Ava's POV I sighed softly, rolling over to check the time. My phone lit up with Charlotte’s name, buzzing like she was determined to pull me out of my thoughts and maybe she was right to. I had a shift at the diner, and then… the party. Groaning, I silenced her texts and sat up. The physical pain from yesterday was gone, but the emotional heaviness hadn’t quite left. Still, I pushed it aside, took a quick shower, and pulled on my clothes. When I finally checked my phone, another message waited. Charlotte: Are you coming tonight or what? I smirked and typed back. Ava: I don’t know, Charlotte. I’m really not in the mood for a party tonight. Charlotte: You’re not bailing. Tristan will be there… and so will Logan. Of course. Ava: Fine, but only because you’ll never stop texting me.

