Chapter 109
- HAZEL -
The urge to leave class isn’t there. I’m scared. I don’t know who took that picture and how much the person knows. The last thing I want is the whole dorm knowing my secret.
I sniff. My head is sunk in my arms which are folded over my table. I’m the only one in the hall. I’ve been the only one here for hours. My stomach growls with hunger but I’ve got no appetite.
Killian says he’ll kill the story, but how soon will that be? How sooner can the gossip dying be effective? I don’t want to be alone here in this classroom hall but the only one I want with me so bad can’t be with me because he’s involved in the scandal.
I sniff. I hate that I can’t see him. I hate that I can’t be with him here. I hate that I’m in the middle of getting exposed to the whole school and my best friend if she chooses to show up impromptu. I hate that I’m not alone yet feel alone.
“Hey,” the raspy, sultry voice of Carol slid in my ears. “Need a place to crash? I’m the right person for a hug.”
I raise my head up. She’s standing right in front of me. “That. . .,” I gulp, swallowing my saliva. “That would be nice.” I finally say. She holds her hand out to me.
I grab onto it and stand. She didn’t give me a hug and I appreciate that, I would’ve felt clogged up more than I already do if she did. I wipe my under eyes and cheeks with a lazy finger. Thank God I didn’t wear makeup today. I sigh, keeping my weary eyes fixed on her.
“I know just the right spot for a peaceful mind regaining.”
*
I take a deep breath, keeping my eyes closed as I soak in the freshness of the air. We’ve been here for roughly half an hour and I must say, peace and quiet sure aided my nerves. Plus the air. I had no idea there was a spot like this near campus. I plan to make this place my go to whenever I’m down or need an out away from people.
“Done catching your breath?” Carol asks. This is the first time she said something throughout the time we’ve spent here.