Page 76 of Dare To Fall

I don’t think they’re right, though.

But it does mean they’re not throwing me out of school. Instead, they’re arranging for further therapy sessions with someone experienced in PTSD trauma once we return after spring break.

I don’t need fucking therapy. I just need all this bullshit to stop.

Chapter 48

Arabella

I take one last glance around the empty dorm room, then drop the key on top of the dresser. My suitcases are packed with everything I own. I’m not planning on coming back after spring break.

Elena and Elliot will be disappointed, and part of me is sad I won’t graduate, but my life is worth more than good grades. Being here isn’t an option anymore. I can’t stay in Eli’s volatile orbit, and I don’t want to be forced to perform actions I don’t want to do. Not if I want to keep my sanity.

There’s a knock at my door. With a heavy sigh, I walk over to open it. There’s a smartly dressed man with a stoic expression standing on the other side.

“Miss Gray? I’m here to drive you home.”

“Do you mind giving me a hand with these down to the car?” I gesture at my suitcases.

He nods. “Sure, I can.”

I heave on one of the backpacks, and he takes the other one. Armed with two suitcases each, we wheel them out of the room and along the hallway.

“This is a lot for a week off,” he says.

I give a little laugh. “You know what girls are like.”

The school will be informed of my decision after I tell my mother and stepdad. I’m done with the school, and the threat to my life. I just want to slip away before anyone, especially my blackmailer, realizes what’s happening. Counselor Clarke and Principal Warren are so sure that it’s something to do with Eli’s dad, but that doesn’t explain why they targeted Zoey. She was Eli’s friend, not his stepsister. Nothing makes sense anymore.

A sleek black car is waiting outside the building. He takes my cases without comment and puts them in the trunk. I climb into the back of the vehicle, close the door and click on my seatbelt. I’m thankful Elena arranged everything for me. At least it was one thing I didn’t have to worry about.

The driver gets in behind the wheel, closes his door, and glances at me through the mirror. “Ready, Miss?”

“Yes, thanks.”

My gaze turns to the tinted windows and the students off to have fun over spring break. I know I should feel jealous, but all I have is emptiness.

I dig my earbuds out of my bag, slip them in and press play. I lose myself in the lyrics of ‘Traitor’ by Daughtry. As the car pulls away, the privacy glass slides up between me and the driver. I rest my head against the window and close my eyes.

Goodbye, Churchill Bradley Academy. Thanks for nothing.

I need to look toward the future. Before I came here, I had a plan. My life mapped out in front of me. Things will change now. I’ll be safe. Away from all the danger and bullshit.

***

Sitting up from where I’m slumped against the door, I rub a hand over my face.

What time is it? How long have I been asleep?

I check the time on my cell. It’s been four hours since we left the school. We should be in the Hamptons already, but when I look out of the window I frown—nothing of the passing scenery beyond looks familiar.

The privacy glass is up between me and the driver, sealing me into the back of the car alone.

I lean forward and try to peer through the dark glass. I can’t see a thing, so I tap on it. “Hello?”

No reply.

I knock again. “Hello?”

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