The Arrival by CM Doporto Read Free Book Online

Kate’s voice called out as
she peered from behind a partially open bathroom door.
    “Hey,” I muttered, barely lifting my
head.
    “Are you okay?”  She rushed to my
bedside.  “What happened?”
    “Nothing.”  I leaned against an
overstuffed pillow. “Thank God.”
    “Then what did he want?” Kate’s blue
eyes filled with confusion. “Did he overhear what we said?”
    “I’m not sure.” I shrugged. “But based
on our conversation , I think he might have.”
    “What did he say?”
    I stalled, deciding whether or not I
should tell her I got a pass home. But keeping it from her was a bad idea
because eventually she’d find out. I considered telling her how he put some
kind of alien trance over me, but that would only freak her out, and I still
didn’t understand it, so I spared that major detail. “He said I could go home
for a few weeks. Which makes me think he’s on to us. Otherwise, why would he
let me leave?”
    She sighed and relaxed. “Really, when?”
    “Sunday evening.”
    “Well, guess what?” A big smile formed
on her face. “I received a message right after you left, and I’m going home
too.”
    “You are?” I considered the situation
and his possible motives. “That’s great.”
    “Yeah, I’m leaving Sunday, too, and I’m
scheduled to return on Sunday, June 30th.”
    “So am I.” It was great that Kate and I
were getting a break, but there had to be more to it. “What about everyone else?”
    “I don’t know. I wanted to tell you
first, but I didn’t want you to be mad.” Her eyes lowered as she picked at her
bare nails.
    “I wouldn’t be mad, Kate.” She gave me
one of her looks, which forced me to tell the truth. “Okay, maybe a little.
Only because I’m dying to see Bryce.”
    “I know. And I feel bad for the others.”
Kate moved to the mirror in front of my wardrobe and started braiding her hair.
Since she worked at the Nidus salon, everyone knew her as the Queen of Hair.
    She continued talking but my mind
drowned her words, as I obsessed about what had happened.  For some strange
reason, I felt guilty. Like I had cheated on Bryce. Even though we hadn’t seen
each other in nine months, I knew we were exclusive. Weren’t we? I mean, we had
never discussed it, but Bryce wouldn’t cheat on me.  But the more I thought
about Bryce, the more I found myself thinking about Dimas.
    Bryce and Dimas were day and night.
    Complete opposites, each unique in their
own way, Bryce was sweet and caring, whereas Dimas was controlling and devious.
When it came to their bodies, Bryce didn’t compare to Dimas. But Bryce was only
seventeen, and Dimas had to be like twenty or something. Dimas was way too old
for me. Then again, next week I’d be seventeen. That was only a three year
difference. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach as I thought about Dimas’
offer.
    Unless you’d rather stay and have sex
with me.    
    “Hey, did you hear me?” Kate probed, interrupting
my fantasy.
    “Um, no.” I flinched.  “Sorry, what did
you say?”
    “What’s with you?”  She narrowed her
stare. “You’re acting different. In fact, your cheeks look a little red, and I
don’t think it’s from your blush, either. What really happened in Dimas’
room?”  
    Busted, again.
    “What?” I played it off. Because she’d
freak if she knew I was fraternizing with our biggest enemy. “Nothing.”
    She gave me a pensive stare and then
said, “I asked if we should tell the other girls.”
    “Well, if we don’t, I’m sure they’ll
find out.”
    “True. Hopefully, we’re not the only
ones.”
    “I agree. I mean it would be great if
everyone got a pass.” I considered possible motives for the strange
development. Dimas had to know something about the chat we had in Gaby’s room.
    Crap.
    That damn eye must have been recording
us, or someone’s digital assistant must have been in active mode. That’s why he
was sending us away. Before I could think of anything else, my door