The question hangs between us, ugly and devastating.
"Go to hell, Ethan."
"Already there, thanks. You're making it very authentic." He brushes past me into Sterling Hall. "I can find my own way from here. Thanks for the tour."
He disappears inside, leaving me standing on the steps, shaking with rage and something dangerously close to tears.
I will not cry over Ethan Zhang.
Not again.
Not ever again.
I pull out my phone and text the group chat with Isla and Lennox:Emergency meeting. My room. Tonight. Bring wine.
Isla:What happened?
Me:Ethan's here. At Thornhill. And he's exactly as horrible as I remember.
Lennox:The ex-best friend? The one who destroyed your senior year?
Me:That's the one. And I think he transferred here specifically to make my life hell.
Lennox:We're on our way. And Ivy? Whatever he's planning, you're not facing it alone.
I stare at the message, something warm and painful lodging in my chest. Because that's the difference between now and three years ago.
Back then, after Ethan's betrayal, I had no one. I was alone, isolated, convinced I'd never trust anyone again.
Now I have Isla and Lennox. Friends who show up. Who believe me, who have my back.
Ethan thinks he can break me again.
He's about to learn I'm not the same girl he destroyed and this time, I'm ready for war.
Chapter 2
Ethan
I makeit to the men's bathroom before I have to brace myself against the sink.
Seeing her again was supposed to be different. I had a plan. Practiced what I'd say, how I'd act, the exact expression of casual indifference I'd wear.
Instead, I reverted to being a complete asshole within five minutes.
The girl who couldn't take a hint.
I want to punch myself for saying that. For using the exact words that destroyed her three years ago. For watching her flinch like I'd physically struck her.
But what else was I supposed to do? Stand there and confess that I've thought about her every single day since that night? That I transferred to Thornhill specifically because I found out she was here? Seeing her, confident, beautiful, surrounded by friends made me realize she's done exactly what I hoped she would, move on?
The bathroom door opens. A guy walks in, does a double-take at me gripping the sink.
"You good, man?"
"Fine." I straighten, splash water on my face. "Just adjusting to the new school."
He nods and heads to the urinals, and I make my escape before he can ask more questions.