I made sure I was a good distance from his house before I stopped to catch a breath.
What was I expecting? People like Alec don't go for girls like me. They never had. I was always the quiet one, the convenient one. The girl people talked to when it was easy, not when it mattered.
I pressed my lips together, staring at the pavement.
I was never anyone’s first choice.
I told myself I wasn't ever going to cry because of Alec again, and I sure wasn't going to let myself do that now. I was done letting people walk over me a long time ago.
I pulled in a shaky breath.
Then another.
Slowly forcing the air back out until the sting behind my eyes dulled.
A boy walked by, and his gaze never left me as he moved forward.
“What!” I snapped.
He flinched. I caught the expression on his face and
