I wake up naked and alone in Hank’s bed. I wrap a sheet around me and crawl out on wobbly sea legs. My head pounds like there’s a jackhammer in there. Where are my clothes? I go to Hank’s dresser and pull out some shorts with a drawstring and a tee shirt. I want to pee on everything Hank owns. It would serve him right. I don’t know what he did to me or what happened last night, but I feel violated and ticked off. Okay, mostly ticked off.
I lay here and try to self-analyze, but I feel strange at the same time. Surely if that happened, I would know. Wouldn’t I? And Hank’s a bit nuts, but he wouldn’t lie down with me if I was unconscious, would he? Did he roofie me last night or was that a sedative? I slap the covers. Does it matter? I yank Hank’s clothes on and tie the shorts as tight as I can. I search through his drawers. I find a stash of candy. I grab a few pieces of chocolate for breakfast. I eat them slowly to savor the sugar.
Darn it. My list of numbers. I grab another piece of paper and start over again. I scan the room for a hiding place. I can’t find one, so I’ll just shove the paper underneath the bookshelf. That’s easy enough. I start from the beginning again. I write down the numbers as quickly as possible and shove them back in their place each time. I’ve got a rhythm down and I’m into the second bookcase when Hank returns. I barely shove the paper under the bookcase. I remember to grab a book as I turn back to face him.
He grabs my arm and pulls me to his bed. “Where did you find the numbers?”
Play it cool. “What numbers, Hank, and where are my clothes?”
He places a big hand on my knee and circles it with his fingertips. This gets to me a little too much until I remember I woke up naked. I shove his hand away. “Why did you take my clothes off?”
He raises his eyebrows all suggestive. “Why do you think?”
He’s not getting away with this. “I wasn’t thinking anything, Hank. I was practically in a coma!”
He frowns. “You really have no memory of last night?”
“No. I do not. And you know that!”
He gives me a creepy grin. “I don’t know that. The noises you were making sure implied otherwise.” He’s lying. He has to be.
“Whatever, Hank. I know you’re making this up. You drugged me last night. I was completely out of it.” I sneer at him now. “I never thought you would stoop so low as to drug a girl to have sex.”
He sits back as if struck. “I didn’t. I mean I wouldn’t.”
I pop up. “Ha! So nothing happened last night?”
He shakes his head back and forth. “No. Well, I undressed you and slept beside you, but that’s it.” He looks down at his hands. “T.J. said you would think we’d been together, and then you’d stay with me.” He turns to look at me again. “Why don’t you like me, Amy?”
I lay my hand on his and try to get through his sex-addled brain. “I do like you, Hank, but I don’t love you. I don’t want to marry you. I don’t want to marry anyone. I just graduated high school. I want to go to college. I want to make new friends. I want to travel. I want to see places. I want to meet a few guys before I settle down.”
He frowns at me. “And I’d just be in your way.”
I stare at him. I hate the hurt look on his face, even though he’s been pretty crappy to me since we set foot in the silo. “A boyfriend would do those things, Hank. Any boyfriend. Not just you. I can’t have anyone or anything holding me back.”
He shakes his head again. “I don’t believe that, Amy. If I were the right kind of boyfriend, you would want me. I know it.”
He’s relentless. I seriously need a distraction. “Have you thought any more about a Russian bride, Hank?” As much as it pains me to say it, I have to, if only it will get his mind away from me. “Your father’s women are beautiful.”
He kicks his foot out. “They’re empty-headed, like Austin says. There’s nothing there.” Since when has he been talking to Austin?
“Hank. You can’t assume they’re all the same. Have you ever tried to meet one on the Internet? You could talk to her and see if you have any common goals or interests.”
He gives me a tired look. “Amy. Do you really think I’m going to find someone who likes to hunt and fish and drink Keystone light on a Friday night while watching John Wayne movies?”
I raise my eyebrows. “You just might. Besides, you might find a girl who has her own interests and maybe she could introduce you to some new things, or vice versa.”
He smiles at me. “Thank you for the advice, Amy. I just might take it.” He walks to the door. “I’ll be gone for a bit. Don’t let anyone in.”
I sit silently on his bed and nod my head like an obedient idiot. Inside, I’m flaming with rage. Ever since I woke up naked, all bets are off. I peek out the door. I don’t see anyone. I wedge a rock in the door before sliding down the hallway. I hug the wall as I move along. I have no idea where I’m going, but I know I won’t find any answers if I stay in Hank’s room like an obedient Elizabeth Smart.