DESCENDED

ALONE

I can't stop thinking about my last conversation with Sebastian.

Did he really use me to get to Anna?

Those words, coupled with his silence, makes seeing him at school the hardest for me. The more I think about it, the more it bothers me too. Which forces me to confront the possibility that I've grown feelings for him deeper than I thought.

But it's hard to be mad at him, when he's also the reason Anna, Tessa, and Jasmine are no longer giving me a hard time. I mean, why should they?

They've won.

The smile that used to brighten up my day is now Annas. Which tears at my insides. And when I purposely walk by them to make sure he sees me, he doesn't even look in my direction.

I try telling myself he'll snap out of it and go back to being charming. But the days that follow are all the same.

Holiday break from school is a welcome one. I need to get Sebastian out of my system because he still isn't talking to me. Imagine my surprise when he shows up as Anna's guest to Thanksgiving dinner.

I'm speechless.

And while part of me hopes maybe he's here for me too, it becomes clear he's here for Anna and Anna only.

I'm so confused.

He's replaced me with Anna, and I don't know why. Offended, I retreat to my normal habits of keeping to myself, keeping my face in my books, and waking up early to go out into the woods behind the house since meditating in my room is too risky.

I try going back to the same place with the white roses, but I can't concentrate.

How could I not have seen he was using me?

Winter Ball is coming up, and he even asked Anna to the dance.

"Sebastian really did a number on you," Samuel sits down next to me at lunch.

"Go away, Samuel," I sulk.

"Okay, but first I have a question to ask."

"What?"

"Will you go to the Ball with me?"

"With you?" I frown. "No."

"Come on, Angelique. I don't see anyone else lining up to take you," he replies.

"Do you naturally tend to insult, or did you have to practice at being such a jerk?" I snap at him.

"Ooh... feisty, I like that."

"You're an idiot."

"You're right, I am," he beams with pride. "So, is that a no?"

"Why would you want to go to the Ball with me?" I ask. "I don't even like you."

"Because Sebastian is an idiot for choosing your cousin over you. And I want to see you smile again."

That's the sweetest thing he's ever said to me. And even though I still don't trust him, I consider going to the ball with Samuel. I really don't want to miss one of the biggest social events at Emerald Academy being all up in my feelings. So, after much thought, I accept his invitation. I'm not about to let Sebastian, Anna, or her new BFF's ruin my high school experiences.

"Really?" He grins. "Sweet. You won't regret it. Here, put your phone number in my phone."

Smiling, I put my number in his phone. Then he leaves.