“What do you mean?” he asked, his voice now tinged with irritation. “I mean, you’re the one who seems to think there’s a problem. Why? What’s going on with you, Cole?” His mouth opened, then closed, as if he was searching for the right words. It was almost amusing to watch him struggle, to see him
“Is something wrong? You look deep in thought,” I asked, my voice softer now as I reached out, rubbing his shoulder in a gesture that felt both familiar and foreign at the same time. “I’m unhappy with our situation,” he said, his voice raw, the words hitting me like a punch to the gut. He wasn’t ju
Cole Harrington I couldn’t sleep last night. Every time I closed my eyes, Nicola’s face flashed before me, her expression a mix of hurt and resignation that I couldn’t shake. My words hung in the air, a ghost I couldn’t escape. I checked my watch, the time ticking away as I lay in bed, staring at t
Nicola Taylor I went upstairs after Cole left, needing to finish what I hadn’t had time for earlier. Arabella refused to wake up on time today which had thrown off my entire morning routine, leaving me frazzled. As I stood in front of the mirror, applying makeup with practiced precision, my mind k
We passed by my classroom, where Mrs. Hinkle was already teaching, and headed straight for John Paterson’s office. I knocked three times, with Cole standing right behind me, following my lead. “Who is it?” Paterson’s voice came from the other side, sounding bored and disinterested. “It’s Nicola,”
“Might what?” I snapped, my voice laced with sarcasm, “Might want to run off with you? You seriously thought that was an option? You thought you could offer me something better? You’re so pathetic and delusional.” Cole said coldly, his eyes narrowing as he stared down Paterson. “She doesn’t need yo
Nicola Taylor After a long, exhausting call with my sister Rose, I was officially wiped out. Three hours of back-and-forth, catching up on life, gossip, and me spilling my guts about everything Cole-related had left me feeling drained. But that’s what happens when you talk to someone who knows you
Oh, he wasn’t going to let me off that easy. “Nicola?” Cole called after me, and I stopped, turning to face him with a mock-innocent look on my face. “Yes, dear?” I sang out sweetly, leaning against the wall with exaggerated patience. “You’re telling me that she—” he hesitated for a second, “hate