Chapter 24: Tasha

It was Monday, and I dreaded every second of it. Milton wouldn't let me stay home and sulk, though. He'd stayed the night, practically dragging me out of bed that morning.

"You can't hide forever," he said, handing me my favorite drink—a French vanilla cappuccino—before driving us to school.

I sipped the warm, sweet liquid, trying to calm the storm in my chest. But as soon as we parked, my breath hitched. Emmett was walking across the lot with Kyle, laughing like he didn't have a care in the world.

His words replayed in my head: This was a mistake. I don't do feelings.

I felt a warm hand on my arm. "Just say the word, and I'll kick his ass," Milton said, his voice low but fierce. "You know I know karate."

I raised an eyebrow at him. "You mean that one class you took where you learned how to kick a dummy?"

Milton smirked, squeezing my hand. "I can still take him down. One solid kick, right to the face."

I shook my head, letting out a weak chuckle. "Not necessary."

"Okay, fine," he said, releasing my hand. "But you just have to survive today, and after school, we're getting froyo. Deal?"

"Deal," I whispered, wiping a stray tear.

With a deep breath, I stepped out of the car and followed Milton into school. We went our separate ways, and I headed to my first class.

I slid into my usual seat at the back of the room, praying I could get through the day unnoticed. But as fate would have it, Emmett walked in with his friends. He paused, his eyes locking onto mine.

For a second, I thought he might say something. But I looked away first, fixing my gaze on the chipped corner of my desk as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world.

Mr. Wesley started his lecture, but I couldn't focus. Normally, English class was my favorite, but today, nothing could hold my attention. My mind was too busy replaying every moment with Emmett, every word he'd said.

I don't do feelings.

The bell rang, startling me out of my thoughts. I shoved my notebook into my bag and bolted out of the room, dodging the crowd of students. I needed to get away—somewhere quiet, somewhere safe.

The library.

I sank into my usual spot near the back shelves, crouching down and hugging my knees. Tears spilled over before I could stop them, and I wiped at them furiously.

"T?"

I glanced up to see Connor standing over me, his face creased with worry. He sat down beside me, leaning back against the bookshelf.

"You've been like this since Saturday," he said softly. "Milton told me to give you space, but... I'm worried about you, sis. And Dad's been on edge too. What's going on? What happened?"

I sniffled, staring at the floor. "I did something stupid."

Connor tilted his head. "Emmett broke your heart, didn't he?"

I didn't respond, but the answer was written all over my face.

A familiar voice chimed in. "She didn't just do something stupid. She trusted the wrong person."

I looked up to see Milton strolling toward us, a scowl etched into his face. He dropped down across from us, crossing his legs.

"I'm gonna kick his ass," Connor growled, his fists clenched.

I grabbed his arm, shaking my head. "You'll lose. Not just the fight, but probably your spot on the team when his buddies jump you."

"We wouldn't want our sweet Conny getting benched, now would we?" Milton teased, leaning back smugly.

"Milton," I warned, my tone sharp.

Connor ignored him, his expression hardening. "Anyone who hurts my sister is dead to me. I don't care if he's on my team or not."

"Guys," I interrupted, my voice firm. "It's fine. I'm done moping over him. If he can act like nothing happened, then so can I."

They exchanged uncertain glances but nodded in unison.

"Now," I said, forcing a small smile, "tell me what's going on with you and Kyle."

Milton huffed, flicking his blonde hair out of his face. "Nothing to say."

"Milton," I pressed.

He sighed, clearly annoyed. "He's friends with that... monster. We had a fight about the whole situation. I'm done with him."

"I thought he really liked you," Connor said softly.

Milton shrugged, but his lips pressed into a thin line.

Connor raised an eyebrow. "Kyle's smitten with you. He talked about you nonstop with Emmett and the guys."

"I don't care," Milton snapped. "Until he apologizes for what he said, I'm not talking to him."

"What did he say?" I asked, meeting Milton's eyes.

His jaw tightened, and I understood immediately. "Oh," I murmured.

Connor cleared his throat. "How about we talk about something else?"

The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, and I trudged through my last two classes, counting down the minutes until the day was over.

After school, Milton and I grabbed froyo, but by the time I got home, I was emotionally drained. I collapsed onto my bed, staring at the ceiling.

Emmett's smile flashed in my mind. You look beautiful.

I squeezed my eyes shut. No more tears. No more sulking.

I wouldn't let myself be just another girl Emmett Pierce used and discarded. I still believed in love, but I needed to believe in myself first.

Emmett was moving on. And so would I.