Isla:Can you request a switch?
Me:Already tried. The professor denied it.
Lennox:Then we help you survive it. You're not doing this alone.
Me:Thanks. Currently contemplating murder. Legally.
Isla:Legally is boring. I vote for something slightly illegal.
Despite everything, I smile.
This is what Ethan doesn't understand. Three years ago, his betrayal destroyed me because I had no one. I was isolated, alone, convinced I'd never trust anyone again.
Now I have people. Friends who show up. Who makes jokes when I need them. Who would help me bury the body, legal consequences be damned.
That's power he can't take away.
By Friday, I've seen Ethan twelve times in four days.
Three times in Business Strategy, he shows up early now, always sitting behind me.
Twice in the library, coincidence? I think not.
Once at the campus coffee shop where he "happened" to be in line right behind me.
Four times just crossing campus, he seems to magically appear whenever I'm walking with friends.
Twice in Sterling Hall between classes where he makes pointed comments about my "busy schedule."
It's psychological warfare. He's everywhere, unavoidable, a constant reminder that I can't escape him.
Friday night, Isla drags me to a party at one of the social houses. I don't want to go, I would rather hide in my room with homework and bitterness, but she insists.
"You need to have fun. Prove to yourself and to him that you're not going to let his presence ruin your year."
She's right. I know she's right.
So I go. Wear a dress I feel good in. Do my makeup. Armor myself with confidence I don't entirely feel.
The party is already crowded when we arrive. Music pounding, people everywhere, the familiar chaos of college social life.
"Drink?" Isla offers.
"Several."
We get drinks and circulate. I run into people I know, classmates, study group members, acquaintances from various clubs. The interactions are easy, comfortable. This is my world now. I built this.
Then I see him.
Ethan's across the room, surrounded by a group that's already absorbed him into their social circle. He's laughing at something Marcus said, completely at ease.
Of course he is. Ethan's always been good at this. At sliding into new situations and dominating them. At making people like him.
He sees me looking. Raises his cup in a mocking toast.
I turn away deliberately. Refuse to give him the satisfaction.
"Ignore him," Isla says. "He's trying to get a reaction."