Shattered Asylum

Chapter 69

Authors note: Hey everyone, I know I haven't been uploading as fast lately. Honestly, I've been feeling a little unmotivated and stuck in writer's block, and sometimes it feels like no one really cares about this story. But for those of you who are actually reading, I just want to say thank you, it really means a lot. I'll be uploading a couple of chapters for you guys.

Hope you enjoy!

As the sun sinks lower, stretching shadows across the yard, I sit on the back porch, lost in my thoughts. Grayson's extended family left hours ago, their laughter and conversation fading into silence.

Kristina and Ethan are heading back to Forks in a few days, and I can't shake the feeling of how much I'll miss them. Having all these people around kept my mind busy, but now that they're gone... it's just me and my thoughts.

And my thoughts keep circling back to last night with Grayson. Was it just a moment of passion, or did it mean something more? Where did he go before that? And why was he covered in blood and bruises?

I haven't seen him since his relatives left. Apparently, he, Ethan, and some friends are filming a YouTube challenge, something like try not to laugh. His parents went to a bar about an hour ago, so it's just me and Kristina now.

Speaking of Kristina..

She steps outside, pulling me from my thoughts. "Hey, what's up? You look like you're a million miles away."

I force a smile, hoping it hides the mess in my head. "Just thinking about everything, I guess."

She tilts her head, eyes narrowing slightly. "About you and Grayson?"

I nod, biting my lip. She sits next to me, arms crossed, and I can practically see the gears turning in her head.

"Did you guys... you know? Or was it just naked cuddling?" she asks, smirking.

"Oh my hell, Kris!" Heat rushes to my face.

"What?" She shrugs. "You guys really need to start locking your doors. This is the second time I've caught you."

"Okay, okay, moving on from this topic." I roll my eyes, not needing to relive one of the most humiliating moments of my life.

She raises her hands in surrender before zipping up her coat. We sit in silence for a bit, the wind rustling through the trees.

"Grayson only broke up with you to protect you," Kristina says suddenly. "He really loves you. I've never seen him like this before."

I glance at her, noting the almost sad expression on her face. Her words make my chest tighten, my heart stuttering in a way I don't want to acknowledge.

"I...he..." She exhales, rubbing her arms. "Just go easy on him, okay? He would tell you everything, but he wasn't allowed to."

Her tone shifts, face hardening.

"Not allowed? By who?" My stomach knots. What the hell has Grayson gotten himself into?

Kristina shakes her head, pulling something from her pocket. A smirk tugs at her lips as she unrolls a small piece of paper, and my stomach sinks.

"Kris, is that-?"

"Let's just forget everything for a while," she says, putting the joint to her lips and lighting it.

I watch wide-eyed as she takes a slow inhale, tilts her head back, and exhales a cloud of smoke. Where did my innocent friend go? She's been hanging around Nora way too much.

She holds it out to me. "It's nothing bad, trust me. It'll just ease your mind for a bit."

I hesitate. I told myself I'd never touch this stuff. I know how easy it is to get addicted, how bad it can get. But Kristina wouldn't give me something dangerous... right?