“Wow.” I clenched my fingers and narrowed my eyes at Felicia. “You don’t think all the societies do the same thing?”
Shanda cackled loud enough the entire lunch room could hear. A few people turned their heads, but most were too busy chatting and eating.
An odd grin crept up her face as she studied me like a bug under a microscope. “What exactly has your family told you about the other chosen ones, like the Interpreter and the Messenger?”
With a start, I sat up straight, my spine ramming into the back of the chair. “Nothing. What’s it to you?” I clamped my mouth shut, but it was too late. Probably said too much already.
“I don’t get it.” Shanda turned to me. “What’s the big deal?”
“I don’t know,” I whispered to her under my breath.
“What’s not to get? There are three sides on this campus and you have to choose one. If your family didn’t already choose it for you.” Julia pounded her cup down so hard the table shook. All the grins evaporated. “What? It’s true.” She crossed her arms over her body and glared at me.
“What are you looking at me for?” It felt like a shadow lingered over my head, threatening to suffocate me with accusations and implications.
Something must’ve happened, something major.
Whispers swirled around me. “It’s your fault. It’s all your fault.” Yet no one at the table opened their mouth. They just stared at Julia.
How could it be my fault? Worse, what if the whispers were right? Did this have something to do with James?
I propped my elbows on the table. “You mentioned something about family in class, my family specifically. Does this have anything to do with my brother?”
Julia flinched like I’d slapped her. Those goggle-sized eyes told me I’d missed a step. “You mean he never told you what happened here?”
A bitter laugh escaped my throat. Shadows from the storm outside dappled the tray in front of me. “Please, after graduation James jetted off to Europe. No phone calls, no emails, no communication of any kind. He practically abandoned the family, abandoned me. For three years I’ve wondered if he’s even alive.”
“Lucy.” Her face crumpled. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. I always thought ...”
“You thought what?” I snapped at her with more venom than I intended. Too much talk about James always brought out the worst in me. I’d be happier if Paige had been the one to take off without a word. But not James, my big bro, my confidant, my grounding influence. His absence carved a hole in my life that could never be replaced. My insides ached.
Her eyes glistened with tears. “Maybe we should talk about this later.” With that she bolted out the door, straight into the rain. It must be a big deal for her to ruin her hair like that.
Everyone else at the table returned to their food, except for Felicia who glared at me with her catty eyes. Picking at my food, I kept my eyes glued to the table.
“Ahem.” Shanda cleared her throat, leaning in to whisper in my ear. “What’s that?” Her eyes flew to my backpack on the ground.
Sure enough, Julia had jammed a cream envelope into my half-zipped front pocket. Pretending to drop my napkin, I bent over to inspect the envelope. I slid open the flap, easing out a single sheet of paper inside. By special selection, you’re invited to attend the Watcher Corps induction meeting. For serious candidates only. Come alone. Please keep the following details confidential. Do not share this information with anyone else. The rest of the invite included details of the off-campus meeting next weekend.
I tucked the invite into my backpack and zipped the pocket closed. This was why everyone clammed up when Julia came to our table—she was a member of the Watchers. Had she caused the stupid scene about my brother just to hand me an invitation? Now I had more than one reason to figure out what the elusive Watcher Corps was all about.
“Are you okay?” Shanda hissed in my ear.
Glancing around the table, I caught Felicia staring at me again for the umpteenth time today. Later I mouthed to my roomie, flicking my gaze at Felicia. What was that girl’s problem, anyway?
Chapter 6
The clouds parted and splatters of sunshine washed onto the cafeteria table and its plates of half-eaten food.
“What was that about?” Felicia’s green eyes were on me again, sending a chill down the back of my neck.
“I have no idea.” I clawed through my long hair, twisting it around my fingers and letting the soft waves trickle down my back. I stared out the window as the raindrops petered out. The rest of the crew mumbled things behind me, but I tuned them out.
“Earth to Lucy.” Shanda’s ebony fingers filtered the light into confetti before my eyes. “Incoming.”
A familiar smell wafted across the table. Soapy with a hint of spice. Will plopped himself in Julia’s spot and turned his gray eyes on me. I forced a smile.
Kevin scraped up a chair next to him. “Hi, guys, mind if we join you?”
Tony scooted away from him. “Whatever.” Did all the Guardians have a beef with Nexis members? Maybe it wasn’t just Bryan after all.
My sandwich lay half-eaten on my plate. The sight of it made my stomach flip-flop, like it couldn’t take anymore stress. “I’ve got to get to English. I’ll see you guys later.” I reached for my backpack and rose to my feet.
“Bye, Lucy.” Bryan’s concerned expression did nothing to calm my nerves. Until he edged closer and whispered, “Don’t forget our deal.”
I nodded. His smile almost looked genuine, but was it for Will’s benefit or mine?
“I’ll come with.” Shanda palmed her smoothie, slinging her bag over her shoulder.
Together, we rushed to the door as fast as my feet could walk without running. Outside, I inhaled
