Marcus wants to talk

You felt a hot flush of warm fear burn up your neck. What did Marcus know? Had he seen your little encounter with his sister? Had Chloe let something slip? Your mind raced with a dozen horrible scenarios while you did your utmost to keep your face clear of panic.

“So, about last night…”Marcus shuffled in place, suddenly looking very uncomfortable.“Did you notice anything weird about my sister?”

You kept your face a perfectly trained mask. “Weird, what do you mean?”

“I mean, was she acting strange at all?” He pinched the ridge of his nose, rubbed his eyes, “when you went to the bathroom you didn’t happen to see her, I dunno, doing something?”

There was a beat as you processed that question. “Like what?”

“Like…” Marcus sighed, “like ****, man.”

Relief shot through you, knowing how off base he was being. I didn’t really pay attention, my mind was on this cult thing.” You shrugged a little, “but Chloe’s never seemed like the type to get involved with that shit.”

Marcus nodded distantly. “Yeah, yeah it’s just that she was really weird this morning. All spaced out, and she kept asking about you.”

“Can’t help you there man,” you felt a jolt of confidence and **** a smile, “maybe she’s fallen for me.”

Marcus scoffed and hit your shoulder playfully. “Yeah, that’ll be the day!” He glanced at the clock, “well, it’s probably nothing. Let’s get to class.”

You were happy to go along, but the entire time you felt the ring vibrant and thrum with warmth in your hand. In the pulse of your heartbeat, you thought you might have heard laughter...