Chapter 13
I pulled a notebook out of my backpack and opened to the first page.]
Every debt was written down in careful handwriting.]]
[September 3rd, breakfast, $12]]
[September 15th, lunch money, $50]]
[October 8th, cold medicine, $38]]
…D
Every single penny I’d ever owed him.[]
11
“Every cent your family spent on me over the years–I kept track.“[]
I put the notebook on the desk and pulled out an envelope from my bag.[]
“Here’s twenty thousand dollars. Whatever else I owe, I’ll pay back later.“[]
“Starting today, we’re even.“]]
Dylan looked stunned. He stared at the notebook, at the envelope, his face getting whiter by the second.[]
“Avery, what are you doing…“]
“What I should’ve done a long time ago.” My voice was completely calm. “Even parasites have some dignity.“]
I turned to leave.]
Dylan grabbed my arm “Avery, don’t do this. Let’s just talk.“[]
“Talk about what?” I yanked my arm away. “About how you called me a leech behind my back? Or how you watched the whole school destroy me and did absolutely nothing?“]
“I…” He opened his mouth but nothing came out.]
That’s when Madison started crying. “This is all my fault! I shouldn’t have made that stupid joke. Avery, you can hit me, yell at me, whatever–just don’t take it out on Dylan.“[]
She was sobbing like her heart was breaking, looking so pitiful.[]
But I was done with her bullshit.[]
“Congratulations, Madison. You won.” I stared her down. “Dylan’s yours now. Just pray you never become the next leech.“[]
I snatched my backpack and stormed toward the door.[]
66.79%
Chapter 13
Dylan shouted after me: “Avery! Where the hell are you going?!“]
I didn’t look back. Where was I going?
Somewhere nobody knew my name. Somewhere I could start over. Somewhere… you’ll never find me.]
Dropping out was easier than I thought it would be.]]
My guidance counselor tried to talk me out of it: “Avery, your grades are excellent. Why would you want to leave?“]
“Personal reasons.” I didn’t want to get into it.[]
What was the point? Tell her I was being bullied by the entire school? That everyone called me a parasite? That my best friend since childhood threw me under the bus?]
Waste of breath.]
“You need to think this through carefully. Dropping out isn’t something you can just undo.” She kept pushing. “You’re so young. What could possibly be so bad that you can’t work through it?“[]
What could be so bad? Maybe everything.[]
But I was exhausted. Completely drained.]]
“Ms. Johnson, I’ve made up my mind.“[]
Seeing I wouldn’t budge, she sighed. “So what’s your plan now?“]]
“Get a job, save up money, then finish school somewhere else.” needed to get the hell out of here.[]
What was the truth. I wasn’t giving up on graduating–just
Once I had enough cash, I’d move to another state, another school. Clean slate.[]
The paperwork was quick. Had my forms by lunch.[]
I headed back to my dorm to pack up. My roommates were in class, which was perfect. No drama.]
I didn’t own much–everything fit in one beat–up suitcase.
One last look at the room I’d been stuck in for months. There was still this group selfie taped to the wall from orientation week.]
We all looked so happy and clueless. Who knew it would turn into such a shitshow?]
1 ripped the photo down and chucked it in the trash. Time to move on.[]
Dragging my suitcase down the stairs, I walked straight into Dylan.[]
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