Page 67 of Roses & Ruin

Chapter 24

As soon as I get back to the classroom, I text Delia.

Me:

There’s a new TA now. Apparently Julian dropped out???

Delia:

seriously?? but he was such a Professor Brown-noser. lol

Me:

I know. When I ended things with him, he was stressed about midterm reviews and applying to be Prof B’s assistant. So. Doesn’t make too much sense that he dropped out.

Also, like, a huge bird crashed into the classroom window and died. Its head was twisted nearly all the way off.

Delia:

oh dude that’s scary. now I wish I’d come, im so sorry Ro-Ro

Should I tell Delia about the Julian look-alike at Hemlock Cove?

I glance at the fractal of blood-smeared cracks on the classroom window as Abigail drones on in the background. I feel that icy dread climb my ribs as the snowfall gets heavier, the visibility of campus being slowly swallowed in white. The wind thrashes the trees so violently that a few skeletal branches paw at the glass.

I go with my gut.

Me:

Don’t tell Hayden this, but I’m freaked out because I swear to god I saw Julian when we were visiting Hemlock Cove the other day. I thought it was just my crazy imagination doing its dumb thing, so I brushed it off, but now that he’s missing, I’m not so sure anymore.

Conversation bubbles pop up on Delia’s end. Disappear. Pop up. Disappear.

I’m starting to get self-conscious that Delia thinks I’m making stuff up when she fires back a message.

Delia:

Ro, I really feel like I should tell Hay about this.

Ugh. Things are so good with us right now, though. This could absolutely all be in my head, and Hayden goes all distant and closed off when he’s super worried. And there’s nothing to be worried about yet.

Right?

And what am I even suggesting? That Julian followed us to Hemlock Cove? That he was watching me? Because I broke up with him? That’s absolutely ridiculous.

Me:

Please don’t say anything. It’s really not a big deal, I swear

The conversation bubble dance happens again, longer this time. I get what I’m asking her, that as far as friends go, Hayden’s basically family and I’m an acquaintance. When Delia replies, I let out a sigh of relief.

Delia:

Alright, fine. But only because when it comes to you, your boy Overreacts. Capital O. Want me to come meet you after your class?

I check the time. There are only ten minutes left.

Me: