Betty’s POV
I’d barely left my room since I got back.
My mind was spinning with everything that had happened—the disappointment in Dad’s eyes, Stacey’s cruel smile, and the look on Brent’s face as he walked away. I replayed each moment until it felt unbearable. And beneath it, all was the nagging thought of my mom, the way I’d wished, for the first time in years, that she was still here. She would understand. She’d know what to say, how to make me feel less… alone. With her, I wouldn’t need anyone else’s approval or validation. I could just be me.
Why did I push Brent away? Why did I keep so many secrets from him? He was the only person who’d always stood by me, and I’d shut him out.
Swallowing my pride, I decided I’d talk to him. My dad had only told me to avoid Marcus, not Brent. I took a deep breath and went downstairs, finding Dad in his study.
“Dad?” I asked softly. “Can I go see Brent? I want to try and save our friendship. Please.”
He hesitated a little before he nodded. “Alright. But only Brent, Betty.”
I nodded, whispering, “Thank you.” and hurried back upstairs, splashing water on my face and trying to look less like I’d been crying for hours. After putting on a fresh shirt, I grabbed my bag, determined.
But as I stepped out onto the porch, my heart stopped. There, parked at the curb, was Brent’s motorcycle, and on the back of it Stacey was perched, laughing as she climbed off. I froze, rooted to the spot, feeling the sting of jealousy, anger, and hurt all at once. They looked carefree. A lump formed in my throat as she leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. And he didn’t pull away.
Before they could see me, I turned back, closing the door behind me and letting the weight of the realization settle over me. I’d lost him. Just like that.