tell me your pretty lies

chapter 24: what's wrong

"Alright babes, I'll see you after school," Bailey hugs me tight before walking off to her next class.

The camping trip was fun and the drive back was hell. I was forced in the back seat with Luca and Kai.

Stuck in the middle.

Hundreds of messages from my dad came through as soon as I got back into reception.

Dad (10:39 pm) Three C's? Stupid ass bitch.

Dad (11:45 pm) Ignorning my texts? You know where thats gonna get you.

And the a 'how come it wasn't you who got killed' text.

That one hit hard.

It's a question I've definitely asked myself multiple times.

Why was it my mom? Why didn't the guy kill me?

The scar on my arm starts stinging and I place pressure from on top of my sweater.

"Hey, Australia," Eli comes from behind me and hugs me.

"Get off," I slip out, not wanting a hug right now.

I hope I didn't hurt his feelings.

"Alright, not in a touchy mood. Gotcha," He winks.

"Why do you call me Australia? I don't even sound Australian." I scoff.

I really don't. Except for the occasional slang word I sound American.

I've spent years trying to get rid of my accent.

"Because you're from there," He shrugs.

"Ah," I nod. "Don't you have hockey?"

"Ouch," he winces, "Tryin' to get rid of me?"

"No!" I exclaim.

"I get it," He pouts and I feel bad.

"I'm sorry,"

"I'm just playing," He ruffles my hair and walks to class.

I walk into class and tug down on my skirt, feeling Mr. Sanchez's eyes on me.

I take a seat in the very back and bounce my knee.

"Good morning, class," Mr. Sanchez keeps his eyes on mine. "Open your books to page 412,"

⋆˚✿˖°

"Why is Bailey sitting with Leighton?" I hear someone whisper at lunch and I sink down into my chair.

"What's wrong?" Luca asks as he and his teammates take a seat.

"Nothing,"

I just want to go home and drown my tears.

I need to cry.

"Leighton? Are you okay?" Bailey asks and I have to take a deep breath.

Don't cry.