Chapter 46: Back to Reality
By the time Rea got home, the peaceful buzz from her day with Elena had started to fade. Reality was waiting for her the second she stepped through the door.
Aster was sitting on the couch, flipping through a file—probably one of the many scattered around his room from their investigation. He barely looked up when she walked in.
"You look like you actually had fun," he muttered.
Rea tossed her bag onto a chair. "I did have fun. You should try it sometime."
Aster smirked but didn't argue.
Celeste walked in from the kitchen, drying her hands with a towel. "You're home late."
Rea shrugged. "I was with Elena."
Celeste gave a small nod, but Rea could tell she wanted to say more. Probably something about being careful. About how things were different now.
Rea wasn't in the mood for another reminder of how complicated her life had become.
Instead, she turned to Aster. "Did you find anything new?"
Aster leaned back, tossing the file onto the table. "Nothing useful. Just more proof that Collaway is a manipulative bastard. But we already knew that."
Rea sighed, rubbing her temples. "Great."
Andrew appeared in the doorway, arms crossed. "You both should rest. You have school tomorrow."
Aster scoffed. "Like school is our biggest problem right now."
Rea was about to agree when Celeste gave them both a look.
No arguments.
Fine.
---
The Next Morning
Rea was exhausted when she woke up, but she didn't have time to think about it. School didn't wait for anyone.
She found Aster already at the kitchen table, shoving food into his mouth like he was in a rush.
"Where's the fire?" she asked, grabbing an apple.
Aster smirked. "Maybe I just like breakfast."
Celeste placed a cup of coffee in front of him. "Or maybe you don't want to be late again."
Aster rolled his eyes but didn't argue.
By the time they got to school, Rea was already regretting her decision to come. The second she stepped through the doors, she could feel eyes on her. Whispering. Watching.
Great. What now?
She barely had time to process it before Elena appeared beside her, linking arms like they were lifelong best friends.
"Good morning, superstar," Elena said with a grin.
Rea frowned. "What?"
Elena held up her phone, showing her the pictures they took yesterday. "I posted these. People love them."
Rea blinked. "You… posted them?"
Elena snorted. "Of course. You looked cute."
Rea groaned. "Elena—"
"Relax. It's just some fun." Elena nudged her playfully. "And now everyone wants to know where you've been hiding all this time."
Rea sighed. "Great."
Elena grinned. "You're welcome."
---
The school day passed in a blur of classes, whispered conversations, and Aster looking more annoyed than usual.
By lunchtime, Rea was ready for a break. She sat outside, letting the cool air clear her mind.
Then—her phone buzzed.
A message.
From an unknown number.
Unknown: We need to talk.
Rea's heart skipped.
She typed back.
Rea: Who is this?
The reply came almost immediately.
Unknown: Jaxon.
Her stomach dropped.
Jaxon?
Why the hell was he texting her?