An unbearable mortification makes me move away from him.
The last of my will to live fades away, leaving me with one thought only – I need to end this hell.
I turn and break out into a run, needing to get away from the shame and hopeless despair that chases me like a million hell hounds.
My breaths burn over my lips, and my heart pounds against my ribs as I sprint down the stairs. My bag falls to the ground, and I leave it as I race across the parking area.
After last night, I don’t have any strength left to process what just happened.
I’m done.
I can’t handle it anymore.
I’m going to put an end to this because whatever waits in the afterlife has to be better than this nightmare.COLTONEnraged, I yank the paper off Brie’s locker, and crumpling it, I shove it into my pocket. I turn to where Michael is laughing his ass off. Not caring about the consequences, my fist connects with his jaw.
He slams into the opposite row of lockers, and the other students move out of the way.
“I’m going to kill you,” I growl as I swing another blow at him. I can’t hear anything past the bastard’s grunts as my fist keeps connecting with his face.
I’m going to fucking kill him.
Hands grab at my arm, but I manage to pull free, delivering another punch to Michael’s jaw before they grab hold of me again.
“Let go,” I shout, needing to end the piece of shit in front of me.
“That’s enough,” Mr. Matthews snaps, and it’s only then I realize that teachers are here. “To the office! Now!” Mr. Matthews barks.
Knowing I can’t risk getting myself expelled, I back off and stalk to the damn office with a bleeding Michael right behind me.
My heart is pounding so damn hard I won’t be surprised if it ripped through my chest.
We’re ushered into Mr. Davis, the principal’s office, and joined by Dr. Montgomery, the school’s counselor.
“Someone want to tell me what this is about?” Mr. Davis asks from where he’s sitting on the other side of the desk.
I dig the poster out of my pocket and straighten it out before I slam it down in front of him. “He did this to Brie Weinstock.”
“You don’t have any proof,” Michael mutters arrogantly.
“He bullies her every day,” I snap, unable to calm down. “What are you going to do about it?”
Mr. Davis’ eyes go to Michael. “Wait outside. I’ll deal with you later.”
Michael lets out a huff and pulls his phone out of his pocket as he walks to the door. He’s clearly not worried at all.
Probably because they’re not going to do anything.
“You can’t beat up another student, no matter what the reason,” Mr. Davis says to me.
I glare at the man, my insides boiling. “Just give me my punishment so I can go make sure my friend is okay.”
“You need to meet with Dr. Montgomery to talk about that temper of yours.”
“Okay.”
“Next time you pull a stunt like this, I’m suspending you.”
“Fine.”
“Get to class.”
Not a chance in hell.
I get up, and as I leave the office, I glare at Michael. “We’re not done.”
“Aww, are you asking me on a date?” Michael taunts me, an egotistical smirk pulling at his bloody lip.
“After school,” I mutter.
“Michael, get in here,” Mr. Davis calls out.
“Devil’s Bluff,” Michael says, way too confident after the beating I just gave him.
I hurry out of the building, and pulling my phone out of my pocket, I call Brie’s number, but it goes to voicemail. I notice her bag at the foot of the steps and pick it up.
Glancing around the area, I don’t see her anywhere, and I rush to my truck. When I climb in, my phone chimes with a message. Seeing it’s from Brie, I open it quickly.
Thank you for everything.
My phone vibrates again as another message comes through from her.
I’m sorry.
“No.” I start the engine and drive as fast as I can while I keep calling her number. “Don’t do this, Brie.”
Don’t let me be too late.
Fuck, I should’ve gone after her immediately.
God.
Not again.
Please, not again.
I speed down our street and almost roll the truck when I turn into Brie’s driveway. I hope she didn’t go somewhere else.
Shit, I don’t know what I’ll do then.
Luckily the front door isn’t locked, and pushing it open, I dart inside. When I reach the foot of the stairs, I hear Brie’s mother tauntingly say, “Put me out of my misery and do it already. It will be quick.”
I rush up the stairs and follow the sound of Brie’s mother’s voice. “Just tie it around your neck. You’re so goddamn pathetic you can’t even do this right.”
I dart into the room, and the world is ripped from under my feet when I see a belt tied inside the closet, and Brie’s gripping the end of it with both her hands. She’s sobbing uncontrollably, and her mother is standing behind her.