He walked in. Quiet, slow steps. Like he was approaching a startled child and trying not to startle it anymore than it already was. His misty hazel eyes bled sorrow. Sadness. Understanding. I watched as he slowly lowered himself beside me on the cold tiled floor. I didn't stop him. Even if I wanted to, I didn't have the energy. I was drained. My fists were coated in blood and ached. The blouse I wore was ripped. Scratches, though not deep, cascade my arms. Familia. I was worth it. I closed my eyes, hot tears streaming down my face. I felt his warm arm wrap around my shoulder. I accepted the embrace, placing my head on his bare chest. He stroked my long curls soothingly. "I know" he whispered. And in that moment it didn't matter if he really did. The ocean was already taking over. And I was ready to drown. * * * * * * Riley Jackson was a junior in high school when her older sister drowned at the hands of the ocean, on what was supposed to be a fun family vacation. The death of her sister was one of the darkest points in time for her, and still haunts her a year later. Now being the oldest sibling, out of two, her parents expect her to live up the the standards that her sister did. Do what her sister did. Act how her sister did. And Riley complied for a while. Till Troy Maxwell , the daring transfer from Stacey Academy, her rival, invaded her home. Her mind. Her heart. She is finally given the choice to either let the waves wash her away, or swim to shore.

I hated Zane Khan. I hated the way he was so cocky and sure of himself. I hated the way he always knew how to get under my skin. I hated the way he always pretended not to care. He wasn't a nice person; he's made that clear. Yet I still can't stay away from him. But what I hated about Zane the most, was how he made me fall irrevocably in love with him.