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I stare at Wai, uncomprehending, as my brain breaks the words down and rearranges them in an effort to understand.

She’s sorry for what she did?

What did she do?

What—

“Where is Maya right now?” I ask.

“Settling in with Jordy.”

“So… Wait, she said yes, then? She’s with Jordy?”

Wai is the one who’s confused now. “Uh… Yeah? Why wouldn’t she be?”

My voice comes out hollow. “Never mind. Um. Thank you.”

I walk back into the bedroom in a daze. Perrie watches me in confusion as I sit down heavily on the edge of the bed and stare at the floor.

She’s sorry.

She had to.

She had to say yes to Jordy?

Why? What could possibly have caused that?

Did something change?

Was Maya being honest with me?

Why would she accept him? Why? She hates him. Doesn’t she?

Doesn’t she?

My breathing starts speeding up, and I clasp a hand over my mouth to stifle it, but it’s no use. My hand is trembling, and so are my lips, and my shoulders, and the colors are fading from the room.

Perrie sits beside me. “Hey, Skye, you okay? What did Wai say?”

I gasp for air. “She… she said M-Maya and Jordy… are in… their hotel. I thought sh-she was going to… reject him… but they’re to… gether.”

She left me.

She left me so she could go and be with Jordy.

She left me, just like everybody always does.

I knew she would. I knew it, but for once, just once, I’d wanted to believe something could be different. That maybe she would be different.

I’m so stupid. I’m so appallingly naive. I knew, and I ignored it, and I could’ve done something to stop this, to be better, so she wouldn’t change her mind. But I’d let my guard down. I’d let her in. I’d trusted.

Perrie rubs her palm flat over my back. “Oh, Skye, honey. I didn’t realize your feelings were this strong. I’m so sorry he picked Maya.”

I can’t hold it in. I can’t. I can’t

With a gasp, and a sob, I let my defenses collapse. The tears flow freely, hot and stinging on my cheeks.

I let Perrie catch them. This girl I barely know, in the grand scheme of things. I don’t do this, I never do this, but I do it.