rents, but they would give her short, clipped answers before changing the subject to how Ashley was settling in. Liam and Noah avoided her calls, responding only with brief texts saying t

w with the board. The night before, she laid out her portfolio and her presentation notes on her desk. The next morning, they were gone. She searched her room frantically, a knot of panic tightening in her stomach. Ashley knocked o

r heart sinking. "Who?" she asked, though she already suspected the answer. Her father cleared his throat. "Ashley. I put in a good word for her. Her story is so compelling, and she showed them some... some very impressive des

ng. She overheard two of her friends in the library. "I just don't know what's gotten into Chloe," one said. "Ashley told me she's been so mean to her, saying awful things." The other friend sighed. "

tside, rain lashing against her window. She felt too weak to even get a glass of water. She managed to pull out her

the background. "Liam," she whispered, her voice hoarse. "I'm sick. I have a high fever. Can... can you come over?" There w

drifted in. "Poor Ashley is so terrified of thunder. I'll make her some warm milk and honey." Her father's voice f

door and toward Ashley's room was the final blow. It was the sound of complete and utter abandonment. The rain beat against the gl