Shattered Asylum

Chapter 64

The sun is barely rising when I wake up, the house already buzzing with life. Some of Grayson's relatives stayed over after last night's bonfire.

I still haven't apologized to Grayson. I don't really know why. Maybe because I'm nervous about how he'll react? Maybe because I don't want to talk to him?

Today is supposed to be a fun day, riding four-wheelers, dirt bikes, and later, going out for dinner.

A day meant for laughter and letting loose. But in the back of my mind, unease lingers, especially know Donna stayed the night.

Grayson and I moved upstairs to make room for his relatives. I like it up here, it's more peaceful, and I don't have to hear hushed whispers anymore.

Dragging myself out of bed, I throw on comfortable clothes for the day's activities. As I head downstairs, the lively chatter of Grayson's family fills the kitchen. I brace myself, knowing I'll have to face Donna after what happened.

When I walk in, Grayson is at the counter, pouring his smoothie in a cup. Our eyes meet briefly, and I quickly look away, ignoring the sinking feeling in my stomach.

It's not just the kickball incident that makes things uncomfortable. It's everything. The breakup. Donna. And now, her daughter's best friend.

Donna, of course, is already perched at the kitchen table, chatting loudly with her sister while keeping a close eye on me.

Her daughter, Lila, and her friend, Jessica, the so-called sweet girl Donna has been pushing on Grayson, are right there with her.

Jessica is beautiful. Tall, blonde, the picture-perfect girl next door type who makes you feel invisible by comparison.

And worse, she wastes no time staking her claim on Grayson, even though we aren't together anymore it still hurts.

All morning, Jessica sticks close to his side, laughing at everything he says, making sure to touch his arm or lean into him whenever she gets the chance.

At first, it's subtle, brushing against him when they walk, finding little excuses to be near him.

But as the day goes on, it becomes harder to ignore. I catch glimpses of her hanging on his every word, throwing her head back in laughter at his jokes, even when they aren't that funny.

Grayson, to his credit, doesn't seem to be feeding into it, though he isn't exactly pushing her away either.

Every time he tries to step away or talk to someone else, Donna or Jessica finds a way to pull him back in.

After breakfast, everyone heads outside to start the day's adventures. I've been looking forward to this, hoping it will be a good distraction. Kristina grabs my arm, grinning as she leads me over to one of the four-wheelers.

"I'm driving," Kristina announces confidently, climbing onto the four-wheeler and revving the engine.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" I ask, eyeing her warily.

She laughs. "Trust me, I've been doing this since I was a kid. You'll be fine."

Reluctantly, I climb on behind her, gripping the sides of the seat. The moment she hits the gas, I regret my decision.

Kristina takes off across the field, the four-wheeler bouncing over rocks and uneven ground, making my stomach lurch with every jolt.

"Kristina, slow down!" I shout, clutching onto her tighter as the wind whips against my face. She just cackles, clearly loving every second of it. The four-wheeler flies up a hill, swerving at the last second to avoid a tree.