I can’t breathe right anymore—everything’s slipping, cracking, and it’s Jamie’s fault. That leak—Morgan’s dirty deals splashed all over town—it’s got my head spinning, my hands shaking. Casey did it, I know she did, helping him, pushing him to ruin me.
The mirror’s still smashed on my dorm floor, glass glittering in the dark, and I’m pacing, my socks crunching over it. I hate that sound. I hate the way everything around me feels like it’s crumbling, shattering, and I’m powerless to stop it.
My skin prickles, like the cracks are running through me too, like I’m coming apart.
Morgan’s mad—called me, yelling about loose ends, saying we’ve got to fix this fast. But it’s not just him—Alex is slipping away, pulling back, and I can feel it, sharp and cold in my chest.
That’s the worst part. The way Alex’s attention is pulling away from me, his trust slipping through my fingers like sand. I feel it every time I look at him, every time he seems distant, like there’s something behind his eyes that he’s not telling me.
And I know it’s Jamie—he’s the reason. Jamie’s doing this—he’s ruining everything, and I’m losing control.
The mess I’m in right now—it’s Jamie’s doing, and I can’t fix it. I don’t know how to fix it. I’ve tried everything—everything—but it’s not enough.
Not when Casey’s leak proves it. Her betrayal stings more than anything, and I can’t shake the thought of her and Morgan working together, behind my back, while I was too busy thinking I had everything under control. It’s all unraveling so fast, and I can’t keep up.
I’ve got to hold onto Alex—he’s mine now, not Jamie’s, but he’s wobbly, doubting me. I see it in his eyes when I stop by the bookstore—tired, far-off, like he’s thinking too much. He’s been asking questions—about Jamie, about that night I said he harassed me—and it’s scaring me.
What if he believes him? What if those papers—Morgan’s emails, my name—turn him against me? What if Alex starts doubting everything I’ve told him? What if, in his search for truth, he decides that Jamie was right all along? I can’t lose him.
I can’t lose the one thing that’s kept me grounded, the only person who’s ever made me feel... like I’m not invisible.
My stomach twists, and I grab my desk, my nails digging into the wood. Jamie’s not stopping—Casey’s leak proves it—and if Alex slips, I’ve got nothing left.
I’ve worked too hard—framed Jamie, stole the money, trashed his room—and I won’t let him take Alex away now. I can’t—everything I’ve done, all the manipulation, the lies, the schemes—they all lead up to this moment. I’ve invested too much.
I won’t let anyone take Alex from me. Not Jamie. Not Casey. No one.
I can’t sit still—I need to see him, know he’s still with me. I need him to know I’m here, that I’m not going anywhere. I need him to remember why he chose me.
I grab my hoodie, dark and loose, and slip out, the night cold and wet. The rain’s starting, soft at first, dripping on my face as I walk, the chill of it making my skin crawl. It doesn’t matter, though.
Nothing matters right now except him. I need to be sure he’s still mine.
The bookstore’s not far, and I stick to the shadows, my shoes quiet on the wet pavement. I’ve been watching him more—every night, almost—standing outside, checking, making sure he’s not talking to Jamie, not making plans with him.
He doesn’t know, doesn’t see me, but I need it—need to know he’s alone, that he’s not slipping further away. I need to make sure Jamie hasn’t gotten to him. I have to keep him close, keep him from falling into Jamie’s trap.
I get there fast, ducking behind a tree across the street, the rain picking up, soaking my sleeves. The store’s dark—closed—but a light’s on upstairs, his room, glowing soft through the blinds. My chest tightens—he’s up there—I see his shadow move, slow, like he’s pacing.
I wonder what he’s thinking. What’s going through his mind? Has he been talking to Jamie? Is he doubting me, like I’m starting to doubt myself? My head buzzes, loud and fast, and I can’t stop it—paranoid thoughts, spinning wild.
Every moment that passes, every second I stand there, the fear grows. The anxiety claws at my insides.
I watch, my breath foggy in the cold night air, my hands stuffed in my pockets. He’s up there—alone, thank god—but that doesn’t make me feel any better.
If anything, it makes it worse. He’s alone, and I can’t help but wonder what he’s doing. Is he thinking about me? Or is he thinking about Jamie?
My hands shake, wet and cold, and I pull out my phone, my fingers fumbling, slick with rain.
I dial his number—no answer, straight to voicemail, like always this late. His voice—calm, tired—cuts through the silence: “It’s Alex, leave a message.” My throat tightens, and I wait for the beep, my breath shaky. “Alex,” I say, soft, twisting my words slow.
“It’s me—I’m worried. Jamie’s still out there, messing with us. I saw him today, watching you—don’t trust him, okay? I’m here—I’ll keep you safe.”
I pause, my voice dropping, shaky. “You don’t need him—just me.” I hang up, my hands trembling, and stare at the phone.
It’s off—not true, I didn’t see Jamie—but it’ll stick, make Alex think, make him question what’s real. He’ll hear it, and he’ll think twice. I hope he’ll think twice.
I call again—voicemail, same deal. “Alex,” I say, sharper this time, my words twisting tighter.
“He’s lying—always has. I found stuff—more proof he took the money. Don’t let him fool you—I’m the one who cares.” My voice cracks, and I stop, breathing hard, trying to collect myself. It’s messy, desperate, but it’s got to work—he’s got to hear it, feel it.
I’m losing him—I can’t lose him.
The rain’s heavy now, soaking my hair, dripping down my face, but I don’t move, just watch that light, his shadow, my heart pounding loud in my ears. I can’t lose him. I’ve never been so afraid.
Fear twists inside me, gnawing at my insides.
I’ve been out here too long—hours, maybe, the cold sinking in. My legs ache, my hoodie’s wet through, but I can’t leave—he’s up there, and I need him. Jamie’s ruining it—Casey’s leak, his fight—it’s all him, tearing at me.
I can’t stop watching him. I can’t stop wondering if it’s already too late.
I step closer, out from the tree, my shoes squishing wet on the pavement. I’m right under his window now, staring up, water in my eyes.
His light’s still on, his shadow still moving. I stand there, frozen, breathing heavy, watching Alex’s window like it’s all I’ve got left. I’m falling apart, and all I can do is wait—wait for him to see me, need me. He has to. He has to.