Shattered Asylum

Chapter 25

I am currently sitting in Grayson's car, shitting bricks. I decided to go and start opening up a little more. I want to make new memories with my friends and finally move on from my past.

I am starting to regret my decision the further away we get from Forks. "Where are we going again?" I thought this trip would've been maybe a twenty minute car ride.

"We are going to Grim rock lake in Paradise." He replies, adjusting his sunglasses against the glare of the sun.

"How far away is that?" I pull out my phone to text my grandparents where I'm headed. I just told them it would be around the area. That's what I get for deciding last minute.

"It's a two and a half hour drive."

I widen my eyes. I should've said no. I'm going to die with people I've only known for barely three months.

"Don't worry. You're safe with me," he says, giving me a warm smile before sliding his sunglasses back into place.

I glance out the window, trying to distract myself from the growing knot in my stomach. After a moment of silence, I decide to speak up.

"So...how's your two-week streak going?"

Grayson coughs, clearly caught off guard. He glances at me briefly before turning his attention back to the road. "Wait, what?"

I shrug, trying to play it off. "You brought is up last night. Said you were 'practicing some self-control.' I figured I'd check in on your progress."

For a moment, he doesn't respond. His fingers tighten slightly on the steering wheel, and I smirk to myself.

Got him.

Then he clears his throat, recovering quickly. "Oh, it's going strong. Thanks for asking," he says smoothly. "Although..." He glances at me with a teasing grin. "You're not exactly making it easy."

I blink, completely thrown by his sudden shift. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Grayson smirks, leaning back casually. "Just saying, with you sitting there all curious and concerned about my streak, it's...distracting."

I roll my eyes, though my face feels hot. "You're ridiculous."

"Am I? Or are you just flustered?" He pauses for a beat, letting the tension hang in the air before adding, "You know, if you're that curious, you could always help me reset it."

My jaw drops, and I whip my head toward the window, refusing to dignify him with a response.

Grayson chuckles softly, clearly amused by my reaction. "I'll take that as a no."

Definite no.

"Hey," he says after a minute, his tone a little more cautious. "Did I say anything else last night? I was so drunk, I don't remember much."

I glance at him out of the corner of my eye, catching the way his sunglasses hide whatever emotion might be in his eyes. For once, he seems less confident, almost vulnerable.

"Nothing important," I reply quickly, looking away again.

"Really?" he presses, sounding unconvinced.

"Yep."

He hums, clearly debating whether to push further. Thankfully, he lets it go. I do not want to make this car ride even more awkward.

~

We arrived at the lake around 11p.m., the last to get here. By the time we pulled up, everyone else was already setting up. I grab my suitcase from the trunk along with my blanket and pillow, hauling them toward the campsite.