When Addison was fourteen, she was kidnapped. Life for her was never the same. After the passing of her mother, she bounces from foster home to foster home, until she is sent to Downright High, a guarded-school notorious for hosting the worst kids i...
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The next morning, I wake feeling refreshed.
For once, I'm not hungover. I slept well, and last night showed me that there might be something worthwhile in this hellhole.
"Turn that damn thing off," Constance snarls, and I realise my thoughts had been so deep that I hadn't registered my alarm. I quickly switch it off and roll to my side.
"Hey."
"Nope," she groans. "Not today."
"What's not today?"
"Life."
I grin. It really is a great feeling to wake up with no headache and be able to recall the memories of the night before. I lift my hands to my face and inhale, still able to smell the paint on my fingertips.
There are noticeably fewer people in the cafeteria this morning, and I wonder if the party last night is the result of that. I order my coffee and welcome the hot liquid. It scalds my throat as I swallow.
I spot Harlow, Wren, and a few others from last night standing off the side and I head toward them. I sidle up to Wren and offer him a smile.
"Hey there."
"Hola senorita," Harlow greets me with a cheery wave.
"Madison," Wren nods at me.
"Ran."
His gaze finds mine and his lip twitches.
"Hey," Sandy-Hair greets me and I can't help the look of dread pass over my face as I side-eye him, remembering his sloppy kisses and hand fondling from last night.
His face falters at my expression. Wren reaches for my coffee and takes a sip.
"Hey!" I exclaim.
"Hay is for horses," he replies. "Thanks for the coffee."
He pushes from the wall and leaves, taking my drink with him. I frown after him and the bell rings. Great. Now I don't have time to get another.
"Where did you end up last night?" Harlow asks me.
"Yeah?" Sandy-hair interjects. He has a square jaw, and eyes that look a little too round for his face.
A voice crackles from an intercom in the ceiling, demanding everyone gather in the gymnasium. Harlow looks at me with a knowing look in his eyes.
"Something has happened."
"Like what?"
"You tell me."
He grins, reaching out and lightly touching my hand. I see a faint red tinge to them. I yank my hand from his with a sheepish smile.
By the time we reach the gym, Constance has emerged, looking as tired as I felt yesterday. She gives me a look, warning not to say hello. I'm guessing she didn't have time to shower.
