𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄 𝐓𝐀𝐘𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐒
Haverhill was meant to be a fresh start for me. What I didn't anticipate was attracting the attention of Carter Knight and his friends, the wealthy, enigmatic boys who seem to own the entire town. After my parents' death, I t...
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Elle
"We're working on it. Carter's friend, Jason, is trying his best to help us." I confessed, glancing at my friends. They were one of the reasons I still managed to wear a smile. We were all sitting at the Smiths', just like we had planned. It had become a refuge for us, our little escape from everything else.
"I still can't believe someone's stalking you... oh my god!" Lila muttered, her voice high-pitched as she fidgeted nervously in her seat.
"I'm sorry, I should've told you sooner. But we have to be extra careful. Even if he seems to be only after me, he knows how important you are to me. He won't hesitate to use one of you to get to me." I stated, my gaze sweeping over my friends. Maddie closed her eyes for a moment, visibly trying to steady her breathing.
"Elle's right," Maddie added softly, her voice serious. "We need to trust the guys. I should've followed you, though. I knew something wasn't right when I saw Carter standing next to Nathan in the parking lot." Nicole took a deep gulp of her orange juice, looking a bit distant, as though the weight of the situation had finally hit her. Her face had a healthy glow now, still shining from her recent change in style. She wasn't wearing her old glasses anymore, and it suited her.
"I lied to you, Nicole!" I blurted out, almost under my breath after finishing the last bite of my apple pie. "You couldn't have known I was in danger. I should've been honest with you sooner."
"We should have a sleepover," Maddie suggested suddenly, her eyes bright. "It'd be the perfect way to unwind after everything that's been happening lately." She sat next to Lila, who immediately started clapping excitedly, her hands slapping together three times in rapid succession.
"Oh hell yes! Let's do it!" Lila grinned, her eyes lighting up as she turned to me and Nicole. "Are you in?"
I couldn't help but feel a surge of relief at the thought. I needed this. Some time with my friends, away from everything. It was the perfect distraction, and with no school for the week, I had the time. I'd been avoiding Carter since last night. I still couldn't get over what had happened with Madden.
"I'm in too!" Nicole admitted, her face lighting up. "My parents are out of town again... We can do it at mine? You can bring Cali, too." She smiled warmly, her eyes catching mine.
"Deal! My parents are always at home lately, taking care of Daryl," Lila added, referencing her younger brother.
"God, I can't wait for tonight!" Maddie said with excitement, her eyes shifting between Lila and me. "It's going to be so much fun. I can pick you up, Elle?"
"It's okay... if you don't mind my dog making a mess in your car," I teased, making my friends laugh.
"So... 8 pm at Nicole's, then?" Maddie confirmed, standing up as if to finalize the plan.
I stood in front of my mirror, eyeing my outfit. I had thrown on a pair of leggings and a big sweatshirt. Nothing fancy, but it felt comfortable enough. Just as I was about to head downstairs, my phone began to ring. I pulled it out of my pocket, heart racing. Carter. I hesitated for a moment, swallowing hard, then pressed the answer button.
