Chapter One ChloeI stared at my reflection in the mirror, observing how my top clung tightly to my body while my jeans were a little bigger than what most girls wore. As a child, I used to imagine myself as a tall supermodel with the stereotypical "slim waist" that all the boys desired. But as the reality of being a "fat girl" set in, I faced constant bullying and ridicule. Weighing in at around two hundred pounds, I became the target of relentless taunts. Every day, as I walked through the school gates, I was greeted with hurtful comments like, "Hey Fatty, I heard you sweat bacon grease." The popular kids were merciless, chipping away at my self-esteem until it crumbled.This all began when my mother fell ill. I struggled to cope with her absence, turning to food as my solace. I hoped people would understand that I was going through a difficult time and accept me for who I was. Unfortunately, society had different plans. Instead of empathy, I received the opposite. It seemed that n
ChloeThe guy I had nicknamed "Blowjob guy" had left before anything happened, leaving me alone on the balcony once again with the attractive guy. I stared down at the blunt, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. I had imagined myself gracefully inhaling and exhaling the smoke, as easy as they made it look on television. But reality turned out quite differently. As I pulled from the blunt, the smoke burned my throat, causing me to immediately choke. My throat tightened, and in the midst of my coughing fit, I heard his chair scrape against the ground as he approached and took the blunt from my hands."This ain't for you, I guess," he said nonchalantly, and I took a moment to appreciate his thick New York accent. It made my heart flutter, even though he seemed indifferent to my well-being.Once I regained my composure, I looked up and found him leaning back in his chair, now smoking the blunt he had taken from me. He seemed so perfect-his body, voice, hair, face-everything abou
ChloeThe more Hayden drove, the more sober I became. And with sobriety came the flood of memories and emotions. Depression. I had been battling depression since I turned nine. It was a pain that nobody could truly understand, not even my parents.What I longed for was to hear them say, "Don't worry, sweetie. We're here to help you." But instead, those words came from the therapist they sent me to the very next day. Therapy was never much of a solace. It felt like going through the motions, with someone paid to question me rather than genuinely care.But despite the darkness, suicide was never an option for me. As much as I despised my life, I held on to the belief that things could get better. I couldn't bear the thought of passing my pain on to someone else. Hayden glanced at me briefly, and as we passed under a streetlight, I noticed a birthmark on his cheek-a dark shade of red that resembled a perfectly placed splash of paint. He was about to say something when the flashing red
Chloe The next morning, I woke up with a dull ache in my back from sleeping in an uncomfortable position all night. Well, it was a bathtub after all. I went into my room and took a quick shower, trying not to stare at myself for too long. Dwelling on my appearance only brought tears to my eyes. Shaking away those thoughts, I slipped into an outfit, let my hair down from the ponytail, applied a minimal amount of makeup, and left the house. As usual, there was no one home.I hailed a cab and settled into the backseat, attempting to relax as it drove through the busy city streets. I watched as the rush of commuters filled the roads, businessmen and women hurrying to get to work on time. The streets were crowded, and a heavy sigh escaped my lips.The cab pulled up in front of my destination - the hospital. Looking at the imposing building before me, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. I glanced around the crowded waiting area before making my way to the reception desk."Hi," I s
ChloeHayden looked at me, his eyes devoid of emotion as they locked onto mine. I wasn't sure why we were staring at each other, but the intensity was palpable. The therapist had stepped out of the room for a brief moment, and I made the mistake of glancing over at Hayden. Now I couldn't tear my gaze away from him."What's wrong with your mother?" he asked, leaning back and rubbing his temples. I hesitated, unsure if I wanted to share that part of my life with him. It wasn't because I didn't trust him, but because I didn't want to sink back into the depths of depression by dwelling on it."It's okay," he shrugged nonchalantly, his thick accent making it difficult for me to find my words before he swiftly grabbed his phone and began typing rapidly. I leaned my head back just as the therapist reentered the room and settled back into her seat."Okay, Slim. Now it's your turn. Where are your parents?" she inquired, oblivious to my silent warning. Unfortunately, she didn't catch on."Keep
ChloeI pursed my lips, quickly inserting my earbuds and turning on my music to drown out the world around me. I avoided eye contact with everyone and headed towards the empty seats in the back of the bus.Unbeknownst to me, a boy stuck his foot out, causing me to trip and collide with it. I let out a shriek as I fell forward, hitting my head on the seat and collapsing onto the ground. My head throbbed, and the sound of laughter filled the air. Even the nerds, who usually stayed out of such situations, didn't offer any help. I didn't blame them; it wasn't their mess to get involved in.Sighing, I picked myself up and sat down, leaning my head back. As I looked at my reflection on the screen of my old phone, I noticed a purple mark forming from the impact on my head.Instead of reacting, I stayed silent, enduring their taunts and trying my best not to cry. That's all I ever seemed to do-cry, cry, and cry until there were no tears left.But the sobs remained, a constant reminder that m
ChloeLunchtime came and I reluctantly made my way towards the cafeteria to grab my lunch, hoping to find a quiet and secluded spot to eat. However, as I entered the cafeteria, the room fell silent, and it seemed like everyone was laughing at me. The feeling of humiliation overwhelmed me, and I fought back tears and the urge to scream out in frustration. Keeping my head down, I walked towards the food line."Maybe you shouldn't eat today," the Cafeteria Lady joked, and laughter erupted from the people in line. I remained silent, grabbing my tray, and tried to make a quick exit from the room."Yo, Chloe!" a familiar female voice shouted, and I looked up to see Leah beckoning me over. She smiled and motioned for me to join her at the table where Leah, Lilly, Zeek, and two other guys were sitting.Hayden was nowhere to be found, so I took a seat next to Zeek, who greeted me with a goofy grin, his mouth full of fries."Hey, Love," he winked, and Lilly playfully punched him in the shoulder
ChloeWhen we arrived in the desert, I had finished eating and felt a wave of nausea. Fear gripped me as the darkness enveloped us, and the air became thick with dust."Are you going to kill me?" I asked, my voice trembling with genuine fear. In moments like these, my voice would soften, sounding almost childlike, something I despised."Relax," he reassured me, speeding through the dark desert as if he knew the way by heart.Soon, a bright light came into view, and as we approached, I realized several cars and another vehicle were parked in the middle of nowhere. He parked the car, turned off the engine, and opened my door, gallantly extending his hand to help me out. I took his hand and stepped out as he closed the door behind me. He guided me towards the gathering where everyone greeted him enthusiastically. With a subtle nod of his head, he acknowledged them before engaging in conversation with someone.Lost in my thoughts, I locked eyes with the same girl who had shown disdain to
ChloeI sat on the floor of the apartment, surrounded by papers and pictures, as tears streamed down my face. The sound of my sobs reverberated through the room, and as the sun set, its gentle glow filled the space.Aiden, seated across from me, cried out in his own anguish. His little voice cracked, and I knew he needed comfort just as much as I did. Summoning all my strength, I crawled across the floor, unable to stand, and reached out to pick him up. I brought him close to me, holding him tightly against my tear-soaked chest. Slowly, his cries subsided, and he nestled his head against my neck. Gazing out through the large window, I looked at the city sprawled before me. "Why do you look at me like that?" I asked, lifting my gaze from my cup. He shrugged, momentarily averting his eyes."You're beautiful," he said, sliding his hands into his pockets and leaning against the doorway. "Even if you don't realize it.""You're just being nice," I replied, playfully pointing my pinky fing
SlimI stared down at her, waiting for her to speak. Her eyes widened just a bit, and I knew I caught her off-guard. But as she laughed, I raised an eyebrow."That," she paused to laugh. "That was smooth," she said, pulling away from me as she laughed.I crossed my arms over my chest and leaned back against the railing, waiting for her to sober up. As untimely as this was, it amused me how she could laugh in serious situations. It seemed like the only time she was genuinely happy."Okay, okay, let's try this again," she said, still giggling, and I rolled my eyes, taking her hand and bringing her closer to me. I lifted her chin, lowering my lips to hers before moving them to her ear, shifting some hair out of the way."Does it make any sense," I started, letting my hand slip further down her back, "if we both already know the answer?" I finished, watching as she shivered.Slowly, the moonlight revealed the dark tint of red on her cheeks, and I chuckled, tilting my head back and staring
ChloeGlancing back at Aiden, who was sleeping soundly in his seat, I wondered how we would manage taking care of him while attending school. Hayden was right. We were just kids ourselves, and now we were responsible for another child. Hayden paced outside, conversing with the person on the other end of the call. Though he spoke calmly, the slight clenching of his fist revealed his underlying tension. Finally, he ended the call, walked to his side of the car, and got in. Silently, he pulled out of the parking lot and drove down the street, occasionally glancing at me when he felt my gaze upon him."Are you okay?" I asked, concerned. He sighed, shaking his head. I decided not to press him further, turning to face him and leaning against the door, taking photos of him without his knowledge. At a red light, he glanced over, his expression blank. I laughed."The apartment is all set up," he informed me, and I realized that we were heading there instead of to the college.I nodded, marveli
ChloeI dragged him down to the parking lot where his car awaited, and he unlocked it, holding the door open for me. I smiled and slid into my seat as he closed the door. Then he walked around to his side, briefly checking his phone before getting in and looking at me."I want to take you somewhere," he declared, his eyes mesmerizing me. And somewhere along the way, I managed to ask my question."What about the others?" I inquired, and he rolled his eyes, shrugging."I don't care," he stated plainly, and I burst into laughter, trying my best to maintain composure. Once I sobered up, I took out my phone and called Kai."Hello?" he answered."Hey, Kai," I began. "We'll see you guys back at the dorm," I told him."Okay. Why? Are you guys going to f-" "Kai! Leave the girl alone!" Leah yelled in the background. I couldn't help but laugh, covering my mouth, and heard them on the other end joining in. Then there was shuffling."Chloe? We're going home once we leave here. But we'll be back n
ChloeAfter he left, I stepped into the shower, feeling the cold water wash over my body, instantly relieving the tension in my muscles. With each breath, I could feel myself relaxing, ready to continue my shower. Once I finished, I wrapped myself in a towel and walked out into my room. I noticed Hayden sitting on my bed, engrossed in something on his phone. As I entered, he placed his phone next to him and rubbed his hands together before leaning back. He silently watched me as I grabbed some underwear, his eyes following my every move. I casually placed my bra at the bottom of the bed and proceeded to put on my underwear. Just as I was about to reach for my bra, he intercepted it, tossing it next to him. I rolled my eyes at his playful gesture."Really?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at him. He smirked mischievously, patting his lap.I shook my head, chuckling, and he rolled his eyes as he sat at the edge of the bed. Then he sighed, picking up the bra and holding it out to me. I nai
Chloe "Hale," I heard him call. My eyes slowly opened, fluttering as they adjusted to the sunlight.Once my eyes were fully open, I looked up and found Hayden standing in the doorway. As I shifted slightly, my body felt as though I had run an entire marathon."Yes?" I replied, sitting up and watching as the sheets fell onto my lap. I was covered by one of his shirts that I had stolen, and I slid out of bed, making my way to the bathroom.I looked back at him, waiting for him to speak, but instead, he leaned against the door frame and smirked at me as I forced my legs to work properly. Rolling my eyes at him, I entered the bathroom and began brushing my teeth. Today was Saturday, and I planned on spending it sleeping."The others are coming," he said.Or not."When?" I asked, looking up at him in the mirror, and he smirked, walking over and placing his hands on my hips."A few minutes," he said. "But that doesn't matter," he finished, shifting some hair out of the way before placing a
Chloe My phone began vibrating on the nightstand, and I managed to pry his arms off me before standing up and walking over to pick up the phone without even checking the caller ID."Hey," I heard a familiar voice say, and I smiled."Hey, Daniel," I replied."You didn't even tell me goodbye!" he exclaimed, and I felt a pang of guilt before bursting into laughter."I'm sorry, but you weren't answering," I explained, and he sighed.Arms encircled my waist, pulling me back into him, his head burying itself in my neck. He placed a single, open-mouthed kiss against my skin, causing me to melt."I want to come visit you," Daniel said from the other end of the line, and I was about to respond when Hayden's hand started sliding down my body.I tried to push it away, but he smirked, his hand trailing lower. Just as his hand reached the waistband of my pants, he turned me around and pulled me flush against him."Chloe, are you busy?" Daniel's voice echoed, and I was about to respond again when
Chloe I woke up to slight movement in my room. Slowly, I opened my eyes and found Hayden sitting at the edge of my bed, his phone in hand. Sensing my gaze, he looked over at me, and in an instant, he laid down on top of me."I have classes right now," I informed him, attempting to push him off, but he merely buried his face in my neck. He didn't say anything in response, and I sighed, reaching up to pinch him. Without even looking at my hands, he pinned my arm to the mattress."Just stay in bed," he murmured into my neck, resting his head there. I rolled my eyes at his request. In a swift motion, I lifted my knees and used my free hand to push him off. Knowing that he allowed me to push him away, I swiftly got up and moved away from the bed as he tried to grab hold of me."My education is more important," I reminded him, and he rolled his eyes once again, crossing his arms behind his head, observing me as I made my way into the bathroom.Entering the bathroom, I welcomed the warmth o
Chloe "Hey!" He answered cheerfully, and I smiled."Hi, Kai," I greeted."Do you like your new college?" he asked, and I sighed."I did, until I realized who my roommate is," I told him, and he laughed."No way," he exclaimed, sounding like he was eating."Yes. Did you know about this?" I asked."I didn't. Otherwise, I still wouldn't have told you," he admitted honestly, and I sighed, laughing a little and shaking my head."You're such an asshole, Kai," I told him, and he snickered."A bloody good one, innit?" he replied, attempting a horrible British accent, and I laughed."Goodnight, Kai," I said, and he chuckled."Goodnight, Chloe," he replied, and I heard him kiss the phone screen, making me laugh again.Ending the call, I placed my phone on the nightstand and went to bed, eager for this day to be over.~It had been a while since I last saw Hayden. In the mornings, we would pass each other without a word, but I would catch him staring at me. However, his demeanor was always cold