Hailey’s POV
I sit in my car longer than I need to.
The engine is off. The keys are still in my hand. My wrist aches faintly where Brighton grabbed me, but I keep rubbing it like that might erase what just happened. I stare through the windshield, watching students pass by, laughing, shoving each other, living normal lives that feel very far from mine right now.
Brighton is a liar.
I tell myself that firmly.
He always has been. He exaggerates, twists things, feeds on chaos. He wants a reaction. He wants to get inside my head. And I won’t let him.
I start the engine.
The sound is grounding. Familiar. I put the car in gear and pull out of the parking lot, telling myself I’m done with this. I’m going home. I’m going to see Roy, kiss him, eat dinner, and forget this entire stupid encoun
