Justin's POV
I sit on Clay's bed, my elbows resting on my knees, eyes wandering around his room. It still smells faintly of detergent and paper—organized chaos, just like him. He's in the kitchen making food, but my head's elsewhere. The only reason I even came back tonight was because of that picture.
That photo of Winter smiling—God, it messed me up. Something about it shifted everything inside me. She looks... different now. And not the kind of different you celebrate. It's the kind that scares the hell out of you.
The door creaks open. Clay steps in, holding a plate, and hands it to me.
"Make a sound, and we're both dead," he mutters, shutting the door quietly.
I smirk, already shoving a piece of toast into my mouth.
"Show me her picture again."
He sits beside me, unlocks his phone, and scrolls for a second before holding the screen out. I take it from him and zoom in on her face. My voice drops to a whisper.
"She's different. What happened?"
Clay sighs, leaning back. "I guess she's moving on."
I frown. "Moving on?"
He shrugs. "She dyed her hair. Got a piercing. And... she's smoking now."
I blink, confused. "What?"
"Yeah," he nods, "I was with her yesterday. We talked about Jessica, Hannah... and you."
My appetite dies instantly. I throw the plate down, frustrated.
"But why? Why is she doing this to herself?"
Clay just shakes his head, a faint, tired smile on his lips. "She's clueless. Always has been, always will." He pats my shoulder before walking toward his desk.
I stare at the floor, my stomach twisting into knots.
Winter's POV
I drag my feet into first period, drop into my usual seat, and try to focus. My head is still a fog from last night. Someone mumbles behind me.
"Meet me at my house today." I turn around to see Clay whispering. "Trust me," he adds.
I roll my eyes, not even wanting to ask what it's about.
Before I can turn back, Bryce and Monty stroll in, grinning like idiots. Bryce sits beside me; Monty drops into the chair in front of me. Both are smiling too much for this early in the morning.
"What do you guys want?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. "And stop smiling like fucking maniacs. You're creeping me out."
Bryce laughs. "Tonight. My place. Video games and booze. You in?"
Monty wiggles his eyebrows. "Uncharted: Nathan Drake Collection."
I try not to smile, but fail. "Sure." I glance at the date and bite my lip. "Wait—I can't. I have plans with—"
"You have plans with us," Bryce cuts in smoothly. "And that's final."
I exhale in defeat. "Fine."
When I look back at Clay, his jaw is tight. He looks angry. Probably because Bryce is still trying to control me.
You've got to keep lying, I tell myself.
~||~
After dropping Ellie off at her friend's house, I drive to Bryce's. I park along the sidewalk and jog toward his door, hesitating at the last second.
