the first time in a long time, I felt at peace. It was a small feeling of c

to Tyler. I couldn't help but smile at the

me like I wasn't as worthless as people told me I was. Somehow, he just knew how to make me feel... safe. I wishe

d against my skin, sending tiny sparks down my spine. His scent still lingered in my mind. I closed my eyes, trying to imagine the feel of

lass too, with jokes that were silly but had me giggling like a kid. Being around him was like

. My hands paused as I tried to shake off the dread.

ect Stephanie-wouldn't hesitate to go after him at her party. Who would resist her? In fact,

screamed, interru

om my hands. The crash echoed through the kitchen, and I

med into the kitchen "I've

ry. I wa

h a glare. "That w

"I'm really sorry.

an is, it won't work. No matter how much you

calm "I'm not planning anything. It was

ed. "Yeah

e so bent on making me suffer? She was the one who betrayed my

you're just feeling

What could I possibl

ouse the day after she was buried. You were supp

n't help who I fall in love with. And for the reco

le. My mom loved you, trusted you. An

e. You know nothing. I'm the lady of

ed. "Not to me.

d grabbed my arm, pulling me toward the door. "

nto the front step and slammed the door behind her. I stood there. The coldn

so...

ht air would clear my mind. The park wasn't far. I could sit there for a while. It wou

cognized them as football players and cheerleaders. They perched on their cars as they

iar voice called

as-Tyler. My heart skipped

His eyes widened when he saw my tear-streaked face.

?" he asked softly"

didn't want him to see how sad and broken I was. A few tears es

pulled me into his arms, holding me tig

standing with the others. I could see the

"We're going to get p

her, still holding me

muttering something to the

e. "You don't have to stay. G

y cheek. "Not a chance. You need someone

he pressure of everything - my mom's death, my dad's betrayal, Ann's attitude towards me. It was all too much. I b

my love,"

I whispered, try

smiled at me "Are y

sniffled. "But...

rs together. "Then let's go find som

lt a little lighter, as if I coul