Page 55 of What Goes Around

“I’m really sorry,” he rushed out. “I invited you, and then I… I don’t even know what happened. I got blackout drunk. I barely remember anything.” He let out a breath, frustrated with himself. “I didn’t mean to ditch you and go off with Apple. I swear I didn’t.”

He looked genuinely ashamed, like he wanted a second chance.

In my first life I had run off crying, blaming myself, agonizing for days.

Now I simply nodded.

He wasn’t a bad guy.

Just young.

Stupid.

And easily swayed by a pretty girl who knew exactly which strings to pull.

“It’s fine.”

The coldness in my voice made him flinch.

Compared to everything I’d lived through, this incident wasn’t even a blip.

His shoulders sagged. He looked relieved and miserable all at once.

“I… I actually really liked you. Before I ruined it.”

“I know,” I said quietly.

I remembered the way he used to glance at me when he thought no one noticed.

And then the air shifted.

Like the pressure before a storm breaks.

Apple appeared out of nowhere, her smile brightening the second she saw us.

“Anton! Ashley!” she sang, as if she wasn’t the reason the situation existed. “What are you two talking about?”

Anton stiffened.

Apple's gaze flicked between us.

“We were just talking about the party,” I said. “But we’re done now. Take care, Anton.”

I had no patience for her drama anymore, so I walked away without looking back.

After school, I took the long way home.

I told myself it was for the fresh air, but really, I just needed space. Somewhere I could think without eyes on me. Without voices. Without expectations pressing in from every direction.

When I passed the small convenience store on the corner, something in the window caught my attention.

I slowed.

Then stopped.

A bright Powerball poster.

Tonight’s drawing.