Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 11 - Chapitre 16

Class has already started, but there’s no way I can return to mine without making sure Dominic’s okay. I still can’t shake what Jennifer said — “things got messy” — and the thought won’t leave my head. So, I put my so-called rich girl privileges to use.Making sure my face isn’t still flushed, I push open the door to Dominic’s classroom. Mr. Benny Brown, the Science teacher, is already mid-lecture.“Good day, Mr. Benny Brown.” I smile.His face lights up — my dad’s generosity toward teachers always has its perks. He sets the marker down and walks over.“How are you, Catherine?” he asks.“I’m good. I just need a quick favor,” I whisper, lowering my voice so the curious ears don’t catch on. I meet Dominic’s eyes for a second — those locks can’t hide the frown forming there — before looking away. “Dominic was bullied by the football boys, and I just want to make sure he’s okay. He’s Alice’s brother.”Mr. Benny sighs. “Of course, you can. Those boys are still up to their nonsense.” He tur

“Guess who asked me out!” Alice squeals, doing a ridiculous happy dance on her bed.I instantly regret stopping by her house before school—she’s been bouncing around for fifteen minutes, unable to pick an outfit.“I was shocked when he told me he’s been too shy to talk to me all this time.” She jumps again, landing face-first into her pillow.“Alice,” I sigh, grabbing a random top and skirt from her closet and dumping them on her chest. “As much as I’d love to indulge this love story, we’re already late, and I really don’t want to give the teachers a reason to punish me. Get dressed.”She rolls her eyes but obeys, pulling on the clothes. “Hayden. Freaking. Gordon. asked me out. The smartest guy in school has been too shy to talk to me! Someone pinch me before I start acting dramatic.”“Wow,” I say honestly. “That’s good, actually. He’s one of the decent ones. Didn’t he date someone last year?”“Yeah, but they broke up on good terms.” She brushes her hair in front of the mirror, her gr

Dad has always given me everything I wanted. I’ve never done anything bad enough to make him sound like he wants to strangle me through the phone. “And what else do you want me to say that’s going to make you happy, Dad? I’ve told you—I did not stab that girl.” He scoffs, the sound sharp and heavy through the line. “Then what, Catherine? She stabbed herself? Your mother and I are about to board a plane home, and you’re going to explain exactly what’s wrong with you.” The line cuts before I can say anything else. I shut my eyes, exhaling until my chest hurts. Even my parents don’t believe me. “Are you okay?” Dominic’s voice comes softly, careful. My hands tremble as I grip the couch to sit. “I don’t know, Dominic. Maybe I just wanted my parents to believe me. To think that I’d never do something like that. Instead, they just assume I’ve turned into some spoiled brat because they were never around.” “It’s okay,” he murmurs, gently pulling me against his chest. This time,