The Last Second Choice — The Lodge Bonfire

Syrah turns, revealing faint red marks on her neck from last night's encounter with Kale. Not far away, Kale watches me in silence. I tell myself I have to get out. Sooner or later, you'll get it.

He only feels guilty about you. He doesn't love you. Not even a little. Syrah lets go, and my back slams hard into the door-rame. A searing pain shoots down my spine.

The world starts spinning, and my ears are filled with ringing. What a bust. Here, take your ten bucks. Wes slams his wallet onto the table, and Darren shoots me an angry glare. Useless bitch. You just cost me another ten bucks.

Through the haze, I finally see what's in front of me. Tonight, all the guests at the lodge are gathered in the courtyard. They're all here for a bonfire party that no one invited me to. I look at Kale. He says nothing.

He knows exactly what that fire did to me. He knows what an open flyer means to me. For eight years, Kale has protected me from it. There isn't even a single match in our lodge.

But one word from Syrah, and he lets them light a bonfire, right in the courtyard without a second thought for me. And now, as I stand here terrified out of my mind, All I see on their faces is amusement.

Syrah pretends to help me inside, but before she gets far, Kale stops her.