Hey everyone. I thought Ellie was the perfect choice (:
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I didn't think twice at my gown brushing against the hard concrete. If my mother found out how I was treating this designer dress she would kill me. 

My brain went in circles over what I'd just learned. Okay. So, Kylie was my enemy, bringing hell to my life every chance she got. I just found out that she'd lured the one guy I genuinely liked (yes, I could admit this) into her room. I did like Hero, but that didn't mean I trusted him on his word.

From what I'd learned over the past few weeks, he was a bit of a trollop. He did have a habit of sleeping around so I found it hard to believe that all he and Kylie did was hang out. 

Annie on the other hand... what was she doing hanging out with someone like Kylie? She did make it clear she didn't like her much, didn't she? 

No. All she had said was that Kylie had issues with girls. 

Could I really trust anyone? 

When I made it to the cafeteria I hadn't been at all prepared for the backlash. I stopped in my tracks as I felt several pairs of eyes on me. A group of students began laughing as I contemplated on running. 

"Kristina?"

I eyed a nearby table where Josephine was eyeing me confusedly. 

I hurried over, wrapping my arms around myself. I immediately sat down, bowing my head so I could somehow evade attention. 

"You look like you just rolled out of bed." Josephine went on, taking a bite of bacon. 

"That's because I did just roll out of bed," I whispered, "what were you thinking letting Hero in the room?"

Josephine nearly jumped in her bench. "W-what?" 

"Hero told me you let him in."

Josephine looked anywhere but at me. 
"I don't know what you're talking about."

A part of me didn't believe her one bit. 

"You were the one who told me that I should stay far away from him. Besides, after last night, you seemed pretty done with his B.S." I went on. 

"Fine," Josephine eventually admitted, "yes, the way he was acting was pretty shady but he seemed genuine this morning. Whatever is going on with you and him.... you two need to work it out."

I huffed. "Well, we aren't going to work it out. He relayed that he and Kylie were in a room together. We both know what that means."

Josephine sighed. "Maybe it's a misunderstanding..."

"No," I snapped. "I'm sorry, Jo. I know he's your cousin, but I need to move on. I don't need the stress in my life."

Josephine furrowed her brows. "What do you plan to do?" 

"I don't know. I...." I paused. 

What could I do? At every turn, Hero seemed to materialize whenever I tried to get rid of him and I couldn't shake him off. 

The best thing I could do was move on...

"I know what I'll do," I said, "I'm going to focus on other things." 

Josephine nodded. "Yeah, I think you should-"

"Other people," I cut in, "I'm going to see other people."

Josephine's mouth fell open at my sudden reply. 

"When you say you want to see other people..?" She began. 

"I mean that I'm going to date other people." I finished. 

Josephine sat, unblinking, for the longest moment.  

"Okay. But what about your parents? Won't they stop paying for your schooling if they find out?" 

I nearly laughed. "They were going to do that anyhow." I looked down at my gown. "I really should change into normal clothes. Do you think you could try to get Hero out of there?" 

"Yeah," Josephine replied, taking out her phone. "Let me send a text."

I sighed as I prepared for all the other rules I was about to break.