Shattered Asylum

Chapter 59

Today is the last day of school before Thanksgiving break. My birthday falls two days after Thanksgiving this year, but I haven't celebrated it since Dad died, and I don't plan to start now.

Ever since Grayson gave Ashley a shred of attention, she's been everywhere, popping up in our conversations, sitting next to him during lunch, and laughing at every little thing he says.

It feels like she's trying to wedge herself into my relationship, and I hate it.

I've been trying to be understanding, knowing the pain of losing someone you love, but that stupid knot in my stomach won't go away.

I've noticed how she looks at him, it's the same way she's looked at every other guy she's managed to warm her way into. She's relentless, calculated, and somehow always gets what she wants.

After grabbing my food, I make my way to our usual table. Everyone's already there, but my steps falter when I see her sitting right next to Grayson, her hand casually resting on his bicep as she giggles at something he said. My chest tightens, jealousy flaring hot and unwelcome.

"Hey," I greet everyone, forcing a smile as I slide into a seat a few chairs down, next to Nora.

"What took you so long to get to lunch?" Kristina asks, mid-bite of her salad.

"Mr. Day made me stay late to run suicides," I say, keeping it short.

The girls grimace in unison, Nora patting me on the back like I'm a wounded puppy. "You poor child," she says dramatically.

I sigh, nodding. "Guys, I was just telling Grayson about this arcade I found last weekend. We should all go!" Ashley chirps, her eyes glinting with excitement.

"Meh, I'll stick with Buddies," Nora says, chomping on a fry.

Everyone murmurs in agreement, nodding at her declaration. Ashley's grin falters for a split second. "Oh. Right," she mutters before stabbing a tater tot with her fork.

"Well, me and you will just have to go," she says, turning to Grayson and giving his arm another overly familiar squeeze.

I stare at her fingers, my glare burning holes into her hand as if sheer willpower could disintegrate it. Under the table, my fists clench so tightly my knuckles ache.

She leans her head on his shoulder, her laughter high and sweet, grating on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard. "Wow, Grayson," she says, her voice dripping with feigned admiration. "You're so strong, I can tell. Bet it's from all those workouts, huh?" Her eyes flit to his chest before she mutters, just loud enough to be heard, "You'll have to remind me what's under that shirt."

Kristina chokes on her drink, her eyes darting between Ashley and me. "Oh, no, she didn't," she mutters, her voice laced with disbelief.

Nora raises an eyebrow. "This just got interesting," she whispers, nudging Kristina.

I finally snap. "Ashley," I say sharply, leaning forward. "Back off."

Ashley feigns innocence, her smile widening. "Oh my gosh," she says with exaggerated disbelief, rolling her eyes. "I can't give him a compliment? Is that what this is about? A compliment?"

Vinnie smirks, leaning back in his chair. "That wasn't a compliment. That was straight disrespect."

Ashley waves her hand dismissively, ignoring Vinnie. "You're acting so possessive, Aven. It's honestly kind of ridiculous. What, you don't trust him? Afraid he might like someone else's attention?"

"Or maybe she's just tired of you hanging all over him," Kristina chimes in, crossing her arms.

Ashley ignores her too, tilting her head at me with a saccharine smile. "I mean, seriously, Aven. What's your problem? You can't share? He's not your property."