My eyelids flutter open, my vision initially blurry before gradually adjusting to my surroundings. The last thing I recall is being struck, then everything went dark. Am I still at school? I rise sluggishly, settling onto a nearby stool, wincing at the ache in my stomach with each movement. How long was I unconscious? Peering out the window, I notice the dark blue sky, indicating that the sun must have set hours ago.

Reaching for my bag, I retrieve my phone, only to find it switched off. I sit there for a moment, attempting to collect my thoughts, trying to piece together what happened before I lost consciousness. Eventually, I stand up, exiting the art room and making my way to the school gate, which, of course, is locked. I toss my bag over the gate and hoist myself over, landing on the ground but immediately dropping to my knees from the pain.

Clutching my stomach, I rise to my feet, limping over to the bus station. I board the bus when it arrives, finally exhaling a sigh of relief as I secure a seat to rest in. However, even during the somewhat peaceful bus ride, I'm reminded of the pain in my stomach every time the bus hits a speed bump.

Upon reaching my neighborhood, I disembark and walk a short distance to my lane since no public vehicles are allowed beyond that point. Approaching my house, I retrieve my keys from my bag. I hear murmurs inside, prompting me to swiftly unlock the door and step inside.

Everyone inside stares at me, their eyes filled with concern. Eugene strides over and envelops me in a tight hug. I stand frozen, not because of the embrace itself, but because he's pinning my hands to my sides, rendering me unable to move.

He holds me close, his breath heavy against my ear. I can't discern whether it's a sigh of relief or something else. I don't know how long we remain like that, but it feels like an eternity.

"Where were you?" Jake's voice cuts through the tension, his eyes filled with anger. I stand there, meeting his gaze, along with those of his mom, Vivian, and Eugene. What should I say? I don't want to disclose the involvement of Lance, as it would entail revealing everything, especially to Eugene.

Avoiding eye contact, I keep my head down. "God dammit, Jade, even your phone was switched off. Can you just tell us?" Vivian's frustration boils over as she raises her voice.

Still keeping my head low, I feel Eugene's hand intertwine with mine. I glance up at him, finding his expression pleading for an answer. But I remain silent. "I just need to know if you're alright," he implores, his tone unchanged.

"I'm alright," I reply softly, but it's not enough for Jake. "That's it? That's all you're gonna say?" he demands, his anger palpable.

Once again, I look away, unwilling to respond. Jake runs a hand through his hair before sighing, then approaches me, enveloping me in a comforting hug. I rest my forehead against his chest, silently apologizing to him.

His mom remains silent throughout the exchange. "It's time to go," she suddenly announces. Jake nods, then turns to me. "I gotta go. I'll be back tomorrow." I nod, and he plants a kiss on my forehead before leaving with his mom.

Once they're gone, there's one person in the room I'd rather not be alone with: Vivian, seething with anger and on the verge of tears. We maintain our distance, her shooting me death glares while I try to avoid her gaze. This is the barrier she puts up when I don't confide important matters in her.

Eventually, I muster the courage to meet her eyes. It's as though her gaze speaks volumes; she knows my disappearance has something to do with Lance. I neither confirm nor deny her suspicions, preferring to keep her in the dark.

After a while, she too sighs and leaves my house. I don't follow her; we exchange no words. I'm not concerned; she just needs time to cool off, and she'll be back to her usual self tomorrow.

I think everyone in the room understands that I'm not ready to discuss it, except for Eugene. He's determined to know, but I'm equally determined not to tell him. I know Vivian won't either, as our promises are as binding as those written in a bible—believable and true.

However, I'm unsure how to navigate this situation. He stares at me with an intensity that's intimidating, but I do my best to ignore it. He sighs "Go and freshen up, I'll get dinner ready"

I nod and head towards my room when suddenly I remember " Where is matty?"

"He is staying over with his friend from school"

I acknowledge and make my way to the bathroom. As I immerse myself in the hot water of the tub, I allow the warmth to soothe every ache in my body. After I'm done, I see Eugene sitting on the couch in my bedroom, engrossed in his phone, while I lie on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

"Shouldn't you go home?" I break the silence.

"I'm staying the night," he replies matter-of-factly.

I sit up, taken aback. "You can't stay over."

"Yes, I can, and I will. I know something happened, and the only reason I'm quiet right now is because you don't want to talk. But you will, in fact, you have to," he asserts.

I'm at a loss for words. Would a lie be better, or should I tell him the truth? But right now, I don't have the energy to argue. After today's ordeal, all I want is some peace.

I lie back down, and he returns to his texting. Glancing at him, I notice he's still wearing the same clothes from this morning at school.

I get out of bed, grab my dad's track pants and a T-shirt, and toss them to him. He catches them, looking at me quizzically. "Take a shower. You've been in those clothes since morning," I instruct.

He sighs and sets his phone aside, taking the clothes and a spare towel before heading to the bathroom. I hear the sound of running water and can't help but let my mind wander to

places I'd rather not go—thoughts of his perfectly toned body, his muscles, his hair, his eyes, his lips, and— I shake my head, banishing the thought before it goes any further. I lay some blankets on the sofa to make it more comfortable and set out a spare pillow.

After a while, he emerges from the bathroom, clad in my dad's oversized clothes. I can't help but stifle a laugh at the sight.

Ignoring my reaction, he lies down on the sofa, and I climb back into bed, the pain in my stomach gradually fading as I drift off to sleep.