Ava’s POV
I let out a long quiet breath the moment Vanessa was gone. My fingers were still slightly stiff from how tightly I’d held her wrist, and my chest ached from holding my breath too long.
Even though Venessa walked away, I knew it wouldn’t be the end. I knew her well enough to know she’d come back harder. Vanessa wasn’t the type to lose and stay quiet. She’d wait for the right moment to make me pay for daring to stand up for myself.
But even knowing that, I didn’t feel scared.
I pulled in another deep breath, pushing my hair away from my face, and slowly turned back toward my locker. My legs felt heavy, like they wanted to give up, but I forced them to move.
When I reached my seat, I sat down with a heavy breath, my eyes scanning my desk, the thought of Zach dropping another un
