Shattered Asylum

Chapter 65

The next morning, the tension from last night's dinner still lingers, but it's masked by everyone's excitement for one last day of fun before Grayson's extended family leaves. The weather is crisp but not too cold, perfect for being outside.

No one knows it's my birthday, and I plan to keep it that way. I haven't celebrated it since Dad passed, and the weight of the day is already heavy enough.

As I get dressed, my phone buzzes. I pick it up and read the message from my grandpa.

"Buon compleanno! i grandi diciassette! nonno e nonna ti amano!" (Happy birthday! The big seventeen! Grandpa and Grandma love you!)

I smile faintly but don't reply. I've been ignoring them since our last phone call, still too mad that I'm stuck here.

Today's plan is simple, sightseeing around Cape May, a visit to the aquarium, and ending the evening with a bonfire and an outdoor movie. Everyone seems excited, and I'm determined to enjoy myself.

As we gather outside, Donna approaches with her usual passive-aggressive energy. "You sure you're up for today? Wouldn't want you slowing us down," she says, her tight smile not even attempting to be polite.

I force a smile back. "I'm fine, thanks."

"Good," she replies, barely hiding her lack of enthusiasm for my presence. "Just don't get in Jessica's way this time."

I bite my tongue, swallowing the urge to snap back. It's not worth it.

The drive to Cape May is a mix of awkward silence and casual chatter. I stick close to Kristina, grateful that she's keeping the conversation light.

Grayson and Ethan are riding in a separate car with Donna, Jessica, and the rest of the crew, which is probably for the best.

When we finally arrive, the town's charm is impossible to ignore, historic buildings, cozy little shops, and the ocean stretching out in the distance. The salty breeze fills the air as I walk along the promenade, taking in the view.

The group moves through the streets, ducking into boutiques and soaking up the coastal atmosphere. I try to focus on the sights, the moment, but I keep catching myself stealing glances at Grayson.

He seemed preoccupied, walking beside Jessica, who was flirting with him again. Every time I looked in their direction, I caught Jessica clinging to him, her voice obnoxiously loud as she fought for his attention.

I guess she really doesn't care about what Grayson said last night. If I were her, I'd be as far away from him as possible, knowing he hates me. But some people are just built different. Gotta give her props for not giving up... right?

Kristina notices my discomfort. "Ignore her, she's just... like that," she says quietly, her tone sympathetic.

"I'm trying," I sigh. "It's just annoying." I steal one last glance at them before looking at the ground.

"Trust me, I know. But hey, at least Donna's too busy making sure everything is 'perfect' to notice much else."

I chuckle at that. "Yeah, small blessings."

After a quick lunch, the group makes their way to the aquarium. I've never been to one before, but it takes my breath away.

The salty scent of water and fish fills the air as we wander through the exhibits, the faint hum of bubbling tanks and the excited chatter of families surrounding us.

Kristina points at some jellyfish floating in their tanks, her face lighting up with awe. I nod, sharing her enthusiasm.

Grayson was somewhere nearby with Ethan, and I was hyper-aware of his presence, constantly fighting the urge to glance around and spot him. I hate that I still feel this way, that even after everything, I couldn't just shut off my feelings.