after they met her

eleven

i v a n a

I didn't leave my room yesterday, and the boys left me alone. They brought me food, which I quietly disposed of down the toilet to make it seem like I ate it.

I couldn't face eating, not after what had happened.

The next morning, I dragged myself out of bed and got ready for school. I knew it would be another lonely day, but at least school offered a distraction, a way to focus on something other than my thoughts.

My only hope was that I could bury myself in learning and get one step closer to finishing high school.

I walked into the kitchen, the scent of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Logan and Asher were already there, engrossed in a conversation about their plans for the day. Neither seemed to know about what had happened yesterday.

Ray was conspicuously absent, and I felt a mix of relief and anxiety at the thought of facing him again.

"Morning," I mumbled, grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl.

Logan looked up and grinned. "Morning. Ready for another thrilling day of school?"

"Yeah, something like that," I replied, forcing a small smile as I took a bite of the apple. „Why are you up so early?"

„Our plans got cancelled last night, because Matthew and Gray drove off somewhere, so today we can focus on training." Asher exclaimed, flexing his muscles.

I rolled my eyes, taking another bite out of the apple.

Asher glanced at me, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You know, I've noticed you only eat an apple every morning. Are you on a diet or something?"

I shrugged, trying to keep my tone light. "Just trying to keep the doctor away, I guess."

Asher chuckled, though there was a hint of seriousness in his eyes. "Well, make sure you're eating enough. You don't want to waste away on us."

I rolled my eyes, pretending to be exasperated. "I think I'm safe from that, Asher."

Logan joined in, grinning. "Yeah, we can't have you disappearing on us. You're our favorite little sister."

"I'm your only sister," I shot back, a genuine smile tugging at my lips despite the lingering heaviness in my chest.

We chatted about what after-school activities I might be interested in. Logan suggested the track team, insisting it would be a good way to exercise.

Asher thought I should try out for the school play, claiming it would be a fun way to meet new people. I nodded along, appreciating their efforts to engage me, even if my heart wasn't really in it.

My old school had after-school activities, but they weren't mandatory like here.

Eventually, it was time to leave. I grabbed my backpack, and as I walked out the door, Ray was standing by the car, leaned against it with a casual confidence that made my stomach twist.

He was staring at me, his expression unreadable.

"Ready to go?" he asked, his voice neutral.

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. The memory of his slip-up yesterday still burned in my mind, but I didn't have the energy to confront him about it now. I just wanted to get through the day without any more drama.

The ride to school was silent. I stared out the window, my mind racing with thoughts I couldn't escape. I tried to focus on the day ahead, on my classes and the assignments waiting for me, but it was no use. The trauma from yesterday kept resurfacing, a constant, gnawing presence.