"I want to go home." I don't realize I've said it aloud until he replies.
"We'll be home soon."
"No, I mean…I want to go back to Aurora Cove, and I fucking hate it there. I can't do this. I can't be here."
"You can't leave, Saige. He wouldn'tlet you."
Hopelessness overwhelms me becauseI know he's right. Then, I get an idea.
"I can if I flunk out. They'll kick me out, and then I'll have to leave. He won't be able to stop me." It's not a bad plan, but I shouldn't have told him that. "Dax, please don't tell him."
"Saige…" He shakes his head. "You can't do that. Iwilltell him."
I sigh, crossing my arms in front of my chest and sinking into the bench seat.
7
bitter pills
Saige
It's late afternoon by the time we get back to the parking garage. Dax took me to the busy bookstore on the way back and then insisted on helping me carry my things back to my room.
I argued for only a minute before I gave up. It's not like I can actually prevent any of them from finding out where I sleep at night if they really want to know.
And I'm pretty sure that's the only reason he's doing this. Spotting a familiar face as we enter the building, I duck, but of course, it's useless.
"Hey!" Kira says as we pass.
My heart jumps into my throat. I stop, turning to face her. "Oh, hey, Kira."
"Where have you been?" she asks me. "Have you been getting my texts?"
"Um, yeah, sorry. My phone was dead. I meant to text you back, I just…haven't been feeling great."
"Hey, I'm Dax."
I squeeze my eyes closed, blowing out a breath.
"Yeah, I know. We've met," Kira says. "And you've just been…what? Hanging out with your brother's friend, whom you told me to stay away from because he ruins lives?"
"You said that about me?" Dax asks, feigning offense. "Talk about a knife to the heart, Ripley."
"Hmm…yeah. I stand by that, actually. You've literally ruined my life."
"You're funny, babe." He flashes Kira a dimpled smile. "Anyway, looks like you're on your way out, so I'll see you around, um…"
"…Kira."
"Kira, right. I remember."
He's lying, and we both know it.
"Right. Text me later, Saige."
"I will," I tell her, forcing a smile.
"Your friend seems nice," Dax says once we're out of earshot. "I've never met her, though."
