Page 56 of Fractured Mind

I’m not sure if she’s sincere. I have no intention in having enemies, but there’s no chance of us being friends either. “Okay, let’s move on then.”

She gives me a sickly-sweet smile. “You’re too nice. So... we’re cool now?”

I wouldn’t go that far, but I bite my tongue and nod instead.

After school I’m itching to stretch my legs, so I head out for a run. I’m relieved that my accident was just an accident and that no one intended to harm me. This time I’m not running to exhaust myself—I’m running because I enjoy it.

I jog down another path I’d seen earlier. When I turn my music up, I pick up the pace. I swing my arms wider, running faster. It’s exhilarating. The surrounding trees scatter dark shadows, with the occasional beam of sunlight, over the path. It’s busier than I thought it would be. Families are riding bikes together, and I smile back at elderly couples walking by.

When I’m ready to go home, I decide to turn off my music and walk back at a leisurely pace. Between the view, the sounds of the birds in the trees, and the unique earthy scent of nature, I know I’ll never grow tired of this town.

Another week goes by,and I ignore all Mom’s calls because I need a week of peace. I know I’ll need to talk to her soon, but when I think about it, I feel a sliver of worry and my mind goes into overdrive about what else she hasn’t told me and what her plans are for the future.

Roman’s away game in a town twenty minutes away is a welcome distraction. The five of us are in the stands, watching him and cheering him on. We win forty-two to seven.

The stadium empties as people leave after the game. Students from our school sing our football team’s chant around us. Ruby and I are wearing the football jerseys we had made—copies of Roman’s jersey, with his last name, Harris, and his number, eight, on the back. When we reach the parking lot, the crowd disperses.

“How good was that game!” Ruby says enthusiastically, skipping toward the car.

“Did you see the scout talking to Roman’s coach?” Levi asks with raised brows. “We need to decide on a university and where we’re going to live.”

My face falls. They’re making plans, and I’ll be left behind. But I might have to leave them anyway. It doesn’t seem fair. Ashton squeezes my hand. When I lift my eyes to gaze at him, I give him my best smile, but he stops as Ruby, Levi, and Jackson move ahead of us.

Frowning, he asks, “Are you okay?”

A grimace tugs at my lips. I don’t want to sound desperate and clingy. Just because we’re together doesn’t mean I should expect that we’ll still be together after we graduate. The thought of losing all the relationships I’ve built since I’ve been here causes a painful, crushing sensation deep inside me.

His eyes sadden. “Hey,” he whispers, “what’s wrong?”

“I thought about the conversation I’ll be having with my mom soon, that’s all.” Half-truth.

Ashton pauses a beat before raising his chin in understanding, and then we make our way toward the others.

When we sit in the car, I peek up at him. He smiles before he leans down to nuzzle my neck, which sends a delightful shiver through me. “I’ve got a surprise for you tomorrow,” he says.

A sudden thrill bubbles up inside me, sending all other thoughts to the back of my mind, and I grin at him in excitement.

CHAPTER

EIGHTEEN

MIA

Ruby

Call me after your surprise. I want to know how it went!

“Ruby knows?”

Ashton’s smile broadens. “They all know.”

I’m bursting out of my skin with eagerness. I’ve been awake all night trying to guess the surprise.

“Close your eyes.” His voice is full of amusement, and I swear he’s enjoying my impatience.

“Do I have to?”

He gives me a clipped nod.

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