Alyssa Brandy has never been a run-of-the-mill type of girl. She's a diva and knows how to get her way. But even the strongest people can be broken.
In high school, she was hurt by the guy she thought she could trust. Now, in college, she's built...
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POV: Alyssa
Eden left that night. I heard his car peel out of the driveway. It hurt more than expected. Now I know for sure that Eden and I could never happen. We'd never work out. It would always end this way. Us hating each other.
I didn't go to breakfast. I couldn't face the embarrassment. I'm sure everyone knows we got into an argument. Thinking about letting Camila see me vulnerable makes me sick. I'll never let that happen.
A knock sounds from the door. And I hesitantly allow them to come in. I'm not surprised to see my father open the door with a sad smile.
"What, Dad?" I ask. Irritation is already clear in my throat.
"Eden left?" He asks. I nod. "Good, he's not right for you."
I roll my eyes. "Why isn't he?" I surprise myself by defending him.
Dad places on his hips. A sign that he's about the get serious. "He lives on the East side with his crackhead parents. They've gone to jail for stealing, reckless driving, the list goes on."
For some reason that makes sets me off. "What does that have to do with Eden?" I question. "He's a good student, and he's on the committee just like I am. He and I are the same."
"I know his parents. Grew up with them, actually. They were good people until they weren't. The same will happen to Eden."
I shake my head. "It won't!" I shout.
"I don't want to see you get hurt, Lyssa." Dad insists.
"I won't." You can't get hurt if you already are. "I'm leaving," I say.
Arlo stands to his feet quickly. "I'll take you." He looks at Maddie. "Come on, get your stuff."
***
The drive from my dad's house to campus is lonely. I picked up my car that Lola was using. Her car was fixed before the trip. Arlo wanted Maddie to drive back with me, but I insisted I'd be fine. I needed to be alone.
I wish I could travel to a faraway place where no one knows me. Where I can just live free of scrutiny. Where photos of my naked body won't float around the school. Just thinking about returning to that makes me want to drive into a brick wall.
I pull into the student parking. My head hurts from all the thoughts that wouldn't stop. The cold weather causes goosebumps to form on my skin. My bags weigh me down as I walk. I guess I'm not used to carrying my own baggage.
A few students lingering in the halls stare at me like I'm an alien that has landed on their planet. I glance at a mirror on the wall. Dark circles are under my eyes. My hair is tied into a tangled mess. A few months ago I would have never shown up to school looking like this. Now, I guess I don't give a damn.
Strong hands rest on my shoulder and I spin around in shock. To my relief, it's just Jax. His dark eyes beam at me. "What's up, hot stuff?" He asks.
"Besides you scaring the shit out of me, nothing," I say as I glare at him. He chuckles and grabs the heavy bags from my hands. I smile weakly at him. "Thank you," I say politely.
