#Chapter 45: Scars Never Fade

Aria Sarah’s accusation hit me like a knife to the gut. “She’s the one who attacked me!” “Attacked you?” I sputtered. “What the hell are you talking about, Sarah?” She pointed at the angry bruise on her face. “Don’t play stupid, Aria. You followed me home last night, and for what? You already got what you wanted, getting me fired like that—” “Oh, that’s rich,” I said, voice trembling with anger as I descended the stairs toward her. “I didn’t get you fired. You literally got caught drugging animals in the lab, and your cohort confessed to everything.” “Maybe so,” Sarah said, folding her arms across her chest, “but you still attacked me. Why? Because you’re fucking nuts, that’s why.” I couldn’t help the wry laugh that escaped me. “Sarah, don’t be ridiculous.” I turned to our parents—her parents. They weren’t mine anymore. They never had been. “Don’t tell me you two actually believe this. She probably gave herself the bruise.” “You fucking b