my apartment. My heartbeat quickened as I scanned my kitchen for a knife in case the situation escalated.

  Flyers like me are often targets for deranged Climbers. My parent’s ignored warnings rang in my ears like sirens.

  “I’m sure you’re a very honest person, but like I said, my cramps.” I put my hands on my lower abdomen, which knotted even more now that I was on the defense.

  “Can’t you magically fix that, too? I legit saw you heal that cut on your forehead. Look, it’s gone.” Jackie pointed at my cut.

  I touched where the gash was, my jaw clenching. “It wasn’t bad to begin with. Nothing a splash of water can’t fix.”

  Jackie’s eyes grew wide, a spark of madness dancing in her pupils. “I know what I saw. You healed yourself.”

  I opened the front door, my sweaty palm slipping on the knob. “You’re delusional. Goodbye Jackie.”

  My stomach sank when the Climber wearing my clothes didn’t budge from her rooted spot near the couch.

  “See you around.” I walked over and grabbed her hand, ushering her toward the exit. “Send Baxter my regards.”

  Her palms were even sweatier than mine.

  Jackie stopped short. “Forgive me, Grace. I’m being rude. You invited me here, gave me clothes to borrow, and I haven’t told you anything about myself. What would you like to know?”

  I shrugged and eyed the open door. A not-so-subtle way of saying, Get out weirdo.

  Jackie crossed her arms. “Oh, I see. I’m a lowly janitor’s daughter. Why would someone like you want to be friends with someone like me? What was I thinking?”

  “It’s not like that.” My voice went up an octave. “Of course I’d like to be friends.”

  Jackie closed the front door. “Prove it.”

  “Excuse me?” I furrowed my brow.

  “If you aren’t an elitist Flyer, you might try to get to know me a little.” Jackie ran her fingers through that unique red streak in her hair.

  “Well, I…” My cheeks flushed as I shook my head, caught off guard by her bluntness.

  “I can tell you’re not that kind of Flyer. So what do you want to know about me? I’ll tell you anything. I’m an open book.”

  My shoulders slumped. “I’m sure you are, Jackie, but maybe later. It’s been a long day. It’s siesta time.”

  “I have a great idea. Let me cook you a meal while you rest…to pay you back for lending me the clothes,” she offered.

  My eyes darted between Jackie and the closed front door. “No, that’s not necessary.”

  “Okay, but here’s a fun fact. I’m a fantastic chef.”

  “Good for you. That’s a wonderful skill to have…” I wrapped my fingers around the doorknob, wondering how to get her to leave without dropping my polite facade.

  “How about you? Can you cook?” Jackie asked.

  I shrugged. “Does boiling water for tea count?”

  Jackie laughed a little too hard. “I’ll teach you sometime. Anything else you want to know about me?”

  I examined Jackie, in my clothes from last season. Something about her felt familiar, but in reality, she showed up without warning.

  “Come on. Ask me anything.” She walked over to the sofa and sat, eager to stay awhile.

  Biting the side of my mouth, I crossed my arms and weighed the pros and cons of letting her stay.

  Jackie seems innocent enough. Why am I being rude to Baxter’s daughter after all he’s done to help me?

  “I can ask you anything?” I asked.

  Jackie shifted in her seat, wiping a bead of sweet from her hairline. “Anything.”

  “Um, let’s see…” I sighed and collapsed next to her on the couch. “Tell me about growing up with Baxter as a dad. He’s such a nice guy.”

  “Great question.” She let out a deep exhale, wiping her sweaty palms on her thighs. “Pops is the best. He took such good care of me, always made sure I had a roof over my head, something to eat…”

  Tears came to her eyes, but didn’t fall. “He got me a pint of strawberries every year for my birthday. They’re my favorite and really expensive in my neck of the woods. It was such a decadent present, and he never missed a year. I’ll never forget it.” Her stomach rumbled.

  I put my hand to my heart to cover that sinking feeling. “Wow. Thanks for sharing that with me. I never realized Baxter might be struggling that much financially.”

  “Growing up, a bare shelf was normal.” Her voice trembled.

  Jackie may have changed out of the janitor’s uniform, but the differences between her and I were clear.

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” I averted my eyes as she wiped away a tear.

  She shook her head, sucking the emotion in. “Seems like Pops has a sweet gig here at Hampshire University. His fridge is properly stocked.”

  “That’s great to hear.” I forced a smile.

  We sat in an awkward silence as I debated my next move.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  Is the pain in my stomach from cramps, pity, or suspicion?

  Jackie sat rigid, searching my face as though her worth hinged on what I said next. Her whole body vibrated with unease. The wrong response might shatter her completely.

  I sighed, my heart and mind telling me two different things.

  “Hey, are you hungry? We could go grab a bite. My treat,” I offered, letting my heart win.

  Jackie’s face lit up. “I’m starving. Like I said, I can cook for you. My mac and cheese can’t be beat.”

  “Mac and cheese?” My nose curled. “That’s okay. I’ve got tons of credit on my campus meal plan.”

  “I don’t want to impose…” Jackie lowered her eyes to the floor.

  I tapped her knee with my hand. “I won’t take no for an answer.”

  “Thank you.” Jackie hugged me.

  I stiffened at her touch, so she retreated.

  “Don’t mention it.” I grabbed my purse, and we left the apartment.

  I breathed easier as the fresh air hit me. I hadn’t gotten rid of Jackie yet, but I no longer had to worry about kicking her out. Overall, she seemed harmless, but I still knew very little about her.

  As we walked toward the campus cafeteria, I asked, “If Baxter works here, where’s your mother?”

  Jackie flinched. “Oh, she’s nearby.”

  “Where are you visiting from?”

  “What do you mean?” Her eyebrows cinched.

  “You said you were visiting from somewhere where strawberries are expensive? That’s why you don’t have any clothes because they lost your luggage… So where are you from?”

  “Right. I hope my suitcase arrives soon, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s gone forever. It’s a mess over at transportation services.” She slapped her forehead.

  I nodded with a furrow in my brow, trying to piece together a picture of who Jackie really was.

  “So, where are you from?” I asked again.

  “I live in Bernadette,” she said with a shrug.

  “Never heard of it.” I crossed my arms and shook my head.

  “Not surprised. It’s a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. With zero opportunity there, Pops moved to Twin Flames to find work.”

  The lawn crumpled faintly under our steps as we crossed the wide quad framed in red stone paths.

  I continued to grill her. “How old are you?”

  “Seventeen.”

  “I just turned eighteen, so I’m older than you,” I noted. “Do you have a boyfriend?”

  Jackie shook her head. “Nah. How about you? Boyfriend?”

  “My boyfriend, Feraz, is the most popular guy on campus.” A warm tingle spread throughout my chest, and my lips parted into the biggest smile.

  “Wow, how exciting. Is that what you like about him? His popularity?” Jackie tilted her head.

  I uncrossed my arms and spoke passionately with my hands. “He’s the total package. Well liked, handsome, but…misunderstood. You know?”

  “No, tell me more.”

  “Everyone thinks he’s perfect.” I walked a little faster. Talking about Feraz gave me a pep in my step.

  “Is he perfect?” she asked.

  The warmth tingling in my chest spread to my cheeks. “Well, yeah, he is…but he’s under a lot of pressure. It’s not easy being at the top. There’s more to lose.”

  “I can only imagine.”

  The cafeteria sat at the north edge of the quad, its red brick fa?ade softened with ivy climbing toward the roofline. Planters of seasonal flowers lined the entrance, their colors bright against the muted elegance of the building.

  What does a janitor’s daughter think of this place that I probably take for granted?

  “We’re here.” I opened the glass cafeteria doors framed with dark wood and brass handles, glad for a break in the conversation that somehow shifted from Jackie’s story to mine.

  The smell of freshly baked bread wafted in the air, hitting me with a low dose of nausea. “I have to warn you, Jackie. It’s worse than hospital food. Beware the weird deli concoctions. No telling what’s in those.”

  Jackie's eyes lit up, and her jaw dropped. “What are you talking about? It’s nicer than a five-star restaurant.”

  I laughed and scanned my DNA Identifier twice, giving us both unlimited access to the buffet line. Sneeze guards arched above the spread that had probably been sitting out since lunch.

  We grabbed red plastic trays and moved down the line.

  Jackie stocked her plate as if she’d never eaten before; meats, cassaroles, side dishes, desserts, fruit, bread, you name it.

  I grabbed a small salad and black coffee and sat at a table near the windows.

  Jackie soon joined me. “Not hungry?”

  I tensed, caught off guard by her pointed observation. “Um, I’m on medication that makes my appetite, like, non-existent. Besides, I ate a big breakfast.”

  Jackie melted at her first bite and wasted no time getting to the second.

  I grabbed a fork and pushed lettuce around my plate.

  As Jackie stuffed her face, Feraz approached us.

  My heart skipped a beat. His white polo shirt hugged his pecs perfectly, and his thick black hair bounced with every step he confidently took.

  Feraz made a face at Jackie as he saddled up to our table. “Slow down or you’ll choke.”

  His eyes moved to me, his grimace shifting to a smirk. “Hey, babe. Didn’t expect to see you here. Since when do you eat?”

  “Hey, babe.” I stood to give him a kiss on the lips, but he gave me his cheek. “Sit. Join us.”

  He ignored my request.

  “Hey, while you’re here. I need that book back. I’ve got to study before the big test.” The slick motion of his tongue across his soft lips sent a shiver of anticipation through me.

  “Here you go. I’m done with it.” I ignored the heat pooling between my thighs and pulled the Frankenstein book out of my purse. I handed it to him, hoping our fingers would touch, but they didn’t.

  Jackie raised an eyebrow, stopping mid-chew to witness the book exchange between us.

  Feraz held it behind his back and addressed Jackie. “And you are?”

  “How rude of me.” I cleared my throat. “Feraz, this is Jackie. She’s Baxter’s daughter.”

  “Who’s Baxter?” He turned up his nose.

  “The…custodian…who gave us the keys to the lab. Remember?” I took a sip of my coffee, burning my tongue. My neck muscles strained, but I kept my composure.

  “The janitor?” He raised an eyebrow. “You’re the janitor’s daughter?”

  I pulled him into the seat next to me, pushing past Jackie’s backstory. “And Feraz needs no introduction. Valedictorian, captain of the lacrosse team, my handsome and charming boyfriend…”

  I rested my head on his shoulder, my skin tingling where we touched.

  He shrugged me off. “No mention of my last name, Grace? You always bury the lead, babe.”

  I clarified, “Jackie, I proudly present to you…Feraz Tal.”

  He looked pleased with himself, as he should be. He was charming and charismatic with broad shoulders and just the right amount of stubble on his sharp jaw. Chiseled to perfection as if sculpted by a master.

  “Yes, it’s true. I’m heir to the Tal oil estate. And yet my girlfriend clearly loves slumming it.” He scowled at Jackie.

  “Feraz is such a goof.” I elbowed him playfully and forced a giggle to keep the peace.

  “Don’t push me, Grace. Best not to start something you can’t finish.” He delivered his veiled threat with a smile.

  My empty stomach knotted. “Sorry. I was just messing around, dear.”

  Heat crawled up my neck as I caved into myself, desperate to erase my misstep.

  Feraz grit his teeth and dug his nails into his fists, breaking skin.

  The skin on my palms ripped open as if he was digging into my flesh. They’d bleed soon if he didn’t stop. The power he wielded over me was unparalleled.

  “You know I don’t like playing games, Grace.” Feraz’s voice lowered, his nails digging in deeper.

  I crushed the whimper in my throat, letting it die inside. My palms burned with intense pain as he deliberately hurt himself, and therefore me.

  Pressure pulsed behind my eyes, the force of our physical connection trying to erase me. Every neuron sparked wrong. I tasted metal. Heard voices that weren’t mine.

  The worst part wasn’t the pain, it was knowing that my body was no longer my own. It was his.