Blair O'Connor was the life of every party-popular, fearless, and always the center of attention. But behind the perfect image was an abusive boyfriend who slowly stripped away the girl she used to be.
After finally breaking free, Blair transfers...
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"I love you," Blair slurred as Eloise and I struggled to keep her upright, half-carrying her back toward the tent.
"I love you too, Blair," Eloise chuckled, shifting her weight as Blair nearly tripped over her own feet. "But it's like three a.m., and I'd love to sleep, so c'mon."
"Nooo," Blair whined, dragging her feet. "Sleep's for losers."
"Won't be saying that tomorrow," I muttered, tightening my grip on her before she could face-plant into the grass.
Blair pouted, her head lolling dramatically onto my shoulder. "But I'm not tired."
"Sure you're not," Eloise said dryly. "That's why you're practically dead weight right now."
"I'm just resting my eyes," Blair insisted.
"Yeah, yeah, keep telling yourself that."
We finally reached the tent, maneuvering her inside as she flopped onto the sleeping bag with a sigh. Within seconds, her breathing evened out, her hand clutching at the fabric of my hoodie like a child.
Eloise smirked, nudging me. "Not tired, huh?"
I just shook my head, laughing softly. "She's gonna hate herself in the morning."
"Big time."
I had just started to relax when I felt Blair shift beside me. For a second, I thought she was finally asleep, but then she spoke, her voice quieter now, more steady.
"Patrick?"
I turned my head slightly, meeting her gaze in the dim light of the tent. Her eyes weren't as heavy with sleep as I'd thought.
"Yeah?" I murmured.
She hesitated, her fingers still gripping the fabric of my hoodie, like she was grounding herself.
"Why did you and Lizzie go off earlier?"
I sighed softly, brushing a strand of damp hair from her face. "Eloise told you, huh?"
Blair didn't answer, just looked at me, waiting.
I exhaled, shifting so I was lying on my side, facing her properly. "After the argument, she was upset. Really upset. I just wanted to calm her down before she said something else she'd regret."
Blair was silent for a moment, her fingers absentmindedly playing with the edge of my sleeve. "That's all?"
"That's all," I reassured her gently. "I talked to her, made sure she was alright. That's it, Blair. I promise."
She nodded slowly, like she was mulling over my words, and then let out a breath, snuggling closer into my chest.
