HOW TO MAKE DIAMONDS

NINE

Seb's footsteps echoed softly as he made his way inside, weaving through the scattered groups of people at the party. His mind was focused on one thing: Jade. She wasn't the type to break down easily, but tonight had pushed her to the edge.

When he finally found her, she was sitting on the edge of a tanning bed by the pool, her posture stiff and her gaze distant. Seb paused, taking in the sight of her. Her eyes flickered up to meet his, and he could see the relief in her expression, even if she didn't say it out loud.

"Hey," Seb said gently, walking over to her. "You ready to go?"

She nodded, standing up slowly, as if she were carrying a heavy weigh, grabbed her jacket and followed him without a word. Seb didn't push her to talk; he knew she needed space, at least until she was ready.

Carter and Kyle were already outside, waiting by the car. Carter, clearly tipsy, was leaning against the hood, eyes bright despite his unsteady footing. Kyle stood off to the side, watching the night with his hands in his pockets.

Carter's face lit up when he saw Seb, his smile wide and goofy. "Seb! You're here! Man, I didn't know you'd be coming—this is awesome!"

Seb chuckled softly. "Hey, what's up?"

Carter stumbled toward the car, leaning heavily on Seb's shoulder. "Dude, you're like... the coolest. Seriously, Jade, you're so lucky you know him." He waved his hand around as though trying to articulate his thoughts. "He's like, your guardian angel or something."

Jade shot Seb a quick, amused glance before sliding into the front seat. "Just get in the car, Carter."

Kyle shook his head, smiling faintly as he helped his friend into the back seat. Once everyone was settled, Seb started the car and pulled out of the driveway, the quiet hum of the engine filling the air.

The drive toward Kyle's place was mostly quiet, with Carter's drunken chatter filling the silence. He rambled about everything from the party to his admiration for Seb, laughing at his own incoherent jokes. Seb, patient as ever, humored him with a few words, though his attention remained on Jade.

When they pulled up in front of Kyle's place, Carter grinned like a tired but happy baby. "Thanks for the ride! We should totally hang out more. Like, I'll text you or something." He fumbled for his phone, squinting at the screen as he tried to unlock it.

Seb smiled indulgently. "Sure thing, man."

With Kyle's help, Carter finally stumbled out of the car, still grinning like a kid who'd just met his hero. Kyle shot Jade and Seb a quick nod before guiding Carter inside.

"Good luck," Jade muttered as she watched them disappear into the house.

As soon as they were alone, the car fell into silence. Jade gripped her seatbelt tightly, her knuckles white as she focused on the road ahead. Seb could feel the tension radiating off her, but he didn't speak. He knew she was gathering her strength.

When they were parked outside her loft, the quiet in the car became suffocating. Jade stared out of the windshield, her mind racing. The weight of everything was crushing her—Axel, the guilt, the fear of what would come next. She couldn't fix it. She couldn't see him. But there was one thing she could do.

She took a deep breath, her hands trembling as she reached for her phone.

"I need to call my mom," Jade whispered, her voice tight.

Seb glanced at her, his brow furrowing slightly. "Your mom?"

"She knows people. She can get a good lawyer for Axel."