54

The world stops spinning. My grip tightens around my pencil so hard, I’m surprised it doesn’t snap in two. Silver has her hand around Aiden’s bicep. She’s chatting so happily as if they are in some cliche teen drama. He offers her his dazzling smile that he flashed me forty-eight hours ago. Something inside me breaks. I can hear the sound, loud and final. I can feel the remnants shattering. Piece by piece, they gather at the dark corners of my chest. Aiden’s silver eyes meet mine, gleaming with mock condescension. I can almost imagine what he would’ve told me if he spoke. I took your virginity and now I’m back where I belong. Silver has a smug expression. I try not to look at her, the shiny blonde hair cascading to her shoulders, or the uniform pressed to perfection. A king needs a queen, peasant. Pressure builds behind my eyes, but I refuse to let them see the effects they have on me. I refuse to let him see me cry again. I was stupid enough to show weakness before. Not anymore. For o