Page 49 of Creeping Beautiful

I’m going to talk to Adam when we’re done here and find out what he saw.

Will you tell me what he saw?

I don’t know yet. If I think it will help you, I will tell you. But it probably won’t be helpful and then it’s just better you don’t know. It’s better that you move on. Try to forget about it. Your wrists will heal. You’ll be fine.

But what if they come back for me? What if they come here, Donovan?

They won’t. But I promise, Adam will take care of them if he hasn’t already. Now… aren’t you curious about what I’ve been up to?

Yes. Do you have a girlfriend yet?

Kind of.

Is she in school with you?

Yeah. We’re in the same program. We just study together because she’s like ten years older than me.

Oh, that sucks. I feel sorry for you. It must be hard to be so much younger than everyone.

Well, I guess you would know. You and I are the same in that regard. Is it hard living here with Adam and McKay? Do you wish you were older? Or they were younger?

No. Because I have Nate. And I know he’s worried about me. I told him I would be back two days ago and that I would see him as soon as you left.

Just tell him I was late. And your trip took longer than you thought. But you have to wear long sleeves. You can’t let him see your wrists. He will ask a lot of questions and maybe even tell someone because he’s worried about you. But trust me, Indie. Telling people about this is not the answer. You are safe here with Adam and McKay. No one can hurt you when you’re with them.

I know that. I won’t tell him.

Good. Then unless you have more questions for me, we’re done and you can go outside.

Really?

Yup. I have to leave tonight because I have class tomorrow and I can’t miss another day. But I’ll be back on the weekend.

Why so soon?

I just want to make sure you’re OK. We’re all worried about you.

You don’t have to worry about me, Donovan. I’m fine.

I know you are. Now go. I’m sure Nate is dying to see you. But don’t forget to change into long sleeves… And Indie?

Yes?

Next time Adam tells you to check the bedroom first, you need to check the bedroom first.

Transcript note: The recorder was left running for my conversation with Adam. And the next thirty seconds were just non-verbal sounds.

DONOVAN: Close the door.

ADAM: What did she say?

What the fuck were you doing?

Listen, you know I can’t tell you everything. And if you don’t know that all kids like her—kids like me—have an initiation, well. Then you’re just stupid. They don’t just turn us loose and say, “Have a good life!” I’m still under orders, Donovan. This was her initiation and as far as I can tell, she fuckin’ failed with flying colors. And that guy triggered her.

What?

Yeah. So your fucking grandfather has some explaining to do. I was not told that she had been… worked over so thoroughly before I bought her. He triggered her and she slit her own wrists.