(Ava’s POV)
I stepped into my room and locked the door behind me, exhaling sharply as I leaned against it. My mind was a mess, thoughts tangled in knots I couldn’t seem to undo. I needed to clear my head, but before I could even try, my phone rang.
For a second, I considered ignoring it, but when I saw it was a group video call from Susan and Bianca, I figured it was exactly what I needed—a distraction. Maybe talking to them would help me shove all this nonsense into the back of my mind.
I flopped onto my bed, right next to the unopened box, and answered the call. But before I said anything, I caught sight of my reflection on the screen. Ugh. I took a few extra seconds to adjust my hair and make sure I didn’t look like I’d just been through an existential crisis.
Finally, I spoke. “Hey
