Despite the gut feeling churning within me, I swallowed my anxiety and got ready for school. It was the last place I wanted to be, but I knew I’d never escape if Sebastian took me away to his “pack.”
It was only one day. Just one day, and I could head to work, grab my paycheck, and leave this town behind a few hours later. I texted Kat that night, asking her to pick me up for school. She was ecstatic that I was coming back, which made me feel even more guilty.
Silver questioned my every move, using every moment to plant doubt in my mind.
“What if Sebastian’s telling the truth?” she huffed, frustrated after arguing with me for an hour to no avail.
“He’s not,” I shook my head. “I’m not buying it-it’s just not real.”
“Deep down, you know, Sophia,” Silver sighed. “You’ve always known there’s a piece of you missing. This is that piece. This is why you’re so strong. You were born to rule.”
“I wasn’t even supposed to be born,” I rolled my eyes, ignoring her words. I didn’t like how sincere she sounded.
Part of me wanted to believe I was destined for something great, but that would mean living with people who had never wanted me in the first place. Was it worth living with Sebastian, Krystal, Olivia, Jessy, Lilian, Lauren, and even Darren? I didn’t think so.
I gathered my completed homework and stuffed it into my backpack in frustration. I didn’t know why I even bothered with it. By the end of the day, I’d be a dropout, running away from my so-called family.
I spent the night refining my plan, working through the details. I’d go to school in a noticeable outfit, changing before I left that night. I’d avoid cameras and catch a bus to the nearest airport. I had been smart enough to withdraw most of my money from my debit card, keeping it locked in a box under my new bed. I’d leave both cellphones behind and catch a flight as far away as possible. All I had to do was get through my last day of school.
The morning came too fast. I should’ve been worried about Jessy and the twins, but I wasn’t. The prospect of it being my last day with them put things into perspective.
I slipped on the only other dress I owned, something I’d only worn in public once or twice. It was too flashy for my taste. The heart-shaped neckline highlighted my full chest, and the dress ended in waves against my thighs. It was a light shade of blue with short sleeves. I had always loved the dress but hated the attention it brought. It made my light blue eye stand out against my brown one.
I put on my usual white sneakers, flung my book bag over my shoulder, and left my room at the last minute, somehow finding my way downstairs with ease. I slipped into the kitchen, thankful Tracy was nowhere in sight. I grabbed a plain bagel, stuffed a piece into my mouth, and bounded out the door.
The drive to school was peaceful. If I pretended hard enough, today was like any other day. I was heading to school with Kat, another day of trying to figure out the confusing twins. Silver’s voice brought me back to reality, reminding me of my insane plan.
“My mom wants to know when you’ll be coming over again,” Kat chuckled, tucking a fire-colored lock behind her ear. “She’s been hounding me about you non-stop.”
My heart nearly stopped, guilt flooding through my veins. What kind of friend was I? I shook my head to clear it. I couldn’t force myself to stay just to save the feelings of one person. I had dealt with the abuse for long enough. I deserved a way out-I owed that to myself.
“Sometime,” I nodded absentmindedly. “Just gotta get situated with Sebastian and all of that.”
“You know you can talk to me, right?” She smiled softly, the sight sending another sharp pain into me. “I can’t even imagine what that’s like for you, but I can try.”
“I know.” I forced a smile in return. “I just need some time. It’s all confusing, and I’m not really sure what I want. He’s trying to act like my dad-but he’s not. He never has been.”
Kat did what she said she would-she tried to understand. She didn’t tell me to give him a chance or to forget the past. She simply told me to do what felt right. I hoped she would forgive me one day, though I wouldn’t be around to witness it.