Page 97 of College Hockey Bully

“Because you’re pissing me off.” I don’t say it with as much venom as I intend, which only encourages her to scoop another spoonful of oatmeal and force it between my lips. I narrow my eyes at her.

“Just let her feed you, honey,” Dad says wearily from his place by the window. “Make life easier for all of us.” He turns away from the view outside, the dark circles around his eyes reminding me that he’s been here all night, only taking snoozes on the chair at my bedside.

Theresa grins as I open wide and I swallow the disgusting thing while looking over at Mom who looks just as weary while fingering a bouquet that arrived early this morning—the first of two dozen. Although she went home and came back this morning, I’d bet a few inches of my hair that she hardly slept a wink last night, either.

I doubt any of us will sleep for a while, especially after that surprise visit from Cameron’s mom. I’m still bowled over by the news that Cameron was behind it all, even the attack on me. Tothink he’d go that far, to hire someone to ruin his best friend’s life…

If I wasn’t still mad at Aiden, I’d feel sorry for him.

My sister slides another spoonful in my mouth, and I breathe a sigh. Who am I kidding? My heart goes out to him. I can’t stop thinking about him after hearing how Cameron betrayed him, wondering how he’s taking the news. They were like brothers. It’s hard to imagine anything that would push Cameron to those lengths.

Not that it’s any of my business. My business is deciding whether to take the million-dollar settlement Mrs. Randolph has offered me.

“Have you given any thought to it, sweetie?” Mom asks softly, almost as if she can read my mind. Then again, I’m sure they’ve all been bursting at the seams to ask what my decision will be. Mom is the only one daring enough to do it.

I nod. “I’m taking the money,” I announce and Mom gasps. She takes my hand, squeezing it as I go on, my eyes on Dad as he moves toward the bed.

“It seems like the smartest thing to do, isn’t it?” I go on. “Cameron will be locked away for a while, getting treatment. Even if I decide to fight him in court, my chances of winning are almost zero. Like Mrs. Randolph said, it’s a win-win.”

Beyond that, she’ll be heading to Hempton to clear my name. I assume money will be changing hands to keep Cameron’s name out of everything. So long as I get to return and complete my hours, that’s fine with me.

I’m ready to turn this page and start a new chapter.

But the thought of starting a new chapter without Aiden makes my heart sink. Tearing my eyes away from a bouquetof red roses resting near the window, I brush away Theresa’s attempt to force another spoonful of glob in my mouth.

“It might seem like I’m selling my soul, but—”

“No, honey.” Dad sits on the edge of the bed. “You’re making a decision with your head, not your heart, which is fine in this case. I supported you not taking Mrs. Hunter’s money, because of what it represented. Now, you’re choosing your battle wisely and there’s nothing wrong with that.”

I smile wanly. Being a million dollars richer does nothing to lift my spirits. All I feel is a searing sadness that I suspect will only worsen with each passing day. Aiden sent a dozen bouquets of flowers, and while it’s quite sweet, it means nothing. He always said I should trust him, but not once did he believe in me.

There’s no way we can come back from that.

A sudden knock on the door makes my heart lift. Only for a minute, then it falls to the floor of my stomach as Tabitha pokes her head inside. “Hi, can I come in? The nurse out front said I should wait, but I didn’t want to.”

In Tabitha’s head, that makes perfect sense, I guess. She’s lucky Nurse Francis is such a cool guy. Mom smiles warmly at her after I make the introductions.

“Come, let’s give Scar a break—you included,” she clarifies, pointing at Theresa, who seems about to argue. She hesitates by the door, giving Tabitha a curious stare. My friend is wearing what looks like a bracelet and necklace of tiny bones, so it’s valid.

She drops her butt in the chair, the clinking of her jewelry a pleasant sound. “How do you feel?” she asks.

“Fine, I guess. The doctor won’t let me out until the headache has ceased for twelve hours straight. It’s only been two hours,” I reply.

“Bummer, but it’s better than being in the morgue,” she points out matter-of-factly. “Which is what I’ve been trying to save you from.”

“I should’ve listened,” I mumble, pulling the sheet over my legs. “I got spared from death, but not heartbreak.”

“Sweetie, you walked right into that one.” She grimaces. “Although, from how Aiden looked today, I doubt you’re the only one.”

My heart skips a beat. “You saw him?”

“Yeah, he was leaving a lecture or something. His eyes looked like your dad’s,” Tabitha replies. “He saw me and stopped, but changed his mind from approaching me, I guess. Then again, I did threaten to put a hex on his entire family if he messed with you again.”

I can’t help chuckling. “You did?”

“I threatened the entire team,” she announces boldly. “I might not be able to prove it, but one of them did this to you. To Aiden’s credit, he seemed genuinely disturbed when I confronted them. My spirit has decided to give him a pass. No one else.”

If Tabitha only knew how right she is. It’s a bummer I can’t tell her the truth. Then again, it’s probably for the best. Another six months of Tabitha thinking her powers are truly real will drive me insane.

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