But it doesn’t really matter what his reasons are, does it? Or if he’s lying to himself. Or if I’m the one in denial. Either way—if he tells me tonight about these feelings, what am I going to do?

I’m so lost in my thoughts, I only now realize that I’ve ventured far past the main house and the chapel, all the way to the ornate gate with the Darkwood crest on it that signals the start of campus. I unlock the gate and let the embellished metal door swing closed behind me with a clang. Out of breath, I pause under a knot of trees, my hands on my thighs, breathing in the crisp Vermont air. When I stand up, ready to continue outrunning the tangled web of my thoughts, someone blocks me on the path. It’s Tessa Leroy. Next to her is Ansel’s original: the famous, and famously handsome, Archer de Leon.

I stare at Tessa like I’m seeing a ghost. This is definitely not Theodora. I saw Theodora ten minutes ago, back with the other Similars in their costumes. This girl is wearing something trendy, something I doubt Theodora would ever put on. She’s paired a sweater that looks like it’s made of gold chain mail with distressed, wide-legged denim jeans. On her feet are the chunkiest, and tallest, woven platform sandals I’ve ever seen. Her face glows from some kind of shimmery makeup, and her hair looks like it’s been highlighted with streaks of copper.

“Hi,” she says emotionlessly, staring right at me.

“Hi?” I answer back. No one’s seen Tessa since she checked into that facility. “What’s up, Archer?” I say, feeling annoyed they’re in my way, though I’m admittedly a teeny bit curious as to what they’re doing here. Why is Archer back on campus again so soon?

“Hey,” Archer says, flashing a huge smile that reveals his unnaturally white teeth.

I shift my weight, antsy. Then I make a move to walk around them, but they both edge that same way, subtly blocking me. I decide to address Archer, because it’s easier; I have no desire to talk to Tessa, and no clue what to say to her. Are you less prone to violent attacks now? doesn’t seem appropriate.

“What are you doing back at Darkwood, Archer? Didn’t I hear you were filming an outrageously popular show somewhere?”

“Thailand. Shooting wrapped. I’m starting NYU next week.” Archer shrugs. “You know. At their drama program.”

“So you decided to come here? Why come back to high school when you don’t absolutely have to? Wouldn’t you rather be at a movie premiere or something?”

“Totally, but I’m visiting my buddy Ansel. He said there’s some kind of…party this weekend?” Archer pries, grinning at me rakishly. I’m not amused.