al Prep

lin'

ter, I f

lies. Not s

ting, like my bones weren't qui

waves, and even the smell of Mabel's

tival invitation taped proudly to the wa

da

tage I'd ever faced. But right now, the only thing

n my face, blinking at

pale an

rising star every

away. It had been over a week. My chest ached in a different kin

as

la

door jolted me

rincipal called. He said you're singing at the assembly tom

hard and ope

econd she saw me. "You look

t what I nee

om, arms crossed. "Are you

n't a

edge of the b

know," I

You don't eat much. You look like you're

t off. "I'm just n

e softer. "Did someth

aid it made m

lie. "We slept together. T

t. Just breathed out slo

y. I thought it was just... one night

e. "And now you th

ded,

more. "Carolin. You hav

t. "Not now. Not before the as

ind that doesn't ask for explanations. The ki

, the school fel

ar. The whispers had been following me through the

e. With every student and staff member stari

epped out, guitar case in hand, heart pounding

mile. "Let's give a warm round of applause fo

re louder th

d and t

g sun. My head was swimming,

en I s

ri

row, head down, then

ormative. Just...

holding so

yes l

y chest, and for a mom

the mic, and tuned the strings of my gu

mic. "This is a song I

't say

n't n

rang out-clear a

almost

lmost

ost m

walked a

ield

seemed to pau

almost

st hel

gave y

dn't look

ook-but not

h t

artbeat, my regret,

tried not to-I l

ri

dn't

is fa

t crying, not smilin

se he

is song wa

y understood what I

e after was

ounded f

tepped off the stage,

ilted. My k

time to grab me. "Whoa, who

tand, but ev

n... da

with a cold cloth on my forehe

pened?" I

tting beside me instantly.

ed my

need to ta