Page 61 of Never Enough

It’s not just for him either. It’s for both of us.

A pang hits me as thoughts of Alex overcome me, oddly reminiscent of the night we both almost died. I need to see his face, even if it’s just through a photo. I reach for my phone and open Instagram. My thumb rapidly taps and scrolls, searching for him. I hate how he doesn’t follow me. I’ll bring it up in a few days. Following each other will be a good way to ease into our relationship.

Suddenly, my heart stops as pictures flood the screen. Alex, with his familiar mop of brown hair, is the center of attention in the photo. He holds a red Solo cup next to Celeste.

“Alex wouldn’t lie,” I whisper, trying to calm myself. There has to be an explanation. Plans change all the time, right? I’ll wait for him to come home and explain. He deserves that chance, at least.

My fingers remain frozen on the screen as more pictures load. There’s Alex, laughing and cozy with Celeste, her hand possessively wrapped around his bicep. My stomach twists in knots at the sight.

“Is this some kind of sick joke?” I mutter, but there’s no humor in this situation.

Not at all.

Hurt and anger pulsate through me as I read through the comments.

Alex and Celeste back together! Are we really surprised? *Happy crying emoji*“

Each comment feels like a stab to my heart. How many people think they’re back together? Are they?

Either Alex doesn’t actually like me and our relationship is just a joke between him and Victoria, or Alex doesn’t like me, but he feels obligated to date me because I saved his life when we were kids. Both explanations suck, but either way, I can’t get past the common theme between both. He doesn’t want to be with me.

It’s the only explanation that makes sense.

Please, God, don’t let it be true. The ache in my chest is a constant companion now. Every breath is a struggle, every heartbeat a reminder of the pain I’m trying to bury.

I’m back tothatnight.

The one where Mom shoved my head underwater and screamed how unlovable I am.

The one where I almost lost Alex forever.

I should wait for Alex to come home, let him explain himself, but who am I kidding? The truth is clear in every photo, every intimate smile they share.

“That’s it,” I declare to the vacant room. My hands shake as I snatch my car keys from the kitchen counter.

I hastily slip on my sneakers without bothering to tie them. The door slams behind me louder than intended, but honestly, who fucking cares?

As I step outside into the chilly night air, it bites at my skin, mirroring the coldness within me. A perfect match for how I feel right now.

I slide into my car and start the engine. The dashboard lights flicker on, casting eerie shadows across my trembling hands.

My destination is familiar. I know the house from the photos. It sits just off campus, where parties never seem to end. With everypassing moment, it takes all of my willpower not to press down harder on the gas pedal.

“Get it together, Daphne,” I scold myself sternly. I need to stay level-headed if I want answers.

Scenes of confrontations play out in my mind, none of which end well, but I need closure, and I’ll do whatever it takes to get it.

Chapter twenty-three

Author's note:

The content in the following chapter may be triggering for some. Please proceed with care.

Chapter twenty-four

Daphne (flashback)

Daphne age 12; Alex age 13

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