Shattered Asylum

Chapter 50

Today is Thursday, and Daniel still hasn't shown up to school. I'm starting to wonder if he's dead... though I shouldn't be too hopeful.

Grayson hasn't been around the past few days either. Wearing only pants in thirty-degree weather probably wasn't his brightest idea.

He's been pretty sick since Halloween, so I haven't seen him. Meanwhile, Nora's still having the time of her life mocking me, throwing out her usual inappropriate comments.

But then again, she wouldn't be Nora without the constant rate-R commentary.

I have to present in History today, and my anxiety is through the roof. Just thinking about it makes my stomach churn, but I try to push it out of my mind.

I'm putting my bag away when I hear someone shouting my name. I look up and instantly groan as I spot Ashley storming toward me, her expression furious. "You think you're so special, don't you?" She spits, her tone dripping with venom.

I blink at her, confused by the sudden hostility. "What are you talking about?" I ask, shutting my locker.

"You think because you're messing around with a famous guy, you can say and do whatever you want?!" She all but screams, her voice rising with every word.

I glance around as a small crowd starts to gather, all of them eager to witness the drama. Sighing, I shake my head, knowing she's just trying to get under my skin.

"I have to get to class," I say, turning to walk away.

"Don't walk away from me!" She shrieks, grabbing my arm and digging her nails into my skin.

"Don't touch me!" I snap, yanking my arm free from her claw-like grip. I turn on my heel, desperate to escape the growing audience.

"He should've killed you when he had the chance!" Ashley screams after me, her voice cutting through the air like a knife.

My steps falter, her words hitting me like a punch to the guy. How can someone hate me so much that they'd wish me dead?

I swallow hard, forcing the ache in my chest aside as I keep moving forward. I've never understood her hatred. She's always had everything she wanted. I'm nothing compared to her.

By the time I make it to English, I'm exhausted. I drop my chair and start pulling out my homework. The weight of someone's gaze burns into me, and I glance to my right to see two girls staring.

I offer them a tight smile, hoping they'll take the hint, but no such luck.

"Is it true?" One of them asks, leaning forward slightly. "That you're dating Grayson?"

I open my mouth to respond, but the other girl cuts in.

"I saw you leaving the party with him. Everyone did. How does it feel to get the guy everyone tried so hard to impress?"

I can tell they're genuinely curious, though more for gossip material then actual interest. Before I can reply, the second girl speaks again.

"She's really pretty. Prettier than Layla, for sure. So maybe Grayson's the lucky one? I mean, everyone wants Aven too."

They start chatting between themselves, completely forgetting I'm sitting right here.

I can't help but chuckle quietly. Their entire personality revolves around keeping up with the latest drama/

Mrs. Jean walks into the classroom, and the room falls silent as she starts writing today's assignment on the board.

~