Page 37 of Left in the Dark

I blink rapidly, trying to clear the moisture from my eyes. I’ve cried so much over him that I can’t believe I have any tears left.

Squaring my shoulders, I give her a small smile. “You know what happened when I stopped by his house to talk to him. Thanks again for driving me there and then consoling me afterward.”

“Anytime, girl. I’m sorry you’re hurting.”

Inhaling a deep breath, I put on a brave face. Trying to appear unaffected despite even though I’m dying inside, I shrug my shoulders. “It’s fine, Callie.”

She shakes her head. “You don’t fool me, Delaney. I know you too well. You’re not remotely over him.”

It’s pointless to argue with her. She’s right. I’m not over him, but I can’t do a damn thing about it except silently suffer.

“Has that asshole Tim been leaving you alone?”

I glance across the room to where he stands with my brother and Aidan. A group of girls are fawning all over them. “After doing that favor for my father at the bonfire, he’s pretty much ignored me since.” I roll my eyes. “It hasn’t stopped my dad from making pointed comments at dinner that I should try to get Tim back.”

“Ugh. Birds of a feather flock together.”

“They do.”

A group of girls yells Callie’s name, beckoning her over. “The girls from the photography club texted earlier about taking pictures in our cap and gowns.”

I wave her off. “It’s fine. I need to use the restroom anyway.”

I walk with Callie until she reaches the girls, pasting a smile on my face and waving at them. Then I quickly turn and stride through the auditorium, my composure faltering. I don’t need to use the restroom. I need a moment alone.

My heels click down the hallway toward the restroom. I round the corner and stop, sinking against the wall. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I close my eyes, trying to lessen the pounding in my head and prevent the tears from falling.

A loud snort causes me to look up. Zayne stands there, scowling at me. “Christ. Can my night get any fucking worse?”

My skin heats from embarrassment. It’s sad how things can dramatically change in a short amount of time. I once felt so safe with him, but now, I feel so small and unwanted.

“I’ll get out of your sight.” I push off the wall, my gaze on the floor as I take two steps toward the restroom.

“Typical. Turning your back on me and running.” His taunting tone sparks a fire inside that I haven’t felt in days.

Although it’s foolish as fuck, I whirl around and stomp over to him. Jabbing my finger into his chest, I let him have it. “You do a lot of fucking assuming, Zayne. You talk out of your ass when you don’t have all the goddamn facts.” My breathing accelerates as I glare at his handsome face. A surprised look flickers across it before he smirks, infuriating me even more.

“You know what, asshole? You think you fucking know it all when you don’t know jack shit. You think my life is so goddamn perfect. Not even close. There’s so much you don’t know, but it doesn’t matter now. You think I walked away from you becauseI had achoice.” My voice lowers to a hiss. “Well, guess what? I didn’t.”

“Who didn’t give you a choice? Your little asshole boyfriend that you’ve probably been fucking when you weren’t fucking me?”

I gasp, staring at him in shock.How can he think that about me?

My hand lifts, smacking him across the face before I realize what I’ve done. “You’re a fucking asshole.” I spin on my heel, fleeing to the bathroom and locking the door behind me.

Then I sink to the floor and sob, my heart breaking as his cruel words run through my head.

I’m notsure how long I’ve been sobbing on the floor, but the pounding on the door and Callie’s concerned voice causes me to snap back to reality.

I can’t sit on the floor, sobbing all night. Graduation is supposed to be the happiest day of my life, not my worst.

I slowly get to my feet and unlock the door. When I pull it open, Callie gasps and pushes her way inside, locking it behind her. “What the hell happened?”

My heart stutters as I choke out, “Zayne. H-He said h-horrible things to me.”

“Oh, Delaney. I’m so sorry.” Rocking me in her arms, she lets me sob, rubbing my back until I quiet down, my hiccups echoing from the bathroom walls.

She pulls away and grabs some tissues from the box on the sink. “Okay. We’re gonna clean you up. Then you’ll walk out there with your head held high. Don’t even look at Zayne. Pretend he’s not here.”

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