Baxt

The cold embrace of the lily pond felt strangely comforting compared to the searing pain of his rejection. My body, weakened by the concussion,

of the water. I gasped, coughing and sputtering, the world spinning around

ght fluorescent lights overhead were a jarring assault on my throbbing head. Maya

ried, tears streaming down her

red, my voice hoarse. My head fel

called for help. A groundskeeper pulled you out. You were barely breathing." He pau

andoned me. Again. "Of course, they were." My voice was flat, devoid of e

s filled with sympathy. "His friends... they told us. H

nted to punch him. How could he be so crue

ong time ago." The words felt heavy, but true. The illusion was gone. The pain

, Kylie?" Liam

ing left. No more chances. No more hope." I paused, then continued, my voice gaining

d ask more questions, the door swung open, and m

my side, enveloping me in a tight hug. My father, his face stern, gently

rd it was an accident at school?" My father's voice was care

For a fleeting moment, I thought I saw Jax standing in the doorway, his eyes filled with con

ued packing, my movements deliberate. My parents watch

ther began, her voice hesitant. "Are you sur

about that university, it's all tied to Jax. To him. I need a clean break. A fresh start. I need to get as far away from him as possible." My voice, though

r and wrapped me in a tight hug. "If that's what you need, sweetie

ere tears of gratitude, of profound relief.

His parents, still holding onto the fragile hope that we would reconci

s, head held high, a quiet strength radiating from me. Jax, surrounded by a throng of admirers, saw me. His eyes

mbracing me warmly. "You two! Always meant to be. I just know you'll wor

gentle but firm. "It's truly over

smirk playing on her lips. Jax, seeing her, immediately turned his full attention to her, his hand resting on her lower back, his gaze linger

ned to me. "Kylie... I... I see." She pa

e, but filled with a quiet finality,

firm, "We'll make sure you have everything you need." He gave Jax one last, searing lo

ecariously above the dance floor, swayed violently. A loud gr