Cravingz [Editing]

Ch.29 (Danger is Coming )

Ashelyonna's POV

It was Thursday, and after much consideration, I decided to go to school. I needed some space from Stefan and wanted to catch up with Jess, but it felt like she'd been distant lately. Maybe she was still wrapped up in whatever family drama she had going on.

Today was jeans day, so I threw on something simple yet comfy—faded jeans and a cozy sweater. I straightened my hair, grabbed my backpack, and headed out the door.

. . . .

Once I arrived at school, I settled under a large oak tree in the courtyard. It was my favorite spot, a quiet refuge where I could think. To my surprise, I spotted Chloe sitting a few feet away with her head down, her shoulders trembling.

It sounded like she was sobbing.

Great. Just what I needed. I rolled my eyes and reached into my bag for my journal, but when I noticed my phone was down to 25%, I sighed and tucked my headphones back away.

Chloe was usually a bratty, self-absorbed diva, known for her petty antics and her ability to keep a gaggle of minions at her beck and call. Seeing her like this was unsettling. She was a mess—sweatpants, an oversized T-shirt, and hair in a messy bun. This was so unlike her that it made me genuinely curious.

I tried to focus on my writing, but her sobs were piercing through my concentration. Glancing up at the rustling leaves above me, I mentally kicked myself for what I was about to do.

A little voice whispered to me: Ash, please don't.

I ignored it.

. . . .

"What's wrong?" I asked, looking down at Chloe.

She sniffled and wiped her tears away, clearly surprised to see me. "What?"

"Oh, it's you," she muttered, sitting up straighter. Her gaze darted around, scanning the courtyard.

"What do you want?" The bite in her tone was unmistakable. It was clear that her usual nasty attitude was in full effect, and I couldn't help but wonder if this was all just an act to hide her vulnerability.

"Fine. Suit yourself. Sorry for giving a fuck," I shot back, turning on my heel.

"Wait. Please!" Chloe called after me, her voice wavering.

"Why should I? So you can pick on me just to feel better?" I retorted, glancing down at my shoes.

"I beg to differ, Chloe," I added, my frustration bubbling to the surface as I started to walk away. But then I felt her grip on my arm.

"Okay, I get it! Please, I'm sorry. I don't have anyone, and the fact you're the last person in school I thought would ever talk to me... it's just odd, okay?" Her voice cracked as she spoke.

I turned to face her, glancing over at the cluster of friends she usually surrounded herself with. The twins she called minions were laughing at some joke, completely ignoring her. One was sitting in Miles's lap while the other flirted with the school's quarterback. Everything felt so different now.

As I looked back at Chloe, I suddenly got flashes of gruesome visions. Her hand still gripped mine, and I saw her screaming, blood smeared across her face. I pulled my hand away, shocked.

"What the hell!" I yelled, looking deeply into her eyes.

Hurt flashed across her face, but I couldn't ignore the fear gripping me. I sighed, my heart softening as I pulled her into a hug. "How about we talk about whatever's on your mind later?" I suggested gently, holding her hands in mine.