Shattered Asylum

Chapter 32

Today is Friday and I've been catching up on the piles of homework I have. A soft knock interrupts my focus on a frustrating math problem. "Come in," I call, not looking up.

"Hey, Aven," I hear Nora's familiar voice.

I stop scribbling and glance up to see Nora and Kristina stepping into my room. My face heats up, I know I look awful. I haven't showered in three days, my hairs a tangled mess.

Clearing my throat, I attempt to fix my hair, but their expressions of pity tell me it's pointless. They walk over and hug me without hesitation, ignoring the face I probably stink.

"Hi, guys," I mumble into Nora's shoulder.

They finally pull back and settle on my bed. "How are you doing?" Kristina asks, her voice soft with concern. Nora nods, watching me closely.

"I'm okay," I say, and for the first time, it doesn't feel like a complete lie.

"What happen? Grayson's been a complete ass since Tuesday night," Nora says bluntly.

I flinch at his name. The dull ache in my chest intensifies, reminding me I'm not as okay as I thought. Sighing, I rub my eyes. "I honestly have no idea. He accused me of lying and then stormed off.' My voice tightens as I speak, the memory making my stomach churn.

Nora and Kristina exchange thoughtful looks, both humming in unison as if trying to solve a puzzle.

My fingers pick at my nails while I debate saying what's on my mind. Finally, I get up, pacing the room to shake off the anxiety.

"Daniel, my ex, was there that night, too. Maybe he said something to Grayson," I say, my tone sharper as I piece things together.

Kristina's eyes widen, and she jumps to her feet. "That makes so much sense!" She exclaims, her gaze fixed on the floor as if the answer is written there. "When Grayson came home that night, he was wasted, slurring his words and mumbling. I couldn't make out much, but I remember him saying you were just like Layla, a cheater." She pauses looking up at me. "Would Daniel seriously tell him you two are still together?"

My heart drops. Daniel would absolutely do something that cruel. "Of course, he would," I mutter, scoffing at myself. "Daniel's manipulative and knows exactly how to get under my skin. Why didn't I see it sooner?"

Sitting back in my chair, I run my hands through my hair. My chest tightens at the thought of how Grayson must have felt hearing those words, even if they weren't true. "How am I supposed to fix this?" I ask quietly.

"You need to talk to him," Nora says matter of factly, crossing her arms. "I can't take another minute of him being like this."

I look at her, doubt clouding my mind. "And how exactly am I supposed to do that? He won't even let me get near him, let alone listen."

"You go to the bonfire tonight. After his game," she says, already walking toward my closet.

I freeze, guilt washing over me. "Damn, I'm such a bitch." I whisper.

Kristina frowns. "Why?"

"I missed our game yesterday," I admit, my voice laced with shame. "I let my team down."

"Hey, no," Kristina says firmly, stepping closer. "You didn't let anyone down. You've been going through a lot, Aven. You need to stop being so hard on yourself."

"We're still in the tournament," she adds with a small smile. "There's another game on Wednesday. Focus on that."

I nod reluctantly, exhaling a shaky breath. "Okay."