The Deepest Cut Read Online Free Page A

something about seeing you over at the school.” She picked up my dirty socks and frowned. “Did you cut yourself, love?”
    My stomach clenched. Normally when cutting I was careful, hiding the blood by either tossing out or washing the soiled clothes myself, but in my excitement after meeting Ian, it had completely slipped my mind. “No. Why?”
    “There’s dried blood on your sock.”
    “I must have cut myself shaving.”
    “My goodness, it must have been quite a gouge to leave such a stain. Be careful next time, my dear.”
    “I will,” I said, scrambling off the bed. I pulled on some sweatpants and opened up the curtains, looking out at the castle. I was even more curious about the castle now that
    I knew Ian had lived there. I admit I wanted to know more about him, and already couldn’t wait to see him again. “Miss Akin, is the castle open to the public?”
    “Usually sections of the castle are open for visitors this time of year, but the family who owns it is on holiday, and while they’re away they’ve decided to tackle some much-needed renovations. Only the construction crew is allowed in for now.”
    Disappointed, I asked, “When does the family return?”
    “The end of the month, I believe. Just in time for school.”
    I had no intention of waiting weeks to see the castle.
    “You get in that shower and I’ll get to making your breakfast,” she said, nudging me toward the bathroom.
    Within thirty minutes I had showered and dried my hair. I had no idea what was in fashion in Braemar, Scotland, so I thought
    I’d play it safe with name-brand jeans, a baby-blue T-shirt, and tennis shoes. My hair wouldn’t cooperate, so I pulled it up into a high ponytail, and grabbed a lightweight jacket out of my closet.
    I found Miss Akin in the kitchen, humming to herself. I wolfed down a piece of toast, wanting to get to the school early, and hopefully, find Shane.
    I left the house and crossed the road, passing by a restaurant that was packed and a store where a few old men sat out on a bench; talking and smoking. On every street corner flower baskets full of colorful blooms hung from old-fashioned lampposts. I hated to admit it, but the little town had a charm most cities lacked. I was used to strip malls and subdivisions, not quaint houses on huge lots, and miles upon miles of open green space.
    I walked over the ancient stone bridge, my fingers brushing the polished iron railing
    as I looked down at the river, remembering the expression on Ian’s face yesterday when I’d turned to him and told him I could see him. There was a part of me that questioned befriending a ghost. Let’s face it, the possibil-ities of someone aside from my brother, Dad and Miss Akin seeing me talking to myself were pretty high. If I wasn’t careful, I could end up in a mental hospital, or at the very least, forced to take those horrible meds again.
    I heard a familiar voice and saw Shane step out of a store, followed by two other boys, both of whom carried skateboards.
    When Shane looked my way, he actually waved and walked toward me. “Riley, this is Richie and Milo. Guys, this is my sister Riley.”
    “Hey Riley,” the boys said in unison, checking me out hard, especially Milo whose eyes were practically glued to my boobs.
    “Hey,” I said with a smile.
    Richie had stick-straight red hair he wore back in a low ponytail, a navy and gray v-neck sweater, and jeans that had seen better days. Milo had a lip ring, and what I assumed to be dyed black spiky hair, since his eyes were hazel and his skin really pale. He was tall and rail thin, and wore tight-ass, skinny jeans and a black holey concert Tshirt of a band I’d never heard of.
    “Come on, I’ll show you where the school is,” Shane said, motioning for me to follow.
    Milo and Richie dropped their boards and started down the street.
    Shane and I walked in silence, and I hated that we felt awkward with each other.
    There was so much unspoken tension that I wondered if