Betty’s POV
I was leaning against my front door, trying to make sense of what I’d just witnessed. Brent had always been my best friend, the person I’d trusted more than anyone. He knew how hard Stacey had made things for me, yet here he was, acting like he’d forgotten all of it. The image of them together was burned into my mind, a bitter reminder of how everything had spiraled since I moved here.
Back in my room, I slumped onto the bed, picking up my phone to check for messages. I found Marcus’s contact in recent calls, his name glowing up at me, waiting. I’d blocked him days ago, but right now, he felt like the only person who might understand. I almost unblocked him but then dropped the phone back onto the bed, feeling torn. Talking to him would only make things worse.
There was a soft knock on the door, and I quickly wiped my eyes as Dad stepped inside, his gaze heavy. “Betty, you have a minute?”
I nodded, trying to steel myself for whatever lecture he had prepared. He walked in slowly and took a seat on the edge of the bed, looking at me intently. “What’s going on, Betty?”
I swallowed, looking away. “Just… figuring things out.”
“I know moving here wasn’t what you wanted, and I get it—it’s been a tough adjustment. But all thisfighting with Stacey, and drama with Marcus and Brent… it feels like you’re losing sight of who you are.”
I bit my lip, feeling frustrated again. “It’s not that I don’t want to be here, dad. It’s just… different. I had friends, people who actually cared about me. And here, it’s like I’m constantly trying to prove I belong.”
“Changes aren’t easy, I know. I wasn’t near as much as I should have been. But I wanted a fresh start—for both of us. I just hoped that here you’d find a real sense of belonging.”
“I thought I did. With Brent,” I murmured, bitterness creeping into my voice. “But even he’s moving on, and with Stacey of all people. It’s like… everyone I cared about has given up on me.”
He squeezed my hand gently. “I know it feels that way, Betty, but sometimes people just drift. It doesn’t mean they don’t care.”
“Then why does it feel like I’m on my own?”
He sighed, glancing away for a moment. “Your mother wouldn’t want this for you. She’d want you to find your path, without getting caught up in someone else’s story.”
“Don’t bring Mom into this,” I said sharply, pulling my hand away. “She’d actually understand.”
Dad’s face tightened, but he nodded. “Maybe she would. But I’m also here now, Betty. And I also want to help you through this. Don’t lose yourself over people who don’t seem to have your best interests at heart.”
“It’s not about losing myself. It’s about finding something that feels real. Stacey’s out to ruin everything I try to build, and Brent… he was supposed to be different.”
Dad took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Maybe it’s time to decide what kind of person you want to be, and not let people like Stacey make that choice for you.”
His words hit deeper than I wanted to admit. Maybe he was right. Maybe it was time to take control of my own story.
“You’re stronger than you think, Betty”