CHAPTER 117

ELLA'S POV

I tapped my pen anxiously against my notebook, trying and failing to focus on Mr. Peterson's lecture. Class had started nearly an hour ago, but Trent's seat remained empty beside me.

That's...not like him at all, I mused with a furrowed brow. Sure, he misses classes from time to time But Trent always made sure to keep me updated with a call or text, never just falling completely off the grid like this. Maybe there was a perfectly reasonable explanation for his radio silence...but my gut told me otherwise.

The knot of worry in my stomach twisted tighter as my mind started spinning out all the worst case scenarios. What if something had happened to him after we split up yesterday? What if he'd gotten himself into deeper trouble with his psychotic father?

I shivered at the thought, my pen stilling against the paper as Mr. Peterson's voice faded into a dull buzz in my ears. If Mr. Donovan had caught Trent...god, I didn't even want to imagine the consequences.

"...and that's how