Blakely cuts in, calm. “Yes, you are.”
It makes me want to scream.
It also makes me want to breathe.
—
After practice, I change fast.
I don’t linger. I don’t sit and talk. I don’t let the normal girl stuff settle around me because it feels wrong, like I’m stealing time from someone who deserves it more.
Jade blocks my path anyway, leaning against the locker door with her arms crossed.
“Where are you going?” she asks.
“Home,” I say.
“To do what?” Blakely asks from behind her, tone too even.
I tighten my grip on my bag strap. “Be useful.”
Jade’s eyes narrow. “You’re going to go home and try to carry the world again.”
I glare. “It’s my world.”
“And you’re allowed to put it down sometimes,” Jade says, fierce.
Blakely steps closer, voice quieter. “You don’t have to play, you know.”
“No,” I snap automatically.
Jade sighs. “Sloane?—”
“It’s okay if you need to step back, girl.” Blakely’s gaze holds mine. “You are going through hell right now.”
“I can handle it.” Anger flares inside me, hot and defensive. “I’m not broken.”
Jade’s voice softens. “That’s not an insult.”
I swallow hard because maybe it’s not, but it feels like one.
“I can’t take time off,” I say, tight. “If I stop, I’ll fall apart.”
Blakely nods slowly, like she understands exactly. “Okay. Then don’t stop.”
Jade exhales. “But let us help you not fall.”
My throat tightens.
I look away, blinking hard. “I’m leaving.”
Jade steps aside reluctantly. “Text us when you get home.”
Blakely adds, “And if you don’t?—”
“I will,” I cut in, because I can’t handle the rest.
I grab my bag and leave before they can see my eyes shine.
