Bitter Fruits Read Online Free Page B

reasons. First of all, after I returned last night from my - well, whatever it was - with Alec, he was all I could think about. Second, when I made it back, distracted by thoughts of him, I found Scarlet sitting up on her bed. She was grinning to herself as she stared at her phone before she went on to share extensive details about her escapades with “Henry.” This all culminated in her showing me a sext he sent her. An extremely graphic sext complete with a visual aid. Now, I can’t seem to focus on the story of Icarus while “Henry” and his dirty secrets run through my mind as he speaks. Damn you, Scarlet. I really liked this class.
    I look down at my notes at the end of class and see that all I’ve written is Alec’s n ame. About eighty times. There are even a few hearts. Awesome. Now I’m becoming a stalker. A 12-year-old stalker. Next thing you know I’ll be passing him notes asking him to circle “yes” or “no” if we’re actually anything. I tear out the page and crumple it, dropping it in my messenger bag, and I turn my attention back to Henry. He’s talking about the next section we are studying. Turns out it will be Biblical mythology.
    “I advise you all to brush up on your knowledge of the Bible,” he says. There is a collective groan and he smiles. “Note I did not say you had to attend church. I simply imagine that, as members of a Western civilization, you are familiar with the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, David and Goliath, and others. However, one of your required texts was a guide to the Bible and its stories, so please do not come in unprepared for the next class. We’re starting with Genesis only, so you have time to refresh.”
    He dismisses the class but motions for me to wait. I look around the room, thinking of reasons to avoid staying behind. Scarlet seems happy, I guess, but the whole situation puts me in an incredibly uncomfortable position. I don’t have a lot of deep, dark secrets so I’m not sure I’m the kind of girl who’s good at keeping them. Not to mention that I now can’t stop thinking about my professor in all of his glory - which is, sadly, kind of glorious. I try to maintain my composure and remember that I do love this class, even if I know what his penis looks like. My eyes dart back and forth between him and the door, but it’s my nerdy obsession with learning that wins out in the end.
    “You wanted me to stay?” I ask, adjusting my bag, which for some reason continues to fall off my shoulder.
    “Nora, I sense that you’re bothered by recent events.”
    I give up on the bag and drop it on the floor. “I mean, it’s weird. It is really tough to pay attention in class when Scarlet tells me everything .”
    He laughs. “Well, maybe she and I should talk about keeping some things private. Is that the only problem, though? You seem a little - off. Usually you’re enthusiastic in class but you didn’t seem focused today. Actually, it’s been different since the party. I would hate to think that I-”
    I lean on the desk behind me. “No, it’s really not that big of a deal. It’s just... I have so many questions. Who are these people who threw the party and what was that? It was so strange, but also... I don’t know what to call it. A little perfect? But then, what happened to Chloe? Is she okay? And, fine, I guess I am a little concerned about what’s happening with you and Scarlet, you know since I don’t want anyone to get in trouble. I mean, it’s all of that and I just… and, also, why is Alec so weird?”
    He sits on the desk next to me and shakes his head. I don’t blame him; my incoherent barrage would leave most people speechless. “One at a time. As far as I know, the vampire clan, as they call themselves, has been active for years. I’ve been going to their parties for a while now; they’re a break from all this. For me, they’re also, I guess, a little research as well. You must see how easily we embrace the myths that