"Make your call." I push the phone into Layla's hand and leave her.
"Hi, have you been trying to call me?" Her voice shakes, and I pause in the hall. Why is she afraid? Is Evelyn hurting her?
"I'm sorry. I left my bag in class." Her words are stronger. I can't hear the voice on the other end of the phone. "No. Ashley, my friend, invited me to her house to study."
Of course, she won't mention me.
I don't shower but change into a fresh pair of jogging pants and a black T-shirt. I towel dry my hair and return to Layla. She's standing where I left her, the phone still clutched in her hand. I want to know what she's thinking. When she glances up at me, defiance flashes in her eyes, and I wonder if she rang the Gardaí, saying I kidnapped her. I clear the space and swipe the phone from her ha
