Page 25

CHAPTER 25

ARIELLA

M ila's eyes widened as I pushed through the door. "Oh my God, Ari!" The relief in her voice hit me like a wave, and my chest tightened. I hadn't realized how much I needed to see them, to be somewhere that felt normal.

As Mila rushed towards me, nearly tripping over her own feet, I fought the urge to break down right there in the doorway.

"We were so worried." Journey's voice cracked with emotion as she threw her arms around me, and Mila embracing us.

"I'm glad you guys weren't there."

"What happened?" Journey asked as we pulled out of the embrace.

I shrugged. "Everything happened fast, even though it felt like it was moving so slowly." I strolled through the entryway and into the living room. "I was standing in the hall arguing with Zaiden, and then we heard a loud noise. When we realized, or well, when Zaiden realized, because I was already in shock, he rushed us into a closet. We stayed there until the police came."

Journey's eyebrows shot up, her mouth hanging open slightly. "Zaiden saved your life?"

I nodded, my fingers absently tracing the hem of my shirt. The irony wasn't lost on me. The guy who hated me most in the world had become my unlikely savior. Part of me wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it all, while another wanted to cry. Instead, I felt numb. "Have you heard when we go back to school?"

Mila and Journey exchanged glances, then shook their heads in unison. Mila's shoulders slumped as she spoke. "The entire campus is closed while they investigate."

"Well, I'm not in a hurry to go back," I said, sinking onto the couch. The thought of walking those halls again made my stomach churn.

A shiver ran down my spine as memories of gunshots echoing down the hall filled my mind. "What do you think is going to happen now that Coach Palmer is dead?"

"Hopefully, they don't shut down the dance team," Journey said. "I need that scholarship."

Mila waved her hand dismissively, trying to inject optimism into her voice. "I'm sure they'll just find a new coach."

The room fell silent for a moment. I fidgeted with my sleeve, then looked up, my voice barely above a whisper. "Have you heard anything about the students who were injured?"

Mila's eyes clouded over. She pulled her legs onto the couch, hugging them to her chest. "We know that most of them have been released from the hospital, but—" She paused, swallowing hard. "Ashley Barker, a cheerleader, is still in critical condition. And Lucas Ramirez, from the soccer team—" Her voice trailed off for a moment. "He's critical, too. I think everyone else had minor injuries."

"Is Ashley and Lucas going to make it?"

Mila shrugged. "Hopefully."

"If Zaiden hadn't pulled me into that locker room," I said. "It would have been me in that hospital."

"So, did you and Zaiden make up?" Journey asked.

"No, but I did find out why he blames me for Kacie's death," I muttered. "We need to find Sammy from high school."

Mila's brow furrowed. "Sammy M?" I nodded, my jaw clenching involuntarily. "Why?" Mila leaned forward, her curiosity piqued.

"Sammy is the reason he believes I'm responsible."

Journey's frown deepened, her forehead creasing. She leaned forward, eyes intent. "Wait. What did Sammy tell Zaiden?"

I exhaled slowly. "That Kacie left upset, and she was upset because of me."

Mila's brows knitted together, her head tilting slightly. "You didn't even see her, did you?"

"No." I shook my head, my hair falling into my eyes. I brushed it back impatiently. "He thinks we had a fight, but we didn't. I didn't even know she was there yet."

"That doesn't make any sense," Mila said. "You two never fight. Why would she think that?"

I shrugged. "I don't know, but I'm going to find out. We need to find Sammy first."

Mila jumped to her feet. "I'll grab my computer." She disappeared down the hallway, her footsteps echoing from her bedroom. Journey eased onto the couch beside me, her leg brushing against mine in silent support. Moments later, Mila reappeared, her MacBook tucked under her arm. She plopped down on my other side, flipping open the lid with a grin. "Got it."

I snapped my fingers, suddenly remembering. "Search Instagram. Her full name is Samantha Morrison."

Mila's fingers flew across the keyboard, her brows furrowed in concentration. The room fell silent except for the soft tapping of keys. Minutes ticked by, feeling like hours. Finally, Mila released a frustrated sigh, pushing her dark hair back from her face. "I don't see anything on her Instagram other than she's attending Brigham University in Texas, but—" Her eyes widened, a smile breaking across her face. "Wait! I found her phone number on her Facebook page."

"Fuck yes!" I practically leaped off the couch, my heart racing. My hands shook slightly as I fumbled to pull my phone from my pocket. I unlocked the screen, my finger hovering over the keypad. "What is it? I'll call her and find out exactly what Kacie said and what she told Zaiden."

"It is 865-873-0921."

I punched the numbers into the phone and pulled it to my ear." I held my breath as it continued to ring, only releasing it in a rush of air when her voicemail picked up.

"Shit," I muttered.

I knew that was too easy.

"Maybe leave her a message," Journey suggested. "She probably doesn't answer numbers she doesn't recognize."

I shook my head. "If she knows it's me, she definitely won't answer." I'd just have to keep trying.