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𝙎𝙞𝙭𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙇𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧

𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙎𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 8𝙩𝙝 2023

The streets of Worcester, Massachusetts, were cloaked in a cool, damp haze, the kind that lingered after a late autumn rain. Streetlights flickered intermittently, their orange glow casting uneven shadows across the cracked sidewalks and boarded-up storefronts. A faint hum of distant traffic filled the air, accompanied by the occasional wail of a siren, a reminder of the city's restless undercurrent.

Rory sat on her thin mattress in the dimly lit room of the group home she'd been in and out for years now. It felt strange to be back but at the same time it didn't, the building a time capsule of memories she'd tried to bury. The air inside was stale, heavy with the scent of industrial cleaner and faint mildew, a far cry from the fresh pine she remembered from her childhood home.

The room was silent except for the faint rustling of pages as Rory turned them, her book lamp casting a soft glow over the worn novel in her hands. It was one of her favorites, a story her mother used to read to her before bed. The quiet brought her a strange sense of peace, though it was fragile and fleeting in a place like this. The muffled sound of laughter and footsteps in the hallway reminded her she wasn't truly alone, though she often felt it.

The group home's strict lights-out policy at 8:30 was still in effect, but Rory didn't care. She'd mastered the art of defiance long ago, sneaking moments of rebellion wherever she could. Books were her sanctuary, the one tether to a life she could barely remember anymore.

Her phone buzzed against the mattress, pulling her out of the story. She reached for it and saw Callum's name flash across the screen. Playfully rolling her eyes, she swiped to answer.

"What do you want?" she whispered, keeping her voice low so as not to get caught.

"Ooh Didn't your momma ever teach you to answer the phone nicely?" Callum's voice was smooth, laced with a hint of teasing.

"She did," Rory shot back, her tone playful but sharp, "But not for jerks who ghost me for two days."

Callum laughed softly. "Alright, fair. I had some business to take care of with some old friends. Nothing serious."

"What kind of business?" Rory asked, suspicion lacing her words.

"Relax, babe. It's nothing you need to worry about," Callum said smoothly, sidestepping the question. "What are you doing right now?"

Rory glanced at her book. "Currently? In bed. Why?"

"Well, change of plans. Get dressed. I'll be outside in five minutes." Callum Said

She frowned, sitting up straighter. "Why?"

"There's a party at the beach tonight," Callum said, his voice tinged with excitement. "And I want you to come with me."

"Oh so this your way of getting back on my good side?" she asked, arching an eyebrow even though he couldn't see it.

"Something like that," He replied with a chuckle.

Rory sighed, already feeling the pull of his charm. "Go party without me. I can't leave this place right now, especially after last time. Remember how I almost got caught? Thanks to your loud ass?"

"I said I was sorry for that! I saw a raccoon, okay?" he said defensively, making her stifle a laugh. "But I promise, this time I'll be quiet. Come on, Ror. You'll have fun."

She glanced at the clock on her phone. 9:00 PM. The idea of sneaking out again made her heart race, but she knew she was going to say yes. Callum always had that effect on her.

"Fine," she muttered, already swinging her legs off the bed. "I'll meet you downstairs. Text me when you're here."

"Got it. See you in a bit."

Rory hung up, setting her phone down as she tiptoed toward the dresser. She pulled out a pair of ripped jeans and her hoodie, she changed quickly, her movements practiced and silent making her way out her room, towards the window outside her room door.

Slipping her phone into her pocket, she carefully unlocked the window. The cool night air rushed in as she climbed out and climbed down the fire escape, her feet landing softly on the ground. The scent of rain lingered in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of damp earth. She stayed low, creeping along the side of the building until she reached the front.

Callum's car was parked by the curb, the headlights off but the engine idling. He was leaning against the driver's side door, his usual cocky grin firmly in place, a cigarette dangling from his fingers.

"Took you long enough," he said as she approached.

"I almost changed my mind," Rory replied, crossing her arms.

"Good thing you didn't." He leaned forward to kiss her, but Rory turned her cheek with a smirk, and he kissed it. "Nice to see you missed me." Callum Said

"Did you hear those words actually leave my mouth?" Rory Teased

"Okay, okay, I see," He opened the passenger door for her. "Let's go." Callum Said

Rory slid into the car, the faint smell of cologne, leather, and gasoline filling the air. Callum climbed into the driver's seat, flicking the cigarette out the window before revving the engine.

As the car pulled away, the city blurred past, the faint glow of neon signs and streetlights reflecting off the wet pavement. Rory glanced at Callum, her nerves still on edge. "This party better be worth it."

Callum smirked, reaching over to brush her hand with his. "Trust me babe, it will be."

Rory looked out the window, the weight of her reality fading for a moment. Maybe tonight, she thought, she could forget everything and just feel alive.

───────⋆⭒˚.⋆꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ⋆⭒˚.⋆───────

At the beach it was alive with the sounds of laughter, music, and the crash of waves in the distance. The bonfire illuminated the area, casting flickering shadows across the sand as teenagers danced, drank, and reveled in their rebellion against rules they couldn't care less about. Rory stepped out of Callum's car, her sneakers sinking slightly into the cool sand, and took it all in. She adjusted her hoodie, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Callum slung his arm over her shoulder, pulling her close. "Looks like it's already popping off," he said, nodding toward the bonfire where a bunch of kids mingled.

"Yeah, it's something," Rory replied, scanning the crowd. She recognized a handful of faces from school and around the city. Some were friendly, others not so much, but she wasn't here to make friends. She was here for Callum—and maybe to let loose a little.

As they walked closer to the group, they were greeted by Callum's two best friends, Xander and Bret, who were standing near the bonfire with Jordan, Bret's girlfriend.

"About time you showed up!" Xander shouted, raising a red solo cup in greeting. "We thought you bailed again, man."

"Bail? Me?" Callum smirked. "Nah, had to bring my girl. Couldn't leave her out of the fun."

Jordan smiled warmly at Rory. "Hey, Ror! Glad you came. I was starting to think I'd be stuck babysitting these idiots alone."

Rory chuckled. "Well, here I am. Ready to split the workload."

The group fell into an easy rhythm, exchanging jokes and stories. Rory found herself relaxing a bit as they teased each other, their banter cutting through the tension she'd carried all week.

Xander, always the instigator, reached into his jacket and pulled out a small bag of weed. "Alright, who's in? Let's make this night legendary."

Bret grinned. "You know I'm down."

Callum raised a hand. "Me too. Let's roll boys."

Xander looked expectantly at Rory and Jordan. "What about you two? Don't be boring."

Jordan rolled her eyes. "Pass. Someone's gotta keep an eye on you idiots."

"Same," Rory added. "I'm good."

Xander smirked. "Suit yourselves. The three Migos it is."

Before heading off with Xander and Bret, Callum turned to Rory. He cupped her face and kissed her, lingering just long enough to make her smile. "I'll be back, babe. Don't miss me too much."

"Won't be hard," She teased, "Hey, don't get into trouble," she replied, watching him leave.

"No promises." Callum Said

Once the boys disappeared into the crowd, Rory turned to Jordan, who had already pulled out a drink from the cooler nearby. "So, what's up Rory?" Jordan asked, handing Rory a soda instead of alcohol, knowing her preference.

Rory shrugged, leaning against a driftwood log. "Same as always. Counting down the days until I'm out of the system for good."

Jordan frowned. "That bad, huh?"

Rory nodded. "It's not the worst place I've been, but it's not home, either. You know how it is."

Jordan hesitated, then placed a hand on Rory's shoulder. "For what it's worth, you've got us. And Callum? He's crazy about you."

Rory smiled faintly. "Yeah, I know. Thanks, J."

The two girls chatted as the party continued around them, their conversation a brief moment of calm amidst the party.

Jordan leaned against the driftwood log, tilting her head at Rory with a look that was equal parts concern and determination. "So, seriously, why weren't you at school today?"

Rory shrugged, her gaze drifting toward the bonfire. "I just didn't feel like it."

Jordan raised an eyebrow. "Rory, don't start off the new school year like this."

"Like what? I just didn't wanna go," Rory replied, her tone sharp but not defensive.

Jordan crossed her arms. "Come on, Ror. You and I both know you're a good student. Don't start slacking."

Rory let out a long breath, glancing down at the red solo cup in her hand. "I just needed a day. I've had a hard week, okay?"

Jordan softened, her voice quieter. "Tell me. What's up? Is it about them?"

Rory hesitated, biting her lip as she stared into the cup. "Yeah, but It's...you know one of the girls at my group home? Callie? She and I have been in that place for about the same amount of time. We've both been taken in and dumped right back there more times than I can count. But this time...this week was her last week there."

Jordan's face fell. "She got adopted, didn't she?"

"Yeah," Rory nodded, forcing a small, tight smile. "Look, I'm not hating or anything. I mean, Callie's a nice girl. She's younger than me—what do I expect? No one's gonna want to adopt a 15-year-old with all the baggage I carry."

"Rory—" Jordan started, her voice filled with sympathy.

But Rory shook her head. "No, it's okay. I congratulated her, wished her the best. And now I'm gonna move on." She gestured to her cup, a smirk on her lips. "And this? This is me moving on."

Jordan frowned, searching Rory's face for a moment before asking softly, "Are you gonna be okay?"

Rory let out a deep sigh, then smiled, a little brighter this time. "I'm always going to be okay, Jordan."

Jordan clinked her cup against Rory's, and they both took a sip. As they looked ahead, they noticed Xander, Bret, and Callum stumbling back toward them, visibly high. Jordan let out a resigned sigh, and Rory smirked, shaking her head.

"Oh, this should be fun," Jordan Muttered under her breath.

The boys plopped down around the bonfire, their laughter loud and uninhibited. Callum immediately sat down beside Rory and pulled her onto his lap, his arms circling her waist.

"Hey, gimme a sip," Callum said, reaching for her cup.

"No way," Rory replied, pulling it back, but he was quicker, taking a cheeky sip before she could stop him.

"Callum!" she laughed, playfully pushing his lips away.

In retaliation, he grinned mischievously and tickled her side, hitting her weak spot near her hips. Rory squealed, squirming in his lap as she tried to escape his grasp.

"Stop! You know I hate that!" Rory Said between giggles, though her smile betrayed her enjoyment.

"You love it," Callum teased, planting a kiss on her cheek before letting her go.

From across the beach, a pair of sharp eyes locked onto them. Cristina, the school's self-proclaimed queen bee, watched the scene unfold with a scowl. She leaned against a cooler, arms crossed, her expression hard as she glared at Rory.

Cristina was everything Rory wasn't: popular, polished, and annoying. She had a reputation for being the girl every guy wanted, and she knew it. But what she couldn't stand was that Callum—one of the few boys who didn't fall at her feet—had eyes only for Rory.

"Ugh," Cristina muttered under her breath, her perfectly manicured nails tapping against the plastic cup in her hand. "What does he even see in her?"

One of her cheer friends glanced at her. "What's your problem?"

Cristina smirked, her tone laced with venom. "Oh, nothing. Just watching Callum slum it with his charity case."

Her friend laughed nervously, unsure how to respond.

Back at the bonfire, Rory caught Cristina's gaze from the corner of her eye. She turned back to Callum, brushing it off, but something about the look Cristina gave her left a sour taste in her mouth. She knew all too well that Cristina wasn't the type to let things go.

───────⋆⭒˚.⋆꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ⋆⭒˚.⋆───────

As the bonfire crackled, Rory stood with Callum, his arms wrapped around her from behind, their silhouettes illuminated by the dancing flames. Bret and Jordan were off to themselves, chatting quietly, while Xander shamelessly flirted with two girls near the cooler. Callum leaned down to whisper in Rory's ear, his voice soft against the din of the party.

"Jordan said you had a rough week. You okay?"

Rory turned to face him, brushing her hair back and forcing a small smile. "I'm fine...I'll be okay."

Callum studied her for a moment, his dark eyes full of concern. "If you're good, then good," he said, pulling her closer.

Rory leaned her head against his chest, savoring the moment of calm before pulling out her phone. The screen lit up, revealing the time—11:20 PM. She sighed. "Damn it, I need to head back to the group home," she said, her voice reluctant.

Callum was about to respond when one of his friends called out to him. "Yo, Callum! Come here for a sec!"

"I'll be back in a sec, babe," he said, kissing her temple.

"Just hurry up, please," Rory replied, her voice carrying a note of unease.

"I'll be back don't worry." Callum Said

As he jogged off, Rory made her way to the cooler, grabbing a water bottle. Nearby, she spotted Cristina and her posse, their laughter sharp and pointed as their gazes flicked in her direction. Rory clenched her jaw, deciding to let it slide—for the third time tonight. But as their laughter grew louder, her patience snapped.

She turned, her voice steady but edged with irritation. "What's so funny?"

One of Cristina's friends waved a hand dismissively. "Nothing."

Rory tilted her head, unimpressed. "Oh, yeah? Because you've been laughing up a storm whenever you look my way. So, something must be funny."

Cristina stepped forward, a smirk on her face. "You."

Rory raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me, I said you," Cristina repeated, her tone dripping with mockery.

Rory gave her a once-over, her lips curling into a small, sardonic smile. "Typical."

Cristina's smirk dropped, "What's so typical about me?"

"Everything," Rory shot back. "The way you act, your personality, your whole vibe—it's just so typical of you Cristina."

Cristina scoffed, flipping her hair. "And you think you're something special? Please. Have you looked in the mirror Rory?"

"I do every morning," Rory replied coolly. "And unlike you, I don't hate what I see."

Cristina laughed, a sharp, bitter sound. "Oh, honey, I love myself."

Rory's expression hardened. "Oh, yeah? Then why are you such a bitch?"

The crowd around them erupted in a chorus of "Oohs," the tension crackling as more people gathered to watch.

Jordan and Bret hurried over, sensing trouble. "Don't stoop to her level, Ror," Jordan said, tugging at Rory's arm.

"Please," Rory said, her voice steady. "I'm not worried about her."

"You should be," Cristina snapped, stepping closer.

"Oh, yeah?" Rory said, unimpressed. "Why? You don't scare me, Cristina."

Cristina leaned in, her voice low but venomous. "I'd be scared if I were you. Because with a snap of my fingers, I could take it all away Rory."

Rory furrowed her brow. "What? What are you even talking about?"

Callum and Xander arrived just in time to catch the exchange. "What's going on?" Callum asked, his tone exasperated.

"Cristina's being Cristina," Bret said with a shrug.

"Oh, here we go," Callum muttered, running a hand through his hair.

Cristina's eyes narrowed as she turned to Callum. "Oh, now it's 'here we go'? You weren't saying that two days ago."

Rory froze, her gaze snapping to Callum. "What does she mean by that?"

Callum's expression shifted, guilt flickering across his face before he shook his head. "Nothing. She's drunk and talking nonsense."

Cristina let out a mocking laugh. "Oh, it wasn't nonsense when we spent the night together, was it?"

The crowd went silent. All eyes were on Callum as Rory's expression turned from confusion to betrayal.

"Callum?" Rory Said

"Don't believe her Ror, she's lying." Callum Said

"Is she lying though?" Rory demanded, her voice trembling.

Callum hesitated, his jaw tightening. "Yes, she's lying."

"Where were you for those two days, Callum?" Rory pressed, her voice rising.

Callum opened his mouth, "Like I said I was handling my business."

"What business?" Rory snapped.

"Drugs," Bret said bluntly. "He had to meet his dealer and handle some things..."

"Drugs?" Rory Said

"Dude, shut up," Xander hissed.

"What? She should know," Bret replied.

Rory took a step back, her breath catching. Cristina seized the moment. She blinked, trying to process. Drugs. Dealers. Lies. Her head was spinning.

"Callum?" she said softly, her voice trembling. "You've been lying to me?"

Callum's hands came up in defense. "Rory, it's not like that—"

Cristina seized the moment like a vulture circling its prey. "Oh, but it is like that," she purred, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "When the cops were following him back, guess who he ran to? Me. Poor Callum was so freaked out, he saw a hideout to lay low at and of course I let him in."

The crowd was silent now, watching with bated breath as Cristina twisted the knife.

"And you know how it goes, Rory," Cristina continued with mock sweetness. "A few drinks, a few laughs...we're talking and he talks about how things haven't been going good in your relationship. Next thing you know, we're tangled up in my silk sheets."

"Shut the hell up, Cristina!" Callum roared, stepping forward.

But it was too late. Rory's expression shattered. Her lips parted, and for a moment, she looked as though she couldn't breathe. The crowd blurred around her as Callum's voice echoed faintly, trying to defend himself, but the words didn't matter anymore.

Rory's voice was hollow when she finally spoke. "You slept with her?" Her gaze locked on Callum, and for the first time, he couldn't meet her eyes.

"Rory, no," Callum said quickly. "I didn't—"

"Don't lie to me!" Rory's voice cracked, her composure unraveling. She shook her head, blinking back the tears that burned in her eyes. "You are such a fucking coward, Callum."

Callum's mouth opened, but before he could respond, Cristina threw in one last jab. "Honestly, Rory, I don't even know why you're surprised. Did you really think someone like you could keep someone like him?"

The words hit like a slap, sharp and unforgiving. Rory turned on her heel, her voice trembling but fierce. "You know what Cristina? You want him? He's all yours."

"Rory, wait!" Callum grabbed her arm, desperation on his face. "It's not true—I swear."

She yanked her arm free. "Don't touch me!" she hissed, her voice filled with hurt.

Cristina's mocking laughter rang out. "Oh, look at her go, that's right run away...everyone say goodnight to the orphan trash."

Rory spun back around, her fury erupting like a storm. "What did you just say to me?"

Cristina smirked, pushing further. "You heard me. You're nothing but—"

Before the words could finish, Rory lunged, her anger finally boiling over. She tackled Cristina to the sand, her fist connecting with Cristina's smug face in one swift, explosive motion. Gasps and shouts erupted as the crowd surged closer, phones coming out, voices blurring into chaos as the girls brawled.

"Rory, stop!" Jordan screamed, sprinting toward the fight. Bret grabbed Rory's arms while Cristina's friend pulled her back, blood smeared on her lip.

Cristina's friend helped her up, blood dripping from her split lip. "I'll get you next time," She spat.

"Don't count on it, bitch," Rory shot back, her chest heaving.

The sudden blare of sirens cut through the chaos, freezing everyone in place.

"Cops!" Someone shouted, and the crowd exploded into motion. Kids scattered like startled birds, rushing toward their cars or into the darkness of the woods.

Rory turned to run, but Callum was already at her side, grabbing her wrist. "Rory, get in the car! I'll explain everything!"

"Don't touch me!" Rory shouted, wrenching free.

The red and blue lights flashed closer, and panic surged through her veins. She bolted toward the fence line, her heart pounding as adrenaline fueled her steps. She reached the gate, scaling it as fast as she could, but her hoodie snagged on the top.

"Don't jump!" a cop's voice barked behind her.

Rory froze, looking down at the officers waiting on the other side. The sound of footsteps came closer—she was trapped.

Her breath hitched as she stared at the lights, the chaos around her falling away. All she could hear was her own pulse thudding in her ears as reality came crashing down.

───────⋆⭒˚.⋆꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ⋆⭒˚.⋆───────

The police station was cold and unwelcoming, the lights casting harsh shadows over the tired faces of officers working late into the night. Rory sat slumped in a chair beside a desk, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her hoodie was slightly torn from the struggle at the party, and her knuckles were raw from her earlier fight with Cristina.

The officer sitting at the desk, a middle-aged man with a tired expression, clicked his pen and started asking questions.

"Name?" he asked, glancing up at her.

"Aurora Hudson," She muttered, avoiding his gaze.

"Age?" He Asked

"Fifteen." Rory Answered

"Date of birth?" He Asked

"October 30th, 2007." She Replied

"Okay. Do you have anyone we can call? A parent or guardian?" He Asked

Rory hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. "No. I live in a group home."

The officer sighed, jotting something down. "Alright. Let's go."

He stood and gestured for her to follow. Rory got up, her legs heavy, and walked behind him as he led her to an empty cell. The clanging of the door as it shut behind her made her stomach twist, but she swallowed the feeling, determined not to show any weakness.

Through the bars, she caught sight of Callum being escorted to another part of the building. He tried to make eye contact, his mouth moving as if to say something, but she turned away. She wanted nothing to do with him. Not now. Not ever.

𝙎𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙎𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 9𝙩𝙝 2023

The Next Morning Rory had drifted off at some point during the night, her head resting against the cold metal bars of the cell. The distant sound of voices and footsteps stirred her awake. She squinted at the clock on the wall—it was 7:20 a.m.

A sharp banging on the bars startled her fully awake.

"Hudson," an officer called. "You're free to go."

She sat up, confused. "What? How?"

"Your case manager's here," the officer replied, unlocking the cell door.

That could only mean one person—Melanie.

Rory stood slowly, rubbing her eyes, and stepped out of the cell. As she walked toward the front of the station, she spotted Melanie waiting by the desk. Dressed in a neat blazer and pencil skirt, her arms were crossed, and her expression was one of disappointment. Rory was used to that look.

"Morning, Rory," Melanie said, her tone professional but clipped.

"Morning," She replied quietly, glancing at the floor.
"I wasn't expecting anyone to come," Rory added after a moment, her voice laced with bitterness.

Melanie sighed. "I didn't have much of a choice. I'm responsible for you."

She thanked the officer at the desk, then turned back to Rory. "Let's go."

As they headed for the exit, Callum's voice rang out from across the room. "Rory!"

Melanie stiffened. "Let's keep moving," she said firmly.

Rory hesitated. "Can I talk to him? Just for a minute?"

Melanie glanced at Callum, her jaw tightening. After a moment, she relented. "Five minutes."

Rory nodded and walked down the hallway toward Callum's cell. He was leaning against the bars, his face a mix of desperation and regret.

"How are you?" Callum Asked, softly.

Rory folded her arms. "Cut the bull. Don't act like you care."

"I do care," Callum Said, his voice rising slightly.

Rory let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, were you caring about me when you were with Cristina? No, I don't think so."

"Rory it was a mistake, okay? These things happen—" Callum Said

"No," Rory interrupted, her voice sharp. "They only happen when someone acts stupid. But in your case, that's every day."

Callum sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I'm being honest, like you wanted. You gotta admit you and me—we weren't in a good place at that time. You were so distant, Rory. Every time I tried to talk to you, you shut me out or push."

Rory stared at him, her expression cold. "So you're blaming me for you cheating? Are you serious right now?!"

"I'm just telling you the truth!" Callum defended.

She took a step closer, her voice trembling with anger. "Do you even know why I was distant? It's because last week was the anniversary of my parents' death. I told you at the beginning of August that the end of the month is always hard for me. But I guess you were too busy getting high and screwing Cristina to remember."

Callum's face fell. "Oh."

"Yeah," Rory snapped. "Oh."

He reached through the bars, his hand brushing hers. "Rory, baby, I made a mistake, okay? I'll fix this. When I get out, I'll make it up to you. I always do."

She shook her head, stepping back. "No, you won't. Because as of today, I want nothing to do with you."

"What? Come on, Ror, you don't mean that." Callum Said

She locked eyes with him, her voice steady and firm. "Let me make this clear. We. Are. Over."

As she turned to leave, Callum called after her. "You can't just end it like this! I gave you the best six months of your life girl! I even bought you that $200 necklace around your neck!"

Rory paused, then yanked the chain off and threw it at him. "You can have it back."

She walked away without looking back, nodding to Melanie, who was waiting near the exit. "Let's go."

Melanie didn't say anything as they stepped outside, but Rory could feel her judgment. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the quiet streets. Rory shoved her hands into her hoodie pocket, trying to push down the ache in her chest.

"Rory," Melanie finally said, her tone softer now, "we need to talk about what happened."

Rory didn't answer. She kept walking, her head held high, but her heart felt heavier than ever. A few minutes into the drive it felt tense, the only sound for a while being the hum of the engine and the occasional blinker clicking as Melanie navigated the streets. Rory stared out the window, her arms crossed, while Melanie kept her hands firmly on the wheel, her jaw tight.

"So, am I going to jail or what?" Rory finally asked, breaking the silence.

"Neither," Melanie replied, her tone clipped. "I managed to get you free from jail and community service."

Rory turned her head, surprised. "How?"

"I had to pay a fine on your behalf. $250 worth of it," Melanie said, glancing at her briefly before turning her eyes back to the road.

"Oh..." Rory mumbled, feeling a pang of guilt.

"You're welcome, by the way," Melanie added, her voice pointed.

Rory shifted uncomfortably in her seat, mumbling, "Thanks..."

Melanie sighed, shaking her head. "You know, I've got to say, what you did back there with Callum—cutting him off like that—was smart. It's probably the smartest thing you've done in a while."

Rory huffed, crossing her arms tighter. "Doesn't exactly top the list of dumbest things I've done, though, huh?"

Melanie snorted, unable to help herself. "No, it doesn't. Seriously, sneaking out again? That's your second infraction there. What were you thinking?"

Rory slumped lower in her seat, muttering, "I'm sorry. I just wanted to get out of there. Sometimes the group home makes me feel like I'm in prison."

Melanie shot her a sidelong glance. "It's better than actually being in prison, Rory. You're 15. You should know better by now. With everything you've pulled over the last few years, this has got to be the stupidest."

"I know, I get it," Rory said sharply. "I'm a disappointment. I've heard it a million times."

Melanie sighed deeply, her grip on the wheel loosening slightly. "I wasn't going to say that."

Rory glanced at her, skeptical.

"Look," Melanie continued, her tone softening. "You know I want the best for you. But the more you keep going down this path—with the fighting, the sneaking out, and these no-good boyfriends—I can't protect you forever, no matter how much I want to."

"So what?" Rory snapped. "You're going to drop me like everyone else?"

Melanie's eyes narrowed, and she pulled the car over to the side of the road, shifting it into park. She turned to face Rory, her expression firm but not unkind.

"No," Melanie said firmly. "I'm not going to drop you. But I'm going to make sure you stay on track. That's my job. But here's the thing, Rory—I can't force you to change. That part? That's all on you."

Rory blinked, surprised by the raw honesty in Melanie's voice.

"I care about you, kid," Melanie added, her voice soft but steady. "I wouldn't be here, pulling you out of jail at 7 in the morning, if I didn't."

Rory looked down at her lap, her fingers picking at the hem of her hoodie. "I... I'll try," she said quietly, almost as if she was testing the words out.

"That's all I ask," Melanie said with a small, tired smile.

She put the car back into drive and pulled back onto the road. Rory stared out the window again, but this time, her thoughts weren't as bitter. For the first time in a long while, she felt like maybe, just maybe, she wasn't as alone as she thought.

Back at the group home Rory sat stiffly in the chair next to Melanie, arms crossed, her eyes darting to the floor as Krissy, the group home manager, leaned forward on her desk. Krissy's tone was firm but weary, the voice of someone who had dealt with this too many times.

"I got the call from the officers last night," Krissy began, folding her hands. "And you know what I told them? I wasn't coming. I thought, let her sit there and take in what she did. Because I can't do this anymore, Rory."

Rory glanced up, her lips parting to respond, but Krissy held up a hand to stop her.

"This is the second time you've snuck out. And don't think I don't know about the first time with that boy." Krissy Said

Rory sighed heavily. "I'm sorry."

Krissy's eyes narrowed. "That's not gonna cut it, Rory. It never does. I've been hearing the same thing for years. The truth is, I think you've outgrown this place. Maybe it's time to transfer you to a new group home."

"What?" Melanie said sharply, sitting up straighter. "Krissy, you can't be serious. Rory's been here since she was eight years old. This is kinda her home."

Krissy shook her head. "And for eight years, she's been giving me a hard time. Sneaking out, fighting, mouthing off. Look at her right now." She pointed at Rory, who was sucking her teeth in frustration. "That attitude is exactly what I'm talking about. It's constant with her."

Melanie turned to Rory, her voice calm but firm. "Can you give us a moment?"

Rory nodded, her movements slow, as though weighed down by exhaustion. She got up and left the room, closing the door behind her with a soft click.

In the hallway Rory wandered down the quiet corridor, her sneakers scuffing against the linoleum floor. Her fists clenched at her sides, and her chest felt tight as fragments of the conversation drifted faintly through the closed door behind her.

She stopped by a window, looking out at the street below. The sun had risen fully now, casting warm light over the bustling city. Across the street, a young girl held her parents' hands, giggling as they swung her into the air. She stumbled forward, and they scooped her up again, all three of them laughing.

Rory's heart ached as she watched them. Once upon a time, that had been her. Her parents, Nick and Carrie, used to do the same thing when she was little. She could almost hear her mother's laugh, light and carefree, as her dad called her "Peanut" and lifted her high above his head.

She pressed her forehead against the cool glass, closing her eyes. The memory felt like a phantom touch, warm but fleeting, leaving her colder than before.

Her eyes opened, and the family was gone, lost in the flow of the crowd. She stood there for a long moment, her reflection staring back at her. The person she saw didn't feel like the Rory Hudson from back then. That girl was gone, too.

The door to Krissy's office creaked open, and Melanie's voice broke the silence. "Rory, can you come back in?"

Rory didn't respond right away, her eyes still fixed on the street. She exhaled deeply, pushing down the lump in her throat, then turned and walked back toward the office.

───────⋆⭒˚.⋆꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ⋆⭒˚.⋆───────

𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙎𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 11𝙩𝙝, 2023

Two days later at North High School Rory slammed her locker door shut one last time, the hollow clang echoing in the now-empty hallway. She turned to the small group gathered around her: Jordan, Bret, and Xander, her closest friends. Each of them wore expressions of disbelief mixed with sadness, though they tried to play it cool.

"I can't believe you're really leaving," Jordan said, leaning against the lockers.

"Eh, I'm used to it by now," Rory replied with a shrug, though her voice lacked its usual bravado.

"Yeah, but Worcester is kinda like your home," Xander added. "Sure, you've been in a bunch of other homes here, but this still counts."

"I know." Rory exhaled, running a hand through her hair. "But Krissy's had it up to here with me. I mean, I can admit I've given her a hard time. Guess this is what I get."

"So, where's the new place their shipping you off to?" Bret asked, shoving his hands into his hoodie pockets.

"Some city in Essex County," Rory said, squinting as if trying to recall. "Called Moonlight—no, Moon... something. I was pretty tired when Melanie was talking to me about it. But it's about an hour away from here."

"That's not so bad," Jordan said optimistically. "I mean, maybe we can come visit you once you're settled."

"Please," Xander chimed in, draping an arm over Rory's shoulder. "She'll probably just run right back to us."

Rory smirked as they all laughed. "Probably will. Don't worry, I'll be back sooner than later." She reached into her locker, pulling out a slightly crumpled photo of the four of them from a school event. She looked at it for a moment before tossing it into the box with her other belongings. "That's the rest of it."

"And end of an era," Jordan said, her tone dramatic.

"It hasn't been an era," Bret argued, earning an eye-roll from Jordan.

"Bret, just shush," Jordan said before pulling Rory into a tight hug. "I'm going to miss you."

"I'll miss you too." Rory hugged her back, then turned to hug Bret and Xander. "All of you."

"Don't forget us out there," Xander said, punching her lightly on the arm.

"Trust me, Xander," Rory said with a grin. "No one can replace you."

The group made their way toward the school entrance, chatting and joking to lighten the mood. As they descended the front steps, Rory's gaze locked onto Cristina and her posse loitering by the end of the steps. Cristina's black eye and healing split lip were a glaring reminder of their recent fight. Rory's face, by contrast, was nearly unscathed, save for a few bruised knuckles.

Cristina glared at her, but Rory responded with a smug, satisfied smirk. It was clear Rory didn't regret a thing.

"Guess that's the last time I'll have to see her," Rory muttered under her breath.

Just then, Callum exited the building. His eyes landed on Rory, and his face lit up with a hopeful expression. He raised a hand in a tentative wave, silently pleading for a second chance.

Rory paused for a moment, tilting her head as if considering it. Then, with a mischievous grin, she waved back—only to flip him off immediately after.

Xander, Jordan, and Bret burst into laughter, trying to keep it quiet but failing miserably.

"Classic Rory," Xander said, shaking his head as they walked away.

"See ya, guys." Rory Said, as she walked down the sidewalk.

Rory didn't look back, the weight of her departure lessened slightly by the laughter of her friends.

:*¨༺──────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────────༻¨*:·