Page 67 of Blades of Obsession

“Alright, Amelia. That’s it for today!” Coach Dawn’s voice echoes from the empty stands. Classes started back up today. After I missed the last two practices before the break—because of Blade, of course—we decided on a one-on-one session to make up for the lost time.

I wave goodbye and trudge back to the locker room. The air is a cocktail of perfume and sweat, all layered over the distinctive smell of cleaning supplies from the janitor. I grab my towel and bring it to my face, trying to block out the overwhelming smell as I head to my locker.

It doesn’t take long to change into a pleated white skirt and pink sweatshirt. I can’t wait to get back to Frankie’s dorm, we have a whole at-home spa evening planned. Just like Skye and I used to do…

Her roommate dropped out so we hang out there when we want girl time, without being distracted by the boys.

But my heart sinks when I turn and see Catalina sitting at the other end of the bench.

What is she doing here? Practice isn’t even scheduled today. I don’t have time for her bullshit right now. Or ever, really.

She starts walking towards me, and I brace myself, in case she tries to pounce on me again. “Look, I don’t—” My wordscatch in my throat as I take a good look at her. She looks a mess, when she usually looks like she just stepped off a runway. Her makeup is smudged, tears streaming down her face. I know she hasn’t been the nicest to me, but my heart still aches to see her in this vulnerable state. “What’s wrong?”

“Amelia, I… I need to talk to you,” she stammers, her voice trembling.

Is this some kind of trick?

I eye her warily, unsure of what to make of this sudden change. “About what?” I ask, keeping my guard up. She did torment me for over a month so I need to be cautious.

But instead of her usual cattiness, she drops to her knees, letting out sobs that echo off the tile floor. I watch in disbelief, my eyes wide, as she struggles to form coherent words.

“I’m sorry,” she chokes out. “I’m so sorry for everything I’ve done to you.”

I freeze, stunned into silence. I want to console her, but how? She’s reduced to a sobbing mess on the floor before me.

Finally, she manages to stand, her cheeks flushed with hot tears. “I mean it, Amelia. I’ll do anything.Anything. Just please… don’t make him do that to me again.”

“Don’t make who do what? You’re not making any sense right now.”

“Rhys… He forced me… in the music room. I didn’t want it. He forced himself on me. Blade made him hurt me because of everything I’ve done to you. Please, I’m sorry. I’ll never pick on you again. Don’t make him do that again.”

What?

The revelation rocks me to my core, shattering any illusions I’d started to have about my relationship with Blade. I was beginning to think maybe, just maybe, this thing between us could work, in some crazy, twisted way. But not if he madeRhys… I can’t even bring myself to say the word. The thought alone makes me want to throw up.

“Have you talked to anyone about this? A counselor? A psychologist, maybe?”

“No! He said if I told any authority, he’d come back and do it again.”

That’s just sick.

I reach out and gently touch her arm, the only way I know how to offer any comfort. “I’ll make sure he never hurts you again, I promise. You don’t have to worry about him coming back. Go talk to whoever you think can help you through this. You look…” I trail off.

Broken.

No wonder I haven’t seen much of her these past two months.

She pulls me into a hug, whispering a quiet “thank you” before leaving. And for the first time, I see her as a human—struggling and going through life, just like the rest of us. I see her as Catalina, and not just my bully.

With trembling hands, I take out my phone and dial Blade’s number. As it rings, I almost hope he doesn’t answer. What do I even say to him about something like this?

I feel disgusted. Shocked.Guilty.

“Hey, pretty girl.” His carefree voice feels like a slap, knowing there’s a girl who has her whole life flipped upside down because of him.

“H-how could you?” My voice wavers.

“How could I think you’re the most beautiful girl in the world? Hm, well let’s see…”

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