Twenty Nine

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Evie

The next day at school, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

After the confrontation with Lizzie, I thought things would die down, but instead, the whispers had only grown louder.

As I walked through the halls, people avoided my eyes, some even giving me pitiful glances. I was used to people talking, but this was different. There was an edge to it, something more malicious.

I made my way to the locker, where Shannon was waiting for me, her face pale. "Evie, have you seen it yet?" she asked, her voice tight with worry.

"Seen what?" I asked, confusion stirring in my gut.

Shannon glanced around before pulling out her phone. "Lizzie posted something... it's bad."

My heart sank as she handed me the phone. There, on some social media page, was a photo of me—taken without my knowledge.

I was sitting alone in the school library, looking tired, my hair falling in my face. But it wasn't just the photo. It was the caption underneath it.

"Guess you can't hide where you came from. Can't believe the school lets trash like her in. Rumor has it her parents were involved in some shady business. Wonder if she's the same?"

A cold chill ran down my spine as I read the words. My throat felt tight, and I handed Shannon's phone back to her, not trusting myself to speak.

"She crossed a line," Shannon muttered, clearly angry on my behalf. "You have to report this to the school. She can't just say things like that!"

I nodded, though my head felt heavy. I was angry, but more than that, I was hurt.

Lizzie had taken something that wasn't even true and used it against me, bringing up memories of my parents that I'd tried so hard to bury.

The day passed in a blur, with people whispering behind my back, and Lizzie's smug face popping up every time I turned a corner. By the time the last bell rang, I couldn't wait to get out of there.

But as I headed for the parking lot, my path was blocked.

"Evie." The voice was familiar—Masen. I turned to see him standing near his car, concern etched across his face. "I heard what happened."

"Of course you did," I muttered, pushing past him, wanting to get away.

"Wait!" He reached for my arm, stopping me. "Talk to me."

I hesitated, looking down at his hand on my arm, before finally meeting his gaze. "What do you want me to say, Masen? That Lizzie's spreading rumors about my parents and people actually believe it? That everyone in this school thinks I'm some kind of criminal? It's not your problem."

His expression softened. "I know it's not fair, and I know this isn't what you need right now. But you're not alone in this."

I let out a bitter laugh. "Really? Because it sure feels like I am."

"You're not." He took a step closer, his voice low but firm. "I'm here, Evie. And so are your friends. We're not going to let her get away with this."

I swallowed hard, the fight draining out of me. "I just... I don't understand why she's doing this. What did I ever do to her?"

Masen sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Lizzie's... complicated. She's had it out for me since we broke up, and I guess she thinks hurting you is the way to get to me."

"Great," I muttered. "So I'm just collateral damage in your drama."

"That's not what I meant," he said quickly. "I'm just trying to explain that this isn't about you. Lizzie's insecure, and she lashes out when she feels threatened."

"Well, she succeeded," I said, pulling my arm away. "Congratulations, Masen. Your ex-girlfriend ruined my life."

I turned on my heel and walked away, feeling the weight of the day crushing me from all sides.

Masen called after me, but I ignored him. I couldn't deal with this right now—not him, not Lizzie, not the rumors.

When I got home, I went straight to my room, shutting the door behind me and collapsing on my bed.

The tears I'd been holding back all day finally spilled over, and I buried my face in my pillow, letting out the sobs I'd kept inside.

Everything was falling apart, and I didn't know how to fix it.

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WHAT LIZZIE AND MASEN HAS A PAST TOGETHER!!! 

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