Chapter 16

Izariah-

Once I cried all the tears I could, I wiped my face with the back of my hands. Sniffling a few times, I took a couple of deep breaths. It has been years since I have felt the extent of losing my childhood best friend.

Leaning my head back, I stretched my legs out and leaned my head against the door. Closing my eyes, I tried to ready myself to face everyone again. I thought about hiding away inside the cabin I was in, but I knew that I had to keep my head up in front of others.

After the stunt that Braxton pulled, I couldn’t let him win. I was not going to hide away like a coward. Slowly, I opened my eyes again and let out a long sigh.

“I can do this.” I whispered to myself, trying to find the courage I needed to walk out of this room.

Repeating the words in my head a few times, I pulled my heels back and used my hands to boost myself up and off the ground. Giving myself one last pep talk, I lifted my chin and straightened my spin. Turning to face the door, I placed my hand on