RILEY

Stella drives me home while I sit in shock. It’s too much to process. I can actually feel my heart splitting wide open. The one person I loved and trusted the most has hurt me in the worst way.

Just breathe.

It’s all I can do at the moment. Focus on the smallest of things. I’m suddenly so exhausted, I just want to sleep. To lose myself in my dreams. The pain is too much to take.

We pull up my driveway.

Stella puts her hand on my thigh but I can’t feel it. It’s like I’m not even in my own body.

“Do you want me to come in and sit with you for a while?” she asks in her soft voice.

I shake my head. “You’ve done so much already.” I’m so thankful to her for getting me out of there. “I’m just going to go to sleep. It’s been a shitty night.”

She pats my leg. “Okay. But you can call me. Anytime.”

I feel the tears prick my eyes, so I rush out of the car and give Stella a quick wave.

She jumps out after me.

“Oh, Rye,” she calls out. “I got Will’s records for you. Everyone was distracted, so I took the chance. I know this isn’t a great time, but I thought you’d want them right away.”

I turn around, take the paper, and shove it in my jacket.