ASHLEY’S POV
I found Melissa in the cafeteria during lunch, laughing too loudly with the others. The noise around us was overwhelming but I didn’t hesitate. I walked straight up to her, caught her eye, and jerked my head toward the far corner near the vending machines.
“Melissa,” I said quietly. “I need to talk to you. Alone.”
She frowned, looking confused, but she followed me. We moved away from our table until we reached an empty corner.
I didn’t waste time.
“I need you to be honest with me,” I said, keeping my voice low. My heart was pounding, but I forced myself to stay steady. “Has something bad happened at Mark’s parties? Something people aren’t talking about?”
Her face changed instantly.
It was subtle, but I saw it. Her shoulders stiffened. Her expression went blank in a way
