Gianna.
I finally arrived at campus, parking my car with a shaky hand, the engine still ticking softly. My heart was thrumming in my chest like it wanted to escape.
I grabbed my bag and rushed toward the usual bench, scanning the area as soon as I saw Cassie and Rue waiting there.
"Any signs of Alina?" I asked immediately, my voice a little higher than I intended. My stomach twisted in nervous anticipation, my fingers gripping the strap of my bag like it could anchor me.
"Nope," they said almost simultaneously, shaking their heads.
I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to stay calm, but my mind was already racing a thousand steps ahead.
"We have to attend some speech stuff they're doing," Rue said, standing up, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. I glanced around the surrounding ca
