Page 224 of As You Wish

Did something happen?

Grace

Don’t make me come over there.

Texts went unanswered on my phone as I sat on my bed. I hadn’t gotten a wink of sleep since I was too terrified of what I might do after I passed out for the night.

Even if I wanted to, my brain was too big of a mess. I had no idea how long I was going to sit here, but it would be until I could have a single thought other than what the fuck?

There was a knock on the door that I ignored. Then it grew more insistent, and I had to answer it.

My friends were all on the other side.

“Finally,” Grace said. She walked in without an invitation. Piper gave an awkward laugh and followed. Wren and Mollie came in too. “This is a wellness check.”

“Oh God, she’s pale.” Wren got close to my face.

“Did you sleep?” Piper asked.

“Obviously not. She looks worse than me after working on the farm.” Mollie bit her lip.

“I’m fi—” The words wouldn’t come out. All of us had our moments like this, and it looked like it was my turn.

I fought it. I didn’t want to lose it in front of them.

But this was big. This was life-changing.

And I didn’t know what to do.

One tear fell. Then another. Soon, I couldn’t stop and I was collapsing onto the floor.

Wren, Mollie, and Grace all caught me.

“Did he do this? Do I have to kill him?” Wren asked. “I don’t care if he’s rich, I’ll do it!”

“What happened? What did he do?” Mollie asked.

“Hang on,” Piper said softly. She was nearby, closer than usual. “Let her talk.”