I Don’t Fight It–2
That cold prickle at the back of my neck. I look over my shoulder, and there is Sadie, walking toward us like she owns the school. Her two shadows flanking her, both of them wearing identical, mocking smirks.
Sadie flips her hair over her shoulder as she comes to a stop in front of us, her smile stretching wide when her eyes land on Aiden’s arm around me.
“Well, well,” she says, her voice syrupy sweet. “Isn’t this cute?”
Aiden doesn’t move. His fingers stay exactly where they are, relaxed.
Sadie laughs, like this is all a joke. “You might want to be careful, Aiden. Your girlfriend’s
a cheater.”
She says it loud enough for the other tables to hear. I feel the weight of all those stares pressing down on me and Aiden’s fingers press into me.
I know it’s his way of comforting me. He keeps his expression blank, not even blinking.
“With your brother,” she laughs, shaking her head.
Aiden sighs. “You done, Sadie?”
Sadie’s smile falters then. She looks at Aiden, then at his arm still around me, then directly at me. “You already knew.”
Aiden inhales deeply. “You can leave now.”
Sadie stares at him like he’s lost his mind. Then her eyes widen as it clicks. “Oh, my God.
You’re sharing her.”
My throat goes tight.
Sadie’s gaze cuts to me, disgust twisting her face. “You’re an even bigger whore than I
thought.”
The words hit like a punch. My lungs squeeze tight. The world tilts.
Everyone’s looking.
1/3
I Don’t Fight It–2
They’re staring.
It feels just like it did after the accident. The whispers. The pitying looks. The judgment.
My breathing turns shallow. Too fast. I try to stand, but my legs barely work.
Aiden drops his arm and stands, blocking me from her view. “Get the fuck away from us,
Sadie.”
I hear Nikki’s voice, sharp and angry. “Bitch.”
They start yelling at each other, but I don’t care. I bolt.
I run inside and down the hall until I find the bathroom. I shove the door open and stumble into a stall, falling against the cold tile. My stomach twists painfully, and then I’m throwing up.
“Alina!” Nikki’s voice is close, and then her hand is on my back, holding my hair out of my face as I shake and gasp for air.
I wipe my mouth, my hands trembling. “I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not.”
The door creaks open again.
Aiden’s voice is low as he squats next to me. “Jake’s on his way.”
I nod, still breathing too fast, but I manage to straighten a little.
He watches me, eyes soft, and he hands me his water. I take it with shaking fingers and
sip slowly, the cold a shock to my system.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“I’ll walk you to the office,” Aiden says.
I nod again because I don’t trust my voice.
Nikki stays close as we walk back through the halls. I can feel eyes on me, but I keep my head down. Aiden walks with his arm around me, clearing the way and protecting me.
2/3
I Don’t Fight It–2
Jake’s already there when we reach the office. He looks up, his jaw tight when he sees me.
“You okay?” he asks quietly as we walk out together.
I shake my head. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
He nods, his hand finding mine and squeezing gently. “Okay.”
The ride home is quiet. He doesn’t push, and I’m grateful.
By the time we get there, I’m so tired I can barely keep my eyes open.
“I’m going upstairs,” I mumble.
Jake kisses my temple. “I’ll be here.”
I nod and climb the stairs to my room. I don’t bother changing. I just crawl into bed and pull the blankets over my head.
Sleep pulls me under fast.
And for once, I don’t fight it.
