Chapter 1 — The Worst Day
The bell rang at 3:17 p.m.
The entire school seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.
Chairs scraped against the floor. Backpacks were thrown over shoulders. Everyone rushed toward the doors like they couldn’t get out fast enough.
I stayed in my seat.
I always did.
There was something about being the last person in the classroom that made the world feel quieter.
Nobody was staring.
Nobody was whispering.
Nobody was asking questions.
I waited until the hallway outside had started to empty before I finally stood and pulled my backpack over one shoulder.
My hood went up before I even reached the door.
It wasn’t raining.
I just liked having something between me and everyone else.
“Jayden!”
I stopped.
Mia came running down the hallway, nearly slipping on the polished floor.
“You disappeared again.”
“I was in class.”
“You know what I mean.”
I smiled slightly.
Mia was probably the only person at school who could tell when I was lying.
She stopped in front of me and crossed her arms.
“You didn’t answer any of my texts.”
“I was busy.”
“Doing what?”
“Existing.”
She rolled her eyes.
“You’re impossible.”
“Thanks.”
She laughed.
For a moment, everything was normal.
Then my phone vibrated inside my pocket.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
My smile disappeared.
Mia noticed.
“Who’s texting you?”
“Nobody.”
I pulled the phone out.
The screen lit up.
Unknown Number
My stomach dropped.
I didn’t need to open it.
I knew.
Blake.
I’d blocked his number weeks ago.
Apparently, Blake had found another one.
I opened the message.
You really thought blocking me would work?
My fingers went cold.
I locked the screen.
Mia watched my face.
“Is it Blake?”
I didn’t answer.
“Jayden.”
“I’m fine.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
I shoved the phone into my pocket.
“I said I’m fine.”
My voice came out sharper than I meant it to.
Mia went quiet.
I hated myself for that.
“Sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
She lowered her voice.
“Do you want me to walk home with you?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because I’ll be fine.”
She stared at me.
I knew what she wanted to say.
You always say that.
Instead, she sighed.
“Text me when you get home.”
“I will.”
“And actually text me.”
“I will.”
She gave me one last suspicious look before walking toward the front entrance.
I waited until she disappeared.
Then I checked my phone again.
There were two new messages.
You looked good today.
I stared at it.
Then another appeared.
You should’ve worn the black hoodie. I liked that one.
My heart stopped.
I looked around the hallway.
Empty.
I walked faster.
Outside, the sky was gray. Rain had started falling, light enough that most people didn’t bother opening their umbrellas.
I shoved my hands into my pockets and started walking.
I didn’t take the usual route home.
Blake knew my usual route.
At least, he used to.
I crossed the road and took the longer way around.
Every passing car made me nervous.
Every person walking behind me made me glance over my shoulder.
I hated this.
I hated feeling like I couldn’t breathe without wondering.
