Fade Into You

Chapter 15

Faye's POV

A surge of excitement pulsed through my body as I woke up on Monday morning. Not the kind that comes with a new school week—no. This was different. Today, I wasn't going to school pretending to be someone I wasn't.

 I was showing up as the real me.

I kept wondering what everyone would say when they saw me. Would they think I changed because of my breakup with Jonathan? Or would they finally see the version of me that doesn't break under pressure? 

That I'm not someone they can just walk over anymore.

The longer I stared at myself in the mirror, the faster the minutes slipped away. My reflection looked back with sharp determination, but inside, I was still weighing my choices.

I sighed and gave myself a single, firm nod. It's time.

I stood up from my vanity, slung my black mini backpack over my shoulder, shoved my phone into my back pocket, and slid on my sunglasses.

Ten minutes later, after a rushed breakfast of toast, coffee, and three spoonfuls of cereal, I headed to the garage behind our house. The lights flickered on, revealing an entire lineup of vehicles—different colors, sizes, and brands lined up like soldiers ready for duty.

I grabbed the keys to the black Ford Bronco from the wall cabinet and unlocked the car, slipping inside and driving off toward school.

A new wave of nerves stirred in my stomach. I kept clenching the steering wheel every few seconds and my legs bounced with restless energy at every red light.

But the moment I saw the large iron gates and the bold Pendleton High School sign hanging above them, all of that anxiety dissolved into something far more powerful—confidence.

As I rolled into the parking lot, I spotted clusters of students chatting in their usual spots, leaning on cars and forming their morning cliques. Heads began to turn. Eyes trailed after my car as I passed.

They were expecting something. Maybe they were waiting to see the broken version of me stumble out looking like I hadn't slept in days. But I wasn't that girl anymore. Not even close.

I parked in my reserved spot, pulled out the keys, tossed them into my bag, and checked my reflection one last time in the rearview mirror. A smirk tugged at my lips when I saw some students still gawking at the car, waiting for the drama queen meltdown.

They had no idea what kind of show they were in for.

I stepped out, flipping my mini backpack over my shoulder. My green camo print cargo pants hugged every curve, and my thin spaghetti-strap tank top was tucked in just enough to flaunt my waist. 

My hair was pulled into a sleek high ponytail, and with my shades on, I looked like I'd just walked off a military-style fashion shoot. As I headed for the front entrance, I glanced to the side—and froze. Jonathan.

He was leaning against his car, arms crossed, staring at me like I was some unsolvable riddle. His expression unreadable. Cold. Intense.

I quickly looked away. I refused to waste another second of my morning replaying fake memories or falling into that emotional black hole.

I made my way down the hallway, catching bits and pieces of whispered conversations. They were definitely talking about me—and I loved it.

At my locker, I grabbed my books for first period AP Calculus and shoved them into my bag just as someone popped into my line of sight.

"Okay, first of all, love the outfit. Second... WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH FAYE?"

I laughed. Kaycee's eyes were practically popping out of her head.