Betty’s POV
I blinked against the sunlight streaming through the blinds, and for a blissful second, I forgot where I was. But as I took in the familiar warmth of Marcus’s room, reality hit. My heart skipped a beat as I glanced at the clock on his bedside table.
It was almost noon.
Panic surged through me as I grabbed my phone, catching sight of a hundred missed calls and messages. My dad, Jeanette, Brent—everyone had been trying to reach me. I had planned to leave quietly at dawn, to slip back home before anyone even noticed I hadn’t come back. But now, after staying out all night, I couldn’t imagine the look on my dad’s face—or Jeanette’s.
As I fumbled for my clothes, Marcus stirred beside me, blinking awake with a lazy grin. His voice thick with sleep. “Guess I wore you out.”.
I managed a faint smile. “I have to go.” I stammered, pulling on my jeans as I tried to smooth my hair into something halfway presentable.
“Do you want me to drive you home?”
“No, I can get there faster on my own.” I slipped on my shoes and grabbed my bag. The thought of walking in, facing everyone’s questions—it was too much to process.
Marcus reached out to take my hand. “You sure? You don’t have to rush, you know.”
I hesitated, his warm hand steadying me for a moment, but I couldn’t stay. “I’ll call you later.”.
The cool morning air hit me as I stepped outside, my mind racing as I took quick steps toward home. Each stride felt heavier as I imagined the looks on their faces, the questions, the disappointment. Brent and I had even made plans for breakfast, and I hadn’t been there.
He’d know I’d been with someone else—and he’d know who.