I tried going back to sleep, but there were too many questions nagging at my subconscious. After a couple hours, when I finally realized no more rest was to be had this morning, I decided to take a hot shower. Like clockwork, Caroline’s call came just as I shut off the faucet.

“Hey!”

“Hey.”

“So, what did Conrad talk to you about at the diner? You were really quiet last night, so I thought it better not to ask you about it.”

“Oh, you could've asked; I was just a little surprised by everything, especially since I insulted him after class. He was nice. Really nice, actually, but there’s something different about him.”

“You mean other than the fact that he’s starring in your latest recurring nightmare?”

“It feels like I’ve met him before. He seems so familiar.”

“Like déjà vu?”

“Exactly! A very odd and twisted case of déjà vu.”

“In this day and age, I think it’s safe to say stranger things have happened,” she replied. “On the bright side, I don’t think he’s interested in Claire anymore.”

“How can you say that? We only talked for a few minutes.”

“Yeah, but you obviously didn’t see the way he was looking at you.”

“And how did he look at me?”

“Like you were something he wanted.”

My heart began to race uncontrollably. When I caressed Conrad’s cheek in class, his skin felt soft, familiar and suddenly, I realized I wanted him to want me. Just as I was about to express my excitement at her statement, I couldn’t help but wonder why he would want me. Surprise, elation, and trepidation hummed through my body all at once.  “Oh,” I finally said, cursing myself for ruining such a wonderful train of thought.

“It’s not a bad thing! There was a lot of desire and passion behind those eyes.”

“Shut up!”

“I’m being serious, Evey. He likes you,” she said.