's P.

o today. Community service? Volunteer at the elderly center? Or lie in bed all day watching *Jane the Virgin* on Netflix with snacks by my side? Option three it was. I took a long, hot shower, using my strawberry-sce

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ovie Mar

sh across his face. But then again, who wouldn't be concerned about a girl who looked like she hadn't slept in days, with hair that could double as a bird's nest? I walked into the kitchen and grabbed ten packs of Oreos. Scratch that-I took the whole box. Then I loaded up on soda and other snacks before starting a batch of popcorn. "Hey," a voice said from behind me, making me jump and squeal. I turned to see Jax standing there,

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er Warning:

crept downstairs, filled a glass, and leaned against the counter, trying to calm

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Flashb

always did. The car broke down in the middle of the road, and before I knew it, blinding headlights were comin

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ack to

aming down my face. "I don't want to be here anymore. I want the pain to stop. It's my fault he died..." Jax pulled me into a tight hug, his arms warm and steady. "Val, please don't say that. We need you here. You have so much to live for. You haven't even started planning your future yet. That's what makes every day exciting. You don't have to carry this pain forever. You'll only start healing when you realize not everything is your fault." "Really?" I asked, my voice shaky. He nodded, his eyes filled with sincerity. "I'm sorry for bothering you like this," I said, wiping my tears. "I'm gonna head upstairs." "You're not bothering me," he said firmly. "Let me help you clean the cut. We don't want it to get infected." I n

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