Shattered Asylum

Chapter 43

Today is Monday, and I've been dreading going back to school, especially since Grayson won't be back until Thursday. Nora's Halloween party is this Saturday, and she's still insisting I dress up with her.

As I step inside the school, my stomach churns with anxiety. My eyes dart around, scanning the hallways for any sign of him.

He could be anywhere. I bypass my locker and head straight to class, keeping my head low and my steps quick.

Relief washes over me when I make it into the classroom unnoticed. No sign of Daniel. My plan for today is simple: ask Principal Doyle to switch my second period class so I don't have to be anywhere near him.

I sit down at my desk, pulling out my phone to distract myself while waiting for the bell. Students trickle in slowly, and the familiar buzz of morning chatter fills the room. When Nora walks in, I can't help but smile and wave.

"I didn't think you'd show up today," she says, standing beside my desk.

"I can't miss any more days until next semester," I reply, locking my phone.

"Well, I'm glad you came. Are you still thinking about switching classes next period?"

"Yeah, I think-" My words falter, and time seems to freeze as Madison and Ashley, my stepsister, saunter into the room.

Anger flares up inside me like a wildfire as my gaze locks on Ashley. Her lips curl into a devilish grin, her eyes gleaming with malicious delight. It's a grin that promises trouble, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Aven, don't be rude," Madison drawls as she closes the distance between us. "Say hi to my new friend."

I scowl as she wiggles her fingers in a mock wave.

"Oh, how I missed you," Ashley sneers, her tone dripping with mockery.

I scoff, rising from my chair. "How are you even here? I know your daddy doesn't have the money."

Madison's grin only widens. "Me, actually. Daddy gives me whatever I want, and I wanted a friend who doesn't stab me in the back." Her sharp glare cuts to Nora.

Nora's laugh is cold and hollow. "Last I checked, I wasn't the one who stole your boyfriend and criticized everything you did."

"Better watch out for Aven, then," Madison snaps, her eyes narrowing. "She's really good at stealing other girls' boyfriends."

I smirk. "You must not know Ashley, then. She'll fuck your boyfriend right in front of you."

Madison's confident expression falters, her eyes widening as she looks at Ashley.

"You didn't," she gasps.

Ashley smirks, nodding with pride.

Madison giggles, holding up her hand for a high-five, which Ashley eagerly slaps.

Immaturity at its finest. I roll my eyes, done with this entire conversation. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a group of girls behind Nora hanging on to every word we say. They quickly avert their gaze when I glare at them.

The bell rings, mercifully ending the standoff. I sink back into my chair, already drained. Madison can think whatever she wants about Grayson. It's funny how she's convinced I "stole" him when he was just using her.

~

I talked to Principal Doyle about switching out of my second period class, but he refused. "It's too late in the semester," he'd said, his tone final. I swallowed hard, nodding as if I understood, but the knot in my chest tightened.