"Aili...honey" my grandmother said softly holding my hand. I looked at her soft brown eyes, she was such a kind hearted person. It was too bad my father didn't inherit that kindness "Grandma I really don't want to go to that school. We didn't have to move...just because he wants to run away from everything that had to do with my mother!" I breathed out harshly. I was so angry, my mother had just passed away and my father decided it was a great idea to move. I call that running away and that wasn't fair on me. I had a life in Roundstone County, Ireland was my home. It was 'our' home, there was absolutely no logical reason for us to move to the USA. It just didn't make any logical sense. "I know it hurts my sweet sweet child but your father is only doing what he thinks is best for you. Try to understand that he is hurting too" she squeezed my hand softly "everything there reminded him of her, he barely ate or slept. Maybe this will be good for him and you."I blinked as I felt a stra

"are you sure you want to go in Aili, you can stay home for a few days" my dad said, concern evident in his voice. He was worried about me but that wasn't necessary because I was fine... I think.I shook my head before opening the door "Dad I'm okay don't worry about me""I will pick you up after school, no debates." he said as I jumped out of the car.I sighed closing the door behind me "fine!"I heard the car drive off as I walked to class. The dry air brushed against my face and I blinked. 'Everything was going to be fine' I told myself. I could feel people staring at me as I arrived in class. They whispered, laughed and glared. I walked to my seat and pretended nobody else existed except for me plus the board in front of me.They probably thought I was weird and nobody wanted to hang out with the weird girl . I was dragged out of my thoughts when Sam sat in front of me. I looked at her concerned face and I didn't miss it when Bradley shouted "Oh she is sitting with the freak now,

The encounter with Brandon and his revelations had left me with a sense of unease. My thoughts were a whirlwind of questions and uncertainties as I navigated the hallways.As I approached my locker, I felt a pair of eyes on me. I turned to find Nick watching me, his expression a mixture of concern and curiosity. "Aili, can I talk to you for a moment?" he asked, his voice laced with urgency.I nodded, my heart racing as I followed him to a quieter corner of the hallway. "What's going on, Nick?"He glanced around as if ensuring no one was listening. "I saw you talking to Brandon yesterday."I crossed my arms, my gaze unwavering. "And what of it?"He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I know he seems intriguing, but there's something you need to know about him. He's not... entirely trustworthy."I raised an eyebrow, my skepticism evident. "And you are?"Nick's expression darkened. "Aili, I don't want you getting involved in things you don't understand. Brandon is connected t

I was about to open my mouth when a familiar voice sounded behind me. "Aili, hold up. Can we talk?"I turned to see Nick standing there, his expression a mix of concern and confusion. "Nick, I-"He cut me off, his voice urgent. "I saw you heading towards Brandon. What's this about?"I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I just... I feel like he knows something I need to know."Nick's brows furrowed. "Aili, you're not seeing the bigger picture. Brandon's got a criminal record. He's not someone you want to get involved with."Before I could respond, I noticed Brandon's eyes on us, his gaze intense. He had overheard our conversation, his expression unreadable.Nick stepped closer, his eyes locked on Brandon. "Listen, I know you're new here, but Brandon's trouble. You need to stay away from him."The tension in the air was palpable, the impending clash between them threatening to erupt. But before things escalated further, the principal's voice shattered the moment. "Alright, that'

The following morning was eerily calm as the town attempted to recover from the unsettling events of the previous night. Sam's family gathered around Aunt Lydia, who now appeared to be in perfect health. The doctor's diagnosis of exhaustion and stress seemed far from convincing, yet Lydia's miraculous recovery was enough to dispel suspicion for the time being.As the sun dipped below the horizon, Nick and I stood by Sam's bedside, watching as she finally drifted into a restless sleep. "She'll be alright," Nick's voice was gentle, a reassuring anchor in the midst of the storm.I nodded, my heart heavy with the weight of the secrets we were guarding. Nick's hand found mine, offering a subtle comfort that felt strangely familiar, as if we'd been through more together than just a few nights of chaos."Are you holding up okay?" Nick's concern was genuine, his eyes searching mine for any sign of distress.I managed a small smile. "Yeah, I'm hanging in there. Thanks for being here."His lips