Chapter 51: Hope and Leylines

I don't know how long I sit on the sidewalk, sulking, but I scrub a hand down my face. The wraith won't care that I'm heartbroken or how I can't get Ben and Kiarr back. Or that I am missing Jacques's French accent and his kiss. How I was wrong to let my fear and prejudice come between us. I push to my feet and start walking to the bus stop.

"Hey, loser," Gwen calls out behind me, her voice all nasally, but I know it's her before I even turn around.

"Have you come to gloat?" I ask, facing her. "You won, okay? You've got my boyfriend and my friends and my old life. Is that what you wanted?"

Her nose is red and swollen, which gives me pause. I've never struck anyone before.

"Ex-boyfriend, remember? You two broke up when he traveled all the way to visit you at Hallowhaven."

"I'm done." I turn on my heel to walk away before I punch her again.

"I thought you cared about your ghost boyfriends," she calls after me.