Page 103 of Truth or Dare

I’d toyed with the idea of doing a full-on Regina George, copying pages and scattering them all over the halls. Part of me wanted those girls to know exactly who they’d wasted their time wanting to date. Exposure would be sweet.

But I’d given up on revenge. Evan was gone, out of Ryland for good, and I’d already hurt too many people. There was no point. Instead, I planned to burn it in the backyard firepit, strip it page by page until all that remained was ash. A final absolution.

I spent the next hour in silence, putting the last touches on my English paper, my mind slipping in and out of the hollow feeling that had haunted me for months. Just three more days of class, and then it was all over. I’d thought about skipping graduation, but my parents would never allow it. They’d barely tolerated my withdrawal these past few months.

Through the window, I saw Mom’s car pull up around five, the familiar red-and-white bags from Fromby’s in her hands. Fridays were our takeout nights—usually the only time we sat down as a family without a restaurant’s background chatter.

Neil came up the stairs, pausing briefly at my door, then heading down the hall. A few minutes later, my mom called for dinner. I dragged myself to the kitchen, picking at my food in silence. Neil, sensing my distance, finished my half-eaten burger and even downed my chocolate shake.

“Where are you going?” my mom asked as I stood up to leave.

“Some party,” I replied, shrugging.

Her eyes widened. “A party?” There was a glimmer of surprise—maybe even hope—in her gaze.

I held up my hands. “Don’t get too excited. It’s just to appease Reagan. I’ll probably be home within an hour.”

“You should try to stay longer,” she said, her tone softening in a way that made my chest tighten.

I half-expected a lecture, but she just sipped her Sprite, watching me. I nodded, uncomfortable under her gaze. “I’ll be home before curfew.”

“It’s fine if you’re late,” she called as I slipped out the door, keys in hand.

The words lingered, her silent permission hanging in the air as I headed into the night.

CHAPTER 31

Presley

Reagan squealed and hugged me. My jeep was parked on the edge of the field near the road, a deliberate choice in case I wanted to make an early exit. Her excitement grated against my nerves, but I plastered on a weak smile.

“Come on! Let’s go!” she said, practically bouncing as I climbed out, my boots crunching against the dirt and gravel.

The field stretched wide before us, dotted with clusters of people, trucks with their tailgates down, and a roaring fire at its center. Shadows danced across the uneven ground as music blasted from speakers hidden somewhere in the chaos. The unmistakable thrum ofBack in Blackby AC/DC cut through the chatter and laughter.

Reagan shoved a beer into my hand.

“I’m good,” I said, wrinkling my nose.

“Don’t be boring,” she shot back, her smile faltering.

Sighing, I cracked the bottle open and tucked the cap into my pocket, lifting it to my lips without actually drinking. The bitter smell made my stomach churn, but I held onto it anyway.

Reagan grabbed my arm, dragging me toward the makeshift dance floor near the fire. I dug my heels in. “I’ll just hang here,” I said, leaning casually against the hood of a nearby car.

“You promised to have fun!” she said, hands on her hips.

“No, I promised to show up. There’s a difference.”

Her face twisted in irritation before she tossed her hair over her shoulder. “Fine, suit yourself. But you’re missing out.”

She stalked off toward Jennie and Angela, their red Solo cups already swaying in time with the music. I watched her go, letting the noise and chaos wash over me. The edges of the field blurred as my eyes wandered to the dark woods beyond. That’s where I wanted to be—away from the firelight, the people, the beer-soaked air.

With a glance over my shoulder, I slipped away. The warm night air wrapped around me as I stepped into the woods, the dead leaves crunching underfoot. The earthy scent of decomposing foliage filled my nose, grounding me as I moved deeper into the shadows. The music faded into a distant hum, replaced by the occasional crack of twigs and low murmurs—couples whispering or moaning in the darkness.

I quickened my pace, heading for Dinosaur Rock. Its jagged silhouette loomed ahead, a comforting landmark from my childhood. I’d spent countless nights here, staring up at the stars and pretending the world didn’t exist.

But peace eluded me tonight.

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