SAVANNAH
The front door slammed behind me like a bomb, and I burst into the foyer. I’d been walking for hours, replaying every second of the day, every word Tyler had said, every punch Blake had thrown, and most of all, every lie I’d told myself about who I could trust.
I kicked off my sneakers in the entryway. My stomach was twisting with anger and betrayal.
“Mom?” I called, brushing a wet strand of hair out of my face.
She emerged from the living room, already in her scrubs, untying her hair. Her eyes widened when she saw me. “Savannah, you’re home early. You—did you go to the gym in your uniform?” she asked, concern wrinkling her brow.
I nodded, not trusting my voice. My throat was raw from screaming in the pool earlier. Emotions I hadn’t let out all day threatened to spill over.
Mom padded over and gently gripped my shoulders. “Hey, what’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
My vision blurred. I couldn’t hold it back any longer. I sank to the floor and sobbed, body shaking.
I was so tires of the whispers about my weight, the snickers in the hallways, the nicknames, the push and shove, the humiliation. Tired of feeling less than, pitied, or—worse—ignored until someone decided to make me the punchline.
Mom crouched beside me, wrapping her arms around me. “Shh… it’s okay, sweetie. Tell me what happened.”
I hiccupped out the story in fits: the note in my book, the walk to Roselane Street, Tyler’s confession, Blake’s denial, the fight, my near-drowning, and finally Tyler’s reveal that he had left the note. By the end, I was a mess of tear tracks and snot, my uniform plastered to my skin.
Mom’s face was soft and sad. “Savannah,” she murmured, “I understand why you’re upset. Tyler—I’m proud of him for being honest. You were hurt and surprised, but he meant well.”
I shook my head, wiping my eyes. “He lied to me. He pretended not to know about the note, led me on, then dropped that confession. He told me he liked me… but I don’t even know if it was real. Why would he make me think Blake did it? Why would he… why?”
“You need time,” Mom said gently. “He was probably scared. He cared about how you’d react.”
“He lied,” I repeated, my voice trembling with fury. “Anyone who doesn’t like me for who I am doesn’t like me enough.”
Mom reached up and brushed a tear off my cheek. “True. But he put himself out there, knowing he might be rejected. That takes courage. You have a role in how people treat you, too. If you shut him out completely, you’ll miss out on people who genuinely care.”
I sniffed. “I don’t know if I can forgive him.”
She hugged me tighter. “That’s okay. Forgiveness takes time. But let today be the day you decide you matter more than anyone’s actions—Tyler’s or Blake’s. You’re nearly 18, Savvy. You get to make your own choices now.”
I hesitated, breathing in her warmth. Mom’s confidence in me always made me feel braver. I nodded slowly. “Okay.”
She smiled. “Good. Now go change. You look like you’ve been through a war.”
I stood and gave her a small, grateful smile. “Thanks, Mom.”
She ruffled my hair. “And by the way, you’re looking really good these days. Have you thought about how proud I am to brag about my daughter’s hard work at the gym?”
I blushed, the anger and tears draining out just a bit. “You flatter me.”
She winked. “I only speak the truth. Now, go shower and put on some clean clothes. Eat something afterwards, then I have to run to work.”
I nodded and was about to leave when my phone light up with a message.
From a strange number. I furrowed my brow. “Hey! Hope I’m not interrupting anything?”
My fingers hovering over the screen, wondering who it was. Suddenly a call came through.
“Excuse me, mom.” I moved away a little.
Mom gave me that knowing look. “Go on, darling.”
I tapped the green icon and put the phone to my ear.
“Hello?” Brenda’s voice chimed, light and warm.
“Hey.” My voice was soft, remembering I hadn't saved her contact.“I got your message.”
“Good! I wanted to invite you to my birthday party tomorrow night.”
Party? My heart jumped. “Your—birthday party?”
She laughed. “Yes! Sorry I’m weirdly nervous about it. I’ve never invited someone I barely know to something like this.”
“You don’t have to apologize,” I said, surprised by how calm my voice sounded.
“It’s weird! You’re, like… you’re Savvy Williams. Blake talks about you nonstop. I wasn’t sure if you’d come.”
“I—well, I’d love to. Thank you for inviting me.”
There was a pause. Then Brenda said, “Actually, I could use your help. I have three dresses and I can’t decide which one to wear. Do you want to come over around six? Show me what you think?”
My chest tightened with excitement. “Sure. I’d love to.”
She let out a whoop. “Yay! You’re the best.” Then she paused. “The party starts at seven. It’s at my aunt’s house—address is 124 Maple Drive. I’ll text it to you.”
“Got it,” I said, smiling.
“Thanks, Savannah. Really looking forward to seeing you.”
“Me too.” I hung up and stared at the screen.
Mom peered over my shoulder. “A birthday party, huh?”
I nodded, a grin spreading across my face. “Yep. Her birthday party.”
She laughed, genuine and bright. “Celebrity Savannah Williams. When you turn the corner from life’s shredder and people want you at their parties, that’s a sign.”
I laughed too, the sound full of relief. “Yeah. It’s... nice.”
She opened her arms and I rushed in.