Page 35 of Left in the Dark

“Perfect. You’re the best, Mom.”

She flashes me a smile as she sets to work. “I called the school. Your teachers have been very understanding. They were horrified to hear what happened at the lake. A bunch of students have been talking about it.”

I cringe and then scrub my face with my hands. My voice drips with sarcasm as I sit back in the chair, my back protesting the movement. “Glad I could provide them with entertainment and gossip.”

My mom gives me a wry smile. “You know how those entitled brats are. You’re a better person than they are, and that’s why they act the way they do.”

“You’re biased.”

“I’m honest. You’re a good man, Zayne. I’m proud of the person you’ve become.” She drops a kiss on my head as she passes me to grab the chicken from the refrigerator. “You don’t need to return to school this week unless you want to. Your teachers are good with whatever you decide. They expressed their well wishes and said they hoped you felt well enough to attend graduation.”

A lump forms in my throat.

Graduation. The day I thought I would close the chapter on all the horror I experienced at that preppy school and begin a new chapter with Delaney.

I foolishly thought we’d go off to the same college and get a happy ending.

But I’m no longer delusional. The poor guy from the wrong side of the tracks doesn’t get the rich girl and the happily ever after.

He gets heartache and humiliation.

CHAPTER 24

Zayne

I’m lying on the couch, watching TV on Wednesday evening, bored out of my skull. My dad left for the bar a few hours ago. I tried to go with him to help him out, but he refused, saying he and Ian could handle it.

A knock on the front door causes me to frown. My mom and I exchange a glance as she rises from the chair. “I’ll get it.”

When she pulls the door open and gasps, I grab the remote control, turn it down, and sit up.

“Delaney.” My mom’s voice is full of shock before it turns cold. “What do you want?”

Delaney? What the fuck?

“I’m sorry to show up unexpectedly. I’ve been texting and calling Zayne, but he hasn’t responded. It’s?—”

The brittle laugh that comes from my mom’s lips cuts her off. Delaney doesn’t know that laugh signifies my mom is seconds from exploding, but I do.

“Good for him. My son obviously sees through your bullshit.”

The silence stretches between them. I crane my neck, trying to see Delaney’s expression, but I can’t see her from this angle.

“I deserve that. I m-messed u-up.” Her voice is tearful. Instead of making me feel sympathy, it causes my anger to grow like a weed.

“You sure as hell did. I don’t know why you dropped by, but it’s too late. He hasn’t responded because he doesn’t want to see or talk to you.”

Go, Mom.

“I-I’m s-so s-sorry.”

“You’resorry?” My mom’s dry, humorless laugh floats in the air.

Here it comes.

“What gives you the audacity to come here? You walked away from my son, leaving him lying injured on the ground!”

I get to my feet, the pain an afterthought as I march to the door. I’ve had enough of the pain Delaney has caused me, and I’ll be damned if I allow her to upset my mom.

---