BLAIR’S POVI stomped my foot on the floor, and the thud could be heard throughout the small, stuffy room. I could feel the anger in my chest as I stared at the door Mrs Priscilla had just gone through. "Can you believe her?" I snapped in a loud voice. "That annoying psychologist had the nerve to sit there and read me like some open book. And she wasn’t even right."Beth, who’d been leaning against the wall, gave a low scoff and shook her head slowly, as if I just said something stupid. "Honestly?" she said, folding her arms across her chest. "I think she did a pretty good job reading you."I turned on her so fast I almost lost my balance. "What did you say?" My eyebrows shot up. "No, she did not. She doesn’t know anything about me."Beth just shrugged indifferently."I don’t blame other people for my problems," I went on. "I never have. I take responsibility when it’s my fault. Always. But this?" I gesticulated wildly. "This is all Harper and Jaxon’s fault. Every bit of it."Beth st
Blair’s POVI stacked the last of my dry clothes on the bed, smoothing the shirt sleeves even though they didn’t need it. Kade sat beside me, fiddling with a thread on his pants, obviously frustrated as I was. For once, Beth wasn’t breathing down my neck, following my around, and I just wanted five minutes of quiet.But of course, that was too much to ask.I heard them before I saw them—Jaxon’s heavy footsteps, and Harper’s annoying sigh. I tensed immediately, looking up as I saw them approach us. What did they want? “Can we talk?” Jaxon asked, staring at Kade and ignoring me completely.“No,” I snapped without looking up from my clothes. “I’m finally getting some peace now that Beth’s stopped shadowing me. I’d like to keep it that way.”“It’s about getting out of here with good remarks,” he said, ignoring my refusal. “Let’s pretend to work together and be friends. If we can convince the crazy Mrs Priscilla that we’re getting along, we would leave this place soon.”I laughed out loud
BLAIR’S POVThe hall was so noisy during breakfast that I could barely concentrate on a single thought. I sat next to Jaxon who was distracting me, hitting his fork against his plate annoyingly. If he wasn’t hungry, why bother touching the food?I wanted to snap at him but I remained silent, knowing I was too irritated to talk to him. My fingers curled around my fork so tightly as I turned my attention to the next table for the third time in 30 seconds. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Harper and Kade who were seated there. The plan we agreed on was already in motion and what I was seeing, was why I was against it in the first place.Harper was smiling, no, beaming and running her mouth about something. I didn’t know what she was saying, but why was she smiling like that? This was supposed to be an act, a performance for the sake of good remarks. But Harper seemed to be enjoying it too much. Her laugh rang out and she let her hand brush against Kade’s arm. I had promised Kade I w
BLAIR’S POVI found Kade leaning against the edge of the windowsill in the room, the light catching in his dark hair, and highlighting his structured body. He was alone so I shut the door behind me, figuring this was the best time to talk.“Hey,” I hugged him from behind, burying my face into his back and holding him tightly. He stiffened a little, but didn’t turn around or say anything. “What's on your mind?” I asked when he remained quiet.“I just want to get out of here, Blair,” he murmured and I could hear the frustration in his voice. “Who knows what has happened in school these past few days.”School? Since when did he start missing school?“I don’t even know how the basketball team is doing,” he continued. “I’m supposed to be their captain. I’m supposed to be training with them, getting them prepared for the next game. But I’m stuck in here with Jaxon, playing besties.”“About that”, I cleared my throat and pulled back. “I think we need to talk.Kade turned slightly. “What abou
BLAIR’S POVHarper didn’t answer right away. She looked down, her hands fidgeting with the edge of her dress, pulling at a loose thread, perhaps buying herself time. Then she shrugged.“I was never jealous of you when you started dating Jaxon, Blair.” she started and I scoffed. “Is that so?”“I was actually happy for you,” she said in her own defense. “You were my friend and I never looked at Jaxon in a romantic way or anything like that until he started texting me.”“Hmm,” I mumbled, crossing my arms. “So he made the first move, huh?”“You were the one who gave him my number,” she said, her voice rising. “That was because you were my best friend!” I shot back, matching her tone. “Fine, I was naive but you knew exactly what you were doing when you fucked him.”She shook her head like I got it all wrong and I decided to stay quiet so that she would explain. “Jaxon texted me first,” she repeated in a quiet voice. “It was just friendly at first. Until he began flirting with me. He sta
BLAIR’S POVThe screech of the door opening was the first thing I heard from my sleep, followed immediately by that painfully familiar voice that irritated me, coming through the quiet like a trumpet.“Get up, all of you!”I groaned and buried my face deeper into the pillow, but it was useless. I was starting to believe that Mrs. Priscilla’s voice could wake the dead. I forced my eyes open and there she was, towering by the door like a villain straight out of a bad dream. I squinted at the still-dark sky outside the window. The sun wasn’t even out yet. Couldn’t the moon goddess strike this woman with a temporary cold or something? Just long enough for us to get a full night’s sleep?“If your back is still on the bed in the next thirty seconds, you’ll be assigned more responsibilities today,” she snapped and I groaned loudly, pushing myself up.“We’re going hiking,” she announced with way too much energy for someone who clearly fed off our misery. “You’ve got twenty minutes to get rea
BLAIR’S POV“Kade!” I yelled, my voice cracking as I dangled off the hill.“I’m here!” He called back, looking frantic as his eyes scanned the rock I was holding. “That wouldn’t hold her for long,” I heard him say in a panic. I lowered my head but before I could look down, Kade’s voice came.“Don’t look down!” He shouted, lying flat on his stomach as he reached for my hand. I was panting, my chest heaving as I clung to the edge with every bit of strength I had left. My feet dangled in nothing, and all I could hear was my own blood roaring in my ears. Kade already asked me not to look down. I wouldn’t.“I can’t die,” I kept repeating to myself, breathlessly. “I can’t die out here.”But as I mumbled those words, all I could think about was my mother. I couldn’t leave her. Kade leaned over and I swung till he was able to grab my other arm. “I’ve got you,” he said in a low voice. “Just hold on.” He tightened his grip around my arm, our eyes locked as he struggled to hold me. Slowl
BLAIR’S POV“Beth is missing,” I told Kade, pulling him aside the second we were out of earshot.He turned to me with wide eyes, looking around before saying anything. “What? But… we literally saw her this morning.”“Exactly,” I whispered. “Which is why her absence feels off. She wanted to talk to me. She was waiting near the building right before Mrs. Priscilla ran her off.”Kade rubbed the back of his neck. “Maybe she skipped breakfast?“I wanted to believe that but something in my gut twisted hard, refusing to just take it as that. “She wouldn’t skip it. I asked the staff and she said breakfast is mandatory.”He glanced toward the front of the dining hall. “Let’s wait till it’s over. If she’s still not here, we’ll figure it out together, okay? We’ll find her.”I nodded, even though every fiber in my body screamed that something wasn’t right. I stole a glance at Harper across the hall. She was giggling at something Sherry was telling her and it made me wonder what she had done to Be
BLAIR’S POV Kade’s jaw clenched hard and I could feel the war waging inside him. His instinct to protect me was louder than any logic. But he also knew the kind of shit storm we’d be dragging ourselves into if he got in the way. Besides, I knew I was innocent and he knew that too. So after a long, burning second, he gave a stiff nod. He didn’t say anything, just let his hand fall from my hand. I gave him a small smile and followed the officers out of the dining hall, keeping my head high. Everyone watched with wide eyes and the whispers only grew wider, like I was already wearing the stain of guilt. The men led me into an office that smelled like old paper and something faintly acidic. I was taken to the drug investigation officer who was a bulky man with a sour face. He motioned for me to raise my arms and I did. Wordlessly, he and another woman searched me thoroughly but not invasively, probably disappointed they didn’t find pills sewn into my bra strap or something. Then
Blair’s POV I scoffed, shaking my head in disbelief. So this was Mrs Priscilla’s grand plan? A psychologist? When she said we would be working with delinquents, I thought we would suffer through punishments. I definitely did not expect to sit through a therapy session. Community service, they said. Not group therapy. I didn’t sign up for this nonsense. And yet, here I was, perched awkwardly on a hard chair while the psychologist with her tightly pinned hair and gentle, annoying smile tried to pick apart my brain. What did they even expect to achieve with this? Make us hold hands with delinquents and sing songs about teamwork? Did Mrs Priscilla really think I would open up about myself? And even if I did, what next? Lock us up with criminals? “Tell me, Blair,” the psychologist cleared her throat and shifted in her seat. I’d been expertly avoiding her gaze, like maybe if I ignored her long enough, she’d give up. I didn’t get such luck as she went on with her question. “How
BLAIR’S POV Harper didn’t answer right away. She looked down, her hands fidgeting with the edge of her dress, pulling at a loose thread, perhaps buying herself time. Then she shrugged. “I was never jealous of you when you started dating Jaxon, Blair.” she started and I scoffed. “Is that so?” “I was actually happy for you,” she said in her own defense. “You were my friend and I never looked at Jaxon in a romantic way or anything like that until he started texting me.” “Hmm,” I mumbled, crossing my arms. “So he made the first move, huh?” “You were the one who gave him my number,” she said, her voice rising. “That was because you were my best friend!” I shot back, matching her tone. “Fine, I was naive but you knew exactly what you were doing when you fucked him.” She shook her head like I got it all wrong and I decided to stay quiet so that she would explain. “Jaxon texted me first,” she repeated in a quiet voice. “It was just friendly at first. Until he began flirting with
BLAIR’S POV The screech of the door opening was the first thing I heard from my sleep, followed immediately by that painfully familiar voice that irritated me, coming through the quiet like a trumpet. “Get up, all of you!” I groaned and buried my face deeper into the pillow, but it was useless. I was starting to believe that Mrs. Priscilla’s voice could wake the dead. I forced my eyes open and there she was, towering by the door like a villain straight out of a bad dream. I squinted at the still-dark sky outside the window. The sun wasn’t even out yet. Couldn’t the moon goddess strike this woman with a temporary cold or something? Just long enough for us to get a full night’s sleep? “If your back is still on the bed in the next thirty seconds, you’ll be assigned more responsibilities today,” she snapped and I groaned loudly, pushing myself up. “We’re going hiking,” she announced with way too much energy for someone who clearly fed off our misery. “You’ve got twenty minutes to
BLAIR’S POV I tugged my jacket tighter around me, hating how the cold wind kept sneaking past the fabric like it was on a personal mission to freeze my bones. Winter wasn’t here yet, but it sure as hell was announcing itself like an unwanted guest. I blew air into my palms for warmth, glancing at my phone. It was already two minutes past eight. Seriously? Mrs Priscilla had barked at us about being here at eight sharp. Where was she now? “This is all your fault, Blair,” Harper snapped and I turned to her. Her arms were crossed like a spoiled brat who’d just been told no for the first time in her life. “We wouldn’t be here freezing if it wasn’t for you.” I rolled my eyes and shook my head. Of course, she’d find a way to twist this around. God forbid Harper takes any responsibility for her miserable life. Apart from freezing my ass off, being dragged away from the comfort of my room, my warm bed, and decent food, forced to spend two hellish weeks around criminals… yeah, the ch
BLAIR’S POV I tugged my jacket tighter around me, hating how the cold wind kept sneaking past the fabric like it was on a personal mission to freeze my bones. Winter wasn’t here yet, but it sure as hell was announcing itself like an unwanted guest. I blew air into my palms for warmth, glancing at my phone. It was already two minutes past eight. Seriously? Mrs Priscilla had barked at us about being here at eight sharp. Where was she now? “This is all your fault, Blair,” Harper snapped and I turned to her. Her arms were crossed like a spoiled brat who’d just been told no for the first time in her life. “We wouldn’t be here freezing if it wasn’t for you.” I rolled my eyes and shook my head. Of course, she’d find a way to twist this around. God forbid Harper takes any responsibility for her miserable life. Apart from freezing my ass off, being dragged away from the comfort of my room, my warm bed, and decent food, forced to spend two hellish weeks around criminals… yeah, the ch
BLAIR’S POV I scratched my nails into the skin of my palms as I waited. I had named Sherry as Harper’s accomplice and now, we were waiting for her to be brought here. The door opened and Sherry was marched inside, her eyes darting around like she already knew she was in trouble. My heart thudded so hard against my ribs, but I managed to keep my face cold. I had to pull this off. I just had to. Across the room, Harper shifted in her seat. She was trying too hard to look calm, but her body betrayed her. She kept trying to make eye contact with Sherry but I caught her gaze and didn’t bother hiding my glare. I hoped she was smart enough to realize her little plan had exploded right in her face. The leader turned to me. “Alright. Over to you, Blair. You asked for Sherry to be brought in. Well, here she is.” I nodded and then got on my feet. I felt the eyes in the room hook on me, but I only looked at Sherry. “I asked for Sherry,” I started in a clear voice, “Because she’s the one
Chapter 91Blair’s POVThe car barely rolled to a stop when we got to school before the driver turned to us, his tone unusually stiff. “Your father asked me to take you both straight to the administrative wing. He’s expecting you both in the dean’s office.”My brows pulled together. “Now?”He nodded, and I glanced at Kade. His brows lifted, and we shared a look. This could not be good.We were just getting out of a roller coaster ride and I was already bracing myself for the storm from Robert and my mom. I could already imagine the raised voices, long-winded lectures, the kind of dressing-down reserved for kids who didn’t know any better. I wasn’t in the mood to be treated like some clueless teenager who had stumbled into trouble. Not after everything. But we couldn’t refuse.When we got to the administrative building, we stepped out of the car and I let out a sharp breath. My skin was already prickling with tension but Kade took my hand in his and held it tightly.“We’ll be fine,” h
Blair’s POVAfter leaving the drug enforcement office, I decided to visit Beth at the clinic inside the detention center. Being at a hospital reminded me of the time when Kade was unconscious and hospitalized due to poisoning. Walking down hallways while trying to locate Beth’s ward, I remembered how disoriented I was at the time. After he recovered, I prayed to never have to visit a hospital again. Well, here I was. Finally finding the ward, I walked over to Beth’s bedside, barely breathing myself. I looked around, taking in the soft hiss of the machines connected to her. I also took note of the slow rising and falling of her chest. She looked so small tucked under the hospital sheets and I wiped at my cheeks roughly, furious that I was crying again.“You’re a good girl,” I whispered, running a finger over her smooth cheek. “The only good thing about this place.”I swallowed the lump in my throat. Beth had dreams—big ones which she told me about. She wanted out of the detention c