He did this. He made her like this. Because of him, Mom became broken and turned into a shell of her former self.
"It's going to be fine, Mom. I got you." I draw her into my chest, giving assurances I don't feel, making promises I don't believe in.
The helplessness I've always felt when it comes to her hits back in full force, clawing at my gut, refusing to free me from its clutches.
How the hell am I going to fix this?
CHAPTER 27
Sawyer
Shutting the door of my locker, I notice the group of junior girls staring at me a few meters away. I'd say I have no idea why, but that would be a total lie.
Everyone has finally caught on to the fact that Parker and I are dating. So once again, we're thrusted into the center of Holy Oaks Prep gossip mill. People stare and talk about us like we're the latest 'It' couple.
"So, it's true that they're dating now."
"I bet they're not gonna last. They're just doing it to make Liam and Peyton jealous."
"Trust me, by the end of the week, they'll be back together with their exes."
In the past, I would've been angry at what I was hearing. But like I told Parker, I don't care anymore. Their opinions don't matter, and I refuse to be affected by them any longer.
He seems to share the same sentiment, but then Parker never really cares about these things. Not about the aftermath of Liam and Peyton cheating on us, and not about the student body knowing about his mom's addiction. He simply let all those crap roll off his back. And that's the same thing he's doing right now.
He's even sitting with me at lunch—well, he and the guys are sitting with me and my friends. Quinn isn't happy about it though. Not because she doesn't like Parker, but because she can't stand to be around Bennett. They refuse to form a truce, but the others don't mind at all. Their endless bickering provides great amusement to our table.
Liam often sends wistful looks our way, and during those times I can't help but feel sorry for him. One mistake had cost him everything. Peyton, on the other hand, still keeps shooting daggers at us—oftentimes at me. As if it's my fault that Liam dumped her.
But I'm too happy to care about her and her tantrums so I simply ignore her. Eventually, she'll get tired of antagonizing me.
At least, I hope.
I'm too wrapped up in my thoughts that I almost bump into someone as I make my way up the second floor for my next class.
"Hey, watch where you're going."
An apology is about to escape my lips, but then freezes when my gaze darts to the person in front of me.
"You." Peyton's lips curl into a sneer.
I hold back an eye roll and brush past her, not wanting to engage. I still intent to ignore her.
But her voice, tinged with bitterness, stops me. "How does it feel to have two guys worshipping at your feet? Are you happy now that Liam dumped me and you got Parker?" Her features gleam with malice. "But don't forget that I had them both first. So, if you think—"
"Oh my God, shut the fuck up!"
Peyton jerks back, her eyes widening in shock at my outburst.
So much for ignoring her. Then again, she asked for this. I had no intention of engaging but she just couldn't keep her mouth shut. Maybe it's time I give it all to her straight. Maybe then she'll finally leave me alone.
"I'm so sick and tired of hearing your bullshit. You are so full of it, you know that? You keep forgetting that you're the one who betrayed me, not the other way around. You ruined my relationship and broke our friendship. So stop acting like this whole thing is all my fault, because if there's anyone to blame, it's you." I draw in a shaky breath. Is it just me or does it really feel good to let out everything inside your chest? "Yeah, it's true. You had Liam first, but what did you do? You took him for granted. You didn't fight for him. Instead, you let him go after me."
She shakes her head, her eyes wild. "That's not true. You stole him from me!"
"Sure. Keep telling yourself that," I scoff, my voice dripping with condescension.
She scowls.
"You had him then you let him go. That was on you. You know that damn well. And it was your fault that you failed to hold on to him the second time around." I bark out a laugh. "Isn't karma a giant bitch?"
Maybe I'm being cruel, but if there's anything that this girl needs, it's a big dose of reality check.
Her face crumples, agony contorting her features. "Because he still wants you. I thought I could make him mine. I thought we could pick up where we left off." She lets out a rueful smile. "You're right. I screwed it all up." She hangs her head, her shoulders slumping in defeat.
Something akin to sympathy crawls up my chest, surprising me. I'm feeling sorry for the girl I used to call my best friend. The girl who threw away our friendship all because of a boy.
I search for the anger inside me, but I find nothing. I guess just like Liam, I've forgiven her. She hasn't apologized for what she did—and maybe never will—but I'm done holding on to my resentment toward her. If she wants to continue hating me, then that's her choice. But I refuse to deal with any kind of negativity any longer—especially from her. It hasn't done me any good in the past; I don't think that's ever going to change. And, seriously, who wants that kind of stress in their life?
"Maybe you
