Prom King (Craven Cove 1)

“This isn't over,” he tells her, running his hand through his hair. I glance back at the two of them, and at this moment they look so much alike.

“You’re right,” my mom says, her voice dripping with anger. “I’m taking your car, and you can pick it up tomorrow. Then it will be over.” She says it dismissively, but I swear I see some other emotion cross her face before she hides it. The only reason I even caught it is because I know her better than anyone else.

“Celeste, can you just wait a fucking second?” Apollo says, sounding panicked now. He probably wants to talk about the morning-after pill or something. I hadn't lied. I’m on birth control, but I’m not going to stand here and defend myself.

Mom is already pulling me along, and I glance back over my shoulder to see Rory keeping Apollo from chasing after me. What’s the point? So he can hurl more insults my way? I don’t think I could bear it. Each one was a punch to my heart. Had he not felt what we had? How can he question this? I swipe away the tears as I get into the car.

“I’m so sorry, honey,” Mom says as we pull down the long driveway.

“It doesn't matter. I got to see his true colors,” I sniffle.

She reaches over and takes my hand again, reminding me that it’s always her and me against the world.

I should have known better. I could never be a part of Apollo’s world. At least now I don’t want to be.

* * *