Rachel Reads Novels & Stories

As no words were said, Rachel had no choice but to check what was written on them. As soon as she looked at the handwriting, no doubt was the author. Rachel leaned back in the chair and started reading. Katherine turned around to look out the window, not ready to see her friend's reaction. She decided to tell the truth to Rachel. On those pages, she included all the information she could in such a short time. She was standing still, listening to Rachel's gasps. The good thing was that her friend was saying nothing, just reading carefully. Soon, the sound of the papers dropped on the ground could be heard. Katherine turned back to Rachel, whose face was white as a sheet.

"Exactly. Harold Reed is dangerous, and Rachel's past makes her vulnerable to manipulation." Lucian's pack communication device suddenly rang, interrupting our conversation. He glanced at the caller ID and his expression grew concerned. "It's Rachel," he said quietly, holding up the device.

She had one arm around Jonathan, and with difficulty, she used her only free hand to pull her key out and open the door. Jonathan fell on the couch and turned around. Still drunk, he asked, "I'm starving. Anything to eat, Rachel?" Rachel trotted up to my room and banged on the door. "Get out here, Leonardo! Jonathan's drunk, and I need you to keep an eye on him! Do you hear me? He's starving! You can cook, so make him some soup or something!" Silence was her only answer, and that unnerved Rachel. She leaned her head against the door and thought the room's occupant was only staying quiet because he was upset at her.

I found it amusing and infuriating that despite needing this meeting, I could barely concentrate on the agenda. Suddenly, a round of applause erupted, pulling me from my trance. I leaned over to the woman beside me. “What’s going on?” I whispered. “Rachel just announced she’s giving back the shares she bought from ModernMuse. She wants to partner with them,” she replied, excitement dancing in her eyes. My heart sank slightly—not from disappointment but from admiration. I had never imagined Rachel would make such a bold move. It was impressive, and I cursed myself for not paying better attention. Her diligence only deepened the feelings I had for her, feelings I was trying to keep at bay.

She heard Rachel say to her. She watched as the kids all grinned at her as they acknowledged their names and she looked yowsrds their gook shelf. “Well my lovelies what would you like me to read to you today?” She asked them suddenly. She watched as they placed their hands on their chin as she froze and thought it over. She felt her body shudder at the thought as she watched as they reached over to the shelf and they pulled one of the books away from it.

Isabella watched Rachel walk away toward her next class, Mark following behind her. Rachel's hand absently lifted to touch the necklace resting against her collarbone. She'd done that at least five times in the past hour. Chloe noticed too. She nudged Isabella the moment Rachel was out of earshot. "Did you see her face when we asked about it?" Chloe whispered. "She was practically glowing." "I know," Isabella said quietly, pulling out her laptop. "She seems really happy."

Only exhaustion at the thought of pretending around him. My phone buzzed again. Another message from Rachel. Rachel: I know this is crazy but I keep replaying it. The way you tasted. The way you moaned when I fingered you. I’ve never done anything like that before. I can’t focus on my rounds. Please reply. I stared at the screen, heart racing. Kael leaned in slightly to read it, his breath warm against my ear. “She’s unraveling fast,” he observed. “Desperate girls make mistakes. Or useful allies.”

Karen was reading the Sunday New York Times and watching a baseball game simultaneously when Rachel, still in her pajamas walked into the livingroom. In all the excitement of the party, Rachel hadn’t had a chance to tell her roommate how good she looked after returning from her summer excursion. Glancing in the hall mirror at her disheveled appearance, it occurred to Rachel that she could use a vacation herself, but any thoughts of a rest would have to wait. For now, she was simply grateful to have slept undisturbed for most of the afternoon.

"Because I'm scared. Because if I say it out loud, it becomes real. And if it's real, I can't pretend anymore." Emma squeezed her hand again. "You don't have to pretend with me." Rachel looked at her. Really looked. "I know," Rachel said. "That's why I'm scared." --- Rachel took a breath. She pulled a folded piece of paper from her pocket. "I'm going to read it," Rachel said. "But I need you to stay. I need you to not look away." Emma nodded. "I'm not going anywhere." Rachel unfolded the paper. Her hands were shaking.

★★★ "Hello, Rachel, how are you?" Bella asked and noticed Rachel was busy with the work. Managing a canteen was a hectic thing, however, no one could tell that they ever found miss Rachel tired or lacking attention but today Isabella felt Rachel was lost in thoughts as the movement of her hand was slow and shaking. "I am very good. How are you, girls?" Rachel said with a bright smile. She took out a paper and pen, and started muttering, "Three coffee with doughnuts and anything else."