15
ASHLEIGH
I don’t know how long I cried, but it felt like an eternity. The pillow was stained from my tears and mascara. My chest ached, making my whole body sore. Gabriella had turned off all the lights and told me she would be right back, but she had yet to come back. I wanted to be alone anyway to wallow in my grief and despair. I was to blame for my own misery, but Ryley’s words pierced straight through my soul. Not only did he rip my heart in two, but he took away all my hope.
The door to the hotel room opened and clicked shut, footsteps shuffling across the floor. My eyes were basically swollen shut from crying, but I heard the bedroom door open. I didn’t want Gabriella feeling like she had to babysit me.
“Gabby, please go to the party,” I whispered hoarsely. “You don’t have to
